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March, 2024

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Which kind of Subaru Impreza?

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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
So I have finally narrowed down my list of cars to this.
But now the question is which one?
Problem is that my mom is only giving me 10000 so the rest is up to me I am looking at about 5000 from my part but less is always good.
I have been scoping around and have seen a 10000 2006 2.5i
Besides that there are no other deals around so, should I wait and what should i look for?
Sep 29 2009 10:22PM
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SteezyOhio
Posts: 6044 - Karma: 60
how old are you again?
Sep 29 2009 10:35PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
10,000 seems too much for just the standard

Mine is the outback sport se from that year and its only worth 11,000 in really really good shape.

Check in areas farther away, could be worth a bus ticket and the gas back. I'm pretty sure you could find one for 8,000 with a dented bumper or something or a nicer one or an outback for a little more.
Sep 29 2009 10:43PM
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PeterWojnar
Posts: 3937 - Karma: 678
Get an outback. Impreza WRX is the most expensive car in america to insure, because most people who buy them are under 26, and reckless males who haven't gotten over fast cars and beer yet.
Sep 29 2009 10:45PM
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gordie.
Posts: 2014 - Karma: 84
haha its so true

just save up some more munnies and then getchaself a sti, nbd

youll pretty much turn into ken block just by sitting in it
Sep 29 2009 10:48PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
why would I ever want to outgrow that?
Sep 29 2009 10:50PM
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SteezyOhio
Posts: 6044 - Karma: 60
im thinking this kid is under 18, and that he probably needs to just get a cheap car, most kids on this website dont realize how independent financial stuff works. given i will admit to being given my car, but i pay $1200 a year in insurance (no tickets or accidents) drive a 2002 ford explorer, worth 4000 if i bought it myself(parents old car) but you pay $1200 a year in insurance, i pay $200 a month on fucking gas, 1200+2400 is 3600, thats for me to drive my car for 1 year without factoring in repairs and necessary other stuff. shits not just 5000 and you got a car, you have expenses, cars are something that you just toss money at.
Sep 29 2009 10:59PM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
I am 17 for the record. Yes i have considered the outback but its just not what i want.
Sep 29 2009 11:10PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
my question is why are you getting 10 Gs for a car?  fuck, MY first car cost a grand total of 4 grand....  and my dad went 1000 over his original limit.  fuck man, get a really cheap junker that will last and save the rest and your parents may be willing to pay for some college then.
Sep 29 2009 11:16PM
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SteezyOhio
Posts: 6044 - Karma: 60
you may want to reconsider your budget factor these numbers for me (unless your parents pay for everything)
insurance- $800 a year (on average, mines $1200)
gas- $150 a month (if not more, more during winter too)
repairs- $25 a oil change twice a year, new tires run about $150 a tire if not more, accident repair if you get into one, along with general up keep.
Sep 29 2009 11:16PM
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cable
Posts: 323 - Karma: 25
if you're looking for a sedan, check out the 2001-2003 legacy gt. even if you're not looking for vw, check out the passat 4motion wagons.
Sep 29 2009 11:20PM
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primecuts
Posts: 149 - Karma: 20
if his parents are giving him 10g for a first car i dont think insurance money is an issue so in that case i would def go with the wrx
Sep 29 2009 11:37PM
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Kmania
Posts: 756 - Karma: 79
you make a strong point here. on your own, insurance would be a bitch, but me thinks your gonna get hooked up. get a wrx, 2005 is my personal favorite year. sooo sexy

Click for larger image
Sep 29 2009 11:42PM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

look for a 90's model impreza RS.. awd flat 4. you can get them in a coupe or sedan. fun to drive, good looking,  insurance would be alot cheaper than a newer model. and you could save alot of that 10g's.. for something like a ski rack and good tires. dont take this the wrong way. im assuming since your 17 this will be your first car? dont buy something too nice. chances are something unfortunate will happen. Im not talking as you running it off the road or anything, could be something as small has hitting a curb, or backing into someone. some shit like that..

check out nasioc.com its a HUGE subaru owners forum. lots of cars for sale on there. and lots of good deals to be had tons of info.. i found and 02 wrx with 200K miles for 5K with a bunch of uninstalled parts and a rebuilt motor. If you've got any other questions let me know.. ive had my subie 2 years now.. 250K miles and it drives like a champ. before i got it i was looking at the 90's impreza rs, i was planning on a sti swap.. so i did a fair amount of research on them.

If your planning on hauling around 2 or 3 buddies and a bunch of ski gear you might want to look into a outback or legacy wagon.. both are still cool cars. The main thing i would tell you is to make sure its been maintained, that goes for any used car.. Seems like with subarus they're either really well cared for, or not at all.

peace

Sep 29 2009 11:45PM
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Wirta
Posts: 363 - Karma: 122
another subaru that is hella sick and i drive one personally is the 2.5rs. i got a 2005 and payed 9000 for it. not as fast as the GT or WRX but quicker than the outbacks and more sporty as well.
Sep 29 2009 11:48PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
thats no normal wrx. its an sti.
Sep 29 2009 11:49PM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

i think this looks better than that 04, but thats just me....

Click for larger image

this is the body style im talkin about, probably more practical for a 17 year old.

Sep 29 2009 11:50PM
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vinnyvan
Posts: 132 - Karma: 24
if you look hard, you can find a fairly new car far cheaper than the price of a sube, that you wont care about once it gets wrecked and dinged up.
...because it will happen. i read that you were seventeen, and you have to be in highschool still.
not getting your car dinged by others doors, hit or anything of that sort in a highschool parking lot is a work of art.

most people crash/trash/destroy/fuck up there first car, so something that you wont really miss all that much would be the best way to go. If your looking for that like.. social class or whatever of a car get a volkswagon. never break down and mechanics are a dime a dozen to hire.

so if your mom is giving you ten, and you are putting in five... that equals way to much to max out on a first car.

hate to squash a dream, but save that money. cut the price you want to pay for a car, and cut it in at least half..., paying a third of that would be even better!... personally i think you could have a lot more fun driving a five thousand car, that you wont really get bent all out of shape about once it gets dinged up or needs mechanical assistance... im not much older than you.( two years) but ive sorta learned that more expensive doesnt always mean better for yourself.
Sep 29 2009 11:51PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
and dont let anyone hate on you or say "dude my first car was shitty/rusty or something. just because your parents gave you that money. its probablly jealousy if they do. i mean, hell i wish i could get that car and if my rents gave me that kind ofmoney i sure would go with a wrx.
Sep 29 2009 11:51PM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

hood scoop looks like an sti, but with all that garbage on there its hard to tell.

Sep 29 2009 11:51PM
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brad5
Posts: 166 - Karma: 10
get an sti. no question about it. they are fast, do well in the snow, wont break down, and look dope.
Sep 29 2009 11:53PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
you can see the read logo on the grill. stndrd wrx's dont hve that
Sep 29 2009 11:54PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
ok, i guess im a bit of a hypocrite.  my mom told me when i started school that if i graduate with a degree and then apply and get accepted to the Gonzaga law school she would try to convince my dad to look for a STi.
Sep 29 2009 11:54PM
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Kmania
Posts: 756 - Karma: 79
what are the odds were gonna see a similar picture in a couple of months? :)

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Sep 29 2009 11:54PM
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vinnyvan
Posts: 132 - Karma: 24
haha i wish n.s had a "like" button
Sep 29 2009 11:55PM
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SteezyOhio
Posts: 6044 - Karma: 60
92/1 odds
Sep 29 2009 11:56PM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226
you're right, i didnt even look that close.
Sep 29 2009 11:56PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
Reasonable -http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/1386799323.html

Unreal-http://binghamton.craigslist.org/cto/1363214617.html
Sep 29 2009 11:58PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
outback sport, the more recent ones, look the same as a wrx

Click for larger image
vs.
Click for larger image
im no subaru expert but i think (please dont hate or quote me) the sport may be cheaper, obviously these are super nice and are probably out of your price range, but you may find something simmilar
Sep 30 2009 12:02AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
Reasonable -http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/1386799323.html

Sep 30 2009 12:02AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
Fail.

Sep 30 2009 12:05AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
links broken, but the unreal one is SICKKKKKK
Sep 30 2009 12:05AM
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eheath
Posts: 61098 - Karma: 118,247
double fail
Sep 30 2009 12:08AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
dude make it clickable haha i guess im incapable.
Sep 30 2009 12:08AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
i will give it a shot
Sep 30 2009 12:09AM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

now you've got me looking at more scoobies,

Click for larger image

skeet skeet, thats not for sale. just a pretty sick 94 RS. with a shitton of stuff done to it.

Sep 30 2009 12:09AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
wait
Sep 30 2009 12:10AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
and
sorry for the 50 posts.
Sep 30 2009 12:11AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
guess we all are incapable. ahhaahahhahahahha
Sep 30 2009 12:11AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
no the second two work haha
Sep 30 2009 12:12AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
ahhhh yes you da man.  and i was on safari that might of been why. shitty ass safari.
Sep 30 2009 12:16AM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

ok, i did some work for you, heres a few cars i found on autotrader that are "close" to you.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=263228896&dealer_id=497929&car_year=1998&rdm=1254284347314&model=IMPREZ&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1990&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=SUB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=99362&advanced=&end_year=1999&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=224&standard=false

this one looks like a better deal, but thats because its a private seller not a dealer.. it also has sti wheels which look pretty nice on there.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=267039975&dealer_id=64499499&car_year=1998&rdm=1254284347314&model=IMPREZ&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1990&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=SUB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=99362&advanced=&end_year=1999&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=199&standard=false

not saying you should buy either of those, but if i were in your shoes thats what i would be lookin at.

Sep 30 2009 12:23AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
I have done my homework and i got the costs all squared away. Main question that i want to know is whats the difference between the different imprezas and is the cost worth it?
Sep 30 2009 12:23AM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226
are you talking about the difference between a 06 RS and an O6i.. like that? its just the options like, stick shift, leather, stereo, sunroof.. shit like that. not sure if there is an option for a 2.0 motor in the new ones.. they might all be 2.5. 
Sep 30 2009 12:25AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
impreza 2.5i - got balls

wrx -  got serious balls

STi-   ...
Sep 30 2009 12:26AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
Yes but is it worth grinding up extra money for the next step up the ladder?
Sep 30 2009 12:35AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Alright man I am quite the Impreza enthusiast so I can help you out.  Here are the main differences:

Throughout the years, the Impreza 2.5 has stayed relatively the same.  It has for the most part used the EJ251, which is a closed block 2.5L NA engine.  It comes in multiple iterations, mainly the i, TS or RS, from 2002-2007 they have used the GDB body style.  Pre 2002, was mostly the Impreza RS.  It was also a 2.5L NA engine and it used the GC8 body style.  Recently the new imprezas all share the new body style,  the GHB/GRB, this is the 5 door.

You can get the Impreza RS/TS/i in Auto or Manual.  Either way, it is a 90%/10% AWD ratio, with 90% of the power being at the wheels.  If needed, it uses a viscous differential to transfer power to the rear wheels.  For the most part, you are looking at about 125 horsepower to the wheels.


Now we get to the turbocharged imprezas.  The first turbo-charged impreza came in 2002 as the WRX.  It featured an EJ205 2.0L turboed engine that produced 227 horsepower, or about 180 horsepower to the wheels.  The STi started in 2004 is very similar, except it features a EJ257 2.5L turboed engine with the VF34 turbo (WRX uses a TD04) which is more powerful, allowing it to have about 230 horsepower to the wheels.  It also comes with some other engine mods like a catless uppipe, bigger intercooler, bigger flowing injectors.  It is a nice upgrade, but only worth it if you know what you are doing.  The suspension is also slightly better.

The big difference besides the power in the STi and the WRX is the transmissions.  The WRX comes with a 4EAT automatic transmission and a 5MT manual.  The STi only comes in the 6MT.  The 6 speed in the STi features a DCCD or differential control, allowing you to adjust the ratio of FWD/RWD with your AWD at any time or go auto.  The only downfall is that it still uses the viscous differentials.  The 4EAT in the WRX uses a completely different system based on electronic sensors and other parts, it is a VTD system.  The 4EAT system on the wrx is actually the EXACT same as the World Rally Championship car, just with slightly less strong components.  It is equivalent to if not better than any AWD system on the market (even Audi...)

For insurance, a WRX if it is under your parents name is actually pretty cheap.  It is considered a family sedan by most insurance companies.  The STi is a little ridiculous.  If you are not up to driving a turboed vehicle that can put a lot of power to the wheels, I would go with the regular Impreza RS/TS/i.  If you are up for it, the WRX for sure.  It is an amazing car.  It is a perfect DD, and doesn't have any of the ride sacrifices that the STi has.

If you have any questions, let me know.  I drive a 2002 WRX, currently in the process of swapping in what is known as a EJ257 hybrid engine, or a STi engine with WRX heads.  My long term goals after this winter are to be pushing about 450 hp at the crank, or 350 to the wheels.  If my transmission can handle it!
Sep 30 2009 12:39AM
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Msap
Posts: 14 - Karma: 9
4000 for your first car? Holy shit. I paid 500 out of my pocket. Now Ive spent over 5000 on it. Haha.
Sep 30 2009 12:40AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
This is actually my next project.  I am going to try and find one of these with a blown engine and put my old WRX engine in.  A 2-door RS GC8 body style with a WRX engine is amazing.  I am hoping to turn it in to a rally car if I can afford it, if not I will just have it for a fun project car.
Sep 30 2009 12:41AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
I should also say, if you are looking for a WRX or an STi, DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT get one that has ANY mods done to it.  You have no idea how hard the previous owner pushed the car or how irresponsible he was with it or if they even had the accompanying engine management.  You will get raped 95% of the time getting a car with mods on it, and it will only hurt you in the long run.
Sep 30 2009 12:43AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
For insurance, a WRX if it is under your parents name is actually pretty cheap.  It is considered a family sedan by most insurance companies.  The STi is a little ridiculous.  If you are not up to driving a turboed vehicle that can put a lot of power to the wheels, I would go with the regular Impreza RS/TS/i.  If you are up for it, the WRX for sure.  It is an amazing car.  It is a perfect DD, and doesn't have any of the ride sacrifices that the STi has.

If you have any questions, let me know.  I drive a 2002 WRX, currently in the process of swapping in what is known as a EJ257 hybrid engine, or a STi engine with WRX heads.  My long term goals after this winter are to be pushing about 450 hp at the crank, or 350 to the wheels.  If my transmission can handle it!


+k
Sep 30 2009 12:43AM
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