As anybody that's read my previous posts knows, I'm waiting for the STi. Yes, I know. Anyway.

So I'm trying to come up with something cheap but fun to tide me through the dark times before the STi.

I just drove a 97 Impreza L coupe. I really liked it, but have some reservations. First, the guy's asking $9500, which I think is a bit much. Second, I really would rather have the '96 LX model, with ABS, and I've read they changed the layout of the climate control for the worse on '97 models. But I can't find any LXs for sale anywhere near me, and there are hardly any across the country.

My questions:

How easy is the 2.2 to turbo, how reliable is it (vs., say, the RS turbo'd), how much would it cost, and are there any tuners here in the NW that do this?

Is the '96 LX better in any other ways besides the ABS?

How reliable are these year models of Impreza?

I'm looking to spend $5-$9K on an AWD car - any other recommendations? I don't think I can hack the 1.8 engine, so it's '95 and after for me, the '95 LX wasn't available in a stick, and the '97 and after models (except RS) don't have ABS (stupid!). So I really was hoping to find a '96 LX out there. Maybe I should wait...

Anyone out there have a '96 LX coupe for sale? :)

I really don't want to spend what it would take to get an RS, as this is only going to be my car for a year or two.

Thanks for any and all thoughts/opinions/help!

Dan

I have a 98 L, from what I've read about the 2.2 it should be just as strong if not stronger than the 2.5 in the RS. Chances are it won't make as much power with a turbo. However it is about 200 lbs lighghter than the RS.

I despise anti-lock brakes, so I can't really understand why you'd want it :D , but then you are entitled to your own likes and dislikes.

There is a guy at the college I work at who is selling a 98 L model for 8000 bucks. I think 9500 sounds like book to me for a97, but you should be able to find one cheaper. Climate control is pretty far down on my list as well. I have a roof vent for climate control. No AC. As far as the rest of the running gear between those years, I think they are very similar.