Potential Impreza 320R purchase

[Pig benis]

Hello folks

I'm in the market for a new car and have stumbled across a mint 2014 Impreza WRX STI edition UK 320R. One owner from new, 33k miles on the clock and the belts have just been changed by a well known Subaru specialist in Cornwall.

My previous car was an 04 WRX prodrive which was truly fantastic, if not a little boring. You could drive it like a complete maniac and it would never slip or slide (this is on track btw).

I have been in the market for an E92 M3 due to it being rwd and 400+ hp, so I know that car would certainly move around a lot on the track / greasy roads. What I am essentially wondering is, would a 320R just be a 'point and squirt' type of car?

Now I adored my last Subaru, the noise was addictive and I am a huge fan of the Impreza. But it had way too much grip for its power (245hp), which did make it almost a little too capable. My preference in a car is one which needs a little work when on a drive.

Also, the 2.5 engine sounds like it is made from chocolate. Is this just an internet rumour which is blown out of proportion or a definite truth?

Thanks folks
PB

[vxr2010]

engines can be chocolate so possible future re build at around 5000£ , you won’t get the burble with a newer 2.5 as they tend to have equal length headers , the positive side is a 2.5 is a lot more responsive compared to a standard 2 litre unless it’s twin scroll , have you thought about a 2 litre jdm , i have currently have 2 2.5 both have failed but no regrets and both got forged , im on my third 2.5 now so fingers crossed

[texaxile]

I think it was a member called "Paulmoonraker" who had a very well tuned 2.5 Hawkeye Sti, and said it was an absolute awesome beast on B roads and simply brilliant on the dual carriageway. As far as i'm aware the 08/09 hatchback STi's suffered worst from ringland and HG failure, later models don't seem to be too bad, but here's a lengthy thread on scoobynet about failures, worth a google and I may well be wrong in my statement.

FWIW I have an 04 WRX with PPP on it, I purchased it as a project as I thought it had potential and seemed to have been well looked after by the previous owners prior to the guy I got it from. 270 bhp, nice revvy engine and supreme grip makes it arguably the best car I've had. I've got it where I want it now, everything replaced and serviced every 6 months with Millers Nanodrive & HKS filter. Probably overdoing it, but the car is my second and more reliable wife, so I do spoil her...

[Pig benis]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I've decided against the 320R. Chocolate pistons are really not my thing, and I know I would worry about the engine blowing up while on track etc.

Back to the drawing board for a new car..

PB