What is the 'better' Impreza model to go for?

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:16 am

Dan. If it were me wanting a wagon then I'd go for q version 3/4 WRX STI. These come in a few special edition models as well. 276bhp out of the box. Better ratios and diffs. But if you want to maybe get into sprints autotests you want a saloon with the adjustable centre diff. As these ones have rear LSD and a helical front diff.

I had 2 Imprezas, a 95 WRX with a couple if mods, anf a 99 wrx sti typa ra 555

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 12:07 pm

Thanks for the replies all.

Logan, didn't realise that you had a couple of Imprezas? Awesome.

I would definitely be plumbing for a wagon as an all rounder, the added rear space would really come in handy for carting holiday stuff in. But if a wagon could hold up for the odd autotest then I'll be happy with that. Sprinting sounds fun, but I know that I'd break something and hate myself.

So, a ver 3/4 WRX STI is the one really to go for.

IWANT1 · Post by **IWANT1** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 1:29 pm

Do all STi's over the years have Brembo's, how about a Forester if your going estate?

Looks like most of us here have had a scooby at some point defo a petrol head tick box.

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 1:41 pm

Never been a fan of the Forester mate. Granted it's a sleeper, but IMO is also a bit ugly.

Post by **Stuart** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 2:53 pm

Monster wrote:But then my EVO was modded to within an inch of its life and was absolutley fucking mental, I loved it, and it's yellow paint job

Sounds like you have just described one of my dream cars mate........any pictures?

blacky wrote:

I really loved this one Logan. So understated but the wheels and mirrors just hinted at something a bit special.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:44 pm

Dan - wagons have always been slow to sell and fetch less than the saloon, you'll probably find one for very little money. The STi/WRX versions of the classic wagon have the full spec of the saloon, unlike the later versions. I'd look for as close to v6 ('00) as possible, with just a pipe and a remap or more mods depending on what you're after.

They're all 12+ years old now and condition is everything. They rot a bit, but that's easy to check. Engine blowups are your main concern, as it'll cost 3k to fix - as much as the car is worth pre-blowup. Typically, det will kill the bottom end on a standard-map JDM car run on anything less than 98/99 RON. Anecdotally a bad oil-change (failing to pre-fill the filter with oil) can also wreck the bottom end. If tracked there are various precautions to take otherwise they'll blow up. Piston slap is not uncommon, especially '97/98 cars, but typically just when cold. MAF is fragile on '99/00 cars. Top-mount intercooler stuggles to control intake temps, fitting the newage one is possible but fiddly and only works properly with the tall newage scoop. The 2-pot front brakes are weak but STi 4-pots fit straight on.

So many suffer bottom end problems at 60, 70, 80k miles that I'd actually prefer a properly rebuilt one with a good history since rebuild.

Only the RA and Type-R got the edgy but ultimately more capable 66%-rear:34%-front balance, with adjustable lock on the centre diff taking that continuously to 50:50, and LSDs. All others get 50:50 front:rear and need careful geometry to avoid too much understeer.

I'm best known on here for my blue STi6 RA Limited, but have 7 years history of Imprezas including STi4 and '95 WRX. I ran coilovers and brakes on the earlier two, but only did significant stuff to the engine with the latest one. For sure 1.6bar and 360+bhp puts a grin on your face but life was a lot simpler with just 1.1bar and 260-280bhp. I probably had most fun in the WRX, it never missed a beat between 98k and 130k miles and did 58s laps of Brands Indy with just coilovers, a decat and different brake pads.

As an alternative to the classic wagon, the Forester went through various shapes some uglier than others, I quite like the early STi but decent ones will be quite rare now.

Andy

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 6:32 pm

Blimey Andy, it sounds like I should avoid an Impreza altogether! I'm sure they're all not doom and gloom if I find a true 'box' standard wagon? To be honest though, I will be doing nothing at all to the engine, the standard the better really as I have no money to be chasing bhp plus reliability goes straight out the window. Circa 250bhp will do for me.

But points taken, I will look out for the usual jap rot and make sure it has a proper service history.

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 7:17 pm

Dan, not sure what your budget is but i had no problems with my 03 blob eye sti ,great car only really sold it as the box was ticked and just a foot note i sold it for 5k !

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 7:27 pm

Sounds good mate, but I'm not really grabbed personally by any of the other Impreza generations. Besides my budget would only be about 3k, so a WRX wagon is feasible and has enough poke to keep me happy.

This is the sort of wagon I'd be after.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:06 pm

Daniel wrote:Blimey Andy, it sounds like I should avoid an Impreza altogether! I'm sure they're all not doom and gloom if I find a true 'box' standard wagon?

No, not all doom and gloom but the JDM cars do suffer those problems.