MikeyM

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys,

First post so go easy!!

Going tomorrow morning to look at a couple of Subarus at my local dealer.

Not really sure what I should be looking for but the two cars are as follows.

2003 (53) Impreza 2.0 WRX 4 Door

2003 (03) Impreza 2.0 WRX 4 Door PPP

I know the PPP is some sort of pack but not sure what is in it??

Any advice about buying would be appreciated.

I have up to about 12,500 to spend, not sure if I should buy an older car and get a better model? But to be honest I think I would rather have a car at least as new as 2003.

I realise it is a minefield with so many cars and models out there, but any help would be apprecited which would make my purchase better.

Cheers

Mikey.

MattW

PPP stands for Prodrive Performance Pack, lifts PS to 260, consists of remap and exhaust. more power can be had for cheaper but not warrantied. Question is are you bothered about the warranty especially as an 03 car's manufacturer warranty has now expired.

How about looking for a similar priced Sti on here, or are you pexing?

MikeyM

iTrader: (1)

I am pt/ex my Focus ST.

Not bothered about warranty and as you say with a 2003 car the warranty is gone anyway.

Would I get an STi for my budget?

53

iTrader: (41)

Thats alot of money for an 03 WRX, PPP or not !

I had a 53WRX and I wouldn't pay that for one now.

Something like this would be much better.

Subaru : STi Prodrive Type UK

MikeyM

iTrader: (1)

The 53WRX PPP is £11,495.

That a decent price?

powerman1

i traded my wrxsl on an 03 plate 16 months ago and only got 10.5k, mileage was 23kish so yours at 11.5k seems a little bit pricey.You can get a brand spanking new wrx for around 16k and to be fair the PPP will not make any significant difference to the price of an 03 model and any mods sometimes have the opposite effect on its value.
look at a STi with no mods and i would have thought you should get an 53 or 04 model if you buy private

53

iTrader: (41)

Just a quick look on Subaru's website suggests you can do better at that money.

SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0 WRX-STI TYPE UK PRODRIVE STYLE
apr 2002 48,084 manual BK02RBY petrol £11,250

Loads of Bug STi's about in your price range.

Mark'sWRX

Decide whether you want a WRX or an STi first. The WRX PPP is as fast as an STi, but you can do a lot more with an STi if you want to (and have the money) as it has better suspension, brakes, engine internals etc...

The WRX is a great everyday car and the STi is more hardcore and the wheels and spoilers make more of a statement. Best bet is to test drive one of each.

I would recommend going for a PPP'd WRX if you go that route as it is a much better drive, but it will cost about £1k more.

MikeyM

iTrader: (1)

I will have a shot of the WRX PPP tomorrow and take it from there.

53

iTrader: (41)

Make sure you drive both STi and WRX, similarity in power on paper means nothing, proof is in the driving. WRX PPP is disappointing TBH and needs modifying and remapping to make it what it should be. View my scooby, I have owned both The other thing is if you are coming from a slower car and test drive a WRX it may feel like a rocket, well for a day or two, so you need to drive both to get an informed opinion on which you prefer.

Mark'sWRX

One other thing: If you are coming from a current Focus ST (as opposed to the old ST170) then you'll find a standard WRX not much of an improvement, The Focus has better low down torque, sharper handling and a much better stereo! I think the WRX is a better car overall (mainly due to superior traction and character), but some disagree.

If you are bored with the ST, then you'll deffo need a WRX PPP or STi.

MikeyM

iTrader: (1)

Well went today and had a shot of the WRX PPP, very impressed.

A very solid car with good enough performance for me, getting old now so don't need it too fast!!

Is a far more solid car then the Ford IMO. Handling is sharper and whole drive more refined.

It is a bit pricey compared to others but deos come from a Subaru dealer , has just had the 50,000 mile service done with cambelt so that is good.

It also comes with a full years Subaru warranty which to me is good.

I was not sure what exactly came with the PPP pack, this one comes with a remap, exhaust and a different intercooler i think??, would that sound right? Also comes with optional 18 inch Oz wheels from the factory in light black which go very well with the car. Dealer said these were an expensive option??

Just need to decide now.???

Open to all suggestions???

98RED

I just missed a 54 plate dec 04 wrx with 22000 miles on the clock at a dealer today, I viewed it last week and it was spotless full service history etc. it was up for £10450. I got there today and he had sent it to Chelsford auction and they would not withdraw it, he phoned me later to say it made £9800.
The £10450 was a good price, it had not been messed about all origional wheels exhaust etc.

Mark'sWRX

The PPP is a remapped ECU, 1 of the 3 cats is replaced by a short decat pipe, the rear box is a beefier single exit pipe (std is 2 small pipes) and an uprated intercooler pipe (a blue pipe under the intercooler).

Prodrive recommend 18" wheels with this kit, so it's good thing to have.

Glad you liked it: my firm has a fleet of Focus STs and I can take or leave them compared with a good WRX.

The one you mention does seem fairly pricey, so haggle hard if you don't want to risk buying from a non Subaru dealer.