Impreza WRX running costs?
Discussion
I'm looking for something sporty and practicle as a daily drive. Obviously whenever sporting credentials and practicality are uttered in the same sentence thoughts turn to the impreza. After checking the classifieds I'm pparticularly interested in the 'bug eye' WRX (I could possibly also stretch to one with a the prodrive performance pack) as they seem astoundingly good value.
I presume the good values are due to the ruinous nature of the running costs?
Just how big a walet do you need to own and run one?
For reference my other main option is a MK1 Seat Leon Cupra R 225.
I presume the good values are due to the ruinous nature of the running costs?
Just how big a walet do you need to own and run one?
For reference my other main option is a MK1 Seat Leon Cupra R 225.
I will get shot down in flames shortly no doubt!
I have been running a 2001 wrx bug eye for 6 years as a second car,
I do about 3k a year in it would love to do more but I work away and we also have a family car for Most family trips shopping ect.
It is used mostly for running about town and nursery drop offs and pick ups. With the odd blast on my own.
The car is totally standard bar the part de cat to let it sound better.
Tax - £245
Tyres about £80 a corner toyo tr1's ( last time I bought )
Fuel 60 ltr tank ( I fill it when the light comes on at about 50ltr)
Around town I get about 20 mpg if I am very lucky ( around 200 miles on the clock from warning light to light)
I am ashamed to say on a very slooooooooooowwwwww run with my kid with me I got a massive 33mpg that's brimming the tank before and after and not seeing over 2200rpm between gear changes.
My biggest out put so far is brakes,
Full set of front and rear - pads -discs and callipers about £650 (uprated discs and pads)
Rear shocks about £350 supplied and fitted( iirc)
Oil change and filter, just pay for parts as it is a easy job.
Replaced the battery £65
Nothing else as the car is faultless.
Only regret is not getting the ppp pack or the STI.
Don't know if I could live with it as a every day car. The OH who drives a diesel day to day, when she drove the wrx instead of her golf diesel for her daily commute around town. Took it to the local garage as she thought it had a fuel leak as the gauge was dropping to fast.
I know it's not that thirsty but compared to what she was used to she got a shock( she dose have a heavy right foot)
Sorry I dont know anything about the seat.
Please excuse the spelling / grammar it's all down to the iPad and the drambuie!!
But the wrx, you would be mad not to!!
Great in the snow, great in the wet even better in the dry!!!!
I have been running a 2001 wrx bug eye for 6 years as a second car,
I do about 3k a year in it would love to do more but I work away and we also have a family car for Most family trips shopping ect.
It is used mostly for running about town and nursery drop offs and pick ups. With the odd blast on my own.
The car is totally standard bar the part de cat to let it sound better.
Tax - £245
Tyres about £80 a corner toyo tr1's ( last time I bought )
Fuel 60 ltr tank ( I fill it when the light comes on at about 50ltr)
Around town I get about 20 mpg if I am very lucky ( around 200 miles on the clock from warning light to light)
I am ashamed to say on a very slooooooooooowwwwww run with my kid with me I got a massive 33mpg that's brimming the tank before and after and not seeing over 2200rpm between gear changes.
My biggest out put so far is brakes,
Full set of front and rear - pads -discs and callipers about £650 (uprated discs and pads)
Rear shocks about £350 supplied and fitted( iirc)
Oil change and filter, just pay for parts as it is a easy job.
Replaced the battery £65
Nothing else as the car is faultless.
Only regret is not getting the ppp pack or the STI.
Don't know if I could live with it as a every day car. The OH who drives a diesel day to day, when she drove the wrx instead of her golf diesel for her daily commute around town. Took it to the local garage as she thought it had a fuel leak as the gauge was dropping to fast.
I know it's not that thirsty but compared to what she was used to she got a shock( she dose have a heavy right foot)
Sorry I dont know anything about the seat.
Please excuse the spelling / grammar it's all down to the iPad and the drambuie!!
But the wrx, you would be mad not to!!
Great in the snow, great in the wet even better in the dry!!!!
Edited by aberdeenelvis on Sunday 14th August 21:13
My 2p
I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
I had an '05 WRX SL (sunroof and leather) for a couple of years before I traded it in for my Zed. Averaged 26mpg (I'm physically incapable of driving slowly) and the car was nearly faultless.
Only problem was worn top mounts (a known problem and fixed under warranty by Subaru).
Truly excellent car, wish I'd bought one with PPP and glad I didn't test drive an STi, otherwise I'm sure I'd have had to buy one!
Only problem was worn top mounts (a known problem and fixed under warranty by Subaru).
Truly excellent car, wish I'd bought one with PPP and glad I didn't test drive an STi, otherwise I'm sure I'd have had to buy one!
I had a 51 Plate for 3 years and it was the best all round car i've eve owned.
They do however drink fuel at a ridiculous rate for the performance, short trips 20 or so mpg. Long journeys off boost could see 30+ but even 80mph is on boost and sees the fuel consumption drop.
Track days and Ring trips saw 8-10mpg.
Quite a quick car off the line but not so good mid range, my old 20v Turbo Fiat Coupe with similar power would destroy it from 50mph onwards. Handling I really liked, it leans and grips and had a good ride for a performance car. High speed cornering was very reassuring but don't expect much tail out action they are set up to understeer and the WRX doesn't have enough power to break traction in the dry.
I loved its all round ability, did 2000 miles around Italy, Switzerland and the Nurburgring and never once felt uncomfortable. It would sit happily all day at 80-90mph and after fitting decent front discs and Pagid Blue brake pads it had strong and fade free brakes with the standard calipers.
Great cards, a performance bargain but pretty heavy on the wallet.
Lastly, at the very least get the Prodrive backbox to release a bit of the classic flat four soundtrack and if you can afford it get the PPP version.
They do however drink fuel at a ridiculous rate for the performance, short trips 20 or so mpg. Long journeys off boost could see 30+ but even 80mph is on boost and sees the fuel consumption drop.
Track days and Ring trips saw 8-10mpg.
Quite a quick car off the line but not so good mid range, my old 20v Turbo Fiat Coupe with similar power would destroy it from 50mph onwards. Handling I really liked, it leans and grips and had a good ride for a performance car. High speed cornering was very reassuring but don't expect much tail out action they are set up to understeer and the WRX doesn't have enough power to break traction in the dry.
I loved its all round ability, did 2000 miles around Italy, Switzerland and the Nurburgring and never once felt uncomfortable. It would sit happily all day at 80-90mph and after fitting decent front discs and Pagid Blue brake pads it had strong and fade free brakes with the standard calipers.
Great cards, a performance bargain but pretty heavy on the wallet.
Lastly, at the very least get the Prodrive backbox to release a bit of the classic flat four soundtrack and if you can afford it get the PPP version.
If you're going to be lugging stuff about and like to get from A-B quickly down your favourite road, get a WRX Sportwagon. If you still want practical but even quicker get a 4dr STi. The boot will still take a fair bit of kit.
Don't get a 4dr WRX because you'll be spending your money trying to make it as quick as an STi. STi is hard to beat with 6spd box and two LSD's.
Either way is a good choice though.
Don't get a 4dr WRX because you'll be spending your money trying to make it as quick as an STi. STi is hard to beat with 6spd box and two LSD's.
Either way is a good choice though.
Mr MXT said:
My 2p
I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Your current Mazda steed will be massive fun in the handling department, no doubt, and pretty swift around country lanes, definately, however, with the greatest respect....You won't see which way a well driven standard WRX went. I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
ScoobieWRX said:
Mr MXT said:
My 2p
I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Your current Mazda steed will be massive fun in the handling department, no doubt, and pretty swift around country lanes, definately, however, with the greatest respect....You won't see which way a well driven standard WRX went. I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
I never got stuck in the snow though!
I have a 2004 WRX Waggon. It is my daily driver and I have done 30,000 miles in two and a half years of ownership.
It averages 24mpg and is usually driven in a sprited manner although long distance fast motorway running returns 29mpg. I have just replaced all four tyres which lasted around 25,000 miles. Four Uniroyal tyres and a four wheel alignment came in at just over £400.
It isn't the sort of car that will set your world on fire, but you can fill it to the roof with stuff and still plough on past people with ease.
I am not sure what else exists in small estate form with 225bhp for the price and age.
It averages 24mpg and is usually driven in a sprited manner although long distance fast motorway running returns 29mpg. I have just replaced all four tyres which lasted around 25,000 miles. Four Uniroyal tyres and a four wheel alignment came in at just over £400.
It isn't the sort of car that will set your world on fire, but you can fill it to the roof with stuff and still plough on past people with ease.
I am not sure what else exists in small estate form with 225bhp for the price and age.
Mr MXT said:
ScoobieWRX said:
Mr MXT said:
My 2p
I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Your current Mazda steed will be massive fun in the handling department, no doubt, and pretty swift around country lanes, definately, however, with the greatest respect....You won't see which way a well driven standard WRX went. I ran an 02 bug eye WRX for a year or so back in 2005, it was just out of warranty. It had been to the moon and back (115k miles) but was absolutely faultless. 1 owner from new, the interior was mint.
However, I just found it really, really BORING! It wasn't particularly quick and the handling was so dull. It really did nothing for me. I think it'd be much better with the PPP.
Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
I never got stuck in the snow though!
ScoobieWRX said:
Your current Mazda steed will be massive fun in the handling department, no doubt, and pretty swift around country lanes, definately, however, with the greatest respect....You won't see which way a well driven standard WRX went.
Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
What makes you think that a WRX would wipe the floor with a MX-5 Turbo? Standard WRX's are hardly fast.Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
ScoobieWRX said:
Don't get a 4dr WRX because you'll be spending your money trying to make it as quick as an STi. STi is hard to beat with 6spd box and two LSD's.
A PPP or mapped WRX is nearly as quick as unmodified STi.I had an 05 WRX PPP and it was a cracking car. The PPP makes a massive difference to the car, so either get one with it, or do the mods yourself. You can get late 30's MPG on a run if your sensible.
Don't buy an STi as a daily unless you have deep pockets.
-P
paulmoonraker said:
A PPP or mapped WRX is nearly as quick as unmodified STi.
I had an 05 WRX PPP and it was a cracking car. The PPP makes a massive difference to the car, so either get one with it, or do the mods yourself. You can get late 30's MPG on a run if your sensible.
Don't buy an STi as a daily unless you have deep pockets.
-P
I followed this sound advice and purchased a WRX PPP. Certainly would tick the box for performance without all the STi costs.I had an 05 WRX PPP and it was a cracking car. The PPP makes a massive difference to the car, so either get one with it, or do the mods yourself. You can get late 30's MPG on a run if your sensible.
Don't buy an STi as a daily unless you have deep pockets.
-P
RobCrezz said:
ScoobieWRX said:
Your current Mazda steed will be massive fun in the handling department, no doubt, and pretty swift around country lanes, definately, however, with the greatest respect....You won't see which way a well driven standard WRX went.
Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
What makes you think that a WRX would wipe the floor with a MX-5 Turbo? Standard WRX's are hardly fast.Slow they are not, and you have to trust in the handling that it will get you around corners quick smart. Additionally....Come winter time when there's a foot of snow on the deck, i know what i'd rather be driving!!
The AWD system in the scooby means the most ham fisted driver can get round county lanes very fast.
RobCrezz said:
cheesesliceking said:
"Hardly fast" ????? You're going to have to explain that.
In a straight line, I would put my money on the MX5 Turbo if it was around 200bhp.I would say a STi was fast, but not a standard WRX.
@ just over 200bhp, the '5 is quicker than an S2000 (240bhp).
I shouldn't think it as quick as an STi though. (Currently....plans are for 250bhp
)Did they make an STi Wagon?
RobCrezz said:
cheesesliceking said:
"Hardly fast" ????? You're going to have to explain that.
In a straight line, I would put my money on the MX5 Turbo if it was around 200bhp.I would say a STi was fast, but not a standard WRX.
paulmoonraker said:
ScoobieWRX said:
Don't get a 4dr WRX because you'll be spending your money trying to make it as quick as an STi. STi is hard to beat with 6spd box and two LSD's.
A PPP or mapped WRX is nearly as quick as unmodified STi.I had an 05 WRX PPP and it was a cracking car. The PPP makes a massive difference to the car, so either get one with it, or do the mods yourself. You can get late 30's MPG on a run if your sensible.
Don't buy an STi as a daily unless you have deep pockets.
-P
You're still going to have to spend £800+ today for an independent Open Source remap and mods, or more if you decide to have an EcuTek remap.
After that you still don't have the 6spd box or front LSD. STi's are no more expensive to run than a WRX.
I needed the practicality of the wagon having dogs, and within a few months of owning it i remapped it myself. Knowing what i know now, if i were to do it all over again and didn't need the wagon space i would definately go for the STi. I have driven many STi's, and many WRX's, all the way from the bugeye to the modern day new gen hatch and for me it's the STi every time.
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