Help choosing the right model

[rotaryjam]

So I've suddenly got the urge to buy a WRX, I think because they seem to have finally started shedding their chav image and appear to be genuinely awesome cars

I think I've just about got my head around the available options

Would appreciate your thoughts on which to choose, here is what I've come up with for 2 budgets (I can do either)

2001 - 2005 (Blob or Bug eye - I don't like the Hawk look)

£6k-ish

WRX with PPP so 265bhp
5-speed (was 6-speed available?)

£10-15k

WRX STI type UK
Prodrive performance pack so £305 bhp
DCCD
Wide track
6-speed (was 5-speed even an option? I hear they are made of chocolate)
'Prodrive' (comsetic only changes?)

I would ideally like a JDM car but they seem to be out of budget.

Would appreciate your thoughts on those choices and the value of the various options like the 'Prodrive' cosmetics, PPP, DCCD and wide track!

Would also like so insight in to how much difference there would be between a WRX and STI, both with PPP as there is about an £8k difference

[rotaryjam]

Just to add, I can't actually find any cars STIs with DCCD, Wide track + PPP.

I know the wide tracks come later, so by that time did they stop doing the PPP?

[Cambs_Stuart]

The wrx models only come with a 5 speed box, which can limit outright power.
The sti models have a host of upgrades: better suspension, cross drilled crank (and a stronger engine), bigger turbo, bigger intercooler, 6 speed box, nicer interior, brembo brakes, better wheels etc. Which is why they're a lot more expensive.
Have a look at the for sale board on scoobynet. There always used to be some good machines there.

[rotaryjam]

Thanks for the info

I've done some more research and find it surprisingly hard to find information about all the different variations.

I've decided it has to be a JDM car for all the benefits that brings, and the price is comparable with a wide track UK car.

I'm currently debating between a Spec-C vs. a normal STI.

Also Blob vs Hawkeye, I prefer the look of the blob but would like to know what benefits a JDM STI Hawk has over a Blob?

[texaxile]

rotaryjam said:

Just to add, I can't actually find any cars STIs with DCCD, Wide track + PPP.

I know the wide tracks come later, so by that time did they stop doing the PPP?

PPP Was available throughout or at least up to the Hawkeye models if I understand correctly, and it could also be retro fitted, as it was to my current WRX 2 years after it was sold. The option was offered to me when I purchased my previous Hawkeye in 2009 from Hammonds Subaru.

I think many owners decided a quality remap and upgrade by a reputable company was a better option over the PPP as it was around £1500 for the PPP upgrade, which instead if the money was spent on the correct upgrades such as an exhaust system, Walbro fuel pump and mapping, it worked out better value and there was more power available.

Widetrack STi's are in short supply and fewer still have a PPP. Finding a Type UK without any rot, damage or abuse is going to be a task. They are out there but command a premium, if I was looking at another Impreza I'd do the same & look for a JDM Blob or Hawk.

I think you're making the right choice going for a JDM, I don't know enough to tell you the intricate differences but they're an awesome car. There are some interior revisions, but I am by no means knowledgeable on the subject. Best of luck with what you decide to do, maybe a future "readers car" in the offing?.

Edited by texaxile on Sunday 23 October 21:44

[Cambs_Stuart]

From memory the difference between a jdm hawk and jdm widetrack blob is mainly interior/exterior cosmetic changes. Most of the parts are interchangeable.
The only issue with JDM cars is that they don't have rhe subaru burble. The header are changed to suppprt the twinscroll turbo and they loose that classic exhaust note.

[Ross16v]

I was in a similar situation a few months ago and ended up buying a blob eye spec C-RA and definitely haven’t regretted it. I test drove a WRX wagon a few years ago and was disappointed to be honest. The STI is a lot better in my opinion.

I would agree that a JDM spec car with the stronger EJ20 engine is the one to go for. Also from what I read, I think the Type UK cars are a watered down versions if anything.

One site I would definitely recommend is the Type RA forum, full of great people who are very helpful. I managed to find a few good potential purchases on there via a wanted ad, and ended up buying my car from there.