Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2.5 ...impressions?

Rhaos

Rhaos

Rhaos

Associate
Joined
28 Apr 2008
Posts
673
Hey guys

Just want to get your thoughts and feelings on the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 2.5

Thinking of trading in my Z3 and getting one but would just like to get a general consensus on what people think about them and if there is anything ot be aware of before buying one.

Thanks in advance
 
whats your expectations as to running costs etc..

are you buying this on a whim or are you a die hard petolhead ? if you're not much of a petrolhead and just want a fun car, the running costs may surprise you.

Are you prepared for low fuel consumption, expensive tyres and brake pads etc.. ?
 
I've had 5 Impreza's of various flavours, never owned at Sti though but driven god knows how many.

Personally I love em, the Hawkeye there is a fine car despite piling on the pounds.

A lot of fun to drive, ready for all occasions, very capable. Not technically demanding to drive fast - but seriously who gives a stuff?

Obviously there's downsides - fuel economy, running costs (watch out for brakes £££), tyres will be eaten @ 10k, maybe more, maybe less, depends how you drive.

Obviously you'll get a better deal buying private (or even from a non Subaru dealer), but I see you have a car to part-ex. Most of the dealers deliver superb service.
 
TBH I'd probably say its on a whim, due to being a fan of the scooby for ages, I've always loved the Imprezas and always wanted one. And now that Im in a position that I can afford to buy one, I thought I'd consider it. I am concerned about the running costs and know of the low MPG it does.

I am however also interested in what people have to say about them let alone what else they recommend for a similar price (£17,000 max)

So any help, info and advice would bereally appreciated.

Cheers
 
Sounds like you need to lower your sights to say £13k to make room for the inevitable high running costs.

Other car options are endless, need to know what floats your boat...!
 
merlin said:
Sounds like you need to lower your sights to say £13k to make room for the inevitable high running costs.
Click to expand...

That extra £4k he will have saved should surely be able to keep the car running for the next 3 years (excl. petrol of course) right?
 
if you're prepared for the running costs, and have the money then go for it

They're fine cars with very little problems. Reliaibility is generally good and the dealers are usually very good.

The only real criticisms with the subarus are the cheap tacky plastics they use in the interiors. If this doesnt bother you (doesnt me) then you should be fine.

Also, consider the previous shape 2005 model with the wider track. It has DCCD, nicer interior and is a very good drive. No xenons though :( unless you go for a jap import model, but these can be very expensive to insure.
 
merlin said:
Sounds like you need to lower your sights to say £13k to make room for the inevitable high running costs.

Other car options are endless, need to know what floats your boat...!
Click to expand...

I'm interested in anything that has power and performance and isn't small i.e civic type r's. Also when buying it should have low mileage and one owner. If I could I would have went for a Ford Mustang but due to it being LHD I can't justify it.
 
Gaygle said:
That extra £4k he will have saved should surely be able to keep the car running for the next 3 years (excl. petrol of course) right?
Click to expand...

I can see it looked like that was what I was saying, but no - obviously not.

I was meaning to say it'd "take the edge off" the high running costs.
 
Rhaos said:
I'm interested in anything that has power and performance and isn't small i.e civic type r's. Also when buying it should have low mileage and one owner. If I could I would have went for a Ford Mustang but due to it being LHD I can't justify it.
Click to expand...

it may be worth taking a test drive as the power delivery of something like the civic type R and the impreza are poles apart.

one is all about high revs, the other is all about riding the torque low down the revs.
 
If youve wanted one for ages and youre in the position to buy one, do it. You wont regret it. I did it and I loved it, easily the most fun car Ive owned.
Running costs arent that scary apart from the fuel consumption. Theyre reliable and built well. I managed to get 10k out of my tyres, 225/40/18. Servicing is reasonable from £150-200 for a basic service, and £400 for the bigger service. Cambelt service is at 50k and will cost a fair whack from a main dealer, £700ish.
The hawkeyes are great cars, nicer interior with the defi style sweeping clocks, plus the 2.5 is more torquey with a nicer power band than the older 2.0.
 
Can I ask those who have posted or that are interested in posting what they would do in my situation? What car would they opt to go for if they had £16-17k ?

Appreciate all the thoughts and input people have given so far :D
 
Yeh get one, awesome cars, unique sound, rapidddd

Cost me £400 for a full service (50k).... cambelt, spark plugs, coolant change .........the lot!! I get 30mpg out of a tank if driven nice, running cost are good imo (so far) :cool:

Do it

My bro's M3 has cost him loads so far (maybe even £1000) on service cost, parts goin wrong etc... and mine has cost me £400 for a full 50k service and thats it ! Both cars are wicked tho!
 
Last edited:
have to agree there

the M3 is going to be even worse than the scooby to run. With only 17k and not that much spare cash

id have 13ks worth of 2005 STI with the 2.0 engine. Its more tunable, has a nicer engine note and drives better.
 
Really? the 2.0 is better than the 2.5? Thanks for your thought MrLOL I'll look into it

I had the same concern about the M3, don't get me wrong, I love the M3's there great but knowing BMW and how they are you normally pay an arm and a leg for the service especially when they do it. Even with my shtty Z3 services would cot me around the £500 mark.
 
Cheers MrLOL I'll have a look around

I dont suppose you know what a good year was for the 2.0 version just wanted to make sure I'm looking at the right ones and not getting an inferior version.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom