Jarvmiester

I'm looking at spending between 6k and 7k on a WRX.

Pre 2001 or post 2001?

I class the pre 2001 as the classic styling, but the post 2001 as the later styling. Both seem to fit into by budget.

I always liked the pre 2001 styling, it was the Impreza I fell in love with back in the 90s but am considering the later models, just because newer cars will tend to last longer, have lower mileage etc etc, and i intend to keep the car for 3 or 4 years.

So - whats the lowdown on performance, old vs new. Any links? Any advice?

Really appreciate and pointers, not only performance info but gagetry and trim features too.

Cheers.

Jarv

Mark'sWRX

I would say that the newer bugeye model will be smoother, quieter and generally more refined. The older classics are a more involving drive and feel faster and rawer.

The newer ones maybe are better built and you should be able to find a good rust-free example, but don't think there is much difference in equipment levels.

IMO, your decision should be based on whether you want a fast and reliable everyday car (bugeye) or a high octane weekend machine (classic). It's not quite as simple as that as I'm sure many classic owners use them everyday as they can cope with high miles no problem, but you'd have to find a good one first.

The Zohan

Hi there and welcome.

Pleasee bare in mind that there are a lot of different model classics an a few bugeye variants to boot.

In general terms and based on my experiences of UK spec cars.

Looks wise - classic

Interior - borderline, the Bug interior is OK, the Classic looks dated in comparison but TBH never, ever bought a car on where the radio controls are and how they feel to the touch

Out of the box performance/driver involvement wise - Classic

Everyday driving - classic

Spirited driving - classic

All IMHO.

If it was my money i would look out a low miles 2000/2001 car - unmodded and unmolested and buy that over a bugeye.

You still find classics with low miles even sub 40k.

I would then chage the back box for something more sporty and get the Powerstation geometry mod done and be a happy chappy

Mikkel

The one Impreza I would not buy is a bugeye. It's a bit like marmite...

You are talking about buying a 6+ year old car, so in £s for car don't expect much except a "classic" car in either case.