Want some feedback from Impreza owners

[paulmoonraker]

TameRacingDriver said:

I quite like that actually.

I think overall though, ideally, I'd want an Impreza STI, as I just prefer the look, and they are in my eyes starting to achieve cult status - a rally icon if you like.

What is the Forester STI like in comparison?

I did an airfield day with a mate a while back, and he was in a 2005 Foz STi. He set one of the fastest lap times. It was remarkable really, and the marshals made several comments about its handling etc...

[CaptainSlow]

Foresters are pretty good, insurance is a lot lower.

A couple of UK versions:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Forester-2-0AWD-2...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-SUBARU-FORESTER-S-T...

Import versions are gigher powered.

[rb5er]

nottyash said:

GravelBen said:

ETA: rb5er I see you have a 2.5gx Legacy, have you tried a GTB or RSK for comparison? If not its a bit like me comparing mine to an Impreza gx.

I noticed rb5er has a 2.5GX so thats maybe where he isnt comparing apples with apples.
Have to agree though the steering on the Legacy is over assisted, its too light at low speeds.

No I am not comparing an Impreza STI to my Legacy GX. That is not a fast car and not a car set up with sporty handling in mind. I base my opinions on the GTB i have driven.

The Legacy is a great car no doubt about it but they do not handle like an impreza.

Here is a quick video from best motoring highlighting my point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzUvQTgPP88

Even with a significant power advantage over the standard bugeye WRX, the GTB is still no match. Yes, this is quite a handling orientated track but then you were suggesting the legacy handles not just as well but better than an impreza. It quite blaitantly does not handle as well as the bug wrx and the v6 sti is really in another league as would be expected. And it is not just lap times where the impreza is better, the lower weight and more compact body makes the car feel much more agile with less feel of inertia. The impreza is well recognised to be the better handling car for good reason. The Legacy is excellent for a car of its size but the statistics dont lie, it is a better car in many areas but performance and handling are not them.

[nottyash]

rb5er said:

No I am not comparing an Impreza STI to my Legacy GX. That is not a fast car and not a car set up with sporty handling in mind. I base my opinions on the GTB i have driven.

The Legacy is a great car no doubt about it but they do not handle like an impreza.

Here is a quick video from best motoring highlighting my point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzUvQTgPP88

Even with a significant power advantage over the standard bugeye WRX, the GTB is still no match. Yes, this is quite a handling orientated track but then you were suggesting the legacy handles not just as well but better than an impreza. It quite blaitantly does not handle as well as the bug wrx and the v6 sti is really in another league as would be expected. And it is not just lap times where the impreza is better, the lower weight and more compact body makes the car feel much more agile with less feel of inertia. The impreza is well recognised to be the better handling car for good reason. The Legacy is excellent for a car of its size but the statistics dont lie, it is a better car in many areas but performance and handling are not them.

Forget handling, the UK Imprezas I have driven have been quite wallowy. The Legacy isnt.
I said the Legacy "Drives better" which it does as power is available a lot lower because the first turbo kicks in about 1500RPM which makes it more drivable, and it feels sharper. Shame the steering is so light really.

[Titchywitch]

I have an RB320 and I don't get anywhere near 30mpg sadly! Insurance should be ok, I think the drive is worth the fuel consumption. I would have the Impreza over the M3, there is nothing quite like grin this car puts on yor face. You won't be disappointed!

[Titchywitch]

I have an RB320 and I don't get anywhere near 30mpg sadly! Insurance should be ok (although I am female and this sometimes makes it cheaper!) I think the drive is worth the fuel consumption. I would have the Impreza over the M3, there is nothing quite like grin this car puts on yor face. You won't be disappointed!

[TAS1981]

I sold my perfect imported V1 Sti for 1500 quid and that took some effort! Visually perfect, slightly modified, witha major Sarcasm chip and sports cat, running almost 300bhp, never put a foot wrong, no smoke, gearbox and clutch perfect upgraded brakes. It was minty.

1500 quid...now I live in Aus....which is great...but I just got a "good deal" on a 2000 MX-5 for $10k!!!!!!!!

So yeah....look for a decent one as there are hundreds out there, expect a few running repairs and if you end up buying one for 2k and it runs for 2 years, thats cheap motoring. Alternatively spend more. Great cars. Miss mine.