OT: Subaru Impreza, Opinions? Thinking of buying one Options

[Hammy]

Hello all -

I'm looking at a 2007 impreza 2.5 non turbo special edition with 109k. It's an automatic and while I'd prefer the 5 speed, this will ultimately be a daily driven in-town car with some occasional county driving on dirt roads. The car itself is very clean in and out and looks like it was well cared for. I believe it's a third gen impreza because it's not as boxy.
Anyone have experience/s and opinions on these cars? I know the suby crowd know the motor. My gut says I really like the car and the feel of it but I need an opinion before jumping on it. The dude put the sti badge on the grill for cool points, Don't ask me why.

[r_towle]

Looks like a perfect donor.

[Hammy]

I saw that coming. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I do have thoughts of a suby for the 914 so maybe this would finally push me over the edge.

[r_towle]

Find a local demolition derby and put it to rest.

[DBCooper]

Nice cars. Don't know that one specifically but do an earlier model. Rivals Toyota quality, no monster performance but nice balance, you get what you see, no bad surprises. That mileage, if the car's been maintained, should be basically just broken in.

[matthepcat]

I have owned a 2006 since new. It's a turbo model, but has been flawless.

The only thing to take into account is :

AWD drivetrain requires fluid changes more frequently than a normal sedan.
Frameless windows sometimes have crappy seals (cheap to buy)
It's not the quietest interior (as they wanted to keep it light)
Radiator on the turbo models are usually good for 100-110k miles
Really needs a rear swaybar to handle well.
Paint is really crappy and chips easily.

If you intend to buy some modifications, do swaybars first and then swift brand drop springs with better tires (assuming the re92's are still on it)

Bottom line is buy it, I love mine and will drive it into the ground.

[Hammy]

I have owned a 2006 since new. It's a turbo model, but has been flawless.

The only thing to take into account is :

AWD drivetrain requires fluid changes more frequently than a normal sedan.
Frameless windows sometimes have crappy seals (cheap to buy)
It's not the quietest interior (as they wanted to keep it light)
Radiator on the turbo models are usually good for 100-110k miles
Really needs a rear swaybar to handle well.
Paint is really crappy and chips easily.

If you intend to buy some modifications, do swaybars first and then swift brand drop springs with better tires (assuming the re92's are still on it)

Bottom line is buy it, I love mine and will drive it into the ground.

With added sway bar, how is the handling? I've only been able to drive it in town, no twisties yet.
Paint looks very good on the car, almost flawness minus two very small door dings that you have to look for.
I don't intend to hot rod the car, though looks like lots of aftermarket options available.

[john77]

I've had a 2002 WRX for the past two years and love it. Take care of the basics and the engines go and go. Not sure about that year, but mine needed a new timing belt at around 100K miles, so I'd check if it's been done. With the usual 'while we're in there's' (water pump, thermostat, etc... ) I think it cost me $800.

[mgp4591]

I have owned a 2006 since new. It's a turbo model, but has been flawless.

The only thing to take into account is :

AWD drivetrain requires fluid changes more frequently than a normal sedan.
Frameless windows sometimes have crappy seals (cheap to buy)
It's not the quietest interior (as they wanted to keep it light)
Radiator on the turbo models are usually good for 100-110k miles
Really needs a rear swaybar to handle well.
Paint is really crappy and chips easily.

If you intend to buy some modifications, do swaybars first and then swift brand drop springs with better tires (assuming the re92's are still on it)

Bottom line is buy it, I love mine and will drive it into the ground.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[Hammy]

Ok well I will probably be picking it up tomorrow. Going with my gut. I've also convinced myself I can live without the turbo and a clutch, hopefully I'm right.

[Hammy]

Sleep did not keep me content. Now the little voice in my head is telling me that for just a little more, I can get an early wrx... Do I need the turbo?

[mgp4591]

Sleep did not keep me content. Now the little vo
ice in my head is telling me that for just a little more, I can get an early wrx... Do I need the turbo?

Only if you really feel you can't live without it. My bike and my 914 are my go fast toys and my Impreza is my go-to vehicle that is dead reliable. Minor drivetrain mods and suspension upgrades keep it interesting without a turbo. I've cruised across the desert at 85 while getting 30 mpg and plowed snow with the front bumper all the way up to the resorts without snow tires, not to mention the 4 wheel drifting in snow covered parking lots! The turbo would be fun but unless you know a little old lady who's had this fabled WRX since new with a book of service records, your chances of finding one that hasn't been beat on are slim. Keep work your work and your play your play... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[matthepcat]

Sleep did not keep me content. Now the little vo
ice in my head is telling me that for just a little more, I can get an early wrx... Do I need the turbo?

Only if you really feel you can't live without it. My bike and my 914 are my go fast toys and my Impreza is my go-to vehicle that is dead reliable. Minor drivetrain mods and suspension upgrades keep it interesting without a turbo. I've cruised across the desert at 85 while getting 30 mpg and plowed snow with the front bumper all the way up to the resorts without snow tires, not to mention the 4 wheel drifting in snow covered parking lots! The turbo would be fun but unless you know a little old lady who's had this fabled WRX since new with a book of service records, your chances of finding one that hasn't been beat on are slim. Keep work your work and your play your play... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

^^ Agree ^^

Most used WRX's have been beat . Depending on generation, issues arise from abuse and neglecting to maintain correctly.

A list of these issues:
-Head gasket blown
-turbo nearing end of life
-transmission abuse ( launching )
-ring land failure ( running high boost with improper tuning, intakes or blow off valves)
-2006 Subaru went to a single cat exhaust and implemented an air injection system ( still used on modern Subaru's). These valves get corroded and stuck causing the car to disable cruise control. The valves are $800 and the installation is $$$.

I personally couldn't pass up a turbo version, as it is so much fun, but you will get like 20MPG. There are still cars out there with great original owners that spend too much money maintaining them just like an expensive Porsche. Find one of those.

[Hammy]

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4829001801.html

Like this? Second owner... looks taken care of... New tranny + clutch. Engine mods, actually all the mods scare the pants off me as far as reliability. Help. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[MikeInMunich]

Looks like a perfect donor.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[MikeInMunich]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Why not go to a Subaru forum and ask them what THEY think.

[Andyrew]

I wouldnt buy a 7k car with 173k miles on the ODO. Subaru or not.

[john77]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Why not go to a Subaru forum and ask them what THEY think.

I guess you've never been on a Subaru forum (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif). NASIOC is the main one and even the moderators are trolls. I'm not saying all Subaru owners are dicks, but the minority, the obviously vocal minority, made that the worst car forum I've ever had the displeasure of posting on. Every time I asked a question it was a pile on of people telling me how obvious the answer was, and how stupid I was for asking. On a positive note though, it really makes me appreciate how friendly and helpful everyone on 914World is.

Agree with all the comments about a WRX. 90% off them have been beaten on by kids. They're so easy to modify and so many aftermarket parts are available that it's a blessing and a curse. Took me months to find mine, so if you do decide to go for a turbo I'd be patient and make sure you get it thoroughly checked out.

[rhodyguy]

Ask the owner of the sac car how old he is. Don't know about new cars other than a local member who got some pretty shocking estimates for routine services on a similar car to the black one. I bought a 97' legacy outback. Prior 1 1/2 years the owners (older couple, org owners) threw $ at the car like it was a 914. Radiator went south, over heated and it was COMPLETE cooling system, head gaskets and all that goes with that, while you're in there timing belt/water pump/tensioner. Just a tick over $1.9k. Tires and brakes had about 15k on them. 172k on the chassis. I'll just drive til' it dies.

[Hammy]

I ask here because it's a very knowledgeable group, and not just on 914s but all cars. I trust the opinions here much more than the immature ricer crowd that tend to be on suby forums. It is hard to find a wrx that hasn't been beat to hell. I'm gonna have the '07 looked at by my mechanic before I decide to buy.