Impreza STI, big decisions...

rjk

rjk

rjk

OcUK Staff
Joined
8 Aug 2007
Posts
25,397
Hi Folks

looking at a new motor sometime in the next 6 months, decided i want something a bit more fun than my current 05 Fiesta ST

on the basis that aforementioned car will probably fetch about 5K because of its spec, I have been looking into affordability of something bigger and more powerful.

given my age [25 next month] I have looked into the WRX STI. its been a favourite of mine for a while now. Around £1k on a quality insurance policy with my current provider is a mere £270 over what I pay now. with similar tax costs to boot.

given a budget of around £7k, I have seen some very nice examples online and become quite positive that its going to fit the bill. it will be more expensive to run, but you have to play hard if you work hard right?

looking specifically at 2003/53 WRX STI's as they look great in my opinion and there are a lot of unmolested ones around for my kind of budget. obviously with my age being on the limit of "oh look, he is all of a sudden much more sensible" it makes sense to go for a stock one over a massively tuned example

whilst the prospect of being skinned alive by the running costs isnt too daunting, i was wondering if the ever knowledgable OcUK motors crowd have any opinion on the matter or any advice from current owners?
im reading up as much as I can but any advice is welcome.

im looking at driving one in the next month to make my mind up properly and set some budgets for it.
 
I know sod all about the Impreza but the Evo Gaijan (sp?) has is mighty impressive. Looks miles better imo and I'd imagine performance is on par so have you considered one at all?
 
i personally dont really like evos too much
the x is nice but out of my price range [unless Gibbo sells me his at mates rates ;)]

i much perfer the looks of the subaru and the way it sounds.
i guess it wouldnt hurt to try and get a drive in both.
 
Yeah, I don't like much jap stuff, and I couldn't tell you which Evo Gaijan has or how much it costs but looking at it and comparing it to something like an E46 330i the Evo looked a look more agressive, the interior was meh but I'm sure the car is more about blasting about the B roads than rubbing the soft touch plastics.

Was a suggestion :)
 
Will you consider JDM variants or is this strictly Euro models (or non-JDM, I suspect is more accurate) you're considering?

There are trade-offs on both sides so it's probably worth airing up front.

Also, a quick search before the more substantial replies come in will give you a great head start. There are several STI, or at least Subaru, owners who post here and have posted thoughts on the WRX, STI and all the flavours that go with it.
 
I'm not sure of the intricate details, but Evo running costs are far higher than Imprezas; services every few thousand miles, AYC fluid changes are very frequent etc.
 
i have searched, but wanted specifics really.
more specifically what the 02-05 models are like

i would be looking at the euro models but certainly wouldnt rule out an import if there was a significant advantage to choosing one.
 
For

Amazing performance
Reliability un matched by anything
Rally car looks

Against

Cheap plastic interior supposidly made by the JIFTC
Every Barry boy/chav wants one/wants to steal one
 
Imprezas aren't as bad for running costs as for the Evos.

With the subaru, the biggest running costs are petrol and insurance. If you've run your quotes already then your fine with that. Fuel, expect around 15-20mpg for a real world average.

Apart from that, servicing is very reasonable, here's a breakdown from a good independent:

http://www.rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk/servicing_impreza_pricelist.asp

As you can see, the big 4th year service is £416 which is quite good value when you consider the performance on offer.

As for buying advice, look out for one that has the PPP - prodrive performance pack. This kept the warranty on the vehicle, and raised power to over 300bhp and typically commands very little extra second hand. And free performance for nothing is not to be sneezed at.

Theres no difference between 2003 and 2004 models, but in 2005 there was a biggish change. The exterior remained largely the same, but the interior got a facelift, and the rear track was widened to improve handling. This also resulted in the PCCD of the alloy wheels changing - resulting in 05 cars having different wheels to the 03/04 models. The car also gained a DCCD - driver controlled centre differential. This had dedicated snow / gravel / tarmac modes and allowed the drive to adjust the balance of the 4x4 system, sending more / less power to the front wheels. This was previously only available on import models.

However an 05 model is well out of your budget. Most are at least 10k so best off finding a good 03 model unless you've got extra to stretch your budget ?

Happy hunting !

Here's an example of the 2005 cars:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2351893.htm

2003 Car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2180282.htm
 
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Find out if the rear struts have been replaced. From about 2001 until at least 2004 there was an issue with intrusive "bonking" noises from them, when cornering at low speed (it probably happened when going faster, but you wouldn't hear that). This problem is not dangerous or destructive, but is annoying. Subaru replaced many under warranty.

Most other things to look for are the same as every turbo-charged car: the usual car stuff (like most Japanese cars they really should hit service intervals etc) plus the extra stuff like watching out for turbo smoke. Depending on driving style of previous owners, the clutch can go any time after 25k miles. But it can last 85k miles. Changing is not cheap, and neither are good clutches: mine was £450 all in at an independent garage, but it was an AP clutch.

I find with mixed driving that 50 litres gets me about 200-220 miles (it's a 60l tank, but that when I fill up.) But mostly I drive like a granddad. Really spirited driving will drop you to 10mpg or less.

Most insurers require a tracker,and the car should already have it. The standard one is Trackstar, or whatever they call themselves these days. There is a fee to transfer it to your name - about £120 IIRC. Make sure you get it tested before paying for it! Mine broke after about six years, but the warranty is only three. A new one is £350 or so.

Tyres are £140-£200 a corner, depending on type and the bargain you can drive. Expect fronts to last 10k miles and rears 20-30k. Again, it depends on driving style - I've been through a set of fronts in 9k miles.


M
 
Peerzy said:
I know sod all about the Impreza but the Evo Gaijan (sp?) has is mighty impressive. Looks miles better imo and I'd imagine performance is on par so have you considered one at all?
Click to expand...

Why thank you darling, tis a 7 FYI.

I'll say what I always say:

The sensible man buys a Subaru.

The cars are very similar performance wise but the Impreza is cheaper to run.

You should only really buy an Evo if:

  • You really want an Evo
  • You prefer the looks of the Evo
  • You are a Mitsubishi Whore
  • You want something a bit rarer/more unique
  • Being tarred with the "Scooby Chav" brush bothers you
  • You don't mind paying slightly more for a car that is slightly easier to tune
  • Servicing your car twice as much as normal gives you a hard on
  • You are gay and overcompensating

All the above apply to me.
 
dave_beast said:
For

Amazing performance
Reliability un matched by anything
Rally car looks

Against

Cheap plastic interior supposidly made by the JIFTC
Every Barry boy/chav wants one/wants to steal one
Click to expand...

Reliability unmatched by anything? I'd agree, probably the second least reliable engine manufacturer from Japan. Do Mazda claim first place, or is there a real gem i'm missing out on?
 
If you can hold out a little longer and raise your budget 05STIs are starting to come down in price.

A lad sold a perfectly reasonable example on SNet for £8.5K and it had a few worthwhile mods too (mapped, DEFI gauges)

If you can't save any more then fair enough, but if you can wait a bit you'll be quids in - next year is going to be hell for those selling performance cars so you'll be in a great position.


Personally I see no point buying an 03-04 STI. Better off buying a cheaper 02 STI (the ugly one) and saving the money for mods or running costs. Personally I prefer the Prodrive "Bugeye" to blobeyes STIs.

This for instance and save yourself a grand.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2343377.htm
 
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realscot said:
Reliability unmatched by anything? I'd agree, probably the second least reliable engine manufacturer from Japan. Do Mazda claim first place, or is there a real gem i'm missing out on?
Click to expand...

Have you actually owned one? I suspect not.

I have owned a number of Impreza's and I can tell you that the engines are very strong indeed.

The problems come from people 'tuning' their engines without professional help.

@OP - just go for it mate. They really are fantastic all round cars and for your budget you should net a good example. Check out Scoobynet/SIDC etc. for
well looked after cars. I would avoid any without full s/h from a specialist/dealer. Make sure the clutch and cambelt have been done. Check for knocking on the
rear struts. Ensure brake discs/pads are decent (replacements for the Brembo's are expensive) and check all tyres for even wear.
It's easy to fall for these cars on the first viewing as they are great to drive but buy with your head not your heart!

Good luck - make sure you get pics up!
 
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UltimateBadger said:
Have you actually owned one? I suspect not.

I have owned a number of Impreza's and I can tell you that the engines are very strong indeed.

The problems come from people 'tuning' their engines without professional help.
Click to expand...

You don't have to had owned an Impreza to know that reliability isn't "unmatched". To be fair it is a bit of a ridiculous statement to make.
 
I suppose it might be - although I am struggling to think of another manufacturer who is head and shoulders above.

Nevertheless, the point is that they are very reliable.
 
Hey UB - do you have an RB5?

If I get another classic it will be a UK car. Either a Sonic Blue EU 4 door or an RB5.

Either one of them to use as summer cars or a Prodrive bug as a daily.
 
I have a slightly tuned Bugeye WRX (uk model) (soon to be running 320+ with my new VF24 turbo)
Running costs are nowhere near as bad as people believe. Petrol is the sole ongoing cost that you will ever notice.
Insurance, you will have shopped round and picked the best cover per £
Fuel, if you do more than 10k a year, it will be pricey enough though if it isnt all stop start short journeys you will get almost 300 to a tank (I have done 350 from less than a full tank twice on runs to northern Scotland). Never, I repeat, Never put a tenner of fuel into it, it just disappears and doesnt make much of an impression on the fuel gauge.
Tax, no worse than a 2004 2.0 mondeo.
Servicing, this is where you can save yourself hundred per service. Oil changes are easy on the Impreza due to the oil filter being easily accessible. Spark plugs require a little knack and a wobbley socket to get at it cleanly. Once you have done it once, it is easy.
£25 for Halfords semi or fully synth oil,
£5-10 panel filter (or buy a green cotton one which only needs a quick clean come service time)
£20-25 NGK spark plugs
£7 fuel filter
£5-10 oil filter (use genuine subaru or oem spec)
£10 rear diff fluid/oil (easy job as long as you do it slowly as to avoid smelly mess)
The timing belt is the only item I wouldnt do myself and can be done at a local garage for 100+ depending on what level of garage/dealership/side street you use.

I would advise on buying a slightly performance enhanced impreza as you WILL end up doing the odd bit and piece to it anyway. Decent exhaust systems, performance panel filters and remaps are fine. If they have BOV (Dump valves) fitted, these actually reduce performance so either weigh the rest of the car up and walk away or replace with stock recirc valve.

Last of all, Scoobynet forums are great for information and experience. Plenty of guides, how tos etc.
 
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Hi Edd - yes I currently have RB5 #054. Currently running 320 bhp with a VF28. It's a great car - my third Impreza now. I try and keep it just for weekend fun.
Can you get a Sonic Blue facelift? I thought they were all <MY97?
 
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