Hey guys. I'm posting up to ask your opinions on the GX model. I'm looking for a 2003 peanut eye as the insurance group is low and i can get insured on one. Also, how does the visual modifications differ from the STI? I notice the spoiler is different, bonnet scoop, grill and there is a fog lamp cover. I am a total noob to the scooby world as i'm a honda fanatic! And i havent said it before, so HI I'm ross!

Thanks in advance for any help given

 

wtf is a peanut eye!!??

Welcome dude!

 

GX being a non turbo model theres loads of differences, Brakes,suspension,engine,gearbox,diffs,interior

its a different car all together nearly

 

And you can have a much better 'non-turbo' car for less money. If a Scoob ain't got a turbo, it ain't a proper Scoob ! Unless you really need AWD for some reason (hardly anybody but farmers really do) then almost every FWD saloon or hatchback by any reputable manufacturer will be a better car for performance and economy, and probably better handling as throwing all the weight of an AWD set-up around does nothing for the vehicle dynamics if you haven't got some power to throw it with.

 

Do you need awd for something specific? if not there are a lot funner cars out there for your money. Most young uns on here end up buying a non turbo then wish they had bought something else

 

True engine performance and general costs arent as good as other relative 2.0 n/a models, however handling is still pretty good (especially on the lighter classic shape models).
Yes a lot of younger people have started with non turbos due to not being able to afford/get insurance quotes, running costs etc, but I don't think there are too many that wish they hadn't bought them.
Log onto .:ImprezaSport.net:. for a more informed opinion mate.

 

Ok guys thanks alot for the help I might just stick with Honda, but owning a scooby at 17 would be awesome! I'm guessing these engines are hard to tune? And what engine swaps are relatively simple for the GL?

 

Don't even consider it. Start with as good a (turbo) Scoob as you can afford and mod the chassis and suspension to make an amazingly fast road car. Simple exhaust mods allied to a good map will release enough power to compliment the handling for fast road and occasional track driving. Many people become obsessed with chasing big bhp and end up creating a car which is a handful to drive and in the hands of the average driver, ultimately slower as talent or bottle runs out before the performance does. An 03-05 STi with 265bhp standard can easily hit 320-350bhp with a small spend, and this is enough for the car and road use IMHO. The OE suspension and chassis components leave a lot to be desired and improvements here will reap much more benefit for a good driver.

 

Unless you are really well off you will not be able to afford even a classic impreza turbo at 17 unless you are willing to pay about £3k plus insurance, so that simply isn't a realistic choice.
If you are obsessed with speed then I wouldn't opt for the non turbo impreza, as there are vast changes required to get it to turbo spec and it wouldn't be economically viable at all. Stick to your Honda's, they are alot more interchangable so I believe.

However, if you want a good looking, nippy, good handling car then go for the Scoob.
At your age I was buying my 1st car (1.6gl classic Impreza) and because I don't drive it like I stole it, it did me really well. Cheap to run, OK to insure, never missed a beat and after spending very little money on getting the turbo looks it looked really smart.
IMO much more interesting car to own than a run of mill saxo/corsa.

So, IMHO it totally depends what you want to get out of it as to whether or not it will be the right car for you.

 

Scoob at 17? You'll need deep pockets!

TX.