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Old 12-28-2012, 11:22 PM   #1
LucasCairns
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Default First car. 03 Wrx VS. 06/07 2.5i

Hello everybody!

Not sure if this is the right section for this but as you can see I'm a noob and not completely used to this forum yet.

So to get to my question, next year I'm going to be turning 16 and buying my first car! I'm going to have about $12,000 to spend and really just want a reliable car that I can take to the mountains and be safe in.

These requirements have led me to find the impreza 2.5i as I can find them on Craigslist for about $9,000 with around 80,000 miles or less in the years 06-07. Now to me this seems like the smartest choice because of a couple things
-wont be tempted to speed as much
-newer/less miles=more reliable
-insurance will be cheaper
So as of now the 2.5i is what I'm leaning towards

but my mom was talking to my schools Dean and he was telling her that he's going to be selling his Subaru wrx 03 with 110,000 miles on it for around $10,000. I'm tempted to just buy his car because he has all the maintenance records and has babied the hell out of it, it's in pretty much perfect condition. Also a couple bonuses of getting this car would be
-more fun to drive then a 2.5i
-knowing the guy selling it, and knowing its in good condition
-bitches love fast cars
-easily moddable
So Nasioc if you were in this situation what would you do? Still leaning towards the 2.5i but thanks for any input!
Thanks again!
And sorry for any misspellings I'm on my phone.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:26 PM   #2
SpicyPeaNut
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"-bitches love fast cars"

WRX

/thread
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:35 PM   #3
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Don't waste your time with a 2.5i.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:37 PM   #4
ByeBye4g63t
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post
Hello everybody!

Not sure if this is the right section for this but as you can see I'm a noob and not completely used to this forum yet.

So to get to my question, next year I'm going to be turning 16 and buying my first car! I'm going to have about $12,000 to spend and really just want a reliable car that I can take to the mountains and be safe in.

These requirements have led me to find the impreza 2.5i as I can find them on Craigslist for about $9,000 with around 80,000 miles or less in the years 06-07. Now to me this seems like the smartest choice because of a couple things
-wont be tempted to speed as much
-newer/less miles=more reliable
-insurance will be cheaper
So as of now the 2.5i is what I'm leaning towards

but my mom was talking to my schools Dean and he was telling her that he's going to be selling his Subaru wrx 03 with 110,000 miles on it for around $10,000. I'm tempted to just buy his car because he has all the maintenance records and has babied the hell out of it, it's in pretty much perfect condition. Also a couple bonuses of getting this car would be
-more fun to drive then a 2.5i
-knowing the guy selling it, and knowing its in good condition
-bitches love fast cars
-easily moddable
So Nasioc if you were in this situation what would you do? Still leaning towards the 2.5i but thanks for any input!
Thanks again!
And sorry for any misspellings I'm on my phone.

LOL. I beg to differ on the bolded part. I wouldn't buy either. When looking for a reliable car, how did Subaru end up on top? If you want something reliable, buy a toyota corolla, a honda civic/accord, or something to that effect. You can pick up a charger r/t for 10k, a 98-02 camaro ss/firebird/transam for under 10k, an srt4 for 10k, and I'm sure 350z's are getting close to 10k for an earlier one, all of which would be more fun than a WRX (besides maybe the srt4, considering it's FWD). Why does it have to be 10k? It's your first car, it should be a pile of ****.

IMO, if I had a choice on my first car if i could go back, and the limit was 10 grand, it would have been a 350z/g35 coupe. They're quick, look decent with a nice set of wheels, and aren't killer on the pocketbook. Do pretty darn good on gas on the freeway I might add as well. Not to mention, they handle well and girls love those cars (driving them even more LOL JK man). Good luck.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:37 PM   #5
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WRX. You will be soo happy with it! But 10,000 is getting on the steeper side I think. Subaru's hold their value more than others depending on location though.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:40 PM   #6
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for 10k you should find a 04-05 wrx
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:45 PM   #7
LucasCairns
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^^ I need a car with all wheel or four wheel drive for how often I'm in the mountains, and for all wheel drives Subaru's are pretty reliable. And I don't need a 10k car but I have the option to so I'm not going to decline.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:48 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post
^^ I need a car with all wheel or four wheel drive for how often I'm in the mountains, and for all wheel drives Subaru's are pretty reliable. And I don't need a 10k car but I have the option to so I'm not going to decline.
Fill out your info. Where are you from. I'm sure youd be able to find a nice 05 for that price on craigslist
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:52 PM   #9
ByeBye4g63t
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Charger r/t''s CAN be AWD, you just have to look harder. Steer clear of the WRX, it's not reliable no matter which way you look at it. The 5 speed, the 2.0 having issues with spun bearings (seems pretty common for the ej205) etc. If you're dead set on an AWD vehicle, get an Audi Quattro. A4's with a v6 are decently quick, and for 10k you could find yourself a VERY clean one.
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Old 12-28-2012, 11:53 PM   #10
LucasCairns
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rdowner22 View Post

Fill out your info. Where are you from. I'm sure youd be able to find a nice 05 for that price on craigslist
Don't have a computer right now but I'm from Seattle, WA and for some reason most rexes are super overpriced here. According to kbb.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:13 AM   #11
rdowner22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post
Don't have a computer right now but I'm from Seattle, WA and for some reason most rexes are super overpriced here. According to kbb.
worst... hahah pacific northwest scoobs are so overpriced its crazy. They definitely hold there value. I'm in Oregon so i experienced that
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:14 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ByeBye4g63t View Post

LOL. I beg to differ on the bolded part. I wouldn't buy either. When looking for a reliable car, how did Subaru end up on top? If you want something reliable, buy a toyota corolla, a honda civic/accord, or something to that effect. You can pick up a charger r/t for 10k, a 98-02 camaro ss/firebird/transam for under 10k, an srt4 for 10k, and I'm sure 350z's are getting close to 10k for an earlier one, all of which would be more fun than a WRX (besides maybe the srt4, considering it's FWD). Why does it have to be 10k? It's your first car, it should be a pile of ****.

IMO, if I had a choice on my first car if i could go back, and the limit was 10 grand, it would have been a 350z/g35 coupe. They're quick, look decent with a nice set of wheels, and aren't killer on the pocketbook. Do pretty darn good on gas on the freeway I might add as well. Not to mention, they handle well and girls love those cars (driving them even more LOL JK man). Good luck.
^ this guy just wants to hear himself talk, g35 isn't a car to take to a mountain unless you want to find yourself the "kook of the day." To be honest why not its your money. I have an 04 wrx running stage 3 for over a year and my car hasn't given me a huge problem, it's always started as should. Yea it's alot more expensive then a Honda accord or a Toyotta corolla but its alot more fun, you pay to play. But given your location I say look for as close to stock wrx as you can. Read unibombers manifesto and stickies and see if jumping into this is what you want, don't listen to half these ***hats who say your opinion sucks.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:17 AM   #13
rdowner22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post
Don't have a computer right now but I'm from Seattle, WA and for some reason most rexes are super overpriced here. According to kbb.
There's a 04 Silver WRX Wagon down the road from me selling for about 11k in Eugene. It's only got 42k miles. It was garaged it's whole life.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:18 AM   #14
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If your budget is 12k, find another 500 doll hairs and buy my spec b. clean, unmodded. More comfort than the wrx and faster (assuming its stock).
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ByeBye4g63t View Post
Charger r/t''s CAN be AWD, you just have to look harder. Steer clear of the WRX, it's not reliable no matter which way you look at it. The 5 speed, the 2.0 having issues with spun bearings (seems pretty common for the ej205) etc. If you're dead set on an AWD vehicle, get an Audi Quattro. A4's with a v6 are decently quick, and for 10k you could find yourself a VERY clean one.
It's becoming slowly more evident you're an idiot.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:22 AM   #16
rdowner22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02bugeyed View Post
If your budget is 12k, find another 500 doll hairs and buy my spec b. clean, unmodded. More comfort than the wrx and faster (assuming its stock).
Can't tell if your car info says its already sold or not. haha
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:32 AM   #17
LucasCairns
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Originally Posted by rdowner22 View Post

There's a 04 Silver WRX Wagon down the road from me selling for about 11k in Eugene. It's only got 42k miles. It was garaged it's whole life.
Damn I wish that was closer to me I would hop on it for sure
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:34 AM   #18
Redline Rex
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Based on personal experience, I'd say neither.

Instead, look for an Outback from 2003-2007ish, preferably the BL/BP gen (2005+) This is the route I went. I'm 17 and when I was car shopping back at the beginning of this year, I wanted a car with AWD and a manual; my family already had two Subarus, so naturally I was leaning towards them. I managed to find an 2005 Outback Limited with a 5-speed for $7k. Now, that price was a complete steal, but that doesn't mean you won't get lucky like I did. The car had a lot of miles - 146k - but it had maintenance records, and I checked every square inch of the car and found it to be in great shape. Funnily enough, the exterior was in better shape than my dad's '05 LGT wagon, which has way less miles

If you go to the mountains often, you probably haul a lot of gear with you for whatever it is that you do; the Outback will offer far more utility than an Impreza, and Limited Outbacks come with a roof rack straight from the factory, which is a big plus. Plus, all Outbacks come with a rear LSD, unlike the Imprezas which have open diffs all around (I'm actually not 100% certain on that - just recalling stuff from Cars 101...feel free to correct me) That will add an element of safety to your mountain driving. Regarding utility...I used my car as a bed/couch for a drive-in movie theater one time (it was awesome; folded the rear seats, threw a ton of pillows and blankets in the back, opened the hatch, and watched the movie while seeing all the newbs in their sedans eye me in jealousy. Or maybe they thought I was weird, but whatever! ) and more recently, brought home my Christmas tree. It wasn't all that big, just seven feet, but with the rear seats folded, it fit in the drunk diagonally without scratching anything and saving me the hassle of tying it to the roof!

As for speed...you know, I'll be completely honest and say that the power of the Outback is more than adequate. Far more. That may sound strange coming from a 17 year old guy, but I am happy that the car isn't more powerful. I can get my car to understeer under power no problem (partly due to the marshmallow suspension - more on that later) in first and second gears, and acceleration in third, fourth, and fifth gear isn't bad at all if you keep it above 2500 rpm. It's not a fast car, but it's definitely not slow. The best way I can sum it up is; I have never wished for more power in my car. And since you're 16 years old, the less power you have, the lower your insurance should be

A quick note on the marshmallow suspension - I learned to drive on my dad's stage 2 LGT wagon, which is sitting on Bilstein Pinks, so its lower than stock and really stiff. When I went to take the Outback on a test drive, it felt like a BOAT. Honestly, I was stunned. But you get used to it, and honestly, after long trips, its actually quite nice

Also, the chances of you finding an Outback that hasn't been beat on are far higher than the chances of finding an Impreza that hasn't been beat on. And because Outbacks are regarded as mom cars, you get less attention from cops! This has been a great bonus of having this car

So, basically....why you should look at an Outback instead of an Impreza:
-More utility
-Fast enough
-Probably in better shape
-Less attention from cops
-Shaggin' Wagon

If you're still not swayed....just remember...I'm a 17 year old guy, and I absolutely love my two-tone, grocery getting lesbian wagon

Last edited by Redline Rex; 12-29-2012 at 12:38 AM. Reason: Went cross-eyed for a few seconds.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:35 AM   #19
LucasCairns
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Kbb is saying that cars worth 14k though. Does it have a branded title or something?^
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:35 AM   #20
ByeBye4g63t
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Originally Posted by CptJoe View Post
^ this guy just wants to hear himself talk, g35 isn't a car to take to a mountain unless you want to find yourself the "kook of the day." To be honest why not its your money. I have an 04 wrx running stage 3 for over a year and my car hasn't given me a huge problem, it's always started as should. Yea it's alot more expensive then a Honda accord or a Toyotta corolla but its alot more fun, you pay to play. But given your location I say look for as close to stock wrx as you can. Read unibombers manifesto and stickies and see if jumping into this is what you want, don't listen to half these ***hats who say your opinion sucks.


No, I was just trying to help him out, but thanks for your opinion. I agree, a WRX is not a bad choice, it's just not the best, especially if he's getting a loan on a higher mileage, turbocharged AWD car that could potentially be a huge mistake. Ask me how I know, but don't expect me to understand, because I'm just an asshat who wants to talk to a mirror.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Heedlessone View Post
It's becoming slowly more evident you're an idiot.
Why, because I believe that one car is more reliable than another? You're right, I am the idiot . IMO I don't think a turbocharged AWD car should be considered when the OP says "I want something Reliable". Everyone that I've encountered with a WRX so far has either transmission issues, or they've replaced their 2.0 because of spun bearings. It's not an assertion, and it's not like I'm making stuff up because I'm bored. OP, it sounds like you have your mind made up already, just buy the WRX.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:37 AM   #21
Heedlessone
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In another thread you said Audi is nothing to write home about, but now you're recommending them. Make up your mind.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:37 AM   #22
LucasCairns
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post
Kbb is saying that cars worth 14k though. Does it have a branded title or something?^
To the guy talking about an 11k wrx
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:40 AM   #23
LucasCairns
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Redline Rex View Post
Based on personal experience, I'd say neither.

Instead, look for an Outback from 2003-2007ish, preferably the BL/BP gen (2005+) This is the route I went. I'm 17 and when I was car shopping back at the beginning of this year, I wanted a car with AWD and a manual; my family already had two Subarus, so naturally I was leaning towards them. I managed to find an 2005 Outback Limited with a 5-speed for $7k. Now, that price was a complete steal, but that doesn't mean you won't get lucky like I did. The car had a lot of miles - 146k - but it had maintenance records, and I checked every square inch of the car and found it to be in great shape. Funnily enough, the exterior was in better shape than my dad's '05 LGT wagon, which has way less miles

If you go to the mountains often, you probably haul a lot of gear with you for whatever it is that you do; the Outback will offer far more utility than an Impreza, and Limited Outbacks come with a roof rack straight from the factor, which is a big plus. Plus, all Outbacks come with a rear LSD, unlike the Imprezas which have open diffs all around (I'm actually not 100% certain on that - just recalling stuff from Cars 101...feel free to correct me) That will add an element of safety to your mountain driving. I used my car as a bed/couch for a drive-in movie theater (it was awesome; folded the rear seats, threw a ton of pillows and blankets in the back, opened the hatch, and watched the movie while seeing all the newbs in their sedans eye me in jealousy. Or maybe they thought I was weird, but whatever! ) and more recently, brought home my Christmas tree. It wasn't all that big, just seven feet, but with the rear seats folded, it fit in the drunk diagonally without scratching anything and saving me the hassle of tying it to the roof!

As for speed...you know, I'll be completely honest and say that the power of the Outback is more than adequate. Far more. That may sound strange coming from a 17 year old guy, but I am happy that the car isn't more powerful. I can get my car to understeer under power no problem (partly due to the marshmallow suspension - more on that later) in first and second gears, and acceleration in third, fourth, and fifth gear isn't bad at all if you keep it above 2500 rpm. It's not a fast car, but it's definitely not slow. The best way I can sum it up is; I have never wished for more power in my car. And since you're 16 years old, the less power you have, the lower your insurance should be

A quick note on the marshmallow suspension - I learned to drive on my dad's stage 2 LGT wagon, which is sitting on Bilstein Pinks, so its lower than stock and really stiff. When I went to take the Outback on a test drive, it felt like a BOAT. Honestly, I was stunned. But you get used to it, and honestly, after long trips, its actually quite nice

Also, the chances of you finding an Outback that hasn't been beat on are far higher than the chances of finding an Impreza that hasn't been beat on. And because Outbacks are regarded as mom cars, you get less attention from cops! This has been a great bonus of having this car

So, basically....why you should look at an Outback instead of an Impreza:
-More utility
-Fast enough
-Probably in better shape
-Less attention from cops
-Shaggin' Wagon

If you're still not swayed....just remember...I'm a 17 year old guy, and I absolutely love my two-tone, grocery getting lesbian wagon
Thank you dude! I've looked into them a little but I just love the way Impreza's look you've got me reconsidering!

And stop arguing in here guys! Everyone has their own opinions!
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:41 AM   #24
Heedlessone
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LucasCairns View Post

Thank you dude! I've looked into them a little but I just love the way Impreza's look you've got me reconsidering!

And stop arguing in here guys! Everyone has their own opinions!
It's NASIOC, we have to argue.
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Old 12-29-2012, 12:46 AM   #25
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[quote="ByeBye4g63t;38795169"]

No, I was just trying to help him out, but thanks for your opinion. I agree, a WRX is not a bad choice, it's just not the best, especially if he's getting a loan on a higher mileage, turbocharged AWD car that could potentially be a huge mistake. Ask me how I know, but don't expect me to understand, because I'm just an asshat who wants to talk to a mirror.

Well help him out next time without your life story and how you would do things differently Uncle Rico.
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