What should I get
13 February 2006, 12:30 PM
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What should I get
OK new to forum (as you can see!)
Need to get a 'respectable' car for work, Impreza is too small (even the 'sportwagon'), so looking at the following
Forester S-turbo from around 2001 (how compromised is it, whats the fuel economy like)
Legacy 2.5 again about 2001 (whats the fuel economy like, is it too slow)
Legacy GT (older twin turbo import eg RSK etc) again what is the consumption like.....
Last option is an Accord type-R
which will probably be more economical but not quite give me the buzz.
I will be doing a reasonable amount of business miles on a ****ty rate, hence worrying about economy more than I want to.
For ref my current car weighs 1200Kg and has an NA 210bhp engine and 4wd (but isn't a Subaru!)
Any ideas?
Simon
Need to get a 'respectable' car for work, Impreza is too small (even the 'sportwagon'), so looking at the following
Forester S-turbo from around 2001 (how compromised is it, whats the fuel economy like)
Legacy 2.5 again about 2001 (whats the fuel economy like, is it too slow)
Legacy GT (older twin turbo import eg RSK etc) again what is the consumption like.....
Last option is an Accord type-R
which will probably be more economical but not quite give me the buzz.I will be doing a reasonable amount of business miles on a ****ty rate, hence worrying about economy more than I want to.
For ref my current car weighs 1200Kg and has an NA 210bhp engine and 4wd (but isn't a Subaru!)
Any ideas?
Simon
Come on guys, lets have some suggestions from owners on FE and how they find them to drive!
14 February 2006, 03:54 PM
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diesel landrover
i would go for one of these - a diesel landrover.
even better, although it sounds as though your a little confused - so go for a ROVER diesel any make, you might get the performance you want from either of the 2 recommendations.
Finally - please dont let me know which one you go for.
You can wave your finger at me,
, if you want as you see the back end of my TypeR. 
B carefull with diesel the Power may b 2 much.
Scoobydawg
even better, although it sounds as though your a little confused - so go for a ROVER diesel any make, you might get the performance you want from either of the 2 recommendations.
Finally - please dont let me know which one you go for.
You can wave your finger at me,
, if you want as you see the back end of my TypeR. B carefull with diesel the Power may b 2 much.
Scoobydawg
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15 February 2006, 05:54 AM
#8
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Funny, when I posted I expected a lot of owners trying to pursaude me which Scooby to get, now all I get is ****e, so if anyone has anything sensible to add about what eceonomy they are getting and how they find the cars I'm looking at are to drive, please post, otherwise don't bother.....or do you all hate Subaru's so much you think I should buy somthing else?
Also please note my current 2nd car is 210bhp, and I have just been working on 390bhp 'cars' (I'm an development engineer in the motor industry), so I think I can handle a Diesel Mr Dog.
Simon
Also please note my current 2nd car is 210bhp, and I have just been working on 390bhp 'cars' (I'm an development engineer in the motor industry), so I think I can handle a Diesel Mr Dog.
Simon
Last edited by The rookie; 15 February 2006 at 05:59 AM.
15 February 2006, 09:26 AM
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Firstly, as nobody else has done it (grow up, you lot! 
), "Welcome!"
This is a great place, full of useful and useless information (as you've found!!)
It's a case of trawling through the sh1te.
OK, firstly, the fuel consumption on the Turbos is around the low-mid 20's (at best), although some will say they've got uber-high MPG
The Leggy is a great car. Obviously the N/A version will be slightly better on consumption, but it certainly isn't a slow car by any means.
My Brother-In-Law has a 2L 2005 Legacy - whilst it's not as "urgent" as my Impreza Turbo, it's still quick. Had a tussle with a 2.5 the other day, and I could keep up with him, but not overtake.
There's a few GTB & B4 owners on here - they're fab cars
The Forrester's a good car, but IMHO, it's a little compromised for the "making progress" from A to B.
Hope this helps
Dan
), "Welcome!"This is a great place, full of useful and useless information (as you've found!!)
It's a case of trawling through the sh1te.
Forester S-turbo from around 2001 (how compromised is it, whats the fuel economy like)
Legacy 2.5 again about 2001 (whats the fuel economy like, is it too slow)
Legacy GT (older twin turbo import eg RSK etc) again what is the consumption like.....
Last option is an Accord type-R which will probably be more economical but not quite give me the buzz.
Legacy 2.5 again about 2001 (whats the fuel economy like, is it too slow)
Legacy GT (older twin turbo import eg RSK etc) again what is the consumption like.....
Last option is an Accord type-R which will probably be more economical but not quite give me the buzz.
OK, firstly, the fuel consumption on the Turbos is around the low-mid 20's (at best), although some will say they've got uber-high MPG
The Leggy is a great car. Obviously the N/A version will be slightly better on consumption, but it certainly isn't a slow car by any means.
My Brother-In-Law has a 2L 2005 Legacy - whilst it's not as "urgent" as my Impreza Turbo, it's still quick. Had a tussle with a 2.5 the other day, and I could keep up with him, but not overtake.
There's a few GTB & B4 owners on here - they're fab cars
The Forrester's a good car, but IMHO, it's a little compromised for the "making progress" from A to B.
Hope this helps
Dan
15 February 2006, 01:16 PM
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Dan,
Thanks for the welcome...and the background information!
As a bit more background I was doing 40K/year in my last 2 jobs so a Diesel was impossible to avoid, now I am back down to a more sensible 15K/year then I can cope with something 'reasonable', my second car is for fun, so the TT Legacy is probably a bit extreme for what I need, but I'm not sure if the 2.5 would have enough 'pep' hence the Forester being on the list....not to worried about slow speed economy as to what I can expect at a 'sensible' speed on the motorway! Any comments from Forester owners?
Simon
Thanks for the welcome...and the background information!
As a bit more background I was doing 40K/year in my last 2 jobs so a Diesel was impossible to avoid, now I am back down to a more sensible 15K/year then I can cope with something 'reasonable', my second car is for fun, so the TT Legacy is probably a bit extreme for what I need, but I'm not sure if the 2.5 would have enough 'pep' hence the Forester being on the list....not to worried about slow speed economy as to what I can expect at a 'sensible' speed on the motorway! Any comments from Forester owners?
Simon
15 February 2006, 02:43 PM
#11
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There's a Forester forum as well - can't think what it though ATM
I think you'd find the 2.5 quite "peppy", but depends what you're after
The advantage with the Forester is that you got all that rear space.... workmate's got one, and they love it.
Dan
I think you'd find the 2.5 quite "peppy", but depends what you're after
The advantage with the Forester is that you got all that rear space.... workmate's got one, and they love it.
Dan
16 February 2006, 04:39 PM
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Thanks,
I've found the US based Forester forum, while changing mpusg to mpimpg isn't hard, the US driivng style isn't very representative of what we do....
Simon
I've found the US based Forester forum, while changing mpusg to mpimpg isn't hard, the US driivng style isn't very representative of what we do....
Simon
16 February 2006, 05:45 PM
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So how come a Sportwagon is too small?
i presume a new audi RS estate is out of your budget then? i'm not sure when they started making them, but if you could go for one a couple of years old they would be spacious and rapid (but fuel economy is pretty much as bad as an impreza)
2000 W Reg AUDI A6 1.8 T QUATTRO SE, Direct 4 Cars 5 Doors, Manual, Estate, Petrol, 48,979 miles, Metallic Blue, 3 Owner(s), Power Steering,Stereo,ABS,Electric Front Windows,Air Conditioning,Air Bag,Twin Air Bags,Climate Control,Quick Clear . . . . (trade)
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...ch_full=SEARCH
My new wagon wrx costs about £240/pm in fuel alone (around 19k miles a year). so glad i'm starting a new job in 6 weeks and will be down to 8 mile round trips a day for work.
i presume a new audi RS estate is out of your budget then? i'm not sure when they started making them, but if you could go for one a couple of years old they would be spacious and rapid (but fuel economy is pretty much as bad as an impreza)
2000 W Reg AUDI A6 1.8 T QUATTRO SE, Direct 4 Cars 5 Doors, Manual, Estate, Petrol, 48,979 miles, Metallic Blue, 3 Owner(s), Power Steering,Stereo,ABS,Electric Front Windows,Air Conditioning,Air Bag,Twin Air Bags,Climate Control,Quick Clear . . . . (trade)
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...ch_full=SEARCH
My new wagon wrx costs about £240/pm in fuel alone (around 19k miles a year). so glad i'm starting a new job in 6 weeks and will be down to 8 mile round trips a day for work.
16 February 2006, 06:09 PM
#14
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LOL!!! The guy comes to a Subaru forum only to be recommended (and in good faith I might add!!! ) every marque BUT Subaru!! 
On a lighter (less p1ss-taking note ;P), the fuel economy isn't exactly brilliant, it has to be said!!
I'd be looking at a Leggy if I were you
Dan
) every marque BUT Subaru!! On a lighter (less p1ss-taking note ;P), the fuel economy isn't exactly brilliant, it has to be said!!
I'd be looking at a Leggy if I were you
Dan
16 February 2006, 07:06 PM
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Dan,
Your not kidding, where is the passion...and a 150bhp lardy barge does not appeal either, an A4 Avant 2.8 Quattro might have edged onto the list if it wasn't a dull car from dullsville to actually drive!
Simon
Your not kidding, where is the passion...and a 150bhp lardy barge does not appeal either, an A4 Avant 2.8 Quattro might have edged onto the list if it wasn't a dull car from dullsville to actually drive!
Simon
18 February 2006, 09:39 AM
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I've got a MY06 Forester 2.5XT - super car, loads of space, plenty of go in a straight line and plenty of modding potential as most impreza stuff will go on.
Plus you have the additional benefits, depending on spec, of heated leather seats, cruise control, satnav, huge sunroof etc etc..
I've already upgraded the wheels/tyres and brakes and with the addition of a beefier ARB and droplinks the handling and ride is massively improved.
Loads of torque from the 2.5 and with a VF39/exhaust/filter/remap 330/330 is very achievable.
I only get low 20's from mine but it's only got 5k on the clock and with a lot of sitting in motorway traffic. Enthusiastic driving though is gonna keep the mpg around that anyway I would say..
Great cars though - real sleepers and can give plenty of people a few shocks..
Plus you have the additional benefits, depending on spec, of heated leather seats, cruise control, satnav, huge sunroof etc etc..
I've already upgraded the wheels/tyres and brakes and with the addition of a beefier ARB and droplinks the handling and ride is massively improved.
Loads of torque from the 2.5 and with a VF39/exhaust/filter/remap 330/330 is very achievable.
I only get low 20's from mine but it's only got 5k on the clock and with a lot of sitting in motorway traffic. Enthusiastic driving though is gonna keep the mpg around that anyway I would say..
Great cars though - real sleepers and can give plenty of people a few shocks..
18 February 2006, 01:42 PM
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Got an 02 Forrester S Turbo Auto. Good value for money.
It's important to compare the Forester to other 'off roader' types and not 'standard cars'. For its size it performs and handles really well. Have scared a few boy racers
Fuel consumption isn't bad if you drive off boost.
It's important to compare the Forester to other 'off roader' types and not 'standard cars'. For its size it performs and handles really well. Have scared a few boy racers
Fuel consumption isn't bad if you drive off boost.
18 February 2006, 05:38 PM
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Thanks bartop, really after input from 2.0 s-turbo owners (97-02 cars) as that is what I am after......
Yup even a nice wagon is just too small!
Simon
Yup even a nice wagon is just too small!
Simon
18 February 2006, 05:58 PM
#21
had a legacy spec b for the last year - nice car.
- fuel ecomony 23.7 mpg
- nothing wrong with it in that period
- bit soft on the suspension for hard cornering really
- loooooads of room in it either with seats up or down.
overall it is a great car.... but it is not an impreza so it had to go
why is the impreza too small - you can always get a roof rack or get big stuff couriered to where you are going
the wagon is perfect compromise (if you like the shape - i dont personally ... please dont flame me) with loads of room enough for two fridges in the boot, 3 mountain bikes inside or whatever else you need to carry.
- fuel ecomony 23.7 mpg
- nothing wrong with it in that period
- bit soft on the suspension for hard cornering really
- loooooads of room in it either with seats up or down.
overall it is a great car.... but it is not an impreza so it had to go
why is the impreza too small - you can always get a roof rack or get big stuff couriered to where you are going
the wagon is perfect compromise (if you like the shape - i dont personally ... please dont flame me) with loads of room enough for two fridges in the boot, 3 mountain bikes inside or whatever else you need to carry.
20 February 2006, 12:43 PM
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Chears for the info dynamix......a mate has an impreza wagon and having looked at a common boot full of stuff I need for work, I would be running a roof box 50% of the time, plus I'm hoping a forester (or Regacy) will keep the Nova brigade off my back, my mate can't leave a set of lights without some spotty baseball cap wearing oik thinking his 1.3 Nova SR will take an Impreza! (for info his hack is just a 1.6, but spotty oiks can't read either!)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Simon
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Simon
20 February 2006, 01:33 PM
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forester turbo S is the way forward, had one before the Impreza and loved it mine had starship mileage 135K plus when it went and was still going strong.
Handling ok with the above drop links done and the right wheel and tyre combo.
Fuel economy a bit suspect but then again anything is rubbish (diesel or not) if you cane it around. Best bit for me was that mi mate borrowed a new cayenne (non turbo) and it absolutely pulled his pants down...........in the metaphorical sense of course!!!!!!
Handling ok with the above drop links done and the right wheel and tyre combo.
Fuel economy a bit suspect but then again anything is rubbish (diesel or not) if you cane it around. Best bit for me was that mi mate borrowed a new cayenne (non turbo) and it absolutely pulled his pants down...........in the metaphorical sense of course!!!!!!
20 February 2006, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by The rookie
Need to get a 'respectable' car for work, Impreza is too small
From your list I'd go for the Accord Type-R. Understated, but respectable - and should be reliable and quite quick too!
20 February 2006, 01:49 PM
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If you can't fit your gear into an impreza wagon, why are you considering an Accord type R?
You should be able to average over 25 mpg on a clear motorway run in a Forester turbo
You should be able to average over 25 mpg on a clear motorway run in a Forester turbo
21 February 2006, 05:56 AM
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Thanks guys, decided to go for a Forester, a few reasonable ones around at the moment just as I have to go overseas 
just hope they are still there to be looked at when I get back!
What are the ARB droplink mods mentioned?
Simon
just hope they are still there to be looked at when I get back!What are the ARB droplink mods mentioned?
Simon
21 February 2006, 09:03 AM
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ARB = Anti Roll Bar, often called swaybar.
The Forester really benefits from a bigger one to help overcome some of the understeer, either one from an Sti or the Whiteline ones are popular.
If you're putting on a beefier one it's worth upgrading the droplinks (endlinks) as well as they can often bend or break plus will help to stiffen things up..
The Forester really benefits from a bigger one to help overcome some of the understeer, either one from an Sti or the Whiteline ones are popular.
If you're putting on a beefier one it's worth upgrading the droplinks (endlinks) as well as they can often bend or break plus will help to stiffen things up..
21 February 2006, 12:05 PM
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Dan/Bartop,
Thanks for that, know what I'm doing with ARB's, just not the specifics for Subaru's or Foresters....who do better droplinks? I assume whiteline or are later Subaru OE better/good enough?
Simon
Thanks for that, know what I'm doing with ARB's, just not the specifics for Subaru's or Foresters....who do better droplinks? I assume whiteline or are later Subaru OE better/good enough?
Simon