In the Market...

[1viadrft]

Hello..

Did some browsing around here and I know you guys always get the question: "Should I get this? That? What about this? Are they all AWD?", from all those noobs. I've done a lil' research on my own and I would like to think I know a bit about the Impreza line-up considering I have never owned one. I'm a big fan of "Scoobie's" and root for Petter Solberg in WRC (even though he is off to a bad start this season!). I almost bought a Legacy Wagon but it was AT... so of course I bought my current 300ZX.

Right about now the 300ZX is my daily driver. It snows where I live and you can imagine what it's like driving a RWD car in that. Also my Z is just not that practical for daily driving to work and back and I certainly would like to park this beast and do some exstensive over-hauling. I love my Z. But I was thinking of maybe purchasing a '99-up 2.5RS for the daily driving. Of course the Impreza is not staying stock. I plan on entering some SCAA rally's and maybe a turbo will come later along with some other mods.

I have about another year left on my Z with payments and I even thought about waiting it out and buying a brand new RS. For about $18-19K Its not a bad deal. BUT.... For that amount I can probably get what I realy want: a Used WRX Wagon!

So I have a few Q's for you experts... 'cus I'm really knotted up! What's the cheapest I can find an older RS? I heard the Older RS's has way better handling than the newer WRX's even? Is handling a huge factor with newer WRX's (I heard granny like steering too)? Can it be remedied with mods easily? What about a new RS? WRX Wagon vs. Sedan? Besides a weight disadvantage for the wagons... maybe some weight distribution problems, do you guys see any problem with me daily drivng, canyon driving, weekend (light) rallying? Thanks! All your input is appreciated!

[SabreKhan]

Actually, the weight distribution for the wagon (stock) is better, supposedly, since we're slightly heavier out past the rear wheels, which induces that all-important oversteer. The wagon has an ever-so-slightly narrower track, too. Otherwise, it's almost exactly the same car as the sedan.

I would highly recommend the WRX wagon. The steering, despite what you have heard, is very good. Actually, I've heard complaints of it being too twitchy rather than too slow. I, personally, love it.

You should be able to find a used WRX wagon for cheaper than $18k. The wagons are cheaper from the factory than the sedans (supply-demand), and so their resale value is actually lower. Same car, though. Just more trunk space for all your rally tires :-)

[keita]

oh.... I cringe when someone wants to buy an RS. Not a bad car, but for just a little bit more--go for the WRX, wagon or sedan. You won't regret it.

[1viadrft]

Thanks... I always liked the wagon better than the sedan... it has that sleeper look to it. I just may go for one then.

About the older RS: are they more nimble/better handling than the newer Impreza/WRX's? It's something I heard.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by 1viadrft

About the older RS: are they more nimble/better handling than the newer Impreza/WRX's? It's something I heard.

The reason Subaru changed the body to strictly 4-door for the newer sedan was because they made it stiffer than the old coupe.
With minor mods, a WRX will easily outhandle any of old style coupes.

[1viadrft]

Do the Sedans and Wagon' use the same exact exhaust? Same wheel base?

[freakray]

Originally Posted by 1viadrft

Do the Sedans and Wagon' use the same exact exhaust? Same wheel base?

Yes.

[1viadrft]

Cool!

[SabreKhan]

The wagon is ever-so-slightly narrower than the sedan, actually, in the front.