Alternatives to Impreza?
28 October 2000, 02:46 PM
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Hello boys & girls.
As some of you know, my P1 is going going going... and I need a new car. Problem is what. Was going to get a Ralliart VR4, but wife doesn't like it (sheesh). Thought of an older Scoob of some flavour, but I can't help comparing them to the P1. Same with standard UK models. (Now look, I don't want to start another of those P1 v import debates eh!)
So does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives? I'm going to drive an M5 (pre '96 model) and perhaps a Porsche or two (but I can't stand the way they look!). Have driven an RX7 which was nice, but clever chaps to service the rotary are a bit rare. Not looking to spend more than 15k, and want power and handling and a bit of Motorway comfort too (not much eh!).
As some of you know, my P1 is going going going... and I need a new car. Problem is what. Was going to get a Ralliart VR4, but wife doesn't like it (sheesh). Thought of an older Scoob of some flavour, but I can't help comparing them to the P1. Same with standard UK models. (Now look, I don't want to start another of those P1 v import debates eh!)
So does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives? I'm going to drive an M5 (pre '96 model) and perhaps a Porsche or two (but I can't stand the way they look!). Have driven an RX7 which was nice, but clever chaps to service the rotary are a bit rare. Not looking to spend more than 15k, and want power and handling and a bit of Motorway comfort too (not much eh!).
29 October 2000, 11:03 AM
#4
I've just got rid of an Audi S2 for a Scooby.
If you want motorway comfort [lu staright line speed & accel. then why not try an S2.
However, if you want decent cornering ability with some feel then best avoid it.
Make sure it has FSH and get a warranty as bits are mega expense.
They are far more tunable than the Scooby and easily take 350 bhp with about 400Nm costing £2000.
Engine is far smoother.
Why did I get rid of mine? Costs are high at 100,000 miles plus and residuals have slumped in last year. Lucky to get away with some profit.
If you want motorway comfort [lu staright line speed & accel. then why not try an S2.
However, if you want decent cornering ability with some feel then best avoid it.
Make sure it has FSH and get a warranty as bits are mega expense.
They are far more tunable than the Scooby and easily take 350 bhp with about 400Nm costing £2000.
Engine is far smoother.
Why did I get rid of mine? Costs are high at 100,000 miles plus and residuals have slumped in last year. Lucky to get away with some profit.
29 October 2000, 11:32 AM
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Why not try a UK spec Supra twin turbo. Lots of toys including cruise control, leather seats and air con. 0-60 in a claimed 5 seconds for a the manual or 5.5 for the auto, 170mph top speed and looks that get you noticed wherever you go, except by the police who just let them drive on by.
If you want a more sporting version try out an import twin turbo, stiffer suspension, all trim levels available, and overall a lighter car. Ceramic turbos give better acceleration off the line, and running costs appear to be about the same as a scoob.
Easily tuned to almost any level you want, and almost no 'boy racers' buy them. You can pick up a uk or jap spec 1996 P for about 15k, but make sure you use a reliable dealer.
JB
If you want a more sporting version try out an import twin turbo, stiffer suspension, all trim levels available, and overall a lighter car. Ceramic turbos give better acceleration off the line, and running costs appear to be about the same as a scoob.
Easily tuned to almost any level you want, and almost no 'boy racers' buy them. You can pick up a uk or jap spec 1996 P for about 15k, but make sure you use a reliable dealer.
JB
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30 October 2000, 11:48 AM
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As Mellow says, Escort Cossie. Can easily be taken to 350bhp if required and still retain good reliabilty. Alternatively there are several Evo 4's about for arounf £15k.
How much is the P1 going for?
How much is the P1 going for?
30 October 2000, 08:40 PM
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Bernmc2 - the Supra is a bit heavy at about 3400lbs but still maintains 50/50 weight distribution and uses double wishbone suspension all round with fully adjustable alignment front and rear. It was designed for track racing which means it has scant regard for boot space or rear leg room, but it does run major mechanicals capable of taking 450bhp day in and day out. I dont know of any Supras that have blown diffs, gearboxes or clutches even when running serious power.
I dont know how much power my Supra has but all I have done is put in a downpipe and a Blitz exhaust system and Im running 13.08 1/4 mile times at about 110mph. I am probably not the best track driver as I value my car too much, but at Donnington recently I kept with Lotus Elises through the corners and walked away from them out of the corners and down the straights. That was when I was running even less power than I am now.
JB
I dont know how much power my Supra has but all I have done is put in a downpipe and a Blitz exhaust system and Im running 13.08 1/4 mile times at about 110mph. I am probably not the best track driver as I value my car too much, but at Donnington recently I kept with Lotus Elises through the corners and walked away from them out of the corners and down the straights. That was when I was running even less power than I am now.
JB
31 October 2000, 12:05 AM
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I'd go for a Porsche. You say you can't stand they way they look, does that apply to all models?
If not then consider a 250bhp 944 Turbo, great VFM, well engineered and tuneable. Also 968 which is a great car.
If not then consider a 250bhp 944 Turbo, great VFM, well engineered and tuneable. Also 968 which is a great car.
31 October 2000, 12:05 AM
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Bernmc2
Forget the myth about Supra handling around twisty back lanes.
My mate has one and didn't seem to have any problems larging it around with two Impreza's.
Only problem was a stone chip thrown onto my windscreen by a 275/35 ZR18 tyre!
Forget the myth about Supra handling around twisty back lanes.
My mate has one and didn't seem to have any problems larging it around with two Impreza's.
Only problem was a stone chip thrown onto my windscreen by a 275/35 ZR18 tyre!
31 October 2000, 12:33 AM
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Bernmc2
I'm on my second MKIV TT Supra and wouldn't sell it for anything. Well, maybe a Diablo but I can't afford one so it's not an issue!
Two of my mates (Bajie&Spence) have Imprezza's and I love them both, the cars that is
. I laugh my **** off when I'm being thrown around in the passenger seat down wet country lanes knowing full well that in the Supra I'd have to clean the seat afterwards.
4WD is a lot of fun but IMHO it can't compare to the Supra. Getting it sideways is the law and once you've heard a fully-decatted 3litre straight six sequential twin turbo you won't want any other car. They'll also do 180mph+, allegedly...
Personally I'd give the RX7 a miss, they're very temperamental cars that need a lot of TLC. As for the Porsche&Skyline you know it makes sense to test drive one, do it!
I'm on my second MKIV TT Supra and wouldn't sell it for anything. Well, maybe a Diablo but I can't afford one so it's not an issue!
Two of my mates (Bajie&Spence) have Imprezza's and I love them both, the cars that is
. I laugh my **** off when I'm being thrown around in the passenger seat down wet country lanes knowing full well that in the Supra I'd have to clean the seat afterwards.4WD is a lot of fun but IMHO it can't compare to the Supra. Getting it sideways is the law and once you've heard a fully-decatted 3litre straight six sequential twin turbo you won't want any other car. They'll also do 180mph+, allegedly...
Personally I'd give the RX7 a miss, they're very temperamental cars that need a lot of TLC. As for the Porsche&Skyline you know it makes sense to test drive one, do it!
31 October 2000, 08:00 AM
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Try the Nissan 200SX - nice car, well specced, and you can pick them up pretty cheaply nowadays. Make sure you look at the touring pack edition as it has a better spec than the normal one (same engine though - 2 litre turbo producing 197BHP).
31 October 2000, 09:29 AM
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Orville.
P1 is currently advertised @ 28995 ono in Top Marques. I've been offered between 26k and 27k as a trade-in depending on the car I want. I'm not in any hurry - still haven't sold my house, so no desperation selling yet!
I think I'l find a nice Supra to try - sounds fun. My drive to work nowadays has some lovely twisty back roads which get V wet and slippery, so I'd like to stick with 4wd...
P1 is currently advertised @ 28995 ono in Top Marques. I've been offered between 26k and 27k as a trade-in depending on the car I want. I'm not in any hurry - still haven't sold my house, so no desperation selling yet!
I think I'l find a nice Supra to try - sounds fun. My drive to work nowadays has some lovely twisty back roads which get V wet and slippery, so I'd like to stick with 4wd...
31 October 2000, 10:12 AM
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If you're gonna stick with 4WD then surely it's got to be either Evo 4 or imported STI scooby. Doubt you will be too disappointed with an import especially if you get something a bit different for the P1, like a type R or Type RA with short ratios etc etc
31 October 2000, 11:07 AM
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Oops... thought supras had 4wd too 
. I'll give one a go anyway.
I have thought of an imported scooby, but the short ratios are the problem - apart from the back roads where they'd be ideal, I do a lot of @!*@! motorway driving where it's more restful to have the longer ratios - part of the reason I bought the P1. Best of both worlds, and ride/road noise is really good for a car that handles so well.
Has anyone owned a pre-96 BMW M5? Interested to know what they're like long-term.
. I'll give one a go anyway.I have thought of an imported scooby, but the short ratios are the problem - apart from the back roads where they'd be ideal, I do a lot of @!*@! motorway driving where it's more restful to have the longer ratios - part of the reason I bought the P1. Best of both worlds, and ride/road noise is really good for a car that handles so well.
Has anyone owned a pre-96 BMW M5? Interested to know what they're like long-term.
31 October 2000, 07:36 PM
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An even more amusing option is the Lexus GS300 with the Toyota Supra twin turbo engine. Only available as an import but it has the supra engine so it can be tuned the same way and it still has 4 doors and all the luxury you could want. We would even let you join the Supra club as an honary member just so we can take a look at the car.
If you want to test drive some Supras you could visit
If you want to test drive some Supras you could visit