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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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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
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Sep 30 2009 12:46AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Sorry typo, the EJ251 is a "open" block 2.5L NA.  The WRX and the STi used the EJ205 and EJ257 respectively, which are both "Semi-Closed" blocks.
Sep 30 2009 12:46AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Prodrive P2 Concept, will never be produced unfortunately.
Sep 30 2009 12:47AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
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Sep 30 2009 12:49AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
maybe that will hit the US?
Sep 30 2009 12:49AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
It's rumored to come here...but not likely.
Sep 30 2009 12:51AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
yea i read that.

but just look at the concept. so pretty :(

[img]http://img.infocoches.com/img/subaru/2007-Impreza-WRX-STI-Concept-Design-Lars-Martensson/subaru_2007-Impreza-WRX-STI-Concept-Design-Lars-Martensson-002_2.jpg[/img]






Sep 30 2009 12:54AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
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Sep 30 2009 12:55AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Ya that is made by prodrive, it really has nothing to do with Subaru.  Prodrive is a big ultra high performance aftermarket company for Subaru's, they do alot of race/rally cars and produce some parts if you can afford them.  I would like to put prodrive lowering springs on my WRX but they are really expensive.

But ya, they are not really affilitated with Subaru so you won't ever see that car in production.
Sep 30 2009 12:55AM
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skibikeclambake
Posts: 2346 - Karma: 27
i have been looking for one of those for quite a while. i just cant find the perfect one.
Sep 30 2009 12:58AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
yeah meng i hear ya.  glad to know you know your shit.  i want a wrx really bad. not just because there fast, but because there rugged and are cats in the snow.  i live in upstate ny where the roads are shitty as all getout
Sep 30 2009 12:59AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
im not a fan of its looks personally
Sep 30 2009 12:59AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Ya for sure I love mine for that.  Having such a good AWD system and then putting snow tires on it... unbelievable.  I literally cannot slide even if I try.  If you have any questions feel free to post up.
Sep 30 2009 1:04AM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
yeah man. i might pm you with some craigs list links. see if there legit (at least from what you can tell from looking through a computer screen;  given the guy isnt lying lol)
Sep 30 2009 1:07AM
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jsaya_SagStraps
Posts: 1840 - Karma: 29
I have an 05 Impreza 2.5RS and love it man.

My parents wouldn't let me get a WRX (with my own money.. lame) and I'm still really pissed about it but it's still a lot of fun too. I wouldn't say an RS is terribly fast, but with a couple power and suspension mods it can still be a kick too.

My current mods are: Debadged trunk, 06 Sti Tail Swap, Perrin Front and Rear Sway Bars, Body Brace, Ebay Strut Braces, Cleared and DRL-removed headlights, Legacy Rear Brake Upgrade, Stainless Steel Brake Lines, WRX intake duct, Custom CAI (adds mendrel-bent piping AFTER maf sensor), OBX Equal Length Headers, Rallitek Grinded Cams, Pro tune, WRX pedals, a Kartboy short shift package, and a full sound system upgrade (Double din touchscreen, kenwood speakers, + oem wrx sub).  Oh, and of course, a ski rack :).

It's pretty fun even though its not quite a WRX, but honestly I don't think I would be responsible enough for a WRX as a first car, even though I never plan on racing doing something stupid in my car as it is and don't.  I still love my RS, and I think it would be a good car all around, even though I've spent way too much on it (it's too fun to not mod my car hehe).

Bottom line: an RS is fun, yet fairly reasonable. You might not have as much fun hammering the throttle, but its still sick in corners and a solid semi-mountain going reliable car that's good on gas and looks cool.  I just wish I had gotten an older model as then I could have justified an STi swap.

If you feel up to a WRX and won't race it, then get it, but realize I've driven it and if you''re anything like me you WILL drive that car fast, it's too fun not to. I'd get it only if I knew I was completely responsible, and would drive it as such.

I just wish I'd had gotten a WRX just because of how much money I'm putting into my car lol.

I'd recommend you go on Subaru forums and do some research first before buying one though, as I wish I did. Some good sites are AWD pirates.net (Colorado forum), RS25.com, Nasioc.com, Scoobymods.com,  and ClubWRX.com, so do some research! Good luck!

Sep 30 2009 1:23AM
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hartig
Posts: 8192 - Karma: 10
ew, 06/07 impreza tails are the ugliest tail lights ever
Sep 30 2009 1:29AM
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cclan
Posts: 742 - Karma: 19
my van cost me 400 bucks, it didnt come with the wolf thoo, that was all em brah

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Sep 30 2009 1:30AM
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cclan
Posts: 742 - Karma: 19
so fuck you mister i have 10000 for a car
Sep 30 2009 1:31AM
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jsaya_SagStraps
Posts: 1840 - Karma: 29
No, the 07 Chrome tails are ugly. The 06 tails are grey and look good.
Sep 30 2009 1:33AM
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Ski4frnt4445
Posts: 420 - Karma: 132
or you could get a cummins. you can haul all of you ski stuff. get the same gas milage, and with the 2500$ you save from getting a WRX or STI you can make a 3/4 ton truck just as fast as eather one of the cars!
Sep 30 2009 1:33AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Lotta nice mods for an RS haha...you know you can pick up a used WRX shortblock for like $200 in perfect condition, use your heads and get the rest of the parts for cheap...voila, turboed RS with a WRX EJ205.
Sep 30 2009 1:39AM
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jsaya_SagStraps
Posts: 1840 - Karma: 29
I've done some research into this, and really, I don't think its the best option because:
1. I have no idea how to swap blocks/take out an engine/etc. I'm pretty good at teaching myself how to do mods, but swapping blocks is a little above me. Labor isn't cheap.
2. I learned how to drive manual on this car, and taught a bunch of friends how to drive as well, so I might as well do an STi Tyranny swap with DCCD, axles, LSD, etc. when the clutch starts to die, and it's cheaper to get it with an engine.
3. A STI swap is way more reliable (duh), and I don't really want to risk blowing up my engine with only 50k
4. If I buy solid quality turbo parts for my RS, the STI swap only comes out slightly more expensive after I sell my old parts.

I don't know, if I see a good deal on some quality parts, I might do just that. And thanks!
Sep 30 2009 2:00AM
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PaleCelery
Posts: 7228 - Karma: 608
"Problem is that my mom is only giving me 10000"


You're right, that is the problem, she should be giving you 2000. Or nothing at all. When you go out into the real world and have to buy another car you probably wont even be able to afford a car that's that expensive. DONT get something ridiculously fast.  You WILL crash it. Get a beater, and keep it until it dies. Then get another car after college.
Sep 30 2009 2:15AM
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Static
Posts: 8494 - Karma: 4,068
That sounds lame.
Sep 30 2009 4:21AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Its called the ebrake, then you can drift all you want.  But if I try and slam on my brakes going down a hill to a stop sign....perfect grip.  Which is exactly what you want out of an AWD car.
Sep 30 2009 9:34AM
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lukasdudd
Posts: 194 - Karma: 13
The whole insurance part about WRXs is completely false. They are super expensive to insure. I have mine WRX insured under my name and my dad's name. I am 19 with a perfect driving record and he is in his 60s with a perfect driving record except for 1 moving violation for rolling through a stop sign back in the 1970s. We have the mileage split 50%-50%. I pay 1200 a year for the insurance. If I insured under my name i wouldn't be suprised if i was paying over 2000 a year. Consider gettting a Imprezza that is turbo charged. If you do some intelligent modifications for a couple grand you prolly will have performance near to a WRX with way less insurance costs.
Sep 30 2009 9:34AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Swapping an engine isn't too bad.  Remove a couple of mounts, unbolt from tranny and lift.  You can even leave most of the bolt ons on top if you want and remove them later.  Though a full swap at a good mechanic is probably only like $600 which isn't terrible.

You will probably need a new tranny.  The RS tranny isn't all that great and won't hold up to the power of a turboed engine.  For a full STi tranny setup you're looking at probably $3k or so.

Now the big part.  The Sti swap is less reliable than a WRX swap.  The reason for that is because an STi EJ257 is the same block as the EJ205 with more displacement.  To do get the added displacement, they make the cylinder walls thinner.  The internals of the EJ257 are slightly better, but not by much and if you aren't pushing 400+ hp it isn't a problem.  The EJ205 also has a lower compression ratio of 8:1 which is more reliable than the EJ257 8:2 compression ratio.  If you use your own heads, you can get a STi shortblock for $1700, or a WRX shortblock for $1200 or so brand new.  Way less used.  I know a guy who just sold his WRX shortblock for $200 slightly used.  If you use your own heads, it changes the compression ratios.  You can bring them down with cometic head gaskets, but you will still be at around 8.2:1 with the WRX and 9:1 or 8.5:1 with the STi.  The lower compression with a turbo is much safer.

As for turboing your RS, that is really not a good idea.  The RS tranny can probably hold up to a turbo WRX engine for a while if you just leave it mostly stock (will still be way faster than the original RS engine), but the engine can not last if you decide to turbo your RS engine.  The reason for this is because the RS uses the EJ251 (I am pretty sure on that number), which is an open block.  Since it is not semi-closed like the WRX/STi shortblock, it cannot hold the pressure of a boosted engine.  Some people claim it works, some people don't.  It is somewhat agreed upon though that if you run boost for too long on an open block it will oval your cylinders, which is bad news.  That is why its not worth turboing an RS engine, and people almost always do a WRX swap.  WRX engine is safer, more reliable than any of the engines (except the EJ22T) and can have good numbers which will completely change the ride of the RS.
Sep 30 2009 9:43AM
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hartig
Posts: 8192 - Karma: 10
nope, hawkeye tails are gross as fuck
Sep 30 2009 10:08AM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

Truth. I wanted a wrx when i was 21. it would have been like 2400 buck a year with full coverage. Im 25 now, my 02 wrx is something like 450 every 6 months with full coverage.

I know this guy wants an 05 or something newer.. I still say the older body style would be a way better call. The styling is sick, they drive just as well, and you dont have to really sweat it so hard if something was to happen. Plus you could save alot of that money.

Also, what that other guy was saying about buying one with mods is VERY true. If you buy one from a younger person and its got stuff done to it,  you can be pretty sure they've hammered on it.

Sep 30 2009 11:03AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
No, you just have a shitty insurance provider.  My family and I insure with a smaller insurance company that is owned by Citizens.

The car is in my dad's name but I am the primary driver, it's a 2002 WRX.  We pay $900 a year which is cheaper than my dads 2000 Mazda Tribue and my moms 2005 Chrysler Pacifica.  It is almost as cheap as our Honda is to insure.  If you get it under the right provider it is considered a "family sedan" and not that bad at all.

"Consider getting a Imprezza that is turbo charged"

What are you talking about?  There are only two turbo charged Impreza models in the USDM (United States Domestic Market).  Those are the WRX and the STi, what we have been talking about the whole time.  There were turbo charged imprezas before that, but they were only released in EDM and JDM, not USDM.  Since then, there have been other turbocharged Subarus, such as the Forester XT and the Legacy GT.  "Consider getting a impreza that is turbo charged" makes absolutely no sense at all, especially when you say you will have performance near a WRX?  Doesn't make sense.  You can get a RS and then Turbo the NA block, but if you read my previous post that is not a smart thing to do.

Please keep the misinformation out of the thread.  Unfortunately NS has a very limited view on the Impreza, so I am trying to clean things up a bit!
Sep 30 2009 11:24AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
I should say I am 21, but I bought the car when I was 19.  And still the insurance isn't too bad.
Sep 30 2009 11:25AM
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m3mike02
Posts: 304 - Karma: 226

forgot to say, i have state farm. which probably isnt the cheapest. ^^^^ sounds like your getting a really good deal there.

I would say having his parents name on insurance will for sure help. I wouldnt count on it being that cheap though.

Sep 30 2009 11:36AM
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Runthered
Posts: 208 - Karma: 7
or you could get an suv
i mean come on they are not bad at all
a little rough on gas and it gets you from point a to b
i have a mazda tribute and it has a fully custom soundsystem and sounds amazing and i can still fit in all my skis bikes and what not.
its really not that bad on gas too
there is no point at going fast at this age because your insurance w3ill be through the roof
Sep 30 2009 11:50AM
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Runthered
Posts: 208 - Karma: 7
or you could get an suv
i mean come on they are not bad at all
a little rough on gas and it gets you from point a to b
i have a mazda tribute and it has a fully custom soundsystem and sounds amazing and i can still fit in all my skis bikes and what not.
its really not that bad on gas too
there is no point at going fast at this age because your insurance will be through the roof
Sep 30 2009 11:51AM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Ya we have a Mazda Tribute too.  It isn't too bad.  Sound system is good, not great.  Sounds like crap compared to a aftermarket system and a nice sub, but for being stock it is quite good.  Optional 4WD and decent gas mileage, not a bad car at all.

Still prefer my WRX though haha.  I am actually driving our Tribute for a couple weeks cause my WRX doesn't have an engine in it.
Sep 30 2009 12:08PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
[img100_2252.jpg[/img]

who the fuck needs trunk space. ski racks make the subies complete. and sexy.
Sep 30 2009 1:45PM
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Morgen.
Posts: 1199 - Karma: 62
god damn id stab a kitten for one of those
Sep 30 2009 1:48PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
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this is the element those cars love.
Sep 30 2009 1:48PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
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Sep 30 2009 1:49PM
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14.
Posts: 974 - Karma: 48
 " Problem is my mom is ONLY giving me 10000 for a car"


fuck you.
Sep 30 2009 1:49PM
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Dobies.
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 205
yeah man, be grateful for that.  most of the kids on this site would be bouncing off the walls for that kind of money.  c'mon, you can be grateful.
Sep 30 2009 1:52PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799

Why is everybody hating on this kid because his parents have money?  Just because you couldn't afford anything other than your $2,000 beater doesn't mean that he has to do the same thing.  I'm 21 and my parents have paid for both of my cars AND my insurance.  I've never been in an accident or even gotten pulled over.  As long as the kid is smart it shouldn't matter what kind of car he has or how old he is.

/spoiled rich boy claim.

Sep 30 2009 6:34PM
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Willard
Posts: 5117 - Karma: 429
the best part "Problem is that my mom is only giving me 10000 "
Sep 30 2009 6:36PM
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PaleCelery
Posts: 7228 - Karma: 608
0/10
Sep 30 2009 6:43PM
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SteezyOhio
Posts: 6044 - Karma: 60
2 cars and insurance......... have fun riding on your dads coattails often?
Sep 30 2009 10:37PM
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fujarome
Posts: 8630 - Karma: 1,561
no, we hate on him because he's the type of person that everyone hates to work with someday, because everything was given to him. You learn more when you work hard, then spend your own money on a car. hell, you add my total expenses on both my cars, and its probably less than 10g

but you know, if you can get it...you might as well
Sep 30 2009 10:48PM
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BEARS.
Posts: 5380 - Karma: 696
i changed my background to a similar picture.
Sep 30 2009 10:52PM
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beast_coast
Posts: 288 - Karma: 189
dude quit thinking you don't want an outback. just get an 01 limited like me. its a standard, it drives really nice, and they are versatile and beast. they WILL carry all your shit. not too mention its jacked up off the ground. oh, and it was only 20 dollars a month to add to our policy to insure under my parents.
Sep 30 2009 10:58PM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
Thanks for judging me. You dont even know me. Everything was not given to me. I have had a job for the last three years. Yes i worked for my parents but i bet you didnt have a job when you where 14. About 7 years ago my parents started there own business so we had to do major cutbacks to pay for the start up costs so i do know what it is like to be broke.
Sep 30 2009 11:05PM
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bout_it
Posts: 1233 - Karma: 17
get a civic or something similar...you can pick up a decent one for under 6k, parts are cheap as fuck, insurance is cheap as fuck and they handle pretty well in the snow. You don't necessarily need a $10k+ first car.
Sep 30 2009 11:06PM
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