Which Impreza?
Discussion
Hello all,
I've decided to sell my MR2 Turbo and move on to an Impreza, but I am sat considering my options now. I am looking spend no more than £3500 overall, so which Impreza should I go for? I am leaning towards a WRX because I imagine it would be easy to push hard down a road, whereas the STi will be barely stretching it's legs by the time you get to a speed limit?
I've driven a few Imprezas over the years but I am not sure where to start as far as an ownership proposition goes. I'm not really looking at Hawkeyes as my dad has one, I'd like something a little different (something that won't compare so badly as he always keeps his cars in spotless condition!). I'm looking at Bugeye WRX's and classics, as they seem to be quite reasonable to insure.
Are the Turbo 2000's worth looking at? The only ones that seem priced off the list at the moment are homologation/special edition models. This is the reason I have capped off the budget at £3500, as I could spend more on something like an RB5 but the insurance is considerably more than the normal WRX or STi, whereas it appears you can get a fairly decent Impreza for that sort of money.
I am drawn to the classic 'GC' models as I've enjoyed owning my MR2 Turbo, which has proven that a 90's Japanese performance car can indeed be a great car for day to day use. Are these old Imprezas fairly strong, or is it difficult to find a decent one these days?
I've decided to sell my MR2 Turbo and move on to an Impreza, but I am sat considering my options now. I am looking spend no more than £3500 overall, so which Impreza should I go for? I am leaning towards a WRX because I imagine it would be easy to push hard down a road, whereas the STi will be barely stretching it's legs by the time you get to a speed limit?
I've driven a few Imprezas over the years but I am not sure where to start as far as an ownership proposition goes. I'm not really looking at Hawkeyes as my dad has one, I'd like something a little different (something that won't compare so badly as he always keeps his cars in spotless condition!). I'm looking at Bugeye WRX's and classics, as they seem to be quite reasonable to insure.
Are the Turbo 2000's worth looking at? The only ones that seem priced off the list at the moment are homologation/special edition models. This is the reason I have capped off the budget at £3500, as I could spend more on something like an RB5 but the insurance is considerably more than the normal WRX or STi, whereas it appears you can get a fairly decent Impreza for that sort of money.
I am drawn to the classic 'GC' models as I've enjoyed owning my MR2 Turbo, which has proven that a 90's Japanese performance car can indeed be a great car for day to day use. Are these old Imprezas fairly strong, or is it difficult to find a decent one these days?
Baryonyx said:
Hello all,
I've decided to sell my MR2 Turbo and move on to an Impreza, but I am sat considering my options now. I am looking spend no more than £3500 overall, so which Impreza should I go for? I am leaning towards a WRX because I imagine it would be easy to push hard down a road, whereas the STi will be barely stretching it's legs by the time you get to a speed limit?
I've driven a few Imprezas over the years but I am not sure where to start as far as an ownership proposition goes. I'm not really looking at Hawkeyes as my dad has one, I'd like something a little different (something that won't compare so badly as he always keeps his cars in spotless condition!). I'm looking at Bugeye WRX's and classics, as they seem to be quite reasonable to insure.
Are the Turbo 2000's worth looking at? The only ones that seem priced off the list at the moment are homologation/special edition models. This is the reason I have capped off the budget at £3500, as I could spend more on something like an RB5 but the insurance is considerably more than the normal WRX or STi, whereas it appears you can get a fairly decent Impreza for that sort of money.
I am drawn to the classic 'GC' models as I've enjoyed owning my MR2 Turbo, which has proven that a 90's Japanese performance car can indeed be a great car for day to day use. Are these old Imprezas fairly strong, or is it difficult to find a decent one these days?
You will get a bit of change from a Bug WRX, but the common answer is that you'll wish you bought the STI if you start modding the WRX. I have a WRX and I am enjoying the modding path (a sin on PH!) and the parts are sourced slow-time on forums so I am not paying through the nose to do it all at once. I've decided to sell my MR2 Turbo and move on to an Impreza, but I am sat considering my options now. I am looking spend no more than £3500 overall, so which Impreza should I go for? I am leaning towards a WRX because I imagine it would be easy to push hard down a road, whereas the STi will be barely stretching it's legs by the time you get to a speed limit?
I've driven a few Imprezas over the years but I am not sure where to start as far as an ownership proposition goes. I'm not really looking at Hawkeyes as my dad has one, I'd like something a little different (something that won't compare so badly as he always keeps his cars in spotless condition!). I'm looking at Bugeye WRX's and classics, as they seem to be quite reasonable to insure.
Are the Turbo 2000's worth looking at? The only ones that seem priced off the list at the moment are homologation/special edition models. This is the reason I have capped off the budget at £3500, as I could spend more on something like an RB5 but the insurance is considerably more than the normal WRX or STi, whereas it appears you can get a fairly decent Impreza for that sort of money.
I am drawn to the classic 'GC' models as I've enjoyed owning my MR2 Turbo, which has proven that a 90's Japanese performance car can indeed be a great car for day to day use. Are these old Imprezas fairly strong, or is it difficult to find a decent one these days?
I do think a bog standard WRX may be not much of a step up from the MR2, thrills wise though.
Classic STI might be worth looking at also, but they are getting old now, maybe 18 years old.
What do you like about the MR2? Is it the sheer power, or the way it drives, or... what?
I went from a 170bhp N/A MR2 to a 320bhp STI Type R. While I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Impreza very hard on a nice road yet, it doesn't feel as nice a "drivers drive" (if that makes sense) as the MR2 did.
However, what it does do is ridiculous grip in seemingly any road condition, and silly, silly acceleration - which in my book more than makes up for it.
I went from a 170bhp N/A MR2 to a 320bhp STI Type R. While I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Impreza very hard on a nice road yet, it doesn't feel as nice a "drivers drive" (if that makes sense) as the MR2 did.
However, what it does do is ridiculous grip in seemingly any road condition, and silly, silly acceleration - which in my book more than makes up for it.
myles1972 said:
You will get a bit of change from a Bug WRX, but the common answer is that you'll wish you bought the STI if you start modding the WRX. I have a WRX and I am enjoying the modding path (a sin on PH!) and the parts are sourced slow-time on forums so I am not paying through the nose to do it all at once.
I do think a bog standard WRX may be not much of a step up from the MR2, thrills wise though.
Classic STI might be worth looking at also, but they are getting old now, maybe 18 years old.
Regarding modding, I don't plan to get into any of that sort of thing! If I was after immense power I'd just buy an STi and be done with it! With regards to the thrills of the WRX, they are important and I know Imprezas are fun cars, though I do not expect it to be as raw or thrilling an experience as my MR2 Turbo. I recently test drove a 2.5 WRX on a '57 plate when I was car shopping for the wife, and whilst it was quite fun and very fast, it was less fun that my MR2 Turbo. On the plus side, it's more of an effortless drive in an Impreza, whereas the MR2 demands constant, sharpened attention. This is great on a dry day on B roads, not as ideal when you're tired and it's 3AM and you're on your way home from work in the wind and rain! That said, owning an Impreza has always been on my list so I am quite satisfied I'm doing the right thing in selling my MR2. I do think a bog standard WRX may be not much of a step up from the MR2, thrills wise though.
Classic STI might be worth looking at also, but they are getting old now, maybe 18 years old.
With regards to the Turbo 2000 model, can anyone tell me a bit more about this model's history?
WRX will make a better daily and be slightly cheaper to run. You can mod them, but you won't make big power, but then you may just want to fiddle with the exhaust etc...
I have recently done some track days in my STi and it has made me realise how far you are from the limit when your pushing it on the roads. Also, a 350 bhp STi is a right handful on b roads, and within no time you can be the wrong side of safe/legal.
I would get a well cared for WRX and then pop a decent exhaust on and a map to get it to 270 ish bhp... Sorted...
I have recently done some track days in my STi and it has made me realise how far you are from the limit when your pushing it on the roads. Also, a 350 bhp STi is a right handful on b roads, and within no time you can be the wrong side of safe/legal.
I would get a well cared for WRX and then pop a decent exhaust on and a map to get it to 270 ish bhp... Sorted...
Nyphur said:
What do you like about the MR2? Is it the sheer power, or the way it drives, or... what?
I went from a 170bhp N/A MR2 to a 320bhp STI Type R. While I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Impreza very hard on a nice road yet, it doesn't feel as nice a "drivers drive" (if that makes sense) as the MR2 did.
However, what it does do is ridiculous grip in seemingly any road condition, and silly, silly acceleration - which in my book more than makes up for it.
I do love the sheer power of the MR2. I'm guessing it would take a lot of Impreza to match the feeling of accelerating in the MR2 Turbo! It comes with a fairly swift 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, which just feels outrageous from the low seating position.I went from a 170bhp N/A MR2 to a 320bhp STI Type R. While I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Impreza very hard on a nice road yet, it doesn't feel as nice a "drivers drive" (if that makes sense) as the MR2 did.
However, what it does do is ridiculous grip in seemingly any road condition, and silly, silly acceleration - which in my book more than makes up for it.
What I mainly love about the MR2 is that it feels truely special, as I often say 'where else can you get a turbo charged mid-engined sports car? A Lotus Espirit? Not for £2000 you won't!'. It feels so sharp, the throttle is so responsive, the noise of the engine behind your head, it's a joy in many senses. However, I have always wanted an Impreza, and as I mention, I often start and finish work at unsociable hours where I can really stretch a cars legs. I could get home quicker, and with less effort in an Impreza, I suspect, whereas the MR2 always demands a battle. I feel the same about it as Clarkson felt about his Escort Cosworth, in that it is a fantastic car but always demands your utmost attention and skill to drive!
I could do with a surfeit of grip, certainly. The MR2 likes to oversteer, it can light the back wheels up with great ease in the wet. It can be blown about in high winds. I just want something unflappable in every condition, even if I am going to lose some dry weather fun that the MR2 provides.
It is not an issue of practicality, as the MR2's boot is massive for a mid-engined car. I do miss having back seats on occasion, but not enough to warrant changing car for. Rather, I just like Imprezas. Despite the MR2 being a group 20 car, it has proven quite cheap to insure. With another year's NCB under my belt, Imprezas are finally available at prices that seem realistic.
With the money you have to spend there is no reason why you can't pickup a V1-V2 in reasonable condition without mega miles on it, have some money left over for insurance/Tax, a couple of mods if they haven't already been done already, and a proper full custom remap. You might even get a fairly straight and unmolested V3-V4 which if already modded you might just be able to get a remap to, but then there is insurance and road tax to pay for too.
You'll pick up a bugeye WRX for £3500 that with a bit of luck might already have the relevant exhaust and air filter mod done. If it hasn't been remapped yet then an Open source remap is very cost effective ad you'll get reasonable bhp increase for that.
Imagine the WRX as the softer more everyday friendly and useable cousin of the STi. There's isn't a massive amount of difference in go between both cars as standard but you don't get the stiffer suspension and lovely 6-spd box of the STi, oh yeah...and no tea tray on the back either
You'll pick up a bugeye WRX for £3500 that with a bit of luck might already have the relevant exhaust and air filter mod done. If it hasn't been remapped yet then an Open source remap is very cost effective ad you'll get reasonable bhp increase for that.
Imagine the WRX as the softer more everyday friendly and useable cousin of the STi. There's isn't a massive amount of difference in go between both cars as standard but you don't get the stiffer suspension and lovely 6-spd box of the STi, oh yeah...and no tea tray on the back either
ScoobieWRX said:
You'll pick up a bugeye WRX for £3500 that with a bit of luck might already have the relevant exhaust and air filter mod done. If it hasn't been remapped yet then an Open source remap is very cost effective ad you'll get reasonable bhp increase for that.
Imagine the WRX as the softer more everyday friendly and useable cousin of the STi. There's isn't a massive amount of difference in go between both cars as standard but you don't get the stiffer suspension and lovely 6-spd box of the STi, oh yeah...and no tea tray on the back either
+1Imagine the WRX as the softer more everyday friendly and useable cousin of the STi. There's isn't a massive amount of difference in go between both cars as standard but you don't get the stiffer suspension and lovely 6-spd box of the STi, oh yeah...and no tea tray on the back either
A WRX mapped is as quick as a standard STi. Also, a WRX really does need mapping (PPP or otherwise as Francis suggests). I drove a standard WRX and I was astonished at the difference the extra 40 horses makes...
There's no getting away from it - a standard bugeye WRX is not going to do it for you after an MR2 Turbo, due to the weight. It'll need to have at least a re-map, or you're going to be disappointed. IMO the bugeye WRXs look pants aswell
Power isnt great on standard UK Classics - 208 bhp or 215 bhp is less than the MR2. Again, a re-map will probably be needed if you want to get close to the MR2.
Import classic WRXs are 236 bhp (92-94), 256 bhp (94-96), 276 bhp (96-99?). You can pick a decent one of these up from £2k. If you pay less, expect trouble.
STIs will cost more. Decent ones will start at £3k.
Power isnt great on standard UK Classics - 208 bhp or 215 bhp is less than the MR2. Again, a re-map will probably be needed if you want to get close to the MR2.
Import classic WRXs are 236 bhp (92-94), 256 bhp (94-96), 276 bhp (96-99?). You can pick a decent one of these up from £2k. If you pay less, expect trouble.
STIs will cost more. Decent ones will start at £3k.
Or if you fancy old school, you can do far worse:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3472322.htm
(I have no connection)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3472322.htm
(I have no connection)
It suddenly seems that my insurers no longer fear the RB5. I had gotten quotes for them in the past and found them to be far more expensive than the equivalent WRX or STi. Mind you, having put that through there I am quite pleased with the result that has came back. I will have to look into this car more closely, I'm living in Newcastle Upon Tyne at the moment, so Inverness is quite a trip away for me!
With regards to power, I am not looking to match the MR2 Turbo. Even if I were to drive a car that was faster 0-60, I doubt it would feel as fast as there is something to be said for the sports car seating position whilst you get a slug of turbo power like the GTS-E engine delivers. I am more concerned with handling, particularly the 4WD system which will aid me on my day to day drive. As I have mentioned, the MR2 is quite demanding in terms of skill and you can't drive it flat out over every road, whereas you can with an Impreza. I've driven a GX before and even that felt great, and not lacking in pace but it might feel a bit slow after the MR2. As long as I have a bit of overtaking punch I'd be quite happy!
With regards to power, I am not looking to match the MR2 Turbo. Even if I were to drive a car that was faster 0-60, I doubt it would feel as fast as there is something to be said for the sports car seating position whilst you get a slug of turbo power like the GTS-E engine delivers. I am more concerned with handling, particularly the 4WD system which will aid me on my day to day drive. As I have mentioned, the MR2 is quite demanding in terms of skill and you can't drive it flat out over every road, whereas you can with an Impreza. I've driven a GX before and even that felt great, and not lacking in pace but it might feel a bit slow after the MR2. As long as I have a bit of overtaking punch I'd be quite happy!
niall1717 said:
Or if you fancy old school, you can do far worse:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3472322.htm
(I have no connection)
Nicehttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3472322.htm
(I have no connection)
Just had my Blob eye WRX with Prodrive Performance Pack for a week now ,so early days. I've had Mk1 MR2's and a 200SX before so I know where you're coming from with the whole 90's jap thing!
First impressions: Very, very surefooted handling. It feels four square on the road, and whilst people call them understeery, I would say they're actually close to neutral just with the handling envolope erring towards safe understeer rather than lurid oversteer. Drove it on gritted tarmac with snow falling on Eagle F1's a couple of days ago - Still total traction, still no drama.
It's the 'fastest' car I've owned, unbelievably healthy and the speedo always looks like it's lying after a quick squirt, only it's not! I will have to watch it becuase I suspect when you do run out of grip/talent, you will have significant energy to offload. The handling, well, you have to load it up to feel it come alive ,and that takes some doing and a fair amount of pace. Much less alive than an MR2, but much more capable at the same time. Still waiting for a rendezvous with that perfect B road!
I've seen really nice bug eyes with fsh and one owner go for £3k, or less so I'd perhaps look at one of those.
Sti's are a differen kettle of fish - short ratio gears and a more manic tune combine with hard (harsh?) Suspension mean less mpg (like 22ish) and a much less attractive daily driver IMO, so I went for the WRX.
So far I'm loving it but I've still got that 'will it explode?' New car nerves. Firends who are in vehicle design and enginnering say they're horrid cars ,cheaply built and prone to failurre ,but meh, you only live once!
First impressions: Very, very surefooted handling. It feels four square on the road, and whilst people call them understeery, I would say they're actually close to neutral just with the handling envolope erring towards safe understeer rather than lurid oversteer. Drove it on gritted tarmac with snow falling on Eagle F1's a couple of days ago - Still total traction, still no drama.
It's the 'fastest' car I've owned, unbelievably healthy and the speedo always looks like it's lying after a quick squirt, only it's not! I will have to watch it becuase I suspect when you do run out of grip/talent, you will have significant energy to offload. The handling, well, you have to load it up to feel it come alive ,and that takes some doing and a fair amount of pace. Much less alive than an MR2, but much more capable at the same time. Still waiting for a rendezvous with that perfect B road!
I've seen really nice bug eyes with fsh and one owner go for £3k, or less so I'd perhaps look at one of those.
Sti's are a differen kettle of fish - short ratio gears and a more manic tune combine with hard (harsh?) Suspension mean less mpg (like 22ish) and a much less attractive daily driver IMO, so I went for the WRX.
So far I'm loving it but I've still got that 'will it explode?' New car nerves. Firends who are in vehicle design and enginnering say they're horrid cars ,cheaply built and prone to failurre ,but meh, you only live once!
The Turbo 2000's look alright, but the stats seem a little underpowered. I'm not after massive power, though. I have noticed that the standard trim on the Turbo 2000's also looks a little on the cheap side (some of the wheels don't look great). I suspect I will hold out for a WRX, simply because they seem to be in better condition with better spec.
I've also been looking at Audi TT 225's, just because they look like great little GT's with a decent turn of pace and 4WD (though Haldex, not permanent 4WD which is what I like). I'd prefer to find a decent Impreza if I could, though a lot of the ones locally seem quite tatty.
First and foremost, I need rid of my MR2. I am considering just ebaying it, as I need the space on my drive for a new car!
I've also been looking at Audi TT 225's, just because they look like great little GT's with a decent turn of pace and 4WD (though Haldex, not permanent 4WD which is what I like). I'd prefer to find a decent Impreza if I could, though a lot of the ones locally seem quite tatty.
First and foremost, I need rid of my MR2. I am considering just ebaying it, as I need the space on my drive for a new car!
Save your money and don't buy a TT - I'd hold out for a decent WRX. When the MR2 goes, just take the money and pick the best WRX you can find. A decent exhaust can come next, and intakes are a bit of a minefield. A lot of the WRXs I've seen have open cone filters, which is not really ideal, though they do sound great!
If your going to buy an impreza buy the newest one you can. No disrespect to any loving owners on here, but there are lots of older cars that have been thrashed to within an inch of their life...
As far as a daily goes, dont buy an STi unless you don't mind the additional running costs (in which case, forgive me, but you would have a bigger budget)...
A mapped WRX is a pukka daily. Simple. Sure, it's interior is gash, but it's sorted AWD system and the power more than makes up for it...
As far as a daily goes, dont buy an STi unless you don't mind the additional running costs (in which case, forgive me, but you would have a bigger budget)...
A mapped WRX is a pukka daily. Simple. Sure, it's interior is gash, but it's sorted AWD system and the power more than makes up for it...
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