CC

I am seriously considering buying one of these (MY1999) as I know of one that has become available. Sonic blue too .

I know it's not an STi type RA, it's a WRX type RA.

I've read the stuff on the sidc/faq which mentions that's it's 'race altered' ie removed sound proofing, wind up windows, shorter gearing etc....

But I'm after some info from people with experience of these cars.

Are they easy to live given the lack of creature comforts? Is the gearing a bit too frantic? Are they as fast as they sound like they'd be ?

Also, a guide on value would be nice as there's hardly for sale so I cannot really make an accurate comparison with others...

RRH

Try and have a drive of it first.

I have owned three type ra's, my first was an early WRX type RA, the last two were both STi RA's.

Just sold my last one, and got a MY03 WRX wagon. Its great, but I do miss the RA

A lot depends on what sort of mileage you do. If you do lots of motorway miles they can be hard work.

Windy windows are a bit of a novelty, but some of the cars had electrics fitted. I am guessing it probably has aircon, but no central locking.

If you do loads of twisties and dual carriageway type stuff, you'll find the RA superb, especially if you like a rear wheel drive feel. they can be a bit more twitchy, in a fun sort of way, than the other Imprezas.

No idea on price, as there aren't many non-STi RAs around.

I think you need to weigh up the price, then look how much more you'd have to spend for the full-on STi RA experience, and make your decision based on that.

Hope this helps,
Simon

CC

thx RRH, i seen ures 4 sale on here....looked v.nice .

driving it is not an option for me at present as it's in japan! looking at the photos, it seems to have electric windows and a stereo, no roof vent....

If he accepts my offer i'll buy it .....but then comes the loooong wait (shipping, uk registration) .

Thx again

dominicm

I have an STI RA and to be honest I couldn't live with it if it was my only car!!! I drive about 20 miles to work on A roads and Motorway and once every week it is fun, but every day it would wind me up!!!

My example does 16.5mph per 1000 revs in top, so not good for cruising, it just about reach's 90mph at 8000 in 4th!!!

But, it has the most manic accereration of any road car that I've owned and always brings a smile to my face!!

Dom.

RRH

Apart from no roof vent, bear in mind it won't have the adjustable centre diff either.

it will have the mad gearing tho

CC

dominic, it will deffo be a second car.....both of my previous wrx's have been second cars as the fuel costs would kill me if i were to use them for work.

RRH, it seems like the difference between the normal wrx and a wrx ra is the lightweight panels, removed sound proofing, mad gearing , but no goodies like roof vent, i/c spray, diff control ala the sti....i wonder what it'd be worth in the uk if i came to sell it(obviously not as much as an wrx sti type ra)?

still, as said earlier if he accepts my offer then i'll tt him the funds..

thx

RRH

you'll love it

16vmarc

This car sounds ace!!! Lack of creature comforts etc wouldnt put me off, id probobly enjoy drivin it more because of this!!!

Leviathan

Just to add, i had one for 2 years. Very true about motorway miles, its no good for that but on A&B roads nothing much else will touch you, as above, it is manic gearing and very quick.
Mine was non STI but it was still totaly nuts.
It reminded me of going up through the box on a KTM 500 motocross bike i had once
I didnt find it to be scittish at all at the back, you could just nail it through a corner and it would stay there forever
It would top out at around 130mph and isnt realy recomended, i just done it once to see.
They are abit on the raw side but personally speaking i got used to it prety quick and loved every minuite of it.
Didnt regret buying it ever!

16vmarc

any pics of 1?

RRH

RRH

here's a couple of Tim from Scoobynorth's STi5 type RA V-Ltd

chrisp

click on this

Tim-H

Hi RRH nice looking RA you used to have there, I have one that looks just the same apart from the wheels :-)It does Smiles to the gallon not miles
Have a good one
Tim

Mad Gypsy

I test drove a WRX RA back to back with a STI Type R.
They had similar power, though the RA would have been more dificult to live with every day.
I chose the Type R because it had just as much power (felt a little quicker to me)and a much nicer ride, plus a few toys and luxuries the RA didn't have.
For me, the Type R presents a better all round option, that's why I now own one.

RRH

Enjoying it Tim?

Looking for another one as I miss it

simon

LG John

Does the Type-R have the same gearing as the RA?

Andy555

In my honest opinion I would wait and get an STI RA with diff control, else all you have got is a stripped out WRX with the very close gearbox as a bonus. I think the STI RA would have better selling potential and therefore value. Most people relate the RA to the diff control and roof vent (roof vent is not a lot if use).

Tim-H

Simon, Yes very much so, It has to be the most fun car I have ever driven, apart from the fact it makes your neck ache :-)
I can now see why you wanted to keep the brakes lol
Have a good one
Tim

molly

ive had my wrx ra for 5 years. had cars b4 with all the the toys. dont miss em. wind up windows, no stereo no aircon etc... the drive makes up for all of it. very light and fast.

chrisp

Not all RAs are all stripped out, clicked the link I posted .

CC

hmm interesting comments/opinions....

i would prefer the sti type ra rather than the wrx ra but the latter would be cheaper (presumably) and budget is an issue.

above both of those i'd prefer a type R but again i'm looking at 11k for an early example.

this wrx ra has electric windows and a stereo which i guess defeats the object a bit but it's may fave colour (sonic blue) and is at a good price....i'm looking at £8500, uk road legal, for a 1999 wrx type ra, 27500kms, sonic blue.

i agree it's a shame it'll have no goodies like the diff control, rood vent ...

anyway, my 300zx TT is in the trader this thursday, it'll sell cos it's a belter! then it's impreza time again , yipee!

CC

chrisp, just followed that link, the wrx ra i'm looking at also has 555 seats in blue etc, aircon, so i assume it's also a type ra 'limited'?...cool !

RRH

CC, sounds like its a good buy at that price m8.
Get it bought

CC

I will do RRH! You guys have sold it to me

Well that's the 300 gone, a nice chap from middlesborough just drove off in it, after only 3 days in the autotrader online edition

Full payment of the type ra will be made tomorrow

Andy555

From what you have said, sounds like a very good deal. Think you will enjoy it

Tell us what it drives like...