Hawkins 1995

Hi guys

I'm currently thinking of going to a r26 f1 from our 380 bhp sti prodrive style due to having to travel alot more for a new job

Just wondering if anyone has made the change and what was your thoughts on them

I'm going to try and see if I can get into a car share as really don't want to get rid of ours but it's a extra 8 grand a year so can't turn the job down like

johno01

Could you buy a cheap car for work mate? You know you will regret selling the Subaru

Hawkins 1995

We have been thinking about doing that basically you get taken on after 6 months and then we would be able to do it.just don't want it sitting on the driveway all the time if you get us

johno01

of course, get it properly protected by a detailer....you own a fantastic car mate but depends how much you like the Subaru.

joe v3sti

iTrader: (8)

R26 is a great car, I bought one to leave out at the ring for a season, used to do 15-20 laps a day, all it ever needed was discs and pads. you won't go far wrong

NOSSY_89

Get a good cover put on it and leave it sat. Then buy a dirt cheap run around.

JdmSti2006

lpg it😉

RichDobie

I currently own the later Megane RS250 Cup (as well as my blobeye scooby) and they are terrific cars. They may only be FWD but you wouldn’t believe how well these cars handle until you’ve driven one. I have to say that RS have dominated this FWD hot hatch sector for the past 20 years and any car that has similarities with the legendary R26.R isn’t going to be bad. Much cheaper cars to own too which is always a bonus.
There’s always the RS Clio182 to consider too - cheap as chips and another car big on fun, yet still return +30mpg. I’ve done several videos on all the above in my YT channel - search for “Fast and Fun” and you’ll find me. Any questions, please ask away.
Oh, and congratulations on a new job.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

My youngest had one.
He was doing a 90 mile round trip to work and it was costing him too much in fuel.
He borrowed our runabout diesel Corsa and his outgoings halved.

The R26 F1 can never be described as frugal.

NOSSY_89

Thats what 20,000 miles a year. At that level a dirty diesel is the only option here lol. Drive something with a boring engine and it makes you appreciate the scooby more.

plenty

iTrader: (13)

I have owned an R26.R (which got all of the hype despite the regular R26 being 95% as good), and many Imprezas GC and GD.

The R26 is a vastly under-rated car. As a driving experience they are much more light on their feet and agile than an Impreza. The EPAS isn't the last word in feel but turn-in is really sharp. They are very neutral out of the box and the way the LSD pulls you around bends under power is very addictive.

It's a physically small car, similar to a GC in size which is handy when on the lanes. I have tried a mk3 RS Megane 275 with Ohlins which drove very well, but I much preferred the smaller and rawer mk2.

Compared with a 380 bug you're obviously down on power but a light map to 260 bhp or so makes the R26 a quick car which would keep up with your Prodrive in the twisties rain or shine. Beware of non-forged cars that have been mapped to 290+ which many of them have been. If you can find a forged car from a reputable builder, that will give peace of mind.

The R26 is a rare car and is finally starting to creep up in value. Like older Imprezas nowadays, get a good example, keep the miles sensible and it will appreciate. Certain colours particuarly Liquid Yellow command a premium, while silver is unloved.

Take your time to find a really good example. Look for recently refreshed suspension parts particularly swivel bearings. The price differential between top examples and dogs right now is only £2-3k although over time the gap will widen. For now, spares are easy enough to source and there are a number of good specialists dotted around the country. Running costs will be lower than STi.

RetroPug

If you've a new job that requires a lengthy commute I would just buy a £1500 car that is comfortable, reliable and has good fuel economy and use it for the commute and other daily duties, then use the impreza for fun and keep it nice etc.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I was under the impression that not all R26 cars had the lsd?
My eldest has transplanted an engine and gearbox from one into a Clio 197, with it mapped up to around 275bhp.
He had to buy an aftermarket lsd, (Quaife?) for it.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I was under the impression that not all R26 cars had the lsd?
My eldest has transplanted an engine and gearbox from one into a Clio 197, with it mapped up to around 275bhp.
He had to buy an aftermarket lsd, (Quaife?) for it.

m40ttc

All R26’s had lsd. If he’s didn’t come with one he’s either got a 225 engine and gearbox. Or someone has changed the box. I don’t think there’s much difference in the engines, I think it’s basically a clio 182 engine with a turbo on it.

MadUsa1

Or just keep the Scooby and use that to commute?

yes, it’ll use more fuel, but when you calculate the full cost of a second car for commuting (tax, insurance, depreciation, repairs, servicing etc etc), will it really make that much difference?

Also, if you trade into an R26 I doubt the running costs will be thaaaaaat vastly different to justify the change. And likely you’ll miss the Scooby and end up buying a new one a year down the line, which will also cost you money as you’ll likely not get back all the money you’ve put into your current one, and will want to mod the new one to make it like the one you have today, costing further money.

So: commute in the Scooby! And once a week, get up EARLY: find a decent cross country route avoiding the motorways and remind yourself why you just love driving this flat four… 😎

I had a commuting job for many many years and always found it overall better just to commute in whatever I was driving at the time. Enjoy it!

Hawkins 1995

Thanks for all the information guys we have found a vw passat to use back and for work high mileage but as long as I can get 2 years out of it will work out great for us. Plus now get to keep the scooby which is a bonus as she getting repainted in March 😊