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Old 03-23-2010, 08:58 AM   #1
cfdp
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Default Advice on 1995ish Impreza for Project Car

Hello everyone, very new here obviously...

My DD is a 2006 MazdaSpeed 6, so I have somewhat of an understanding on turbo cars and awd, but am not very mechanically inclined.

Like the title says, I'm looking for an old Impreza or possibly a Legacy as a rally, track, and project car. I'm most interested in rally racing, but being in the US I understand there arn't really any tracks around...
My budget for the car itself is about $2000-2500.
I don't like the wagons at all, and it has to be manual, oh an it has to run, haha (basically only requirements).
Then I'll be shelling out some dough for suspension, brakes, tires, etc. and eventually a custom turbo or kit if I'm lazy, but all of that comes later, first I need the car, lol....

I recently stumbled upon a 1996 Impreza Brighton Coupe, 133K miles, for $3000, my biggest question is the pricing, is say $2000 too low of an offer? Edmunds TMV on the car dealer cost was about $1500, but I know Subi's hold their value really well.

BTW: anyone know of any dirt tracks around Chicago/Rockford?

Thanks everyone in advance for any input, I'm exited to be part of the Subaru community!

-Blaise
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Old 03-23-2010, 11:11 AM   #2
i_c_the_light
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdp View Post
Hello everyone, very new here obviously...

My DD is a 2006 MazdaSpeed 6, so I have somewhat of an understanding on turbo cars and awd, but am not very mechanically inclined.

Like the title says, I'm looking for an old Impreza or possibly a Legacy as a rally, track, and project car. I'm most interested in rally racing, but being in the US I understand there arn't really any tracks around...
My budget for the car itself is about $2000-2500.
I don't like the wagons at all, and it has to be manual, oh an it has to run, haha (basically only requirements).
Then I'll be shelling out some dough for suspension, brakes, tires, etc. and eventually a custom turbo or kit if I'm lazy, but all of that comes later, first I need the car, lol....

I recently stumbled upon a 1996 Impreza Brighton Coupe, 133K miles, for $3000, my biggest question is the pricing, is say $2000 too low of an offer? Edmunds TMV on the car dealer cost was about $1500, but I know Subi's hold their value really well.

BTW: anyone know of any dirt tracks around Chicago/Rockford?

Thanks everyone in advance for any input, I'm exited to be part of the Subaru community!

-Blaise
Go see pre '02 power forums for 20G swap info.
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:01 PM   #3
cfdp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by i_c_the_light View Post
Go see pre '02 power forums for 20G swap info.
Only thing I found is "Pre-2002 Factory Turbo Powertrain". I'm not interested in doing a swap, unless I should for some reason?

Could I find an older Impreza turbo for 2-3K?
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:05 PM   #4
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That does seem a lot of money. Maybe the seller is banking on the appeal it has for exactly the type of use you plan, and bumping up the cost.

Kinda like the 89 Civic Si - they're a bit of a cult car in some circles and an unmolested example can go for a lot more than KBB value.
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:09 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdp View Post
Could I find an older Impreza turbo for 2-3K?
No, I can't imagine that.

If it was me, I think the first step is as you said... make is sturdy, reliable, and safe, with improved handling. Then you can see where you want to take it engine wise.
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:11 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdp View Post
Only thing I found is "Pre-2002 Factory Turbo Powertrain". I'm not interested in doing a swap, unless I should for some reason?

Could I find an older Impreza turbo for 2-3K?
why are you not interested in doing a swap?
With the amount of money it takes to boost one of the n/a motors without blowing it up, you can swap and have cash to spare.
Also, 3k for a 96 Brighton? Forget it.
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:45 PM   #7
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You do know that the first US Impreza turbo was the 2002 WRX, right?
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Old 03-23-2010, 01:46 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack ffr1846 View Post
You do know that the first US Impreza turbo was the 2002 WRX, right?
+1
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:12 PM   #9
cfdp
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First of all, you guys are awesome!! Thanks for all the replies! Truly appreciate it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by leecea View Post
That does seem a lot of money. Maybe the seller is banking on the appeal it has for exactly the type of use you plan, and bumping up the cost.

Kinda like the 89 Civic Si - they're a bit of a cult car in some circles and an unmolested example can go for a lot more than KBB value.
lol probably right. So what do you think I should be spending? $2000ish sound right?
I did just look up the KBB value and it was close to 3K (in excellent condition, can't imagine that tho), but Edmunds TMV was more like 1500, hmm, not sure on what to pay here

Quote:
Originally Posted by leecea View Post
No, I can't imagine that.

If it was me, I think the first step is as you said... make is sturdy, reliable, and safe, with improved handling. Then you can see where you want to take it engine wise.
Ya I'm not worried about making power off the bat, first I need to learn how to drive it, lol I'll def. be jumping into the threads more once I have the car to see what my options are..

Quote:
Originally Posted by XanRules View Post
why are you not interested in doing a swap?
With the amount of money it takes to boost one of the n/a motors without blowing it up, you can swap and have cash to spare.
Also, 3k for a 96 Brighton? Forget it.
Didn't know that, actually don't know really anything about the car, ftl! lol I'll keep a swap in mind though once I decide to go FI.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack ffr1846 View Post
You do know that the first US Impreza turbo was the 2002 WRX, right?
No I didn't! I figured I don't really need turbo for what I'm doing, but 5psi or something like that would be nice, saftley planted.
Now I know not to search for a 1995 turbo impreza, lol

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Thanks again guys for all your help!

Last edited by cfdp; 03-23-2010 at 02:45 PM.
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:19 PM   #10
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I'm too slow... redundant post removed.
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:22 PM   #11
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Your best bet would to try and find a beat up 2.5rs and turn it into a rally/autocross car. They are lightweight and awd so would be a fun car to race *especially with a wrx swap*

Although they are a little on the rare side... but goodluck with your search!
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:26 PM   #12
cfdp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shano View Post
Your best bet would to try and find a beat up 2.5rs and turn it into a rally/autocross car. They are lightweight and awd so would be a fun car to race *especially with a wrx swap*

Although they are a little on the rare side... but goodluck with your search!
What years should I look for? Thanks!
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Old 03-23-2010, 07:51 PM   #13
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The brighton is the lightest model. That is a selling point. They don't come AWD though, just FWD.
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Old 03-23-2010, 11:04 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by liv4psi View Post
The brighton is the lightest model. That is a selling point. They don't come AWD though, just FWD.

Not true. Check out the 1996 section: http://www.cars101.com/impreza_archive93_96.html
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Old 03-24-2010, 10:30 AM   #15
cfdp
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Thanks guys, picking up a 99 impreza L today if all goes well!
So I should be one here a lot in the future with all sorts of noob questions, lol.

A light car would be nice, but I kinda like my 3600lb Mazda around the corners..
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Old 03-24-2010, 12:22 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfdp View Post
Thanks guys, picking up a 99 impreza L today if all goes well!
So I should be one here a lot in the future with all sorts of noob questions, lol.

A light car would be nice, but I kinda like my 3600lb Mazda around the corners..
be sure to check out rs25.com, they're a lot more centered to that body style.
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Old 03-24-2010, 01:34 PM   #17
cfdp
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Will do thanks. Although it's a 2.2 motor..
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