S2000 / VX220 Turbo / Impreza WRX STi

kinger8938

kinger8938

kinger8938

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Hey all.

I think this year I'm going to go for it and get in the seat of one of the above.

Now I know they are all completely different beasts, just looking into them all. Pros and cons of each.

Currently have a MK2 MX5 1.8.

The Impreza was always a car I wanted to own, same with the S2000 to be honest. But then the Vx220 snuck it's way in to the mix.

Practicality obviously the Subaru would come top, Vx220 last.

Just after any info I can get really. I'd set a budget of £15-18k. The main issue with the Subaru is finding a good one that hasn't been toyed with too much.
 
if you enjoy your mx5 and want something similar just a step above then the s2k and vx220 is what you're looking at. Subarus are good but a bit different in that sense too, problematic engines on top of everything else.

I say cheapest to run and maintain will be the honda. I had mine since 2018 and have had a few very minor issues and other than servicing and mods(my choice obviously) it doesn't really need much else. Not sure on VX220 but I can see it being a bit more finicky and I think you'd want the turbo.

what about elise? that could be a good call too, small and light and fun on our roads.
 
VX220 has issues with the rear subframe rusting to pieces, which also eats away at the alu chassis it's bolted to. For some reason GM didn't have it galvanised (even though on the Elise it was). Checking it means taking the rear clam off.

The non-turbo 2.2 is the preferred engine. Lighter and more reliable. Smoother power curve.
 
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I'm thinking the S2000 would be a more comfortable car to use daily too vs the VX220

We have a Captur for the family so I can be selfish and get a 2 seater, the MX5 has been fine!

But obviously the Subaru would add that extra convenience if ever needed.
 
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They are going up in value quick now. Not as quickly as Elises though. A pristine, low mileage Toyota engined S2 is approaching 30k. More than they were when new.
 
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Don't know about the others but £18K should get you into a late GD chassis Impreza STI JDM. Hawk or Bugeye (I have a Hawk STI Spec C Type RA)

Local lad imported a really nice white hawk. Don't think it was huge money.
 
The S2000 is a car you either totally "get" or you don't. Very raw but easy to live with as a daily. They are generally reliable but do suffer from the usual issues an old car will have (remember that the oldest examples are 25 years old now, the newest 15).
I think you need to get some seat time in each and see what you prefer to drive.
 
My experiences, having sold my NBFL last year:
- I spent a weekend in a turbo VX and really didn’t enjoy it. Ended up very stiff, very cold and nearly deaf. Much too raw for me. I’d also have qualms about the aluminium tub, which is very clever, but a lot more complex to repair if needed
- I liked the STI I drove, but I remember it being a car that liked being used. It just wasn’t much of an event at normal speeds. As the roads are worse now, I think it would leave me frustrated
- of the 3 you mention, it would be the S2K. Sensible enough to be a daily,fabulous engine which makes it feel more special than an MX5

Having said that, my concerns with the S2K would be:
- cost, both to buy and in parts
- whilst they feel more special than an MX, I’m not convinced they’re more fun than a sensibly modded MX
- they do rust
- issues when the suspension seizes

When I think about something vaguely similar now, I can’t help but think about a FIAT 124. Have you considered one,
In fact a neighbour recently replaced their S2K with an Abarth 124
 
Mitsubishi Evo are very fast on British roads, I remember watching some Police chase programme and the cops were saying how it was the hardest car model to chase down.
 
Seeing as you have an MX already and are looking at cars in the £18k bracket; have you considered an ND MX5 184? They are very light and so the lack of power isn't evident. A friend recently got one and it's a total hoot. Pretty well appointed too for what they are with CarPlay, heated seats, lane departure warning, nav, decent hifi etc. The 184s have an LSD too.
 
An Evo would be an absolute dream but a good example is out of my range :(

Thanks for the suggestion on the newer MX5s. I absolutely adore mine, I'm hopeful I can keep it along with getting something else but am aware I may need to part with it due to space etc. not a big fan of the modern ones though, not really sure why but not against having a proper look into them
 
i'm biased as i owned one but a good STi is really good.

I'd slightly worry spending that much on one though, i sold my 2005 widetrack STi for 8k in 2015 with 80k on the clock and you'd need to be paying 15-18k i think to get back into the exact same car today :(

As amazing as it was it'll be starting to feel like an older car with older car problems creeping in, it'll need if not already had a full suspension refresh and other bits and bobs that go with age. Then there's hoping it's not been owned by someone like me who put 12-15+ track days on it and a trip to the Nurburgring... while the car still felt solid when i sold it i was starting to worry about big costs going forward if i kept it. it was going to need a clutch at some point and the rear diff is a plated type so that'd need properly servicing at some point not just changing the oil and praying like i was doing :p same goes for the trick centre diff, mine was still strong and working well but eventually that'll wear and need sorting.
 
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kinger8938 said:
I think really it's S2000 or Impreza. The VX220 looks great, but just a bit too impractical for every day, though it can be done
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Sound logic.. Just try getting in/out a VX220 and it's not 'elegant'.. definitely not a car you relish jumping in to get to the shops!

The S2000 is a great experience, the high revving V-TEC (Yo!) is quite unique and the looks are timeless.. The only downside from my own experiences is that when you are not on the boil it requires more gear changes than a turbo car which has much more low/mid range, but that's nitpicking.. it's the next step up from an MX-5, more power, more visceral, stylish and only going up in value.

Impreza's are a great choice as well, very very different, the AWD and the engine just have their own character and quite different to the MX-5 you have.

I love all the 3 cars you've mentioned, personally the S2000 is just that one that I could live with, get the roof down and have a blast and never regret.
 
I think S2000 is what I really want. It's always been on my radar.

Next concern is which one, I'm assuming AP2 would be the way to go for added convenience? What year am I looking from/to?

Then there's the colour. The Dark Grey is definitely a favourite, but I think Red CAN look good with the right contrast.
 
The S2000 is an amazing machine for sure. The only hesitation I’d have is that you’d be going quite a bit faster with something German with six cylinders. Probably could go newer as well if you wanted. If you’re 100% set on Japanese then this won’t matter of course.

I’d have an Elise over the VX for the looks I’m afraid.

As far as the S2000 goes, you’ll want a pre VED rise facelift car. 2005, Moonrock with red/black interior would be my pick.
 
tom_nieto said:
The S2000 is an amazing machine for sure. The only hesitation I’d have is that you’d be going quite a bit faster with something German with six cylinders. Probably could go newer as well if you wanted. If you’re 100% set on Japanese then this won’t matter of course.

I’d have an Elise over the VX for the looks I’m afraid.

As far as the S2000 goes, you’ll want a pre VED rise facelift car. 2005, Moonrock with red/black interior would be my pick.
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What caused the Tax change after 2005 out of interest? I wasn't aware thanks for the tip
 
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