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Old 14 April 2005, 08:15 AM
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SCOOBYD00
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Default Anyone own a new WRX Wagon?

I like the new shape wagaons, however the classic is always going to be my fave but in terms of looking for a new *family* car (read: no straight through decat, no slammed ride height & defo no pshh-whoosh ) Considereing a few other estate cars, but I could bag a new wagon for the same cost... I get a lot more toys with brands like Audi in terms of finish & interior IMHO but the wagon package is defo up there...

Any thoughts on the new wagon from owner out there?

I do like miodding and have done a fair few *projects but the brief is to keep it simple, no buggering about, off the shelf everyday car with full dealer back up & servicing etc.

Any thoughts on the new shape wagons appreicated.

Thanks

Last edited by SCOOBYD00; 14 April 2005 at 08:19 AM.
Old 14 April 2005, 08:29 AM
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JackClark
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I've had mine four years and can't find anything to replace it.
Old 14 April 2005, 08:50 AM
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Avalyn
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I had an MY00 wagon and now an MY05 wagon

Like Jack I couldn't find anything else in the same price bracket with 4WD with enough space for all the family stuff + the flexibility of the wagon.

Sure it feels a bit slower than the classic but it's a much much better place to sit (stereo is awful though) and the handling is far better than the MY00 was.

It's more responsive at low revs than the classic, much smoother and a bit quieter so this takes away from the feeling of speed ... look at the speedo though you are accelerating quicker than you thought.

Simple trip to the dealer can get you PPP and prodrive handling pack both keeping the car under full warranty. Only issue is the insurance nightmare with a modded car.

For me, for around 20K, the MY05 wagon+PPP+PHP is the best choice around by a long long way

Avalyn.
Old 14 April 2005, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by JackClark
I've had mine four years and can't find anything to replace it.
Having had an STi wagon classic before I do love the practicality albeit not huge loading space but handy all the same and appeals to my other half more than say a V5 spoiler would...!

A4 Estate with all the toys or a new wagon.... hmmm... have to test them back to back and look at the residuals etc
Old 14 April 2005, 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Avalyn
I had an MY00 wagon and now an MY05 wagon

Like Jack I couldn't find anything else in the same price bracket with 4WD with enough space for all the family stuff + the flexibility of the wagon.

Sure it feels a bit slower than the classic but it's a much much better place to sit (stereo is awful though) and the handling is far better than the MY00 was.

It's more responsive at low revs than the classic, much smoother and a bit quieter so this takes away from the feeling of speed ... look at the speedo though you are accelerating quicker than you thought.

Simple trip to the dealer can get you PPP and prodrive handling pack both keeping the car under full warranty. Only issue is the insurance nightmare with a modded car.

For me, for around 20K, the MY05 wagon+PPP+PHP is the best choice around by a long long way

Avalyn.
I see, sounds exactly my thinking behind buying a 05... which is out of character for my( buying new ) but the package for the price as you say is very hard to beat. A4 Quattro 1.8T's come close and can be had for less money but .. the scooby still v tempting.
What package did you go for?

I did not see the Pro-Drive package details on the www site for subaru, is there another link?

50/50 on this guys but will be going for it within a week or two so your support is appreciated!
Old 14 April 2005, 09:15 AM
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chiark
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I had an 03 wagon, after a very lightly modded my00 saloon. I sold the wagon in February, and am not really missing it to be honest.

The WRX handled better than the classic, was a lot more refined, but was quite a fair bit less pokey. It has a lot more body roll, but this isn't necesarily a bad thing - you can feel where the weight is shifting, and understand the loading on the suspension easily.

The interior is much better put together but is still no great shakes in terms of quality - but it is acceptable now . I didn't like the seats compared to the classic, and really dislike them compared to what I've got now.

The wagon boot is big, but nowhere near as big as the A4 avant. The rear seat will fit 3 at a push, the A4 will be more comfortable for 3...

If you do want performance, I would suggest getting the PPP, as I was ultimately disappointed with the WRX performance. It was fun, but once the advantage of AWD off the line had gone, it wasn't that fast compared to hot hatches, etc. I think everyone's read about my encounter with a Skoda fabia VRS which was the final nail in the WRX's coffin. Saying all that, when it's wet there's not a lot that will touch them - there's no way I'd make progress in the current car like I could in the scoob.

One thing that I couldn't end up stomaching for the WRX was the servicing and parts cost: Subaru seems to be trying to elevate into a premium brand, and is charging premium prices. They're not quite as expensive for labour as my local BMW main dealer, but they're trying to get there it seems? Parts do seem expensive. The lack of independent specialists in my area meant that I had no choice, either... An audi may be cheaper to service.

No-one should care too much about petrol costs. It's a fact of life.

Insurance dropped to less than half of the original when I went from the WRX to a 330 diesel sport tourer.

I think the Audi will cost less to run, but I've found the handling on the ones that I've driven to be fairly dull. Competent, nice cars, but ultimately damned by faint praise as an overall package.

If you have to have AWD, and I thought I did, then how about the new A3 "sportback" that's been released? I've not driven one, but there seems to be some good noises being made about them... Or the new A4 platform is supposed to be a considerable improvement, but again, I've not driven one...

The scoob will by far be the more thrilling car than any audi short of the S range, IMHO, and even then the approach is different so the scoob will feel more involving even if it's ultimately slower

Another essay from me. Sorry . Hope it's some help.
PS - I really meant it about not trying a good 3 series with the sport package on it. I preferred it to the WRX by quite a way... Even tho it's crap it the snow, etc, and a BMW.
Old 14 April 2005, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by chiark
I had an 03 wagon, after a very lightly modded my00 saloon. I sold the wagon in February, and am not really missing it to be honest.

The WRX handled better than the classic, was a lot more refined, but was quite a fair bit less pokey. It has a lot more body roll, but this isn't necesarily a bad thing - you can feel where the weight is shifting, and understand the loading on the suspension easily.

The interior is much better put together but is still no great shakes in terms of quality - but it is acceptable now . I didn't like the seats compared to the classic, and really dislike them compared to what I've got now.

The wagon boot is big, but nowhere near as big as the A4 avant. The rear seat will fit 3 at a push, the A4 will be more comfortable for 3...

If you do want performance, I would suggest getting the PPP, as I was ultimately disappointed with the WRX performance. It was fun, but once the advantage of AWD off the line had gone, it wasn't that fast compared to hot hatches, etc. I think everyone's read about my encounter with a Skoda fabia VRS which was the final nail in the WRX's coffin. Saying all that, when it's wet there's not a lot that will touch them - there's no way I'd make progress in the current car like I could in the scoob.

One thing that I couldn't end up stomaching for the WRX was the servicing and parts cost: Subaru seems to be trying to elevate into a premium brand, and is charging premium prices. They're not quite as expensive for labour as my local BMW main dealer, but they're trying to get there it seems? Parts do seem expensive. The lack of independent specialists in my area meant that I had no choice, either... An audi may be cheaper to service.

No-one should care too much about petrol costs. It's a fact of life.

Insurance dropped to less than half of the original when I went from the WRX to a 330 diesel sport tourer.

I think the Audi will cost less to run, but I've found the handling on the ones that I've driven to be fairly dull. Competent, nice cars, but ultimately damned by faint praise as an overall package.

If you have to have AWD, and I thought I did, then how about the new A3 "sportback" that's been released? I've not driven one, but there seems to be some good noises being made about them... Or the new A4 platform is supposed to be a considerable improvement, but again, I've not driven one...

The scoob will by far be the more thrilling car than any audi short of the S range, IMHO, and even then the approach is different so the scoob will feel more involving even if it's ultimately slower

Another essay from me. Sorry . Hope it's some help.
PS - I really meant it about not trying a good 3 series with the sport package on it. I preferred it to the WRX by quite a way... Even tho it's crap it the snow, etc, and a BMW.
Not familiar with your recent expriences but hope its worked out for you now!
Thanks for the views, yea the 330d you cannot argue with the package... just the RWD puts me off, not ME but I would feel better if the family car was AWD... perhaps paranoid dad in me.. who knows.. The A4 Avants... love them but drove a fair few now... very flat IMHO... just not really the experience I had hoped as they look fantastic... perhaps if I had the budget for the S4 It would be different
Any links to the PPP options guys? Still gooogling away!

The free 3 year service deal a local dealer is offering sounds great... no hassle, not a jap import... swithering away... Preffer the Audi's but still can't argue with the wagon as a package... hmmm...
Old 14 April 2005, 09:51 AM
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chiark
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Basically, I couldn't shake off a Fabia VRS. It was a real wake-up call to the car's performance... a 1.9 tdi could hold its own with me. It's all worked out, and I'm much happier with my replacement car now .

Believe me, the AWD was hard to give up. It snowed up here on New year's eve 2003/2004, and I had my wife and 3 month old son in the car. We got home quickly, safely, and were able to pass the stupid sheep who thought 10mph was safe, therefore driving 5-10feet away from the person in front was a great idea... That one time utterly and totally convinced me that I'd always have AWD. I cannot praise the system enough.

I then drove the BMW, primarily just to discount it, and changed my mind. It was just too much fun... I'm going to invest in spare wheels with winter/snow tyres on them for running when the weather gets colder again. My wife is still slightly worried by the RWD, but traction control is there. That's enough of my sales pitch - you know what you want, so stick with it!

PPP takes power up to about 260bhp and torque to a higher figure IIRC, keeps your warranty intact, and will rush you about 1600 quid.

The 3 year Servicing deal does look sweet, but there is no way on God's sweet earth that I would buy a brand new UK franchised dealer supplied impreza. I dropped 8 grand in 2 years on the car. That's not funny, no matter how you cut it. Admittedly, any car is going to be bad for selling at that point, the Impreza was almost insulting. I was getting quotes from the trade of under 10 grand either to buy outright, or as part exchange! Consequently, there's some great second hand deals for buyers out there. My MY03, with 30k on the clock, sold for under 13k in February... You could have a lot of nights out with the money saved!

The 3 year servicing package is, I think, a Subaru offer not a dealer offer. All dealers will give it.

Push your dealer for discounts, they are there to be had. And do be prepared to shop around, or play dealers against each other. My local wouldn't shift on price for a cash buyer, and would not be able to get me car for a couple of months. Crossroads Garage in Tredington were willing to do a deal for cash, and could get me the car in a week...

The impreza is much more fun than the A4 in the way it drives, and that is a real shame. There really isn't much competition if you need AWD...

If I was going to have another impreza, I'd probably look at a 1 to 2 year old model that hadn't been touched mechanically. I'd trouser a hell of a lot of money in doing so, enough to not worry about warranty (and these things seem reliable)...#

Whatever you do, I hope you find the car that's right for you. It is sounding like an impreza - it sounds like you've made your might up, so start playing the dealers for all they'll give. If they won't play, phone another...
Old 14 April 2005, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by chiark
Basically, I couldn't shake off a Fabia VRS. It was a real wake-up call to the car's performance... a 1.9 tdi could hold its own with me. It's all worked out, and I'm much happier with my replacement car now .

Believe me, the AWD was hard to give up. It snowed up here on New year's eve 2003/2004, and I had my wife and 3 month old son in the car. We got home quickly, safely, and were able to pass the stupid sheep who thought 10mph was safe, therefore driving 5-10feet away from the person in front was a great idea... That one time utterly and totally convinced me that I'd always have AWD. I cannot praise the system enough.

I then drove the BMW, primarily just to discount it, and changed my mind. It was just too much fun... I'm going to invest in spare wheels with winter/snow tyres on them for running when the weather gets colder again. My wife is still slightly worried by the RWD, but traction control is there. That's enough of my sales pitch - you know what you want, so stick with it!

PPP takes power up to about 260bhp and torque to a higher figure IIRC, keeps your warranty intact, and will rush you about 1600 quid.

The 3 year Servicing deal does look sweet, but there is no way on God's sweet earth that I would buy a brand new UK franchised dealer supplied impreza. I dropped 8 grand in 2 years on the car. That's not funny, no matter how you cut it. Admittedly, any car is going to be bad for selling at that point, the Impreza was almost insulting. I was getting quotes from the trade of under 10 grand either to buy outright, or as part exchange! Consequently, there's some great second hand deals for buyers out there. My MY03, with 30k on the clock, sold for under 13k in February... You could have a lot of nights out with the money saved!

The 3 year servicing package is, I think, a Subaru offer not a dealer offer. All dealers will give it.

Push your dealer for discounts, they are there to be had. And do be prepared to shop around, or play dealers against each other. My local wouldn't shift on price for a cash buyer, and would not be able to get me car for a couple of months. Crossroads Garage in Tredington were willing to do a deal for cash, and could get me the car in a week...

The impreza is much more fun than the A4 in the way it drives, and that is a real shame. There really isn't much competition if you need AWD...

If I was going to have another impreza, I'd probably look at a 1 to 2 year old model that hadn't been touched mechanically. I'd trouser a hell of a lot of money in doing so, enough to not worry about warranty (and these things seem reliable)...#

Whatever you do, I hope you find the car that's right for you. It is sounding like an impreza - it sounds like you've made your might up, so start playing the dealers for all they'll give. If they won't play, phone another...
Yep, 30k 2 year old example saves me 5k+.. not to be sniffed at... hmmmm
Old 14 April 2005, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by SCOOBYD00
Any links to the PPP options guys? Still gooogling away!
If you look in the 'accessories' section, PPP and Prodrive bits are listed under 'WR Sport' (click here) Or click here to download a PDF file with all the PPP details.
Old 14 April 2005, 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by MJW
If you look in the 'accessories' section, PPP and Prodrive bits are listed under 'WR Sport' (click here) Or click here to download a PDF file with all the PPP details.
Thanks
Old 14 April 2005, 11:52 AM
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I've got an '04 Wagon and couldn't praise it highly enough.

If you want something fast, fun, and practical i just wouldn't consider anything else.
Old 14 April 2005, 12:26 PM
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Three years free servicing (parts & labour) for £19k + £1k over trade value of my 02 saloon sold it to me. Stan Palmer in Carlise & I live in Nottingham.

Was going to buy Volvo V50 T5 but @ £25k + £600 under trade value for my old car & residuals lower than scoob wagon after 3 yrs it was never to be.

Well pleased with my 05 Wagon in crystal grey - look fantastic

I don't really feel the need to mod this one (the bug eye was just too ugly in std trim ), can't afford it for a start and performance is more than I need.

Just my humble opinion.

BB
Old 14 April 2005, 12:32 PM
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Hi There,

I got an 04 wagon SL with PPP. I previously had a MY99 saloon.

My impressions are very positive. I like the refinement of the leather seats, sunroof and AIRCON!

I agree it has more body roll and personally I don't think it handles quite as well as my old classic, but this could just be "rose tinted spectacles" and perhaps me noticing the roll too much.

In terms of practicality, it's great, but the actual day - to - day boot is if anything a bit smaller than the old car. Still, you can put the seats down and then it comes into it's own.

The PPP is a real bonus. The noise is wonderful and not too obtrusive - it just sounds "nice". The mid range punch is vastly superior to the old car (I haven't driven an unmodded 04 to compare with that) and overtaking on the A66 in 3rd is an unforgettable experience. (50-80 in nothing flat)

The interior is a bit more "acceptable" to the missus with the Leather option as she wasn't keen on me getting another but has been won round.

I looked at 3-series, Audi Avant & Honda Accord estate. To be honest, the Scooby was a no - brainer for the money. Only the Honda could match it for the price - bizarre!

Hope that helps

Andy
Old 14 April 2005, 12:36 PM
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Smudge
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Originally Posted by Smudge
The PPP is a real bonus. The noise is wonderful and not too obtrusive - it just sounds "nice". The mid range punch is vastly superior to the old car (I haven't driven an unmodded 04 to compare with that) and overtaking on the A66 in 3rd is an unforgettable experience. (50-80 in nothing flat)

Andy
Sorry officer - that was a typo - should have read 50-60 on an A road.

Old 14 April 2005, 01:31 PM
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Interesting debate - went through the same before getting the WRX SL MY05 and although I like it with its PPP, I still miss things. It;s a good car, just not a great car. In the end, for the same money I could have got a 2001 S4 Avant and that would have had more power, better build etc etc - and loads more space (the 5 door is not great on space - its OK but the rear legroom is still aweful), when an Audi as others have said is great. But bottom line is that I went for the fact I could get it new and not worry about any warranty issues whereas the Audi would or could have given me those.

I missed the free servicing deal as I had the first crystal grey in the country, but as the servicing over 3 years amounts to less than £900, I can live with that. Would be nice but....

It's a good new car when compared to similiar cars that are a few years old. As a used car, there are lots of other stuff out there that is better. That's my feeling anyway.
Old 14 April 2005, 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Baby Blue
Three years free servicing (parts & labour) for £19k + £1k over trade value of my 02 saloon sold it to me. Stan Palmer in Carlise & I live in Nottingham.

Was going to buy Volvo V50 T5 but @ £25k + £600 under trade value for my old car & residuals lower than scoob wagon after 3 yrs it was never to be.

Well pleased with my 05 Wagon in crystal grey - look fantastic

I don't really feel the need to mod this one (the bug eye was just too ugly in std trim ), can't afford it for a start and performance is more than I need.

Just my humble opinion.

BB
Positive then!
Old 14 April 2005, 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Smudge
Hi There,

I got an 04 wagon SL with PPP. I previously had a MY99 saloon.

My impressions are very positive. I like the refinement of the leather seats, sunroof and AIRCON!

I agree it has more body roll and personally I don't think it handles quite as well as my old classic, but this could just be "rose tinted spectacles" and perhaps me noticing the roll too much.

In terms of practicality, it's great, but the actual day - to - day boot is if anything a bit smaller than the old car. Still, you can put the seats down and then it comes into it's own.

The PPP is a real bonus. The noise is wonderful and not too obtrusive - it just sounds "nice". The mid range punch is vastly superior to the old car (I haven't driven an unmodded 04 to compare with that) and overtaking on the A66 in 3rd is an unforgettable experience. (50-80 in nothing flat)

The interior is a bit more "acceptable" to the missus with the Leather option as she wasn't keen on me getting another but has been won round.

I looked at 3-series, Audi Avant & Honda Accord estate. To be honest, the Scooby was a no - brainer for the money. Only the Honda could match it for the price - bizarre!

Hope that helps

Andy
LMFAO Andy,

Sounds like me.... getting the *buy in with the leather option.. er*

How much all in with the SL option?
Old 14 April 2005, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by mightyyid
Interesting debate - went through the same before getting the WRX SL MY05 and although I like it with its PPP, I still miss things. It;s a good car, just not a great car. In the end, for the same money I could have got a 2001 S4 Avant and that would have had more power, better build etc etc - and loads more space (the 5 door is not great on space - its OK but the rear legroom is still aweful), when an Audi as others have said is great. But bottom line is that I went for the fact I could get it new and not worry about any warranty issues whereas the Audi would or could have given me those.

I missed the free servicing deal as I had the first crystal grey in the country, but as the servicing over 3 years amounts to less than £900, I can live with that. Would be nice but....

It's a good new car when compared to similiar cars that are a few years old. As a used car, there are lots of other stuff out there that is better. That's my feeling anyway.
On the money but an A4 Avant S4 for .. 22k ish? where ?
Old 14 April 2005, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by SCOOBYD00
Any links to the PPP options guys? Still gooogling away!
Bit more intel.

Prodrive's Graph.


My Graph.


http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=331705

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=345010

Mark
Old 15 April 2005, 08:10 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by FLAT ERIC
Any more thoughts on ownership of the new wagons?

A pic or two would be nice too... seems the crystal grey's a popular choice.. black nice imo too
Old 15 April 2005, 08:13 AM
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chiark
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I had silver, but if it had been around I'd have taken crystal grey in a flash. Black looks stunning when clean, but looks dirty as soon as you drive it in rain

Looks like you've made your mind up. You will enjoy it massively
Old 15 April 2005, 09:19 AM
  #23  
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MY99 to MY04 Wagon in April last year. So what do I think of mine after a year?

Plus points...

better built
quieter
smoother acceleration, gives no whip lash (as the Mrs says)
feels more solid (doors go thud)
boot big enough for the 1 year olds (and mine and the Mrs's) stuff when going away
ISOFIX child seat fixings
loads of airbags
still turns heads

Minus...

has not got as 'huggy' seats as the MY99, though a bit plusher
fast enough if you push it, but not as bullet like as the MY99
it's rapid in 2nd but not enough torque around 50-60 in 3rd. (PPP to the rescue?)
stereo cr*p
AC interferes with the engine idle and acceleration too much
has a few rattles
engine feels a bit lumpy every now and again


All in all it's not a bad car. Yes servicing costs can be high, yes parts are dear, and yes 'modding' the car will cost an arm and leg, but in almost 4 years of being a Subaru owner I've had hardly anything go wrong. Battery and MAF on my MY99, and a gear box noise/play issue on the MY04.

As for "it's not that quick", what do people really want? A practical car, loads of space, safe, handles like a dream, will leave anything for dead on the road, built like a Roll Royce, is cheap to run and cheap to service.... I don't think that sort of (brand new) Wagon exists in the 20K bracket.

In my experience..... there's a shed load of cars that are able to keep up with a standard newage WRX Wagon, but how many actually get past you within the speed limits on our roads? I don't think there's many. Other manufactures have moved their cars on a fair bit technically (Skoda and Ford diesels spring to mind) where as Subaru seem to have slowed down.

Anyway.... to liven my Wagon up I've chucked on Prodrive springs, Ninja BB, Scott Lowe lip, a couple of gauges and some fog covers. Prodrive springs have made a big difference. Stiffer rear ARB and drop links sometime this summer for even more fun

Enjoy your Wagons.... Sqd Ldr.... out

Ps. Forgot to add.... RR'd in Feb at PE. 260bhp 249lbft. (Not scanned the power graph in yet) Not bad for a virtually standard car!

Pics...




J.

Last edited by Squadron-Leader; 15 April 2005 at 09:36 AM.
Old 15 April 2005, 12:13 PM
  #24  
MJW
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Here's one in Crystal Grey from Subaru's website :



Front lip spoiler looks good, think I prefer it to the Scott Lowe one, IMO
Old 15 April 2005, 12:53 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by chiark
I had silver, but if it had been around I'd have taken crystal grey in a flash. Black looks stunning when clean, but looks dirty as soon as you drive it in rain

Looks like you've made your mind up. You will enjoy it massively
Well... not 100% as still looking at other options..

03 Plate Wagons with 20k or so going for 12k.... very tempting to pickup a used example rather than the 20k new... hmmmmm....

So The silver looks v diff to the grey? On the bumf tey sent me looks slightly darker but not too far away... is it similar to the Leon Cupra R Grey?
Old 15 April 2005, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by MJW
Here's one in Crystal Grey from Subaru's website :



Front lip spoiler looks good, think I prefer it to the Scott Lowe one, IMO
Nice, still black in front or Blue... NO chance with my missus... something about it looking like a toy car.. gold wheels etc lol
Old 15 April 2005, 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by SCOOBYD00
On the money but an A4 Avant S4 for .. 22k ish? where ?
You're talking the older model, not the current one. I was looking at www.fontain.co.uk who have a few that come and go quickly...

Andy
Old 15 April 2005, 02:23 PM
  #28  
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Yep, 1st port of call. 13K - 15K for 99' examples with 60k on them not bad at at all.
Old 15 April 2005, 02:26 PM
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The crystal grey matches the standard wheels. God only knows why Subaru put those awful replacement wheels in the brochure.

I wouldn't have a lip spoiler, I managed to ground the front driving enthusiastically as it is already . hump back bridge, chasing an STI, and hard braking...
Old 15 April 2005, 02:42 PM
  #30  
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MJW

I was going to get the Subaru front lip at one point. It's pretty big and does make the Wagon look aggressive at the front, but the cost shocked me.

Dealer supply, paint, fit and with a 10% SIDC discount on the parts and fitting (not painting) £412 I got my Prodrive springs and geo carried out for £419!

Scott Lowe lip was £190 all in with £30 to fit. (Didn't have time or wheel ramps to fit myself)

J.


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