VR-4 as a daily-driver. Bad idea?

[98StangGT]

So I have been looking for a good daily driver to trade my DSM in on and I found a 1997 VR-4 with 41k miles. I was wondering if these are as troublesome as people make them out to be or not. I would be putting quite a few miles on the car, but it would never go to the track, or be launched excessively hard. I have heard they are a bitch and a half to maintain so do you guys think it would be a bad idea to buy one of these as a DD? Or should I go with something less troublesome? I've wanted a VR4 for quite some time now, but I have never really been able to find one without 100K+ miles where I live. Anyways, any constructive input welcome. Thanks in advance!

[Igovert500]

Wow, how much is that going for, that's almost exactly what I got my 96 at, and it cost me 22k. Very nice find. Mine is my daily driver, and i'd say keep a back up beater just in case. Hopefully you are comfortable working on your own cars, if not, you will learn to be when you buy this one Also keep some money around for emergencies. All in all, for being 11 years old, I'm shocked at how few things have needed replacing on the car. But some do break, and do need repairs, etc. And it generally isn't easy or cheap. Reliability really depends alot on how the previous owner treated the car.

I love the car, adn when it's running, it's my DD, and it's a ton of fun. I say go for it. Check out our FAQ to, lots of good info for a new potential owner.

[98StangGT]

Originally Posted by Igovert500

Wow, how much is that going for, that's almost exactly what I got my 96 at, and it cost me 22k. Very nice find. Mine is my daily driver, and i'd say keep a back up beater just in case. Hopefully you are comfortable working on your own cars, if not, you will learn to be when you buy this one Also keep some money around for emergencies. All in all, for being 11 years old, I'm shocked at how few things have needed replacing on the car. But some do break, and do need repairs, etc. And it generally isn't easy or cheap. Reliability really depends alot on how the previous owner treated the car.

I love the car, adn when it's running, it's my DD, and it's a ton of fun. I say go for it. Check out our FAQ to, lots of good info for a new potential owner.

Yeah I do do most of the work on my own cars when I can, however after looking under the hood of a VR4 at a carshow, it looks like any work on this car will be a PITA. And yeah this one is about 21k(before negotiation). And I will have 2 more cars should I need something else to drive, but I was really hoping for something that I won't need to worry about whenever I take a long roadtrip... My other option for a DD is a 350Z, but I like the back seat of the 3kGT(even though it is barely usable), and I like the fact its AWD.

[Mad_Maxima]

Reliable, useable backseat, AWD, Subaru Impreza WRX STI maybe??

[98StangGT]

Originally Posted by Mad_Maxima

Reliable, useable backseat, AWD, Subaru Impreza WRX STI maybe??

Yeah, I considered that, but that is closer to the 30k range used. If I was going to buy one of those I'd probably get one new, however the new ones are one of the ugliest cars ever made IMO. That thing they call a front end is atrocious(sp?). Plus the 3kGTs are incredibly sexy, I think so anyways. I'd go for an N/A FWD one, but I'd rather have something faster, and it doesn't seem like those have much potential with N/A mods (I could be wrong).

[Mad_Maxima]

When I first saw the 06 Impreza I didn't like the front either and I dogged on my friend for liking it so much.

But then I saw it in real life, and looking at it in Pearl White and Gold rims, it looked freaking klean. I think it looks 10X better in real life than in pictures.

[2000LS1Z28]

I use to own a 92 Stealth R/T Twin Turbo, and that car couldn't pass up a shop. I lost $8K in the process of 3 months on it (With the sale of it, and the parts I invested into it).

In all honesty i'd say avoid it unless you've got the money to maintain it. I've heard that if they are maintained well that they last a long time, but if, and when, they do break down, it costs serious bucks to fix them. Parts are not cheap for those cars, especially the transmission (A little over $3K for a new one).

[Right_LiRrr]

Originally Posted by Mad_Maxima

When I first saw the 06 Impreza I didn't like the front either and I dogged on my friend for liking it so much.

But then I saw it in real life, and looking at it in Pearl White and Gold rims, it looked freaking klean. I think it looks 10X better in real life than in pictures.

A lot of people say that, that is looks much better in real life.

IMO it still looks like a pig nose. But it does look alright, I don't mind the looks...maybe i like pigs?

[TheStang00]

did they change the front end of the STI in 06? my bros old roommate had an 05 and i thought it looked awesome.

[Right_LiRrr]

I think it's the 2nd best looking impreza...but they are all pretty ugly.

Even though, it's got a pig nose hahaha

[RACER D12]

Yea I think the 06 looks much better in person too. I think you just get so used to one look and then when they change it everyone is up in arms. Think about the Bug eyed WRX (sorry I dont know the correct name) everyone thought those were ugly too at first.

[Right_LiRrr]

the bug-eyes are STILL ugly hahaha

[Polygon]

As long as the car has been maintained it should be just as reliable as any other car out there. Granted they are more expensive than most cars to work on, so keep that in mind.

[TatII]

in my opinion the 06 impreza's esp in silver is the best looking ones ever.

but a VR4, not too much of a fan off. if your not gonna launch it too hard, then your kinda not using the AWD to its full advantage hence making it kinda useless to get the car.

i guess owning this car is like a crap shoot. some people get lucky and its relatively trouble free when some others like 2001Z28LS1 have to constantly fix it.

[-The Stig-]

I'd still like to see pics of the Camaro.