Misses really wants a Subaru but insurance on a turbo is too expensive for her and we can't run two turbos just yet.

Anyway, I was tempted by a GL I saw on ebay. Looked quite a nice base to start from (sonic blue same as mine) and with a few goodies she would be driving a reasonably pretty standard looking UK turbo rep. If I bought different things for mine I could put it on hers etc.

I'm not too bothered about it being slow, its only for knocking about town for her.

Don't really want a small car as its awkward with our daughter and although she also likes Saxos, I've seen first hand how they fold like a baked bean can in an accident.

 

I'd say yes why not?

Only thing is if your going to mod it then no, as it's going to push the insurance up, so you'd be better with a Sport/WRX to start with. I guess it all depends on what you want from tha car.

 

I have a 2.0 gl normally aspirated if your interested,

like a normal scoob but without the obrut and insurance

drop me a pm if interested


mart

 

As a "car" it does the job. If thats what you want it for, it'll be fine
The old 1.6GL drives like a well worn Vauxhall Cavelier. Sloppy boat like suspenion, Mish mash handling, totally uninspiring to drive.

Yes guys and girls, that's the same orginal car that your sooper dooper turbo is based on

If you buy expecting it to be like an Impreza Turbo without the turbo, then your going to be surprised. Some are just Front wheel drive too. And Classic shape imprezas also fold like baked bean cans too unfortunately, especially when compared to VWs BMWs and late model Renaults.

 

The 1.6GL AWD drives exactly the same as the Sport - they're identical under the skin except engine and ABS. Assuming you're looking at mid-90s ones - they're far nicer to drive than say an Escort or Golf of that era. I've not driven a (standard) Impreza Turbo to compare but I think the post above is unfair given the high regard most (who've driven them) have for the Sport - maybe his only experience is a tired old courtesy car.

You'll have to check about insurance if you're going to mod it. Some companies seem to be ok so long as performance isn't increased though. MPG around town won't be much above 30 if you have an AWD, 35 on the motorway or high 30s if you're not in a rush. Not great given the lack of performance but not too bad given the AWD. Performance is adequate and comparible to Golf 1.4 etc.

 

I'm NOT talking about the sport. I'm talking about the 1.6GL (1996ish model). Which is this thread is about, is it not?

It is like driving a completely different car to the Turbo and I was making sure the propective owner knows the differnce in driving experince, saying otherwise WOULD be unfair:

The supension is much softer, and thus rolls and pitches alot more, (on par with a Cavelier imo). The steering is more vaigue (not as if the Turbo was vaigue enough as it is), brakes are more wooly (again, as if you thought the turbo with 2-pots was bad ). The engine is smooth revving but lacks any form of low torque.

Having driven both, I am at liberty to comment at the differences. As a car its fine - there is nothing wrong with the way a Cavelier drives "as a car", so don't take that comparison as an insult

Hardly "unfair".

 

Don't worry I'm not insulted, you're entitled to your opinion My point was that the 1.6GL and Sport are essentially the same car as suspension components are all the same (and I've driven both of those extensively so can comment on the [lack of] difference) and most people on here think the Sport handles pretty well and arguably better than most run of the mill cars. Agree the suspension is fairly rolley and the brakes are poor (both easily sortable though) but I wasn't aware the steering racks are any different to Turbos. I'm not trying to 'sell' the GL as a performance car (handling wise) but I do think it's unfair to liken it to a knackered Cav.

Anyway to answer the original question, yes the GL would be fine for what you need of it or the LX might be worth considering as it's only FWD so would give better MPG (poverty spec is the downside - no electric windows etc).

 

As the car would be for the family, popping round to have a cup of tea and a chat with the girlie friends and shopping excursions I would go for something newer, more environmently friendly (cheaper on the wallet that is) and a safer car in all. If you have a maximum price, then flick through ebay and look at lots of different mota's. After all, your mr's probably likes the scoob because of the power