Kierann

Hello Guys,

First time posting here, I usually spend my time over at the Astra Owners Club, but this september I am looking to trade in my astra and grab myself an Impreza!

I guess this post is looking for some advice when it comes to impreza as my knowledge is rather limited in regards to the models/types and I hope you guys, if you don't mind, could help me out/point me in the right direction.

I love the Hawk Eyed Impreza, but I noticed they run a 2.5 Ltr turbo engine, where the other models run a 2 ltr turbo engine. Basically, taking into account petrol prices and all (i know i know if im that concerned about it i should buy a diesel!!) whats the running cost like between the two engines? Does the extra 500cc make a huge impact in your wallets?

I am also rather confused/curious on the different types of Imprezas, I know there are WRX, WRX STi's, Type R's, Type UK's and a few others (2 am posting - probably got some of those wrong, mixed up!) Is there a difference between mechanical components in the different models or are they simply styling differences? (such as -- using vauxhalls -- an Sxi and an SRi could have the same engine just different styling).

I am really torn between either the Hawk Eyed and the Blob Eyed Impreza's at the moment. I love the Hawk Eyed styling, but for some reason I think I would prefer the 2.0 Turbo over the 2.5 -- Or am I being crazy?

In all I am looking to spend around £6,000 to £7,000 on an Impreza. So I guess a big question is, what would you guys suggest going for?

Again I would like to thank any responses it is all appreciated. I understand my questions are rather broad but I like to do my research and where better to start that right in the Impreza Community -- Lets face it, you guys drive the cars, the salesteam doesnt!!

Thanks Again,
Kierann

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to the site... Late hawk eyes have the road tax increase too £450 IIRC

One thing to do before you buy, check with insurance and the prices for some are crazy

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Hi and welcome, nice to see a newbee that's not text speaking.

For the sort of money your looking at spending you could get a blob STI or a hawk WRX.

The STI has stronger engine internals and a stronger gearbox, as well as better brakes and stiffer suspension, and is a better base for modding, you can also take them to around 330 bhp with just an ecu remap.

The Hawk WRX has the revised front end and interior, as well as the 2.5 engine, which has had some head gasket and ringland failures and is seen as the weakest engine subaru has produced because of this, you could also get a blob WRX for around £4k.

The WRX has a 5 speed gearbox and engine internals that will be ok up to the 330bhp mark, dependant on driving style and luck, but will require a different turbo as the standard one runs out of puff at about 280bhp.

Both are good cars, just depends what you prefer and what direction you want to take the car in.

I have a blob wrx wagon with the prodrive performance pack and better
brakes, so the power is around standard sti levels and the suspension is not too firm, as well as it having 5 doors, i also prefer the 5 speed box as the ratios are longer.

Your doing the right thing by asking on here, just take your time and post links to any cars your interested in and we can give you some feed back.

Happy hunting.

lovinmescoob

[QUOTE=ditchmyster;10594426]

I have a blob wrx wagon with the prodrive performance pack and better
brakes, so the power is around standard sti levels and the suspension is not too firm, as well as it having 5 doors, i also prefer the 5 speed box as the ratios are longer.

QUOTE]

Snap

As ditchmyster says welcome along matey!

Once the thread gets going you'll be even more confussed with all the differant versions out there. It will depend on what you want to do with the Impreza, will you leave it as standard or will you be modding?

Good luck in your quest, there's loads out there for sale, take your time!!

Snowy

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

It depends on what you want, you wont pick up a 2.5ltr STI for that money but API are advertising a very nice JDM MY03 car in black (much better than the UK cars ) id look in the for sale section it will need super unleaded (like all STI's) and its mapped to around 340bhp, very safe on that twin scroll engine.

Tony

Kierann

Thanks for all the feedback guys, and the very warm welcome.

My plan is to keep the vehicle standard, but as with all things, I bet I change my mind! (I'm a guilty modder, decide to stay standard then two weeks later I bought something special for it!) So I guess really I want a car that drives great, but has room for improvement. As I was thinking the blob eye really seems to be able to deliver this for me and I think I will concentrate my search around the Blob STi's. As with all things, who doesn't like to look good with some nice high figures

Another question you guys might be able to help with, whats your views on buying a car thats already been played with? Would you tend to stay away from these when buying an impreza? Or would you tend to lean towards a standard motor and fine-tune things yourself?

Regards,
Kieran

Dirk Diggler 75

The only advice i can give is whatever you pay for the car make sure you have plenty of corn left over for running costs mods etc...
They drink petrol like it's going out of fashion ............

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

lol they are only bad as it's hard to resist planting your foot to the floor..

Adam-M

First of all mate welcome to the site and good luck searching for your next car.

First thing i'll say is 90% of Subarus already have 'been played with' and in my opinion is a good thing. Aslong as the car has been mapped by a specialist and reguarly serviced.

You get two types of Blobeye. Widetrack and Non widetrack. The widetrack has exactly as the name suggests, a widertrack. It also has a DCCD-A (Driver Controlled Centre Diff) which if you don't know means you can adjust the torque split to the majority rear. It also has the revised dash, bigger hubs and the same alloys as the hawkeye sti. The widetrack started on 54 plate STI's and onwards. The engine is very reliable and will handle 400+quite easily and the gearbox and running gear is also superstrong with folk running them 600+ so you can see it being a popular base for mods.

Then you get the JDM car (Japanese import) which is slightly different again. It is higher spec'd out of the box and is more sought after. It has the likes of a Twin scroll turbo for quicker spool but looses the burble due to the equal length manifold.

Then you get the Spec C which is based on the JDM car but has lighter panels ect. Its Subarus version of the 911 GT3 RS but better lol.

The 2.5's are quite prone to engine failure, whilst the 2.0l STI lump is pretty solid.

My personal recommendation would be to wait until September like you say and look out for a nice Widetrack Blobeye STI. The JDM cars are better but the UK widetrack is still awesome.

With Subarus its a buyers market, theres loads forsale so take your time and you'll not look back.

Adam

daz1968

iTrader: (13)

Everyone says its a buyers market for scoobs, but I have never found this. I have found that loads are for sale but not easy to find one suitable for my picky self, took me about 6 months to find a widetrack jdm in standard spec wr blue with good history. Just take your time and don't jump at the first you see. But I also vote for widetrack blob either uk or jdm dependant upon taste or budget.

Kierann

Brilliant, thanks for advice and taking into account of what you said I think (sounds crazy!) I would have to choose that legendary subaru burble over the faster spool!

I don't suppose you have an image of say a Widetrack and a Non-Widetrack at hand do you? I have never seen the term used before, especially not in adverts so for a subuaru newbie it might be difficult for me to spot !

Thanks Again,
Kieran

Adam-M

Suppose it aint for the JDM scoobs as theyre as rare as ****. Its a case of take what get or wait lol.

Adam-M

This is non widetrack...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3824417.htm

This is widetrack...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3789291.htm

Easy way to spot them is the widetrack has an extra piece of trim above the rear wheels on the arch just the same as the Hawkeye sti. The widetack also comes standard with the hawkeye sti wheels, majority of widetrack start from 2005 but as i said you get them in 54 reg also. the widetrack is also available in Crystal grey which the non widetrack isnt. The widetrack is also sometimes called 'Version 9 STI'.

Just post links of all possible cars you may wish to see in the near future and im sure members on here will guide you, you never know they may even know the car.

Kierann

Lovely, can see the difference and I will be sure to keep that in mind. And I do like the Crystal Greys so you never know!

Cheers for the help!

Jelly

It really depends on what you are after. I am fairly new to this and have gone through this very recently and am due to pickup my car this weekend.*

I stuck with the 2.0 because of tax costs and have also now become aware of the issues with the 2.5 which put me right off.

I stayed away from the JDM's (Japanese Domestic Market) because they are imports, not really an issue, they are also more expensive for their age and allegedly the 2005 type Uk is fairly similar chassis wise.

If you are really after the best chassis for the money and age go for a 2005 Wrx sti. These have the DCCD centre diff which manages the power front to back depending on the attitude of the car. It also has a slightly wider track with wider tyres. In reality I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference. The pre 2005 can be found with similar mileage for less money.*

I wouldn't bother with a WRX for your money so that starts you at a WRX STI. At 265bhp or there abouts, it's a quick car. You can also get these with the PPP pack (prodrive performance pack) which runs at 301bhp. I expect someone will suggest getting the non ppp and tuning it but the ppp is classed as factory fitted by the insurance companies.*

In regards to insurance, it's a black art really. I found a standard car is a third of the cost to insure than the car I have bought. Another interesting point is that prior experience of this type of car with specialised insurers make a difference. I have been told my insurance could be halved next year.

I eventually went for a modified 2005 STI with PPP. Would have liked a standard one but timing and location has me buying this one.

This is of course just my opinions.

Adam-M

They do look stunning in crystal grey, especially with the wheels in black, like this one from my local owners club...

stualex

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to th' forum, I woe ye heartly enjoy ye stay 'n get some useful advice!