Impreza STI, big decisions...

30k and 60k services are the expensive ones.
Cambelt service is at 50k and only oil and filter is changed on that one so don't be scared off if it's due a cambelt. It's a 2 hr job and a cheap service.

Get a JDM model instead of UK/Euro/UDSM
Better engine
Less emissions faff
Bigger turbo
Adjustable centre diff
More creature comforts like rear wash wipe and aircon.
Oh and buy an unmolested one.
They are extremely reliable cars when left alone.
 
brendy said:
Last of all, Scoobynet forums are great for information and experience.
Click to expand...


and don't listen to him. :D

There are some extremely talented and knowledgeable people on there but if you don't know who they are, their voices will be lost in a sea of bull**** and misinformation
 
Last edited:
I agree on the reliability stakes, Mine hasn't missed a beat and the recent crazy weather was not a problem, getting up hills, getting down hills, getting around other stuck motors on hills etc.
Starts first time every time and the satisfying rumble doesn't wear off. (especially if you have a 3" decat full system :) )
 
Scubascorpion said:
30k and 60k services are the expensive ones.
Cambelt service is at 50k and only oil and filter is changed on that one so don't be scared off if it's due a cambelt. It's a 2 hr job and a cheap service.

Get a JDM model instead of UK/Euro/UDSM (in the grand scheme of things more expensive to run being an import due to insurance)
Better engine (when run on the highest octane rating petrol available in the uk)
Less emissions faff (eh?)
Bigger turbo (Yup agreed if you are after more performance, I am, some arnt)
Adjustable centre diff (if its used in the city, who needs it?)
More creature comforts like rear wash wipe and aircon. (My uk has aircon, rainX on the back window is just as good)
Oh and buy an unmolested one. (describe molested? one mans free low exhaust is another mans bastardisation)
They are extremely reliable cars when left alone.
Click to expand...
 
Lots of advice for the OP in here, so in summary

1) Subarus are generally very reliable - the impreza has come top of several satisfaction surveys for many years. We can argue about the unmatched part - but i think all here would concede they are generally reliable cars

2) it may be worth the OP looking at Japanese import models - these are harder to find and harder to insure.

Here's an example of one :

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2257021.htm

They are generally better spec'd and have a different turbo - a twinscroll unit that is more responsive. Check your insurance first however as some will refuse to insure imports

3) Consider upping the budget for an 05 STI if possible / waiting for 05 STis to come down in price.
 
UltimateBadger said:
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?
Click to expand...

I had a VF28 on my Type RA. The lad who bought it off me has it for sale now - would love it back but his money is far too strong.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2328822.htm


True Sonic Blue 74F was only available in the UK on the P1 and Terzo. My first UK turbo was Sonic Blue but originally from Dublin. There is one Sonic Blue car on PH now that is covered in stickers which could easily be removed :)

However, the wife has won an early victory for 2011 with a new kitchen coming on Wednesday so have to pay for that first :(
 
Scubascorpion said:
and don't listen to him. :D

There are some extremely talented and knowledgeable people on there but if you don't know who there are, their voices will be lost in a sea of bull**** and misinformation
Click to expand...



This is true, sadly. When you have worked out who the various tuners who post are, then they are worth listening to, but most of the others are not.


M
 
As much as I agree with the comments of try and go for a 2005 model with the DCCD, I think for the average guy on the road it wouldn't make all that much difference.
I've got a blobeye preDCCD and it's tail happy at times, infact on the way home I had the arse out :D Although I did buy mine nearly 3 years ago now when prices were completely different, and a DCCD model was out of my range. If I had the same budget as I had then, a DCCD model it would now be. But it sounds like they're out of your budget.

So I'd recommend a bugeye if you're a fan of the looks (I am very much so) and spend the change on some mods. There were some minor changes to the blob sti from the bugeye, but nothing a few quid on suspension mods wouldn't sort. PS if you do buy one, I recommend getting one which already has a decent exhaust system and a proper remap - with proof of course. Night and day difference to standard, and it's actually quite expensive to do to a completely standard car.

Think I've rambled a bit..
 
Listen to Scubascorpion and Scoobydoo, both very sound advice and they both really know Subaru's. Remember JDM cars should be no more to insure with a specialist insurer and as already said tend to be faster, more reliable and more tunable. :)
 
Getting hold of new japanese market oem parts are allegedly more expensive, only recently have some insurance companies have recognised local companies sourcing and selling oem standard parts and panels.
 
[FnG]magnolia;18117745 said:
Can someone explain the JDM cars attracting an insurance premium? I'm not sure I get it.
Click to expand...

its not necessarily a problem

its just some mainstream insurers refuse to do it to remove the hassle associated with parts (like windscreens for example) that may not be available for a car that was never sold here.

In practice of course, many models shared components with other models that were sold here, so for many imports the task is no more difficult than any other car, so you will find an insurer. Its just baring in mind if you like a particular insurer because they give you tesco clubcard points or something and they wont insure imports.
 
Gibbo said:
Listen to Scubascorpion and Scoobydoo, both very sound advice and they both really know Subaru's. Remember JDM cars should be no more to insure with a specialist insurer and as already said tend to be faster, more reliable and more tunable. :)
Click to expand...

I often hear people say this, but what people forget is that this specialist is often more expensive than many other insurance companies to begin with.

For example.

Admiral: UK ITR £610, JDM ITR £1280.

Yet the cheapest price elsewhere for a UK ITR for me was over £750.
 
ive been looking [loads] and cant really see much difference between the two.

called my current insurer today to enquire about pricing etc, they have basically said that they will insure me on a uk car but not a jdm

when quizzed, they couldnt give me a straight reason as to why but they were totally unwilling to do it.

i will probably have to change insurers to get a better premium, but i would obviously want to invest in going for a quality premium rather than whatevers cheapest with £700+ excess etc.

in fairness, as i will be leaving it mostly stock due to finances, i think the uk model may be best. havent really seen a majorly convincing argument to take a JDM over a uk in fairness.

@ScoobyDoo
looked at a few 2005s but it really does push the price up and im going to be on the limits going for a bugeye.
ideally one with an uprated exhaust would be superb, just have to hope i spot a nice one. would prefer one without a remap for now, i would sooner do the research and take it to somewhere i have researched myself. [probably just being OCD]

watched some of the videos on your channel, very impressive.
is that your STI on the rolling road?
 
Fair enough, again nothing wrong with the models without DCCD :)

I wouldn't buy one with an exhaust system and no remap to be quite honest. Car could have been overboosting etc and generally not running perfectly. Go for either completely standard, or one which has proof of work and remap by someone reputable. I wouldn't by an STi with mods on and no remap.

Thanks for watching, yes that's my STi on the rollers in a couple of the videos. Why so?
 
just wondered what you have done with it and what it was running at really
captain curiosity :)

in fairness, your advice makes total sense.
a good stock one would probably be the way to go. first year insurance is going to kill me as it is :(
 
Mine is running a ported exhaust manifold and stainless steel uppipe pre turbo. Then a complete 3" straight through bar resonator and back box silencer from turbo back. Big open cone airfilter with big air feed and various little mods to reduce intake temperatures and make the car run better. And of course a remap.

It made 373bhp on the Powerstation rollers. I need to break the 400bhp barrier though ;)
 
very nice indeed. :D

i notice you are a little younger than me, whats your insurance like if you dont mind me asking.

who are you with?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom