Had my first blast in the new SPEC C the other night - what an awesome car to drive ! (SPEC C = latest and greatest Jap spec import, from Lichfields)

Having previously had quick Impreza's / EVO's / Cosworths I can tell you the SPEC C feels like a new level of performance altogether...

This one had about 330 bhp with over 300 lb/ft of torque. Its an STi body that's been lightened where possible, although this one did at least have aircon and electrics as an extra.

The acceleration from low down the rev range all the way past 7,000 rpm is fantastic.Turn in, grip and lack of bodyroll are great, with excellent feel through the steering wheel.

If you are thinking of buying a new Impreza make sure you try one of these!

 

Will do. I might be able to recognise one at next year's NBO, then.


(Psst! there's only one 'z' in 'Impreza'. )

 

Thanks for that, I want one even more now Anyone want to buy a soul ?

 

What's he deal with servicing/warranty? Back to Gloucester every time still?

 

Anybody know what the difference is handling wise between the Spec C and the newest (MY05) JDM STI GL? I thought they had the same suspension geometry now, but do they have the same bone-jarring ride? I've heard great things about the Spec C, but I really don't want anything quite as basic or uncomfortable.

 

The ride is ok, a lot better than I was expecting, and better than my EVO VI.
The suspension is firm but the seats are very good so you don't suffer too much.

For long motorway trips not ideal but then you'd be mad to buy a car like this and drive it up and down our motorways all the time.

Ref the warranty/servicing (I'm not 100% sure) but don't think you have to go back there if things go wrong, nor when you need servicing. you'd need to check though as I'm not sure.

 

< paging Tony Burns >

 

IIRC its the same dampers etc, I've driven a Spec C back to back with the GL and the difference over public roads is minute. The biggest advantage both cars have is the DCCD.

Nathan..

 

As far as I am aware the suspension set up is now identical on the MY05 JDM sti and spec c - have a look on the jap subaru site.

 

Does anybody know what the answer to this is? Having found out my P/ex is worth **** all the only reason I had for not going the import route has gone (which really means ).

Was looking at the Spec C Ltd or JDM STi from Lichfield. If warranty is third party and any VAT garage can be used (likewise servicing) then there's enough specialists in Berkshire and surrounding. Think I would probably be happier with that anyway . Any comments from those that have gone the JDM route?

 

My SpecC's been the best car I've ever had (over the Evo VII & VIII I had previously). It's all down to personal preference at the end of the day as to what feels right for you though.

This car's been the best value, had the most grip and generally felt the best put together of all the Jap cars I've owned and Iain's one of the nicest salesman out there (if there is such a thing as a nice salesman - ), so if your gonna buy, try out Litchfields first and have a look at the Type25 while your there

 

You pays your money and take your choice...I've gone the JDM05 STI route because I felt it was the best bet £ for £ and am not too bothered about not having a manufacturers warranty (yes there is a risk but you have to weigh it up - I had my P1 for 3 yrs without anything going wrong and Sub's are generally hassle free) and if it did go wrong you have to place a degree of faith in your supplier (Iain.. lol) - mine will be modded with AST, Miltek and various Spec C bits etc and the warranty will remain intact, so it does have it's plus points! At the end of the day it's what you feel comfortable with. If you are going to lose sleep because you have no manufacturers warranty - buy a WR1.....

 

WR-one - what warranty did you get from Iain? Not a case of losing sleep but I would want a min year manufacturer (or supplier) warranty with the option to go third party from year 2.

Main thing for me would be some reassurance that if things did go wrong it would be relatively easy to put right. So, if any 'warranty' or servicing had to be done in Cheltenham, this would be of little use as I live in Basingstoke and work in Sunbury. If I can go to any specialist in the area then less of an issue.