I might be looking to pick up a "new" car in a couple of months for the winter.

Since its going to be a winter car, I want to have something fun in the snow. I figure something "rally inspired" would do the trick.

I've always liked the Subaru Imprezza. I'd probably get something newer than 2000, but nothing brand new. I like lightly used. Just wondering if anybody here is familiar with the cars. Things to look out for when buying them used. Or if a certain model was junk and riddled with problems. An AWD WRX would be pretty cool I think!

Thanks guys.

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Check out my build!
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum3/HTML/000100.html

My wife had a 2007 Wagon it was a pretty solid lil car. No issues

[This message has been edited by Pappy (edited 07-02-2011).]

Test drove a base-model 2006, very nice car, just a bit underpowered. Test drove a 2001 RS two door 5-speed, LOVED it.

I've been considering the same thing myself. However, after a bit of reading, and a few episodes of Top Gear, I'm starting to learn more toward the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. They're pretty nuts, and I happen to really love the front end on them. The Imprezza STi isn't quite out of the running yet.

I have a 2008 Outback. I love that car. Subaru might be one of the best car manufacturers out there. I've never been in a car that was as good in the snow/sleet as that Outback. (Different model, I know, but the symmetrical AWD is the same)

I'll just say I doubt you can go wrong with a Subi.

Thanks guys,

Anything to watch out for though?

The WRX has weak transmissions in the early gearboxes.

quote Originally posted by doublec4: Thanks guys, Anything to watch out for though?

In the 98 DOHC engines, they like to eat head gaskets. And make sure the timing belt is changed every 100,000 miles. Also, this is a FUN job! So is replacing the clutch.

quote Anybody know anything about the Subaru Imprezza?

Yep, I know that it is spelled Impreza.

Make sure you get a late 2000's one. The earley ones had band transmissions. a friend of mine had a 2002 (i think) and by 80K miles only 1st 3rd and 5th gear's would work in it.

quote Originally posted by Hulki U. My-BFF: Yep, I know that it is spelled Impreza.

I noticed I spelt the name wrong after I posted lol. Was hoping nobody would point that out

quote Originally posted by turboguy327: The WRX has weak transmissions in the early gearboxes.

^^This, especially for automatics and pre-2005 manual gearboxes. Not too much of a problem if you plan on keeping it stock.

The Subaru AWD system is awesome, I couldn't believe the traction that my Legacy had last winter.

Thanks guys,

I would definitely buy a manual. It wouldn't see heavy mods. Just light engine mods at the most, and maybe a few body/interior upgrades. Ideally, I'd like to make it look like a knock off of one of the rally cars. I don't want to invest a lot of money though. I have too many other projects and future projects that would take priority.

I had a 2002 WRX. It had a very noticeable turbo lag and I only managed to get about 22 MPGs on the required Premium fuel. It was a great car for Winter driving even with the stock tires. I traded it in for a Legacy GT in 2005. I wanted a car that attracted less attention from the young crowd. With the WRX I always had some young person revving their engine at me at a light. The WRX was rated at 212 HP while my Legacy GT is rated at 250 HP, it also has no noticeable turbo lag and I have been getting close to 24 MPGs with it. The AWD makes these cars handle as if on rails. Here is a picture of them.