Hi All,

I've had a couple of Impreza Turbo's both UK classics but needed a big estate cat. I'm thinking of getting back onto the Impreza horse but can't decide if I should stick to the standard UK turbo or go for an STI. I've also seen a Type RA but don't know much about them.

What are your thoughts on:
> Service costs against standard UK turbo
> Reliability against uk turbo
> Part costs
> Most importantly ownership satisfaction!

Thanks for your help,
Craig

 

STI wins every time in mu opinion, what sort of mods are you thinking of, what use etc and whats the budget?

 

I can only comment on the Type R I love mines very thirsty but tuned to 380 bhp, touch wood I have not had many parts cost except brakes etc cost of parts really depends on what you go for I paid £120 for front pads but im sure you could pick some up for a lot cheaper than that I only use my as a weekend toy so not really sure on what the day to day running would be like

 

I have an sti and they are a lovely motor pretty quick with out any mods but if u start playing u quickly get up the bhp scale but again very thirsty

 

STI Type RA mate i started with a UK turbo but the RA is just another animal

 

Thanks all.

My budget would be around the 4 - 6 k mark. TO be honest I'd rather leave it as standard. Can't be bothered with the extra cost when things go wrong and god forbid that I ever have to catch a bus while it's in the garage

 

Again an STi Ra is probably the best option as everything is sorted leaving you to enjoy a fast,safe and fun car. All the best with your purchase.

 

Cheers mate

 

had my00 uk for almost 5 yrs, new engine my fault new gear box my fault. Apart from that only brakes and 2 clutchers. Failed 1 M.O.T last yr on a balljoint, running cost is just petrol £60 a week for 200-230 miles. But looking back now i would have got an STI

 

See that's the thing a UK turbo seems to be low maintenance compared to an STI. I live just over 1 mile away from work so don't do that much mileage although, my missus is from Berlin and we drive there a couple of times per year. Would be great on the Autobahn and it would be rude not to stop off at the ring!

 

all depends on how the car is looked after, if you thrash it from cold done keep up the servicing then they are as bad as each other. a well lookd after classic will be as reliable as the next albeit uk or jdm. if you are worried there are plenty of nice ones for sale on here and if you are worried about mods then buy one with a full decat, pannel filter, walbro pump and a remap from a well known mapper and you should be fine, that should see arounf 320/320 and be a very nice car for the road, most for sale on here also have uprated suspension and better brakes so hold out and dont buy one that is on the upper limits of the engine or gearbox capabilities and as i say you should not go wrong

 

Thanks for all the input guys it's much appreciated. I reckon I'll just see what comes along and not rule either option out.

Time to get saving me thinks.

Craig