What car to purchase next, do I stay with Subaru?
03 September 2013, 01:34 PM
#31
I am with Mantas on this one.
German cars are heavier and will cost a lot if they go wrong.
E46 M3 are good but if you plan on tracking it you need to upgrade the brakes.
RS models (or any car that cost above 60k when new) can make you go bankrupt if it goes wrong.
If you need practicality/space why not get a Forester STi?
Otherwise a newage JDM as Shaun said would be on top of my cards.
The Evos are more hardcore but look a bit chav IMHO (unless it is a 6 or 7 model) and are very clinical.
German cars are heavier and will cost a lot if they go wrong.
E46 M3 are good but if you plan on tracking it you need to upgrade the brakes.
RS models (or any car that cost above 60k when new) can make you go bankrupt if it goes wrong.
If you need practicality/space why not get a Forester STi?
Otherwise a newage JDM as Shaun said would be on top of my cards.
The Evos are more hardcore but look a bit chav IMHO (unless it is a 6 or 7 model) and are very clinical.
03 September 2013, 01:36 PM
#33
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hi Rob,
I wouldn't go for a car that hasn't got 'sound effects'. It adds to the drama. However, too many cars (even supercars) are too quiet unfortunately.
My personal choices would be a Spec C, or an FQ Evo, or the beautifully sounding AMG engine!
I wouldn't go for a car that hasn't got 'sound effects'. It adds to the drama. However, too many cars (even supercars) are too quiet unfortunately.
My personal choices would be a Spec C, or an FQ Evo, or the beautifully sounding AMG engine!
03 September 2013, 01:50 PM
#35
Now if you got one please be constructive and explain it what advantages it's got. As everytime i'm trying to ask the evo boys this question, the answer sounds like they drive one of example made by names such as koenigsegg or smtn 
, always makes me laugh. I know its a bit more tarmac track focused as a base , but in a real world how much more you can feel it?
, always makes me laugh. I know its a bit more tarmac track focused as a base , but in a real world how much more you can feel it?Fell more built in a way, I find it handles better than my old impreza's
The power delivery is what I prefer and 400hp is run of the mill with simple mods,I talking about a 8
03 September 2013, 02:09 PM
#36
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Probably get a JDM Blob with some Type 25 stickers.
Each to their own I suppose.
'Mr Hurst' had one for sale a few months back - £13,990 if I remember correctly, then subsequently reduced to er... £11,990.
One on here Jan 2012, £13,950 ono.
Oh - and neither of those stated they were Spec C's.
Ironically one on here last Sept was.
£9,000, inc Private Plate - and it went within a week, something which suggests to me that it was a most reasonable price, bordering on 'bargain'.
Reading is one thing sonny, inwardly digesting is another.
03 September 2013, 02:12 PM
#37
More Ebay articles, more likely.
Probably get a JDM Blob with some Type 25 stickers.
Each to their own I suppose.
'Mr Hurst' had one for sale a few months back - £13,990 if I remember correctly, then subsequently reduced to er... £11,990.
One on here Jan 2012, £13,950 ono.
Oh - and neither of those stated they were Spec C's.
Ironically one on here last Sept was.
£9,000, inc Private Plate - and it went within a week, something which suggests to me that it was a most reasonable price, bordering on 'bargain'.
Reading is one thing sonny, inwardly digesting is another.
Probably get a JDM Blob with some Type 25 stickers.
Each to their own I suppose.
'Mr Hurst' had one for sale a few months back - £13,990 if I remember correctly, then subsequently reduced to er... £11,990.
One on here Jan 2012, £13,950 ono.
Oh - and neither of those stated they were Spec C's.
Ironically one on here last Sept was.
£9,000, inc Private Plate - and it went within a week, something which suggests to me that it was a most reasonable price, bordering on 'bargain'.
Reading is one thing sonny, inwardly digesting is another.
he is a performance car expert, hence why he owns a wrx
03 September 2013, 02:13 PM
#38
I have recently moved on from Subaru after 12 yrs and numerous cars, nearly went for a Evo but they didn't offer as much fun as my old Impreza and just lacked character. I also seriously considered a Rs4 B7 but there are so many with murky pasts cat c-d etc plus the dealership servicing costs are shocking!
In the end I plumped for a 2007 monaro Vxr 6.0 in sting red and have to say at the moment I am loving it, completely different animal to a Impreza it still manages to put a smile on my face even though I don't drive it hard through the bend or have great power to weight ratio! The V8 sound and straight line power is immensely enjoyable and with such a comfortable driving position it is a good daily drive, fuel consumption varies from 15-25mpg depending on the road and right foot
In the end I plumped for a 2007 monaro Vxr 6.0 in sting red and have to say at the moment I am loving it, completely different animal to a Impreza it still manages to put a smile on my face even though I don't drive it hard through the bend or have great power to weight ratio! The V8 sound and straight line power is immensely enjoyable and with such a comfortable driving position it is a good daily drive, fuel consumption varies from 15-25mpg depending on the road and right foot
03 September 2013, 02:32 PM
#39
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03 September 2013, 04:17 PM
#41
Personally, for me, a good JDM Newage is a real joy to own. The standard twinscroll set-up makes for a quick and usable road car, that have a very good reliability record. You also know that with a decent base engine, you can expand the power hit should you wish to without going "internal", with great results and an apparent reliability that is outstanding for a standard engine (and associated transmission).
This overall package & ability of a JDM Newage is testament to my opinion, that for a road blaster it is one of the best packages (if not the best) that Subaru has to offer.
Taking all my factors in to consideration I made the absolute right choice in buying my current car three years ago. If I were to make the same decision again now, I would choose the same outcome...... especially knowing what I know after 3yrs of ownership.
It's been quite simply a joy to own and drive, to the point that I'm not sure if I will ever sell it. Coming from a 600+bhp Spec C previously, I never thought I would feel this way after 3yrs of ownership of a "road car".
This overall package & ability of a JDM Newage is testament to my opinion, that for a road blaster it is one of the best packages (if not the best) that Subaru has to offer.
Taking all my factors in to consideration I made the absolute right choice in buying my current car three years ago. If I were to make the same decision again now, I would choose the same outcome...... especially knowing what I know after 3yrs of ownership.
It's been quite simply a joy to own and drive, to the point that I'm not sure if I will ever sell it. Coming from a 600+bhp Spec C previously, I never thought I would feel this way after 3yrs of ownership of a "road car".
I've owned my JDM STI for over six years now. Previously I was changing cars every couple of years or so. My car has been utterly reliable (albeit I've not done many miles) and a a pleasure to own. In it's current guise (SC42, FMIC and mafless) it's driving nicer than at any time in the last six years of ownership. Maybe I'm looking at it through rose tinted spectacles but I would have to spend a lot of money to replace it with something comparable in terms of performance and practicality.
Maintenance costs are minimal oil change every six months and just routine wear and tear. Only thing I've had go unexpectedly is the NPS (the car still drove fine) and a rad top hose. Not bad for six years of use. I hate unexpected trips to garages and loathe unexpected expenditure even more. Perhaps I've been lucky to have been spared both.
To compare it to other cars I've had/driven I'd put it as thus; Evo 7 running 400bhp. The Evo felt a little aloof, didn't quite have the character of the Scooby (IMHO). MY2000 WRX RA, the RA was great little car. It was just a little less of an everyday car. Noisier, harsher and not quite as planted as the Newage. Audi RS4 (B7), nice looking and nice sounding engine and lovey interior. Went well and was very planted, but a lightly modded Newage would give it a run for it's money. Furthermore the DRC has known issues and Audi parts/servicing is extortionate. Nice cars but not nice enough to justify the running costs. BMW M5 (E60), a curious one this. They can be bought cheaply but woe betide you if and when they go wrong. It is and feels like a big car (cramped on the inside though). The SMG gearbox takes some getting used to and can be jerky. Quick when you really put the hammer down but left me feeling cold. I personally preferred the E39 M5, more of an analogue drive and sounded much nicer. Nicer interior too. BMW M3 E46, nice and solid build quality and good spread of power. However useless in snow and just didn't feel that quick. Planted at speed but characterless overall IMHO.
I would opt for my current car over any of the ones above on an overall basis of performance, running costs and how it makes me feel. I'm being as objective as I can. You need to try a few different motors Rob and see which one tickles your fancy.
Last edited by Maz; 03 September 2013 at 04:19 PM.
03 September 2013, 05:19 PM
#48
03 September 2013, 06:45 PM
#49
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You summed up own sentiments perfectly Shaun.
I've owned my JDM STI for over six years now. Previously I was changing cars every couple of years or so. My car has been utterly reliable (albeit I've not done many miles) and a a pleasure to own. In it's current guise (SC42, FMIC and mafless) it's driving nicer than at any time in the last six years of ownership. Maybe I'm looking at it through rose tinted spectacles but I would have to spend a lot of money to replace it with something comparable in terms of performance and practicality.
Maintenance costs are minimal oil change every six months and just routine wear and tear. Only thing I've had go unexpectedly is the NPS (the car still drove fine) and a rad top hose. Not bad for six years of use. I hate unexpected trips to garages and loathe unexpected expenditure even more. Perhaps I've been lucky to have been spared both.
To compare it to other cars I've had/driven I'd put it as thus; Evo 7 running 400bhp. The Evo felt a little aloof, didn't quite have the character of the Scooby (IMHO). MY2000 WRX RA, the RA was great little car. It was just a little less of an everyday car. Noisier, harsher and not quite as planted as the Newage. Audi RS4 (B7), nice looking and nice sounding engine and lovey interior. Went well and was very planted, but a lightly modded Newage would give it a run for it's money. Furthermore the DRC has known issues and Audi parts/servicing is extortionate. Nice cars but not nice enough to justify the running costs. BMW M5 (E60), a curious one this. They can be bought cheaply but woe betide you if and when they go wrong. It is and feels like a big car (cramped on the inside though). The SMG gearbox takes some getting used to and can be jerky. Quick when you really put the hammer down but left me feeling cold. I personally preferred the E39 M5, more of an analogue drive and sounded much nicer. Nicer interior too. BMW M3 E46, nice and solid build quality and good spread of power. However useless in snow and just didn't feel that quick. Planted at speed but characterless overall IMHO.
I would opt for my current car over any of the ones above on an overall basis of performance, running costs and how it makes me feel. I'm being as objective as I can. You need to try a few different motors Rob and see which one tickles your fancy.
I've owned my JDM STI for over six years now. Previously I was changing cars every couple of years or so. My car has been utterly reliable (albeit I've not done many miles) and a a pleasure to own. In it's current guise (SC42, FMIC and mafless) it's driving nicer than at any time in the last six years of ownership. Maybe I'm looking at it through rose tinted spectacles but I would have to spend a lot of money to replace it with something comparable in terms of performance and practicality.
Maintenance costs are minimal oil change every six months and just routine wear and tear. Only thing I've had go unexpectedly is the NPS (the car still drove fine) and a rad top hose. Not bad for six years of use. I hate unexpected trips to garages and loathe unexpected expenditure even more. Perhaps I've been lucky to have been spared both.
To compare it to other cars I've had/driven I'd put it as thus; Evo 7 running 400bhp. The Evo felt a little aloof, didn't quite have the character of the Scooby (IMHO). MY2000 WRX RA, the RA was great little car. It was just a little less of an everyday car. Noisier, harsher and not quite as planted as the Newage. Audi RS4 (B7), nice looking and nice sounding engine and lovey interior. Went well and was very planted, but a lightly modded Newage would give it a run for it's money. Furthermore the DRC has known issues and Audi parts/servicing is extortionate. Nice cars but not nice enough to justify the running costs. BMW M5 (E60), a curious one this. They can be bought cheaply but woe betide you if and when they go wrong. It is and feels like a big car (cramped on the inside though). The SMG gearbox takes some getting used to and can be jerky. Quick when you really put the hammer down but left me feeling cold. I personally preferred the E39 M5, more of an analogue drive and sounded much nicer. Nicer interior too. BMW M3 E46, nice and solid build quality and good spread of power. However useless in snow and just didn't feel that quick. Planted at speed but characterless overall IMHO.
I would opt for my current car over any of the ones above on an overall basis of performance, running costs and how it makes me feel. I'm being as objective as I can. You need to try a few different motors Rob and see which one tickles your fancy.
Before I went mental with my previous SPEC C, that too was everything I should of realised at the time.... unfortunately I went the crazy route. It really did spoil the experience, but you live and learn. It's also horses for courses and in many ways I'm glad I did what I did at the time.
I can also agree that the running costs are virtually zero for me too.
A car that owes me nothing in reality, but delivers what I want and REALLY DOES put a smile on my face every time I drive it.
To put all this in to absolute perspective.... a few months back I was a nats proverbial away from buying a nice new M3 (I loved the test drive), had I not found out these things won't even fit in a standard sized garage!
Upon final thoughts of purchasing it (prior to the tape measure coming out) it was looking like it would end up with me still keeping the Scoob (as well as my every day car and the new M3). I couldn't see myself parting with it.Totally illogical, totally unnecessary and totally over the top.
Ergo Subaru ownership....... at times!
03 September 2013, 11:28 PM
#50
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I have just paid £7.5 for a mint fsh Megane 230 F1 with 22,000 on the clock (but needs a cambelt on age not mileage). Looks fabulous, tons of room, decent interior . . . suspension is MUCH firmer than I need though - will sort that out long term.
Responsive engine, not peaky, sounds great - very happy so far. Few grand more would put you into a Mark III 250 . . .
Responsive engine, not peaky, sounds great - very happy so far. Few grand more would put you into a Mark III 250 . . .
04 September 2013, 12:02 AM
#51
I
To put all this in to absolute perspective.... a few months back I was a nats proverbial away from buying a nice new M3 (I loved the test drive), had I not found out these things won't even fit in a standard sized garage! Upon final thoughts of purchasing it (prior to the tape measure coming out) it was looking like it would end up with me still keeping the Scoob (as well as my every day car and the new M3). I couldn't see myself parting with it.
Totally illogical, totally unnecessary and totally over the top.
Ergo Subaru ownership....... at times!
To put all this in to absolute perspective.... a few months back I was a nats proverbial away from buying a nice new M3 (I loved the test drive), had I not found out these things won't even fit in a standard sized garage!
Upon final thoughts of purchasing it (prior to the tape measure coming out) it was looking like it would end up with me still keeping the Scoob (as well as my every day car and the new M3). I couldn't see myself parting with it.Totally illogical, totally unnecessary and totally over the top.
Ergo Subaru ownership....... at times!
They look mental from the M series I was brough up back in the turn of the Millenium. The wheels, Brakes, and even the menacing cooler behind the lack of front grille is fantastic. That will one day be a car I would like to own, but by then I guess petrol will have dried up, and they will be abondoned at the side of the electric autobahn!
Rob
06 September 2013, 10:48 PM
#54
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Funny saying that. yesterday been browsing for the equivalent and not a lot to chose from TBH . I've recently been back home and tested couple cars my mates bought recently.
Evo 7 with RS diffs , fantastic bit of kit , running just shy 400. Can tell comparing to mine front end feels so much better , and overall feels even more planted then a new age , but less involving, less correction etc. The best part of it to get it to 400 was less then 2k worth of parts , where my bug costs me double that and its not even there yet.
Supercharged S2K , 401 bhp, a suicide car, lol . Super fast when it grips , but so edgy on high speeds it's just too scary. Sitting position is low and that makes it feel even "worse" ... The rear end is very light and it needs a firm suspension and a big efin wing to hold it there , otherwise on a high speed braking if you'll make it light , spin is guaranteed . His brother had E92 M3 which felt like a 320d compared to S2K , but the handling of a beemer was precise very very accurate , loads of torque and rev range to play. But 1.6 ton is a lot and you can feel that physically...
best car of them all was this .... loaded with a 335i TT engine and tranny , every week new set of rear tyres .... 370bhp and smtn like 700NM of torque... All factory , no bling ...no rust , totaly mint ...
Evo 7 with RS diffs , fantastic bit of kit , running just shy 400. Can tell comparing to mine front end feels so much better , and overall feels even more planted then a new age , but less involving, less correction etc. The best part of it to get it to 400 was less then 2k worth of parts , where my bug costs me double that and its not even there yet.
Supercharged S2K , 401 bhp, a suicide car, lol . Super fast when it grips , but so edgy on high speeds it's just too scary. Sitting position is low and that makes it feel even "worse" ... The rear end is very light and it needs a firm suspension and a big efin wing to hold it there , otherwise on a high speed braking if you'll make it light , spin is guaranteed . His brother had E92 M3 which felt like a 320d compared to S2K , but the handling of a beemer was precise very very accurate , loads of torque and rev range to play. But 1.6 ton is a lot and you can feel that physically...
best car of them all was this .... loaded with a 335i TT engine and tranny , every week new set of rear tyres
.... 370bhp and smtn like 700NM of torque... All factory , no bling ...no rust , totaly mint ...
06 September 2013, 11:07 PM
#56
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Inerior looks quite dirty on that evo, also dent by the drivers door handle.
Id get an 8 if i was buying an evo.
There us an escort cosworth for sale on pistonheads for £10,950
Id be looking at that if it was me lol
Id get an 8 if i was buying an evo.
There us an escort cosworth for sale on pistonheads for £10,950
Id be looking at that if it was me lol
07 September 2013, 06:40 AM
#57
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I'm also keeping an eye on what to buy next but I can't settle on any one car. I'm thinking evo x fq360, a new sti saloon, vauxhall vxr8 or a vauxhall insignia vxr with power mods.
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