RB5#111

iTrader: (5)

I love my RB5 too!
It was either this or an Evo4 and guess what i ended up with.

Evo magazine issue no11 rate it as the best handling 4x4 car competing with: a Lancia Integrale; Ford Escort Cosworth; Audi Quattro, S3 & TT; Impreza Turbo, WRX STi & 22B Type UK; Skyline R34 GT-R & V-Spec; Lancer Evo 6 & Evo 6 RS Sprint; 911 Carrera 4
Another issue of Evo did a ultimate impreza test with a RB5 prodrive, UK300, Bugeyed WRX STI and a P1.
The RB5 came out a very close second to the P1, they say the RB5 can do anything the P1 does only the P1 does it a little bit faster.
237bhp may not sound much to the jap spec sti's etc but the RB5 prdrive does have 350nm of torque (260ish lb/ft) right from 3,500rpm all the way to 5,000rpm making it seriously quick.
I love mine to bits, will love it even better when subaru sort out a couple of things under warranty
Check out www.rb5oc.co.uk for more info

[Edited by RB5#111 - 11/3/2003 10:33:47 PM]

GrahameS

I've had exactly the same thing.....

"I know your car is up for £12500 but will you take £9000"

...erm, let me just think.....

"I can get a normal UK turbo for about that much.."

...well buy one of those then....

But in my opinion, definitely worth the extra !

[Edited by GrahameS - 11/4/2003 11:23:57 AM]

RB170

Everybody forgets that the RB5, even in non WR spec, is not the same as a standard MY99.

For a start there's the paint job which imo is by far the best colour scooby you can get.

Then there's the interior which is the same as a 22b

The PIAA's

And ofcourse the body shell is the same as a STi5 and so has a solid rear bulkhead which adds that little bit more regidity.

I chose an RB5 over a P1 and haven't regretted it at all.


[Edited by RB170 - 11/4/2003 11:35:46 AM]

jgreenwell

Hi folks, thinking of treating myself, but sticking to a UK car. Firstly is this a wise move!!?? And secondly, is the RB5 a good idea as a standard UK scoob?? I have always liked them and would like some advice on a purchase. Or are there any other suggestions as to models etc??

Kind regards

TurboKitty

Personally I love my RB5 and consider it worth every penny I've spent on it, and then some. I wouldn't swap it for any other Scoob. Others will disagree though, so ultimately it depends on what you want from a car.

RB5320

I traded in an MY99 standard UK turbo for an RB5 WR. Cost me quite a few £000's but I thought it was worth it. To use a cliche, the RB5 is more than the sum of its parts. You could obviously get an MY99 with aircon, add PPP, some 17 inch wheels, a Prodrive spoiler, and you have basically the same car. But IMO the RB5 is one of the best looking Imprezas of all, both inside and out. However, most people probably disagree, so there are not that many people who are prepared to pay a premium for it come sale time.

Steve

rb5tfh

great classic scoob . . . if it comes with the prodrive options, otherwise its just a nice paint job. You pay a premium for the rarity though. Traded mine in recently and I must admit, I still miss it occassionally.

jgreenwell

cheers folks. It is certainly food for thought. How quick are they though?? I have noticed there are two different types of RB5 though?? Whats the difference between the two and is it worth the extra cash??

RB5320

there is the standard RB5, which is exactly the same performance as a normal MY99 (215 BHP). Then there is the RB5 WR (sometimes called RB5 Prodrive), which has the PPP or Prodrive Performance Pack added, taking power up to 245-ish, with a big torque increase aswell. There is a noticable difference in performance between the 2. Also the WR version comes with the Prodrive rear spoiler, whereas the standard version has the same spoiler as the normal MY99.
The PPP is not exclusive to the RB5.
I cant remember the performance figures off the top of my head. Everything you need to know can be found here -

http://www.rb5oc.co.uk

Steve

RB5Caterham

RB5? One of the best classic "limited editions" only 444 of them, P1 is nice too, dont get me wrong.

There's one for sale in the "For Sale" forum.

TurboKitty

I'm still considering selling mine too. That's "selling" though, not "giving away".

When it was on AutoTrader at 14k, some bloke 'phoned up and asked if I'd take 10k for it.

Oddly enough, I still have it.

R.B.5

In answer to above question........definately worth it. Ok, i'm bias as i have one but its the best car i have ever purchased. I wont part with it now until i'm old and grey.

RB5_245

If not a 22b, or an STI6 type RA then the RB5 is my next favorite. I'm keeping mine and don't at all regret spending the extra. I didn't even get the WR version.

I remember on the fourcourt looking at the other scoobs and thinking, how could i buy one of those when that(RB5) is sitting there.

Elmer Fudpucker

Another biased opinion,I'm afraid.

It was either an RB5WR or an Evo for me,back in Feb of this year..



the money 'saved' over the evo was spent on the usual Impreza mods
...Easily the best car that I have owned so far.

-Jon

Scooby-Doo

Elmer,

Will you please stop showing pictures of my old car....I'm being drawn in again...............must ring bank manager !!!

Certainly looks good with a clean.

David

+Doc+

I have my eye on a RB5 but I`m slighty confused why they are so expensive, There is one for 15k in For Sale section to me thats ridiculous.
I sold my Series McRAE for 8.5k and it had only covered 38k miles.

RB5 216

It's lil ol me again poppin up all over the place. I reckon the RB5 is so good cos of the way it handles without being so rock hard it knocks your teeth out. Especially if they've got the lower Prodrive suspension. I've driven other Scoobies and not been impressed And they look delicious. They are lighter than the later ones too so are quicker for the same output. After Doc put those pics up on the For Sale Forum I'm wondering whether Burnie should go after all, but needs must.

+Doc+

OK its got different paint Ok its got different seats and some stickers but is it worth that much more than a standard Scoob.
If your talkin 12 - 15k for an RB5 there is a STI WRX 02 for sale at the mo for 17.5k!! What would be the better money a 2 year old STi or a 5 yr old RB5??

GrahameS

That kind of depends if:

1) You have £17.5K to spend as opposed to £12-15K
and
2) Is the STI WRX gonna be worth £12-15K when
it is 5 years old ?

RB170

RB5's are 4 years old and you can pick a WRSPORT up for 12k, 5.5k cheaper than that STi7 and it looks better

I'd go for the RB5

rb5tfh

Traded my rb5 WR in for an 02 sti - had the money to spend, and don't expect to still have it in 5 years. Was a tough decision to make: build quality + warranty vs lower weight + that beautiful look + cult status. No PIAAs, Still can't fold the seat down, but goes like stink, and can fit the family. Now I've got the car, yes I do miss the RB5 (but I've been there and done it - I would have loved to keep it for track days/project, but the bank balance isn't quite up to it at the moment. Mine went to SGT in Taplow but i think it sold before it hit the forecourt - some people, myself included think the premium is worth it.

mutant_matt

Non RB5 owner here (just to balance things up a little ).

I would say, if you can get one for not much more than a similar MY99 and it's got the PPP then it's probably worth it (it's the best "old shape" colour Subaru did IMHO). If, however, you are planning on mods then I don't think it's such a good choice. A modded RB5 is probably going to loose it's value quicker than an non-modded one. For example, if you're talking about buying one that has no warranty (the RB5 is out of warranty now unless the owner at the time opted to extend the warranty (make sure there was not break or the warranty won't count)), then you can do anything you like to it without effecting the value of a "limited edition" car.

Remember, the money you save on not buying an RB5 will more than pay for mods (Ecutek, exhaust, Bump Steer mod, ALK, springs) which would make a modded MY99 better than an RB5 but that car would have a worse value come resale time - you pays your money and you makes your choice

Matt

POC

IMHO the RB5 is overated, its just a UK car with a few differances, crap power, nasty colour. All UK cars are just watered down and dull!

If you have the money then why not spend it on a decent subaru with decent power and handling, like an STi etc...

Apart from a slight insurance hike, I really dont see why people still opt from the uk cars, 212bhp compared to 280bhp of their jap counterparts! Makes no sense to me.

Rb5 = lame

POC

You have GOT to be kidding me! I assume you never even drove the P1!?!?!?!

XXGOMXX

A bit harsh POC.

i have an rb5 and am feeling very happy with it........nice to know your in a limited addition car even if it's a uk spec car.....

How many of them have you seen out on the roads compared to other types of impreza?

RB5Caterham

I thought the whole idea of Limited Edition's is that they're that bit more "special" then the standard model?

Dont forget the Evo Shootout from years back had all the scoobs there, from Standard to 22B. Now thats a great crowd to be No1 in.

+Doc+

So why is the Series Mcrae so cheap then? Its a Ltd edition to 200 its got different paint some stickers and even a plaque (ooooo) however it doesnt command the extra money over its standard brother like an RB5?
In reply to POC, insurance for me B/W a UK car and an import is around £600, IMO thats a great deal of money to be forking out every year. My old UK McRAE was running 250bhp with a few mods so I`m sure a newer UK spec car could be tinkered with to get to an STI`s performance and still keep its pistons in one piece.

drumsterphil

iTrader: (1)

I've got an RB5 and love her to bits. There is something about these cars that people love - park up at a meet and people always notice you. To be fair I have spent a small fortune modding mine but can honestly say that I do not hanker after any scoobie (except Spec C.) when I look at what I have now.

POC - very harsh, m8. How many jap import STIs make 280bhp running on UK fuel,err, not many. RB5 - crap handling? I think not, same body shell as STI5 and more compliant suspension that is better suited to our roads and a better compromise for a lot of people than the jarring ride you get from imports IMO. If you want to firm the handling up a bit then fit eibachs and get geometry sorted as I have done. Crap colour - you gotta be kidding????? IMO the best colour that scoobies come in.



Cheers
Phil

X SOOOBY

it is all up to personal taste colour 2 or 4 doors etc. etc. i personally think my uk00 in dbm is the best looking fastest best handling on the planet but i am sure you lot dont thik so

drumsterphil

iTrader: (1)

X SOOBY - that really sums it up. There's so many variants of Scoobies out there that there'll be something to pretty much suit anybody's tastes.

With regard to whether RB5's are worth it is perhaps the wrong question. I buy the car that appeals and feels 'right' to me. Asking whether a car is worth it is to broad a question as car choice is down to personal taste. Somebody might think a £15k RB5 is overpriced or whatever, in which case they would look elsewhere. If, however, that £15k RB5 hits all the right spots for that person then it's going to be worth every penny.

At the end of the day go with what you feel. If you want one then buy one, if not, then choose something else.