New STI on 5th Gear tonight!!
25 March 2008, 08:02 PM
#121
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As I have stated on here before did not want a stiff hard riding car, wanted a hatch with guts and panache. It has this in abundance. I’m as happy as a pig in pig stuff.
P.S. Won’t be driving on a track or a skid pan for that matter.
25 March 2008, 08:31 PM
#122
Bill Thomas gave the STi a top write up in TG, all be it a JDM but he's also a fan. The EVO article was very positive on the whole and to pitch it against a Lambo was very interesting.
Have Subaru lost the plot with the 2.5l? Perhaps the more frenzied JDM Twinscroll would liven the debate a bit.
Subaru have just over a hundred garages in the whole of the UK, they need mainstream not hard core. That can come later, just because us "hard core" don't like they are not to bothered.
The Dealers will only get 17 Legacy/Outback diesels per franchise, now that a huge mistake in the current climate, but don't forget they have no manufacturing base in the UK and are restricted!
Have Subaru lost the plot with the 2.5l? Perhaps the more frenzied JDM Twinscroll would liven the debate a bit.
Subaru have just over a hundred garages in the whole of the UK, they need mainstream not hard core. That can come later, just because us "hard core" don't like they are not to bothered.
The Dealers will only get 17 Legacy/Outback diesels per franchise, now that a huge mistake in the current climate, but don't forget they have no manufacturing base in the UK and are restricted!
Last edited by The Trooper 1815; 25 March 2008 at 08:43 PM.
25 March 2008, 09:00 PM
#123
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I think I have now realised why the 08 car looks so 
The long side view on 5th Gear last night showed the bonnet to be very low (benefits of a flat four) and the passenger compartment looked as if it had been plonked on top at the back somewhere maybe even back to front with no thought given to the lines of the car. The proportions just looked totally wrong.
The long side view on 5th Gear last night showed the bonnet to be very low (benefits of a flat four) and the passenger compartment looked as if it had been plonked on top at the back somewhere maybe even back to front with no thought given to the lines of the car. The proportions just looked totally wrong.
25 March 2008, 09:19 PM
#124
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The Impreza had always been a marmite car, you loved or hated it you could not ignore it, until now....yes the proportions are wrong and the wheel size to side view ratio is wrong to. The back end more so then the front. Look at the side view of something like a MX5 or MR2 or Lambo for example. If the arch's were more aggressive and wheels larger or the car sat lower it would look better I think.
25 March 2008, 09:55 PM
#125
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I was down at my local dealer on Friday - buying a new Justy for my wife!...
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
25 March 2008, 10:50 PM
#126
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I was down at my local dealer on Friday - buying a new Justy for my wife!...
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
25 March 2008, 10:56 PM
#127
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I was actually quite impressed with the STi review however it was a little on the short side and not a proper full test of the car.
What I will applaud is how Tiff was obviously trying to show the + points of the car with the way he started to throw it around the track (and some pretty nutty driving) - that should be enough to tell most people it can handle itself (maybe not as well it could but a few mods can fix that).
I am starting to like the new shape, I have always hated each new design (apart from the classic) but found I ended up liking them in the end (I love the WRC and Prodrive look bugeye's).
When you actually see the car in the flesh you can't help but notice it has got an aggressive design, it's softened up a bit too much with some tacky bits like the ****ty rear lights but overall I think with some large/wide rims the new STi would at least stand out from the usual hot hatch brigade.
But.. it has an image problem, is it trying to compete with the likes of a R32, Meg II, RS etc or being billed as a replacement for both a saloon and a hatch?
Oh well time will tell, I look forward to seeing the UK mods in a years time (for some cool idea's checkout the progress on the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club site).
And no, I don't work for Subaru anymore so this is not a sales pitch
What I will applaud is how Tiff was obviously trying to show the + points of the car with the way he started to throw it around the track (and some pretty nutty driving) - that should be enough to tell most people it can handle itself (maybe not as well it could but a few mods can fix that).
I am starting to like the new shape, I have always hated each new design (apart from the classic) but found I ended up liking them in the end (I love the WRC and Prodrive look bugeye's).
When you actually see the car in the flesh you can't help but notice it has got an aggressive design, it's softened up a bit too much with some tacky bits like the ****ty rear lights but overall I think with some large/wide rims the new STi would at least stand out from the usual hot hatch brigade.
But.. it has an image problem, is it trying to compete with the likes of a R32, Meg II, RS etc or being billed as a replacement for both a saloon and a hatch?
Oh well time will tell, I look forward to seeing the UK mods in a years time (for some cool idea's checkout the progress on the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club site).
And no, I don't work for Subaru anymore so this is not a sales pitch
25 March 2008, 11:02 PM
#128
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John - completely agree.
I've read some of your other posts on here and seen the pics of your car - very nice indeed!
To be honest - reading all the negative posts on here, it makes you wonder what people want...
It seems to me that half the people on here just don't like change!
It seems that everyone else is either envious or own an older model which has now been devalued!
I'm absolutely convinced that the vast majority of people on here haven't seen the car for real - and even less have actually driven it.
In terms of a real car for real drivers on real roads - it's an awesome machine.
It really is the hardcore STi evolved for real drivers.
And those who want a hardcore STi for track driving and occasional road use - wait 'til later in the year when the Prodrive version is released.
I've read some of your other posts on here and seen the pics of your car - very nice indeed!
To be honest - reading all the negative posts on here, it makes you wonder what people want...
It seems to me that half the people on here just don't like change!
It seems that everyone else is either envious or own an older model which has now been devalued!
I'm absolutely convinced that the vast majority of people on here haven't seen the car for real - and even less have actually driven it.
In terms of a real car for real drivers on real roads - it's an awesome machine.
It really is the hardcore STi evolved for real drivers.
And those who want a hardcore STi for track driving and occasional road use - wait 'til later in the year when the Prodrive version is released.
25 March 2008, 11:29 PM
#129
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SCNET is an arena of people who own all types of scoob. From oldest to newest. Remember when you got your first Impreza, be-it a 92 pre face lift model or the most popular classic model. That scoob was the best, better than any of the newer generation imprezas. But as you evolve from classic to bug-eye to blob-eye, you find something better in all of them. The looks, the balance the power of the new age (and reliability). But like the classic E30 BMW 3 series, you harper back to that lighter balanced car, more feel for the road. But things move on, people do big journeys in there scoobs now and ive done the trips to spain in the earliest version of the classic to the last of them and also in all the new age STI models. And i honestly believe that a Scoob has to have more up its sleeve than blasting up A roads. It has to be more of an all rounder now, its not like the first imprezas that were bought by a band of in the know petrol heads. My sister ordered a new shape STI for the school trip (it's all about image) and up untill i bought my wife an AMG ML Merc, she drove every version of STI including my awsome V7 STI Wagon. Because a scoob has to do all those things now, its no longer an in the know car, but a mainstream...CAR TO BE SEEN IN.... and unfortunatley thats the way it is. But i have driven my sisters new shape STI she has ordered, and its not go kart like the classics or frenzied like the new age, but more grown up and STILL A TREMENDOUS WEAPON, even if you dont like the looks (and what scoob ever was beautiful??????) it will still sell especially on the used car market.
up from me.
up from me.
25 March 2008, 11:36 PM
#130
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SCNET is an arena of people who own all types of scoob. From oldest to newest. Remember when you got your first Impreza, be-it a 92 pre face lift model or the most popular classic model.
That scoob was the best, better than any of the newer generation imprezas. But as you evolve from classic to bug-eye to blob-eye, you find something better in all of them.
The looks, the balance the power of the new age (and reliability). But like the classic E30 BMW 3 series, you harper back to that lighter balanced car, more feel for the road. But things move on, people do big journeys in there scoobs now and ive done the trips to spain in the earliest version of the classic to the last of them and also in all the new age STI models. And i honestly believe that a Scoob has to have more up its sleeve than blasting up A roads. It has to be more of an all rounder now, its not like the first imprezas that were bought by a band of in the know petrol heads.
My sister ordered a new shape STI for the school trip (it's all about image) and up untill i bought my wife an AMG ML Merc, she drove every version of STI including my awsome V7 STI Wagon. Because a scoob has to do all those things now, its no longer an in the know car, but a mainstream...CAR TO BE SEEN IN.... and unfortunatley thats the way it is.
But i have driven my sisters new shape STI she has ordered, and its not go kart like the classics or frenzied like the new age, but more grown up and STILL A TREMENDOUS WEAPON, even if you dont like the looks (and what scoob ever was beautiful??????) it will still sell especially on the used car market. up from me.
That scoob was the best, better than any of the newer generation imprezas. But as you evolve from classic to bug-eye to blob-eye, you find something better in all of them.
The looks, the balance the power of the new age (and reliability). But like the classic E30 BMW 3 series, you harper back to that lighter balanced car, more feel for the road. But things move on, people do big journeys in there scoobs now and ive done the trips to spain in the earliest version of the classic to the last of them and also in all the new age STI models. And i honestly believe that a Scoob has to have more up its sleeve than blasting up A roads. It has to be more of an all rounder now, its not like the first imprezas that were bought by a band of in the know petrol heads.
My sister ordered a new shape STI for the school trip (it's all about image) and up untill i bought my wife an AMG ML Merc, she drove every version of STI including my awsome V7 STI Wagon. Because a scoob has to do all those things now, its no longer an in the know car, but a mainstream...CAR TO BE SEEN IN.... and unfortunatley thats the way it is.
But i have driven my sisters new shape STI she has ordered, and its not go kart like the classics or frenzied like the new age, but more grown up and STILL A TREMENDOUS WEAPON, even if you dont like the looks (and what scoob ever was beautiful??????) it will still sell especially on the used car market.
up from me.
25 March 2008, 11:44 PM
#131
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FinalGear.com :: There's Fifth Gear, There's Top Gear, And Then There Is Final Gear for anyone who wants to torrent the episode (if you missed it)
26 March 2008, 06:02 PM
#132
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I was down at my local dealer on Friday - buying a new Justy for my wife!...
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
As my MY05 WRX is due for changing anytime soon, the salesman asked me if I'd like to take the new STi demonstrator out for a run...
To be honest, I wasn't that fussed. I've been looking at new Audi's and even an Evo.
I'd looked at the new WRX and hated it - thought it looked like an Astra outside and I don't know what inside with the cheap plastic interior!
Anyway - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to borrow the STi for a couple of hours...
One word - awesome!
All you guys who are slating it - have you actually seen one - in the flesh?
I have to admit - the pictures look a bit odd - but wait until you actually see one up close. When you see it in three dimensions - it looks FANTASTIC!
Then when I drove it - jeesh - it really is incredible!
The handling, steering, suspension - absolutely superb - the power is phenomenal.
The sound proofing is much improved over the old model too - the interior is a much more pleasant place to be than the previous STi.
People may describe it as tame compared with yesteryears hardcore STi's - but as a car for everyday driving on real roads - I believe it's awesome. I'd go as far as to say there's nothing to compare it to in that price bracket.
Planning to order mine any day soon!
£185 pa tax as well not £450 and rising.Ask the salesman what he'll trade your 3 year old car in for, but make sure you're sitting down first
26 March 2008, 07:03 PM
#133
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Have to say that over the past months I have found the mix of opinions towards the new Impreza / Sti of great interest. I no longer own a Scoob but did own a 53 plate TSL333.
I spent quite a bit of time testing standard Sti's, Sti's with PPP and eventually a TSL333...... I researched and sort advice from many far more experienced people than me that knew what they were talking about when it came to purchasing an Impreza Sti.
All were of the same opinion, DON'T buy a standard Sti - it lacks grunt, needs the suspension uprating blah, blah, blah. They were of course right because when compared back to back the difference between a std and PPP'd car in terms of power delivery is like chalk and cheese.
It has been interesting seeing the slating the standard Impreza in WRX and Sti guise has received especially as the majority will be looking for PPP or powerstation / Scooby clinic etc to re-map their car to give it the sort of power delivery / perfomance they feel it deserves
.I watched Tiff on 5th gear and just shook my head... if that is their idea of an unbiased road test then I'll continue to hold the view they are a bunch of *****.
Anyway where I am going with this is that yesterday I had the opportunity to drive a colleagues 2008 impreza Sti - and as the owner said, don't hold back, I don't mind you having a spirited drive in it. So off we went, me driving and him in the passanger seat. A good 20 miles or so later...
The ride is far better than the blob and hawkeye. The 2.5 has loads of torque (but we already knew that), build quality is loads better than it was, not class leading but a step in the right direction!
Whilst it didn't have the same power delivery as my TSL333 it was easier to drive because of the oodles of torque and it was quick, bloody quick, I think one of the reasons it has lost some of the drama is that it is so much quieter and the delivery is so linear rather than punch you in the back.
Ultimately I liked it a lot, once our housbuild is sorted it's at the top of the list in terms of acquisitions
oh and yes, I'll be taking the same advice I did before I purchased the TSL333 "make sure you get one with a PPP package or similair re-map etc etc".It seems to me that whenever a new model Impreza comes along it gets a real hard time, then the modders and prodrive wheel out the various goodies available and all of a sudden it can do no wrong!
It'll be interesting to see over the next 12-18 months how perceptions change. No doubt the "Classic" boys will remain faithful to their chosen model and the bug and blob eye boys will still get a ribbing for driving such a "lardy" Impreza.......... the 2008, well personally I am more than happy to see what tweaks and mods become available through both non authorised and authorised routes because I firmly believe that with a bit of tweaking here and there Subaru will once again have a winning formula!
I may well be proven wrong, but either way the A and B roads I drove my colleagues 2008 Sti on only re-enforced one thing, and that is that Subaru still know how to make a bloody quick A-B road blaster that is useable and tracktable.
Just my thoughts based on real world experience and the fact I didn't want to give the keys back
.Regards
GB
as an aside how many of those who slate the new model drive a bog standard version of whatever model Impreza it is they drive? I would bet good money that the answer is not very many, whether it be, cosmetic or performance modifications.
26 March 2008, 08:13 PM
#134
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Good post, GB.
It'd be interesting to know how many people have:
(a) Seen the new STi but still dislike its looks -- at a guess, a fair few, but nothing like as many as those who saw the pictures and slated it. There's been quite a few -- like me -- who having seen it reckon it looks good.
(b) Driven the new STi and don't like it. So far, I think I've only read one post from someone in that category. On the other hand, not only do those who have driven it like it but it's actually enticing a few past owners -- such as yourself -- back into the Scooby fold.
It'd be interesting to know how many people have:
(a) Seen the new STi but still dislike its looks -- at a guess, a fair few, but nothing like as many as those who saw the pictures and slated it. There's been quite a few -- like me -- who having seen it reckon it looks good.
(b) Driven the new STi and don't like it. So far, I think I've only read one post from someone in that category. On the other hand, not only do those who have driven it like it but it's actually enticing a few past owners -- such as yourself -- back into the Scooby fold.
26 March 2008, 08:19 PM
#135
I've seen a few 'fantastic' Impreza reviews in EVO & that wasn't one of them ...& if it was that fantastic they would have given it an extra star (check out the 'knowledge' for a list of fantastic 5 star Impreza's)
My bad, it was JC's review ...& I dare not post the link
So all those that have driven/drive the 08 STi seem to think that it's a great car & a bit more refined than the previous incarnations? ...then I must be missing the point as I've always thought a rally homogalation car shouldn't be refined???
So all those that have driven/drive the 08 STi seem to think that it's a great car & a bit more refined than the previous incarnations? ...then I must be missing the point as I've always thought a rally homogalation car shouldn't be refined???
26 March 2008, 11:00 PM
#136
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I've seen a few 'fantastic' Impreza reviews in EVO & that wasn't one of them ...& if it was that fantastic they would have given it an extra star (check out the 'knowledge' for a list of fantastic 5 star Impreza's)
My bad, it was JC's review ...& I dare not post the link
So all those that have driven/drive the 08 STi seem to think that it's a great car & a bit more refined than the previous incarnations? ...then I must be missing the point as I've always thought a rally homogalation car shouldn't be refined???
My bad, it was JC's review ...& I dare not post the link
So all those that have driven/drive the 08 STi seem to think that it's a great car & a bit more refined than the previous incarnations? ...then I must be missing the point as I've always thought a rally homogalation car shouldn't be refined???
And to get a fantastic review in EVO is it a prerequisite to get 5 stars, or can someone interoperate the review for their own requirements.
27 March 2008, 09:44 AM
#137
Well if it had been a 'fantastic' car maybe he'd have talked a bit more about it?
to use use their guide:
4 Stars- Seroiusly Good
5 Stars- A truly great car
Im going to bow out of this thread now as it seems you're on a one man mission to prove to all & sundry that the car you've purchased is the best thing since sliced bread (which is no surprise, owners dont usually slate their current steed). Ill reserve my judgement for when i actually get a chance to have an extented drive in it ...& as I've previously said, after seeing it on the road, seeing it close up @ the Autosport show & sitting in it @ the same show, i'm just in no rush ...add to that some tepid reviews & i doubt ill go out of my way to get one either!
4 Stars- Seroiusly Good
5 Stars- A truly great car
Im going to bow out of this thread now as it seems you're on a one man mission to prove to all & sundry that the car you've purchased is the best thing since sliced bread (which is no surprise, owners dont usually slate their current steed). Ill reserve my judgement for when i actually get a chance to have an extented drive in it ...& as I've previously said, after seeing it on the road, seeing it close up @ the Autosport show & sitting in it @ the same show, i'm just in no rush ...add to that some tepid reviews & i doubt ill go out of my way to get one either!
27 March 2008, 10:20 AM
#138
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Well if it had been a 'fantastic' car maybe he'd have talked a bit more about it?
to use use their guide:
4 Stars- Seroiusly Good
5 Stars- A truly great car
Im going to bow out of this thread now as it seems you're on a one man mission to prove to all & sundry that the car you've purchased is the best thing since sliced bread (which is no surprise, owners dont usually slate their current steed). Ill reserve my judgement for when i actually get a chance to have an extented drive in it ...& as I've previously said, after seeing it on the road, seeing it close up @ the Autosport show & sitting in it @ the same show, i'm just in no rush ...add to that some tepid reviews & i doubt ill go out of my way to get one either!
to use use their guide:
4 Stars- Seroiusly Good
5 Stars- A truly great car
Im going to bow out of this thread now as it seems you're on a one man mission to prove to all & sundry that the car you've purchased is the best thing since sliced bread (which is no surprise, owners dont usually slate their current steed). Ill reserve my judgement for when i actually get a chance to have an extented drive in it ...& as I've previously said, after seeing it on the road, seeing it close up @ the Autosport show & sitting in it @ the same show, i'm just in no rush ...add to that some tepid reviews & i doubt ill go out of my way to get one either!
If you don’t like the car, never will like the car, don’t want one, wont go out of your way….etc,etc, why spend so much time thinking about it.
PS. I’ll join you in bowing out of this thread. Can’t take much more negativity.
27 March 2008, 11:40 AM
#139
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How many people here remember the reviews the early classic Imprezas got by the press as a whole. Even Performance Car (Before the days of EVO) slated it at first! Nothing more than a very average, dull, ugly, family saloon with some silly bonnet vents!! It was only after Colin McRae started winning rallies and those in the know started buying them that the press changed their tune and the Impreza was on the front cover of every mag going! This change in the press attitude came between '93 and '95 with virtually no change to the car itself!
Regarding the EVO 5 star comments. How many of the 5 star Impreza's in The Knowledge are standard UK base spec Impreza's?
All the negative reviews I've seen for the new STI have been based on considering the base spec STI as some sort of extreme track day special. How many people who buy Imprezas only ever use their car on a track? The majority of owners will probably never take their car on a track at all and those that do will probably be doing far more road mileage!
I have owned every generation of Impreza - '98 Classic '99 RB5, '03 Newage STI and now the 08 STI and I can assure you, it is by far the best Impreza ever straight out of the box!
Once it starts winning rallies and there is a PPP version available, I'm quite sure the negative press will start eating their words just like they did back in '95! Meanwhile those in the know will continue to buy the car and happily laugh to themselves when people make their snidey criticisms!
Regarding the EVO 5 star comments. How many of the 5 star Impreza's in The Knowledge are standard UK base spec Impreza's?
All the negative reviews I've seen for the new STI have been based on considering the base spec STI as some sort of extreme track day special. How many people who buy Imprezas only ever use their car on a track? The majority of owners will probably never take their car on a track at all and those that do will probably be doing far more road mileage!
I have owned every generation of Impreza - '98 Classic '99 RB5, '03 Newage STI and now the 08 STI and I can assure you, it is by far the best Impreza ever straight out of the box!
Once it starts winning rallies and there is a PPP version available, I'm quite sure the negative press will start eating their words just like they did back in '95! Meanwhile those in the know will continue to buy the car and happily laugh to themselves when people make their snidey criticisms!
27 March 2008, 11:51 AM
#140
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I wouldn't take anything printed by EVO as gospel anyway...nor the motor shows at that. EVO is the worst problem as it seems that many people take in too deeply whats printed in them alot more than other mags and TV shows
I've driven cars that they have absolutely slated and thought "whats the problem?" and others they have sung out their *****, hailing nd praising at how good a certain car is. Then when I get to drive one, it turns out to be underwhelming and overrated.
For that, when reading./watching reviews, I strongly suggest you take a dose of this with it:
I've driven cars that they have absolutely slated and thought "whats the problem?" and others they have sung out their *****, hailing nd praising at how good a certain car is. Then when I get to drive one, it turns out to be underwhelming and overrated.
For that, when reading./watching reviews, I strongly suggest you take a dose of this with it:
27 March 2008, 06:11 PM
#141
Scooby Regular
I've just been in to see my dealer to try to place an order for new STi in charcoal grey - none available anywhere! None at the factory - none on a ship.
I can have a blue one, wait until July for a silver or August/September for a grey one!...
I can have a blue one, wait until July for a silver or August/September for a grey one!...
27 March 2008, 06:19 PM
#142
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How about trying David Hendry for a Euro model David Hendry Cars - TVR, Subaru, Isuzu & Ssangyong Specialists in Wiltshire
I was tempted to go the Euro route myself but have opted for UK... but he ay have quicker options for you?
I was tempted to go the Euro route myself but have opted for UK... but he ay have quicker options for you?
27 March 2008, 06:28 PM
#143
Scooby Regular
Thanks for the suggestion - but it's definitely a UK model that I want.
I can't believe it - really disappointed!
I went out for a test drive last Friday, went back today to talk about a deal - and ended up walking out very deflated!
Oh well - hopefully some stock will turn up from somewhere!
I can't believe it - really disappointed!
I went out for a test drive last Friday, went back today to talk about a deal - and ended up walking out very deflated!
Oh well - hopefully some stock will turn up from somewhere!
27 March 2008, 07:06 PM
#144
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The only UK base spec models to get 5 stars are the Classic, the P1, and the RB5 PPP. The MY03-05 PPP STi got 4.5 stars.
27 March 2008, 07:21 PM
#145
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27 March 2008, 09:12 PM
#147
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There's a nice looking charcoal grey STi at Showels in Stourbridge. Its registered, so I presume its their demo car....Maybe worth a try to get it off them
Have to say, its certainly the best colour for the car by far
Last edited by Shark Man; 27 March 2008 at 09:15 PM.
27 March 2008, 09:43 PM
#148
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How many people here remember the reviews the early classic Imprezas got by the press as a whole. Even Performance Car (Before the days of EVO) slated it at first! Nothing more than a very average, dull, ugly, family saloon with some silly bonnet vents!! It was only after Colin McRae started winning rallies and those in the know started buying them that the press changed their tune and the Impreza was on the front cover of every mag going! This change in the press attitude came between '93 and '95 with virtually no change to the car itself!
Regarding the EVO 5 star comments. How many of the 5 star Impreza's in The Knowledge are standard UK base spec Impreza's?
All the negative reviews I've seen for the new STI have been based on considering the base spec STI as some sort of extreme track day special. How many people who buy Imprezas only ever use their car on a track? The majority of owners will probably never take their car on a track at all and those that do will probably be doing far more road mileage!
I have owned every generation of Impreza - '98 Classic '99 RB5, '03 Newage STI and now the 08 STI and I can assure you, it is by far the best Impreza ever straight out of the box!
Once it starts winning rallies and there is a PPP version available, I'm quite sure the negative press will start eating their words just like they did back in '95! Meanwhile those in the know will continue to buy the car and happily laugh to themselves when people make their snidey criticisms!
Regarding the EVO 5 star comments. How many of the 5 star Impreza's in The Knowledge are standard UK base spec Impreza's?
All the negative reviews I've seen for the new STI have been based on considering the base spec STI as some sort of extreme track day special. How many people who buy Imprezas only ever use their car on a track? The majority of owners will probably never take their car on a track at all and those that do will probably be doing far more road mileage!
I have owned every generation of Impreza - '98 Classic '99 RB5, '03 Newage STI and now the 08 STI and I can assure you, it is by far the best Impreza ever straight out of the box!
Once it starts winning rallies and there is a PPP version available, I'm quite sure the negative press will start eating their words just like they did back in '95! Meanwhile those in the know will continue to buy the car and happily laugh to themselves when people make their snidey criticisms!
DG
27 March 2008, 10:50 PM
#149
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Personally I would consider the EU High Spec model which I believe offers more than the UK ones for the same price. Sat in one at the Geneva Motor Show and was impressed Just wish I could raise 25K
Thanks for the suggestion - but it's definitely a UK model that I want.
I can't believe it - really disappointed!
I went out for a test drive last Friday, went back today to talk about a deal - and ended up walking out very deflated!
Oh well - hopefully some stock will turn up from somewhere!
I can't believe it - really disappointed!
I went out for a test drive last Friday, went back today to talk about a deal - and ended up walking out very deflated!
Oh well - hopefully some stock will turn up from somewhere!
27 March 2008, 10:58 PM
#150
Scooby Regular
Shark Man,
Thanks for letting me know about this one at Stowels.
Oaken (Wolverhampton - my local dealer - highly recommended!) have a charcoal grey demonstrator - the one I test drove on Friday!
However they're not allowed to sell it - some IM rule apparently! Believe me - they're as frustrated as I am!! They've got an unregistered WR Blue one in stock - but I don't want a blue one!!
Thanks for letting me know about this one at Stowels.
Oaken (Wolverhampton - my local dealer - highly recommended!) have a charcoal grey demonstrator - the one I test drove on Friday!
However they're not allowed to sell it
- some IM rule apparently! Believe me - they're as frustrated as I am!! They've got an unregistered WR Blue one in stock - but I don't want a blue one!!