Will I enjoy an Impreza
Discussion
Probably the most stupid thread to start on Subaru forum but here goes.
Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
We are in Aberdeenshire and have done 63k MX5 miles with the hood down since 2009. No issue at all with the hood down march to early November up here.
I find the STI just too rough.
The WRX was a more of a fast hatchback without beeing noisy and nervious.
I have had 4 Imprezas and the 2008 onwards new age shape has a better rust protected body and is a better long term bet.
All my Impreza's get winter tyres and are out in the salt.
Therefore a good bet just need a clean undernesth with a hose for 2008 on.
I find the STI just too rough.
The WRX was a more of a fast hatchback without beeing noisy and nervious.
I have had 4 Imprezas and the 2008 onwards new age shape has a better rust protected body and is a better long term bet.
All my Impreza's get winter tyres and are out in the salt.
Therefore a good bet just need a clean undernesth with a hose for 2008 on.
I think you'll enjoy ownership.
Imprezas are pretty tough (with the possible exception of the 2.5 Hatchback STI models and ringland issues). I have had a 2.5 WRX and now have a 2.0 WRX with a PPP. To be honest I do miss the torque of the 2.5 but the 2.0 still provides decent power and torque delivery once you get the revs up, and 265hp with the PPP adds extra grunt, I prefer my 2.0 to the 2.5, but that's just one of my foibles. It can hold a surprising turn of pace on the B roads and cruises nicely on the carriageway, but not the worlds most comfortable car for a long journey.
If you're opting for a WRX "blobeye" 2.0 model, you'll find the interior bland and rubbish, the brakes are poor, but the whole driving experience, the 5 speed gearbox, the poise and handling never fails to bring a smile. A decent set of tyres can totally transform a car, servicing is cheap and easy with decent oils (spark plugs not as hard as some might lead you to believe), and as long as the cambelts etc have been changed at the right intervals, it'll give you a good few years of trouble free motoring. Chuck a few quid at a decent set of brakes and swapping out all the oils if needs be.
During the snow I fitted a set of winter Continentals on a spare set of wheels I got off ebay (cheap and plentiful) and it was great and tackled it with ease.
Blobeye WRX's are relatively cheap, but they are old now, STI prices are high and finding a decent one is a bit of a task. I took mine on as an unloved project and it has cost me probably another grand and a half getting it sorted out which included all belts, servicing, drop links, brakes, all fluids, water pump, 4 oil changes and a set of winter tyres. Upkeep now is just a matter of a 6 monthly oil change plus consumeables.
Even if you don't gel with the car, you can always punt it out fairly easily.
Imprezas are pretty tough (with the possible exception of the 2.5 Hatchback STI models and ringland issues). I have had a 2.5 WRX and now have a 2.0 WRX with a PPP. To be honest I do miss the torque of the 2.5 but the 2.0 still provides decent power and torque delivery once you get the revs up, and 265hp with the PPP adds extra grunt, I prefer my 2.0 to the 2.5, but that's just one of my foibles. It can hold a surprising turn of pace on the B roads and cruises nicely on the carriageway, but not the worlds most comfortable car for a long journey.
If you're opting for a WRX "blobeye" 2.0 model, you'll find the interior bland and rubbish, the brakes are poor, but the whole driving experience, the 5 speed gearbox, the poise and handling never fails to bring a smile. A decent set of tyres can totally transform a car, servicing is cheap and easy with decent oils (spark plugs not as hard as some might lead you to believe), and as long as the cambelts etc have been changed at the right intervals, it'll give you a good few years of trouble free motoring. Chuck a few quid at a decent set of brakes and swapping out all the oils if needs be.
During the snow I fitted a set of winter Continentals on a spare set of wheels I got off ebay (cheap and plentiful) and it was great and tackled it with ease.
Blobeye WRX's are relatively cheap, but they are old now, STI prices are high and finding a decent one is a bit of a task. I took mine on as an unloved project and it has cost me probably another grand and a half getting it sorted out which included all belts, servicing, drop links, brakes, all fluids, water pump, 4 oil changes and a set of winter tyres. Upkeep now is just a matter of a 6 monthly oil change plus consumeables.
Even if you don't gel with the car, you can always punt it out fairly easily.
I’m 65 and Ive owned a Ferrari 308;GT4, BMW 2002, E30 M3, Caterham Roadsport 150;and a variety of other cars and my Impreza WRX is a great car. Had it from new in 2005 and it’s my daily driver. Great fun to drive and as my other car is a 2001 996 C2 I’m blessed with having two motoring icons to choose from. You won’t be disappointed trust me.
I've had three Imprezas, always bought as a go-anywhere, do anything, second car........and they always end up being used as first choice! My preference has always been Wagons/Hatch but suspect the experience is similar.
Had a 2001yr Turbo Wagon, completely standard, enormous fun. Succumbed to rot but gave me a taster of what to expect.
Up to a 2005 Blobeye PPP Wagon. A brilliant totally dependable car that went like a stabbed rat. My son still has it.
Now a 2008 Sti330, completely different car to the other two. Standard of trim a massive step up from the others and a very nice place to be. Lunatic quick if you ask it to be but perfectly capable of the mundane trips when needed.
As another poster has, I also had a Porsche 996 3.6. I sold mine as I hardly drove it, always messing around in a Subaru!
I've had plenty of 'nice' cars but I'll always have a Scoobie in the fleet somewhere.
Had a 2001yr Turbo Wagon, completely standard, enormous fun. Succumbed to rot but gave me a taster of what to expect.
Up to a 2005 Blobeye PPP Wagon. A brilliant totally dependable car that went like a stabbed rat. My son still has it.
Now a 2008 Sti330, completely different car to the other two. Standard of trim a massive step up from the others and a very nice place to be. Lunatic quick if you ask it to be but perfectly capable of the mundane trips when needed.
As another poster has, I also had a Porsche 996 3.6. I sold mine as I hardly drove it, always messing around in a Subaru!
I've had plenty of 'nice' cars but I'll always have a Scoobie in the fleet somewhere.
Appears that generally speaking they are a great everyday car and something special when required.
As said, I'm looking to replace the TVR and have a Volvo Estate that has been, for a lot of years (actually this is my 6th 940 Estate) the everyday car.
Family, dogs, moving house, stuff for the garden, house renovations all been in the 940.
So the Impreza will be the special car (along with the Caterham, which is really the car I should be selling but as I built it 28 year ago, sold it once then bought it back I think I have to keep it this time).
Was thinking of an earlier car than the Blobeye but maybe that's where I need to be. Had also considered an E46 M3 but maintenance costs seem ruinous and the Impreza always seems something more "special" than just another BMW. And cheaper to purchase too.
Is there any special editions of the Blobeye worth keeping an eye open for or anything I should look out for, either good or bad.
As said, I'm looking to replace the TVR and have a Volvo Estate that has been, for a lot of years (actually this is my 6th 940 Estate) the everyday car.
Family, dogs, moving house, stuff for the garden, house renovations all been in the 940.
So the Impreza will be the special car (along with the Caterham, which is really the car I should be selling but as I built it 28 year ago, sold it once then bought it back I think I have to keep it this time).
Was thinking of an earlier car than the Blobeye but maybe that's where I need to be. Had also considered an E46 M3 but maintenance costs seem ruinous and the Impreza always seems something more "special" than just another BMW. And cheaper to purchase too.
Is there any special editions of the Blobeye worth keeping an eye open for or anything I should look out for, either good or bad.
drumtochty said:
We are in Aberdeenshire and have done 63k MX5 miles with the hood down since 2009. No issue at all with the hood down march to early November up here.
.
Aahh, the sunny warm dry side of Scotland. (If a bit colder and foggier in winter).
We're heading to Oban, on the wetter west. I'm still in Yorkshire, Wife & Son have been there since last August. Every night we' speak and the conversation usually starts "it's chucking it down" or "Got soaked walking the dogs" or "it's blowing a gale".
Would think she's trying to stop me moving up there except for the week a month ago when we had lots of snow in Yorkshire and she had none at all!
Mind you it's not as wet as Skye where you get worried if it doesn't rain at some part of the day!
I think that they really shine as said, as an every day car. The ability to press on in all weather, on all roads, all year round is their ace hand. Even doing mundane trips, they'll always be that opportunity where the traffic will suddenly clears and you get the chance for a few minutes of driving pleasure. A UK Newage car would be the best bet as a daily. You'd have to test drive an STi & WRX and decide which you could live with every day. 2.0 would give you less worries but not every 2.5 eats itself.
If you purely want a weekend toy, look for either a lighter Classic STi or a JDM Newage STi - with the twinscroll turbo and 8k rev limiter. There is always the temptation to go for the biggest performance available but you may find that a WRX with a remap and few handling tweaks will provide all the go you want.
Do you have a budget in mind?
If you purely want a weekend toy, look for either a lighter Classic STi or a JDM Newage STi - with the twinscroll turbo and 8k rev limiter. There is always the temptation to go for the biggest performance available but you may find that a WRX with a remap and few handling tweaks will provide all the go you want.
Do you have a budget in mind?
- Also consider a Forester is you need a little more room in the boot.
Edited by TEKNOPUG on Monday 23 April 19:19
I have had a 2005 WRX for 12 years now and echo a lot of the comments.
It has been very reliable - only issue was a front brake calliper sticking. I tend to clean the brakes up once a year these days as they can get a bit gummed up. It is also very easy to service yourself - I have done the camblet and spark plugs.
I personally like the simplicity and ergonomics of the dashboard over the button-fest on some other cars. The materials inside are hardwearing, but do not exude quality. But is is basic.
The car handles very well. It is fairly light and the weight is all down low so it changes direction quite quickly. I think the damping is perfect for a B-road too as it absorbs a lot of bumps. You never have to worry about traction. You do need to get the car over 2.5/3k revs for the turbo to kick in - it is a bit old school in that regard. I have also found that I need to keep the tyre pressures at 34F/32R for it to feel as responsive as possible, but that is related to tyre choice.
Only other thing to mention is economy - they are a little thirsty.
Prices seem to have been quite steady the last few years - around 6k at a dealer and 4.5 - 5k private.
I borrowed a 2009 car (turbo but afraid I don't know the exact model) and it was certainly quick, made a good noise etc. I didn't like the interior though and I found it a bit too understeery for my liking. It just didn't work for me. My money would go on the E46 but try and spend as much time behind the wheel of a Subaru before you make a decision.
Bought an RB5 in 2002 and still have it now. Very reliable and a little bit thirsty if driven hard all the time, but not too bad. Only big problem has been the rusting of the rear end around the shocks and arches but it can be done. Interior looks a bit dated compared to modern cars but that doesn't bother me.The classic Imprezas are becoming a rare sight on the roads now, used to see lots of them about. Handles brilliantly and feels much safer at comparable speeds than my Mini JCW. The Impreza gives a more pleasurable ride and I'd be surprised if the OP didn't feel the same. Go and find one and give it a go.
Edited by SAB888 on Wednesday 25th April 17:24
If you are wanting something a bit different (and ultra rare in the uk), I’ll be selling my JDM 2004 blob eye wrx Auto tiptronic in 3 weeks time. Will come freshly serviced and MOT’d 72k currently. Will be pricing up at £6850 and expect it to fly. Was first come first served when I bought it 2 years ago
Can anyone recommend a good book on the Impreza, detailing the various models, special editions etc.
I'm completely at sea looking at the multitude of variations..
Been followiung other thread about what's the best buy for £7k, I like the look of the Classic (rising prices?) but want something to use, not become a garage queen.
Although a gentle increase in value would be nice.
I've rather started looking at Blob-eyes now and again there's a multitude of options. A nice looking Litchfield (whatever that gives you extra) against a rebuilt 22B
I remember when the options were colour, vinyl roof, and do you go "de-luxe" or "GT". (Then Ford introduced the 1600E and all hell broke loose)......
I'm completely at sea looking at the multitude of variations..
Been followiung other thread about what's the best buy for £7k, I like the look of the Classic (rising prices?) but want something to use, not become a garage queen.
Although a gentle increase in value would be nice.
I've rather started looking at Blob-eyes now and again there's a multitude of options. A nice looking Litchfield (whatever that gives you extra) against a rebuilt 22B
I remember when the options were colour, vinyl roof, and do you go "de-luxe" or "GT". (Then Ford introduced the 1600E and all hell broke loose)......
Ahbefive said:
2005 widetrack STi is the pick of the "newage" cars. STi type-R is pick of the classics. Then theres the more modern hatchbacks and saloon.
If I was buying another I'd go for one with dccd which means you can alter how much power goes to the front and back wheels.
Would largely agree with that. Personally I'd prefer the P1 over the Type-R on British roads, thanks to the Prodrive suspension. (Although any car of that age is going to benefit from new shocks.)If I was buying another I'd go for one with dccd which means you can alter how much power goes to the front and back wheels.
The DCCD is nice, but IMO having owned reasonably powerful Newage models with and without, would not say it's a night and day difference. It offers more throttle adjustability, but (at least on fairly sticky trackday tyres) is not genuinely transformative compared to say a quick lift and prod. They can all steer from the rear when you want them to. Oh yes and on that issue, many people fit a stiffer rear ARB which along with good geo helps a lot.
Skyedriver said:
a gentle increase in value would be nice.
In which case any classic in good condition will be a good choice. Of the Newage models - widetrack UK STi; any JDM STi. If budget allows, look at JDM Spec-C cars, as they will certainly continue to appreciate.
Don't worry much about the differences in spec between different editions. Broadly most classics drive similarly, as do most Newage cars. The exceptions would include the Type-R, the P1 and the 22b for classics, and the JDM cars for newage models (JDM cars have a twin-scroll setup with considerably more torque and drivability lower down).
Personally I would not rate the Litchfield cars so much; my latter car had the same brake and suspension setup when I bought it. The AST suspension is IMO woeful on UK roads, and one also has to do some work to correct the brake bias upset introduced by the larger rotors up front.
Skyedriver said:
Probably the most stupid thread to start on Subaru forum but here goes.
Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
Given your car history. Yes.Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
If you said various Audi TT, GTI etc . No
Skyedriver said:
Probably the most stupid thread to start on Subaru forum but here goes.
Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
I think you will get an Impreza. I currently alternate between a Caterham and a bugeye sti import depending on the weather and absolutely love both cars. They're both very, very quick across country but provide speed and grip in completely different ways and I love the fact that they're so different. Approaching 65, had sports cars most of my driving years, Caterham (1), Lotus(3), TVR(4),BMW (2002tii &E30M3), Lancia(Fulvia).
Never owned an Impreza but have always admired their performances in the world rally scene, McCrae, Burns, Solberg, etc
Moving to Scotland shortly, weather not always the best for open top sports cars, or any out and out sports car due to poor road conditions etc.
So thinking I could maybe chip in my TVR Chimaera and replace with something more suiting the roads conditions AND be more family friendly. I'm always getting told "we can't all get into that".
Now I often wish I'd bought an Integrale when I could have afforded one as they are my all time favourite rally car. Well then and the Stratos.
Buying one of the older Impreza models I could still have a little cash left over for a cheaper sports open top car too.
I'm thinking RB5 although I don't like grey or silver (or black).
Would I actually "get" an Impreza or just find it a fast saloon. (Often thought about an BMW E46M3 but its just a fast (and expensive to maintain) saloon with no sporting heritage.
As I understand it, I would be better off with a 2litre rather than a 2.5? But what model? One that would hopefully maintain it's value r maybe increase in time, be a pleasure to drive and not be too ruinous cost wise.
The making of a good car choice for me is one that you park up in the car park and then look back at it, admiring it, as you walk away.
Thanks for any input, preferably sensible, please.
This is my 4th Impreza but first sti, all the others were WRX wagons. In terms of reliability the 1st was a classic so 2.0l and that needed a bottom end rebuild and piston rings... the 2nd was a blobeye, 2.0l again and that was absolutely bulletproof, the 3rd was a prodrive hawkeye 2.5 and yes, the head gasket went but it then went on to do 50k trouble free miles with a Roger Clark Motorsport replacement. The japanese bugeye sti is faster, although the prodrive hawkeye was also quick, but the real difference is that it handles significantly better than the wagons and is far less prone to understeer. They were all noisy, none of them were beautiful but they were all involving to drive and could all demolish a rainy b-road like few cars.
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