Can anyone offer a blobeye Impreza STI passenger ride?

Can anyone offer a blobeye Impreza STI passenger ride?

Author
Discussion

GreyGray

Original Poster:

52 posts

124 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
Hiya,

I'm thinking of buying a blobeye STI as a winter/track car. I live on top of a hill near Wigan which can have pretty hard winters so 4WD would be useful. My mk1 MX5 didn't fare so well last year, but my over-exuberant (read: cr@p) driving style was more to blame for its demise than the car itself.

An Impreza is an unknown to me however as I've never been in one. I've always had a soft-spot for them and believe them to be excellent.

Is there anyone around Wigan/Liverpool/Warrington that would be happy for me to sit in as a passenger, have a poke around the car and a chat about ownership experience? I could tyre-kick a couple that are up for sale but would prefer not to have the hassle of speaking to a dealer or wasting a private seller's time if I'm not committed. Or is there a regular meet I could lurk at?

I understand that the bug-eye cars are mechanically similar so that's an option too.

Any help appreciated.
G


Hol

8,732 posts

207 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
If you logon to Scoobynet, they have regional forums that you can ask on.


All my Subaru's have been awesomely sure footed in the snow & Ice for forward traction, but when braking, they are about the same as a 2wd car, as its about the tyres ability to grip.

MDMA .

9,207 posts

108 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
afternoon. I'm in Wigan, but have a 2004 Forester STI ( basically an Impreza STI underneath ). suggestion would be to head to 3 Sisters for one of the regular track attack sessions and asks nicely for a passenger ride ( even offer to pay for the 10 laps ).

ps, cant remember the last bad winter we had. in 2009 the snow stayed for a few days Christmas week ( wife gave birth and it took me hours to get to the hospital ) but other than that, normally quite mild. unless stuck, half way up Parbold Hill smile

more than welcome to pop round and have a snoop at mine if it helps in any way.

Edited by MDMA . on Wednesday 17th August 16:07

GreyGray

Original Poster:

52 posts

124 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
Thanks, Hol. I'll look into it. Re: braking I'd look to put Winter tyres on it which, although isn't a silver bullet, I think would help a lot.


Hi MDMA. Thanks for the input. I looked at Foresters back when Dan Trent put one up as a PH Fleet feature, but not since. I like the idea of them - the performance, the heritage of the brand, the reliability, tunability, but also they're quite unusual and understated (sort of!).

I'm close to Winstanley college, but about 100m off the road down a (tarmac'd) lane. My commute to Liverpool takes me either through down Billinge high street or up through Tontine and Upholland to the M58. Both have reaosnably significant climbs. It also opens up a suitable car to start some track days - whilst doing a house I haven't got the cash to fund a track car, daily, and a sunny weekend toy (I have the latter with a classic Mini). Have you tracked the Forester? Would the body roll be an issue, or is that easily sorted with the thicker ARB and heavy mounts that I've read about?

I'd appreciate the opportunity to have a look at yours if I could - looks like quite a machine. I'm a bit tied up for the next couple of weeks (working through til next Wednesday then off to Spa for the F1) but if could pick up the invitation thereafter that'd be great.

G

MDMA .

9,207 posts

108 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
No problem. Friend lives just down past the Billinge Arms so it is quite hilly ! As above, right tyres make a huge difference.

Drop me a message when you ready. Always happy to help when i can.

scooby1994

143 posts

135 months

Wednesday 17th August 2016
quotequote all
hi'
i live on winstanley and i have a bug STI,you are quite welcome to come and have a look and a drive in mine if you want,it handled windy arbour and everything else the winter could throw at it,they are an fantastic car,

GreyGray

Original Poster:

52 posts

124 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
Thanks MDMA, I will.

Hi scooby. That's be great, ta. Have I seen you out with a dark (?black) Evo? As above, I'm a bit distracted for the next couple of weeks, would it be ok if I dropped you a message when I get back?

G

MDMA .

9,207 posts

108 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
scooby1994 said:
hi'
i live on winstanley and i have a bug STI,you are quite welcome to come and have a look and a drive in mine if you want,it handled windy arbour and everything else the winter could throw at it,they are an fantastic car,
just off Holmes House Avenue ? not Nicks younger brother are you ?

scooby1994

143 posts

135 months

Thursday 18th August 2016
quotequote all
hi ,just drop me a pm and i will nip up yours with it,you wouldnt be disapointed if you bought an impreza,they are a great all weather car,and a lot of owners do track them,
i am not related to nick but i do know the car you mean,i live on the other side of holmes house avenue

GreyGray

Original Poster:

52 posts

124 months

Friday 19th August 2016
quotequote all
This is why I love PH. Friendly, helpful people who want to encourage/support others in a common interest.

Thanks, I'll give you both a shout when I'm back about.

G