Jap Fast Estate Choices

[AlexVRS]

Hi,

I moved from Jap motors to VAG back in October and already have an hitch to go back to the Jap scene as I miss it too much.Got few more months before I can change which is fine by me as I have time to do the homework.

So, previous car was a 350z, current (don't laugh)Fabia TDI running 200bhp and 304 ft/lb which is pretty good for a car that weights 1100Kg and still returning 50mpg, unfortunately I haven't fell in love for it.

Budget 5K around 60 to 70K miles max to do around 10K per year and need to return a realistic 30mpg minimum, space for 2 and a baby (thinking of the future here)and an engine that can be tuned.

Here is were I need your help and expertise:

Stagea: An AWD manual would thick all boxes but they return 22 mpg and good specs can be over budget.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1473786.htm

Legacy: AWD manual would tick all boxes and should return 30mpg, don't know much else about those cars and can't find a UK forum for it. Service intervals are going to be the same as an Impreza? What are they like to own?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3478849.htm
http://www.neweraimports.com/carDetails.jsp?carId=... (perfect but over budget)

Legnum: As above, AWD... not sure on mpg I don't know anything about those yet, all I know that engines are already tuned to the max at 280bhp. Any owners or feedback on this?

Any help and advise would be much appreciate, doesn't have to be an estate (also considering skyline R32 or 33, but good models are over budget, same valid for impreza)but has to be family friendly. As you can see from the choices above look is not everything as long as makes me smile when I drive it.

Thanks in advance

[magpie215]

I had one of these for 3 years. You could manage 30MPG out of it but it was much better to do less MPG in it

LINKY

Edited by magpie215 on Tuesday 10th January 01:08

[TotalControl]

Out of the choices given, my choice would be the Subaru. Lighter and less to to wrong in my opinion. I was under the impression that they were loaded with Impreza running gear.

[AlexVRS]

Agree but I have to keep the wife happy and try to keep the wallet full.

Is the service interval 9K?

[hidetheelephants]

I love my Stagea, it's silly fast but with the auto it's juicy. Your 22mpg is pretty much on the money, I've had 25 taking it easy but overtaking dawdlers generally tempts me to boot it which has an unfortunate effect on consumption. Manuals are a lot rarer and pricier; the lowest I've seen was about £4k, but the economy is a lot better(if you take it easy!). Other than the auto/manual thing spec doesn't seem to affect the price much(the turbo AWD models are highly specced anyway as standard, although the options list was as long as your arm and eccentric with it; boot ventilation fan to keep your shopping cool anyone?), even leather doesn't seem to draw a noticable premium.

[CaptainSlow]

Legacy parts are often different to Imprezas.

Have you thought about Foresters? £5k would get you something nice like a 2005 2.5XTE, and they share a lot of parts with Imprezas. They are very family friendly.

I get 28mpg on normal unleaded with my 2.0 XT.

[liner33]

I've driven a few auto Stageas and been very unimpressed with the performance, the Legnum certainly has the looks but i'd probably go for the Scooby

[AlexVRS]

Neever thought of a Forester as it looked more a wagon to me,new option added to the lis, but, had a look at the classifieds and good specs seems to around 8K

[CaptainSlow]

AlexVRS said:

Neever thought of a Forester as it looked more a wagon to me,new option added to the lis, but, had a look at the classifieds and good specs seems to around 8K

No, 5k will get you a 2.5 xte with PPP.

[SuperVM]

From the looks of your choices so far, perhaps the 30 MPG isn't a requirement set in stone. An Impreza wagon might be an option, examples in this thread:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

I use mine as a cheeky family car and it copes well.

[AlexVRS]

Cheecky Family cAr is a good description!

I'm doing only 10K per year so mpg it's not the main priority but I an't justify going back to a 22mpg any more

What yours like? mpg and service intervals? Handling wise, Are those like heavier impreza with a bit more roll?

[Carfiend]

A friend of mine has this Stagea going http://www.skylineowners.com/forum/showthread.php?...

At that price you could write off the fuel a little bit.

[AlexVRS]

£1395???? Is he mad??? I havent seen that advertised on here or on the stagea forum.

You're right for that price I caould save enough money for petrol, but long term still an auto and 22mpg ( I hate to be poor)

[wilbo83]

Impreza wagon would be my choice for your criteria

[Carfiend]

AlexVRS said:

£1395???? Is he mad???

Considering his driving then yes he is quite quite mad.

[GravelBen]

My Legacy GTB (280bhp 2.0 twin turbo) averages around 26mpg and does 32 on a run. 22 sounds about right for a Stagea based on the NA one that my dad had, and from what I hear a VR4 is about the same.

Legacies are much nicer inside than Imprezas, but the twin-turbo models aren't as easy to get more power from as an Impreza or gen-4 Legacy GT (which have single twinscroll turbo as per JDM STi).

Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 10th January 22:17

[AlexVRS]

Thank you guys, great food for thoughts.

Still open to suggestions, revised list is Impreza wagon and Legacy (the Stagea will remain in my wish list).

I have also found a Legacy uk forum to do some research.

[Carfiend]

BTW that Stagea has dropped to £1250.

Will be broken at the end of the month if no buyer is found.

You're welcome btw :P

[KB_S1]

I have a 2000MY Impreza turbo wagon.
I love it. with good tyres and geo the handling is fun. Deals with dodgy weather, comfortable enough.
Plenty space.

I get around 26mpg on average. Managed to stretch to 28mpg on a long run recently that involved some overtakes and occasional indulgence.

[hidetheelephants]

Carfiend said:

BTW that Stagea has dropped to £1250.

Will be broken at the end of the month if no buyer is found.

You're welcome btw :P

If he breaks it drop us a PM; I'll have some bits off it.