Megane R26 to Impreza WRX STI?
Discussion
I posted this up on General Gassing earlier but hopefully I will get more luck getting some views of current owners here.
I've been thinking about swapping my Megane for a 2004/2005 Impreza WRX STI. Despite the boy racer image I love the look and sound of these cars - I've fancied one since my teenage years and now I'm at an age where insurance is low enough to make running one feasible.
The issue is that I'm not sure whether it's a good idea going from an 08 Megane to a car 3-4 years older. They are worth about the same money (I'd probably have to put a bit of cash in since I'd go for a lower mileage scoob), can anyone tell me how much they are to run? Are they reliable? Are there any common faults and is there anything in particular that I should look out for when viewing?
I would imaging MPG is between 20-25 average and I get 30 out a tank in the Megane mixed motorway and b roads so that isn't too much less, tyres are similar size so should be no more expense there and it looks like brakes would be about the same - fronts on the scoob would be more but the rears less so it would even out.
Any advice would be greatly received.
Cheers
I've been thinking about swapping my Megane for a 2004/2005 Impreza WRX STI. Despite the boy racer image I love the look and sound of these cars - I've fancied one since my teenage years and now I'm at an age where insurance is low enough to make running one feasible.
The issue is that I'm not sure whether it's a good idea going from an 08 Megane to a car 3-4 years older. They are worth about the same money (I'd probably have to put a bit of cash in since I'd go for a lower mileage scoob), can anyone tell me how much they are to run? Are they reliable? Are there any common faults and is there anything in particular that I should look out for when viewing?
I would imaging MPG is between 20-25 average and I get 30 out a tank in the Megane mixed motorway and b roads so that isn't too much less, tyres are similar size so should be no more expense there and it looks like brakes would be about the same - fronts on the scoob would be more but the rears less so it would even out.
Any advice would be greatly received.
Cheers
- Very reliable which will probably compensate for the age difference when set against other car makes. I have had two Imprezas between 3 to 7 years old and the only two issues I had was knocking suspension which is common on the 05-07 cars, and a knackered wheel bearing.
- MPG - I used to get 30 easily on a run (imcluding my mapped 350bhp STi). However, they are a bit crap round town.
- Tyres on my STi were 100 pounds or so for a corner. This was for Bridgestone RE070 which are epic.
- The STi is a better platform if you are going to modify it. Also, there is a certain thing about having an STi (yes, yes, visits to the clinic).
- A mapped (or prodrive pack) WRX will be just as quick as a standard STi in a straight line.
I'll post properly tommorow, but I've gone from a 2005 225 RS with 40k to a 2003 125k wrx wagon.
Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate. My wrx rattles less, is just as well equipped and just as fast (if not faster).
Plus it sounds better and has 4 wheel drive as a bonus.
Things I miss are small, but scoobs are more thirsty, and some plastics feel cheaper.
Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate. My wrx rattles less, is just as well equipped and just as fast (if not faster).
Plus it sounds better and has 4 wheel drive as a bonus.
Things I miss are small, but scoobs are more thirsty, and some plastics feel cheaper.
Go for a 2005 STi, best driving newage STi.
Comes with DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), is decently quick and very good handling/stopping out of the box. With minor mods and a remap you'll be seeing the other side of 330+bhp/Torque.
Set the DCCD to max rear or leave it in Auto setting and enjoy a fun track day taking corners with confidence at silly speeds. The grip and traction through and out of corners these things have is truly Physics defying, and straight line speed and acceleration puts a lot of sports and supercars to shame!! Very different animal to your Megane.
Lovely bit of kit!! Go for it!!
Comes with DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), is decently quick and very good handling/stopping out of the box. With minor mods and a remap you'll be seeing the other side of 330+bhp/Torque.
Set the DCCD to max rear or leave it in Auto setting and enjoy a fun track day taking corners with confidence at silly speeds. The grip and traction through and out of corners these things have is truly Physics defying, and straight line speed and acceleration puts a lot of sports and supercars to shame!! Very different animal to your Megane.
Lovely bit of kit!! Go for it!!
Thanks for the replies. I think the main extra costs will be in insurance, tax and petrol but I might as well go for it now while I can afford it!
The biggest problem will be finding a decent one close to me.
What are the best dedicated forums? I've had a look on scoobynet, are there many alternatives?
The biggest problem will be finding a decent one close to me.
What are the best dedicated forums? I've had a look on scoobynet, are there many alternatives?
http://scottishscoobies.net/forum.php?s=53f923aa65...
Try and stay away from scabbynet if you can help it. Used to be the top forum but has gone very downhill very quickly in the last few years. You're better off sticking to your local region forum.
I wouldn't bother with SIDC either because it's full of holier than thou types and you have to pay for the pleasure, even though they have a scottish section.
If you can't find a UK 2005 STi see if you can find a 2003/4 JDM import. Don't be concerned about it being an import, they usually come with more paperwork, are better kitted out than UK cars and have DCCD. The engine comes with bigger valved heads than UK cars and they are usually low mileage and in fabulous condition.
In fact i'd rather have a JDM import than a UK car.
Try and stay away from scabbynet if you can help it. Used to be the top forum but has gone very downhill very quickly in the last few years. You're better off sticking to your local region forum.
I wouldn't bother with SIDC either because it's full of holier than thou types and you have to pay for the pleasure, even though they have a scottish section.
If you can't find a UK 2005 STi see if you can find a 2003/4 JDM import. Don't be concerned about it being an import, they usually come with more paperwork, are better kitted out than UK cars and have DCCD. The engine comes with bigger valved heads than UK cars and they are usually low mileage and in fabulous condition.
In fact i'd rather have a JDM import than a UK car.
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