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As above really. Im a newb on here but have been recently looking at classic shape Impreza's.
Have seen Uk spec Turbos to go for as little as £2000, whereas most STi's are £2500+ at their cheapest.
As well as 3groups higher insurance.

SO, is the initial cost and insurance cost of a STi worth it over a Uk model?
I know the sti models have more spec and better engines, but im not planning on big engine mods. Just the usual breathing mods
Apparently the UK engines are fine as long as they are left pretty much standard?

Any advice is appreciated.

Ginge !

iTrader: (1)

drive both and decide what you prefer,,, though take into account the STI is VERY VERY VERY expensive to insure !!

i bought a sti, first scoobie i ever drove and loved it,,, hence i bought it straight away

i then drove a uk car,,,,, tbh if i drove that i would never have bought a scoobie

though the more i take bits off my car the more mods i find its got which could be the reason it feels better,,,,, never drove another STI to compare

btw i was gonna buy a M3 evo, test drove that and was disapointed so went and test drove a local scoobie that i bought, even a mate of mine who had a M3 drove mine for a lap of the ring and enjoyed it, said it was prob quicker than hes M3 too

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I tried both before I bought, To be honest from my point of view it was worth every penny to get the STi,
Like you im not in to big engine mods hence why I got something nice and quick as standard.

It will be an individual thing, and the running and insurance should be fully explored but I am over the moon with mine and I cant see me ever not owning an STi.

MrJim

go for the sti mate or you will regret it later.

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Thanks for the replies.
Im expecting the high insurance costs with either car, as im only 22. But do have 3years ncb.

Do STi's have to be run on Super unleaded only??

MrJim

i always run mine on v-power,but a mate of mine always use,s tesco 99

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

It says inside the filler cap on mine "98 ron or above only" I use V power or tesco 99 too. Better to be on the safe side.

Peanuts

iTrader: (15)

I would go for the UK car for now.
When you decide to tune it past 300bhp it wont matter what variant you have as you'll be changing most of the bits anyways.
In the meantime you have saved insurance and other associated costs towards the tune up.

EddScott

Its a tough one and I think to be fair, Ginge is being a bit hard on the humble UK turbo.

I've had a UK turbo and although I still look at buying another, I would prefer something a bit different and want an STI RA (DCCD, Roof Vent etc).

Peanuts is right. If you buy a cheapy but a goody UK turbo after you spend a little money it will be similar in pace to an STI anyway.

If there are things you want that UK cars never had then get an STI/WRX. If your not fussed and want a base model to start from, a good UK turbo will be the one to go for. Best of the UK cars to buy would be an RB5 and leave it alone cosmetically. They still command a price over vanilla UK cars.