Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > General Community

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-31-2005, 04:56 PM   #1
3DF
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 59373
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle:
2005 '01 H6/LegacyGT
'01 H6 (wag) '05 SWP (gt)

Default So I test drove an 2.5RS yesterday, thinking I'm going to get it, but...

Loved it, I've driven a WRX, don't have the cash for that, but I think the 2.5RS is a good compromise. Anyways, couple questions I had about the car:

- Obviously this would be my first Subaru coming from a '91 Audi 100 (boat) compared to the RS, how long are the RS engines good for or usually last?
- My Fiance is worried about "reliability" and would rather get a Honda and I've been trying my best to convince her that Subbie's are just as reliable, but any other info would be great.
- Crash tests: Is the car safe? I've looked for some info, but was curious if you guys had any other info to check out.
- Turbo Kit: Can the engine handle it without burning it out in case I'd want to upgrade it later on?

I've already got some wheels spec'ed out (Prodrive 7) and the woman approves, but I'd like to make sure I'm making a good purchase.

Noted Invoice on the 2.5RS 4AT - $18,480
Retail price at dealership (sticker) - $19,600
Quote I got in writing from dealership w/ Spoiler + Bug Guard - $18,500 out the door.

So I'm assuming I have a good deal on the RS?

Thanks guys.
-Aaron-
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
3DF is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 01-31-2005, 05:04 PM   #2
sonicsuby
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 34162
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle:
2005 WRX wgn, 01 RS
White, White

Default

that seems like an ok deal. But you're getting an automatic?

I would steer clear of that and go 5spd. You'll be much happier with it. You could also trying checking out a used WRX to get that RS price with the WRX power
sonicsuby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:05 PM   #3
rockt104
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 19111
Join Date: May 2002
Location: $Texas
Default

In general...

Safety is rated pretty high throughout the Impreza line, a search should turn something up. Reliability is the inverse of turbo kit. Lose the spoiler and go MT...you will thank me later.

Kevin
rockt104 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:10 PM   #4
WRXVT
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 17979
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: NOVA
Vehicle:
335i Blue

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3DF
- Obviously this would be my first Subaru coming from a '91 Audi 100 (boat) compared to the RS, how long are the RS engines good for or usually last?
- My Fiance is worried about "reliability" and would rather get a Honda and I've been trying my best to convince her that Subbie's are just as reliable, but any other info would be great.
- Crash tests: Is the car safe? I've looked for some info, but was curious if you guys had any other info to check out.
- Turbo Kit: Can the engine handle it without burning it out in case I'd want to upgrade it later on?

-A long time... 200k+ or so if well maintained. Something else will be likely cost-prohitbitive before the engine fails.

-subaru's are very reliable, just check out Consumer reports, they get honda/toyota type ratings. I've had 3 subarus, my first was a 1991 legacy with no real problems
-It is a IIHS "best pick, and also gets top-notch gov't ratings, so yes it is safe
-yes, but then it probably won't last "as" long... and it will give you warranty problems as well.
WRXVT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:10 PM   #5
darksands
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 75122
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Im in a glass case of emotion
Vehicle:
2005 Impreza WRX Wag
White

Default

Dont get a used WRX unless you know who the previous driver was and if the previous driver didnt do anything to it which is very unlikley. I say get the RS. It is AWD making it much safer already than a Honda. Just tell "the woman" that AWD is safer than 2WD. Reliability wise, it is just as reliable as Honda's or even more so. There is a thread going around, you may have to search, with people getting 100K+ miles with their Subaru's. 18500 is a decent deal. YOu guys dont have tax up there. 50 bucks above invoice is pretty good. If you want turbo later, you can browse the Aftermarket turbo section.

Peter
darksands is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:48 PM   #6
esper
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 23514
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Vehicle:
2006 WRX Wagon
San Remo Red

Default

The stock engine shouldn't have a problem seeing 200k miles if well maintained.

A turbo 2.5 would have trouble getting past 40-50k after the turbo was installed. If you want to make it faster, you're looking at a ceiling of 200hp withing reasonable means. That's crank HP, not wheel. Besides that, you're going to start having to invest a lot of cash and streetability.

There is always of course the engine swap. If you can keep the rest of the car in good shape, you can always swap in a turbo engine. Subaru has a large variety of displacements and setups available for between 2.5-4k for the engine and ecu. You'd have to get your own turbo kit and IC and install it (or pay someone to) but you do get a new engine with a new warranty.


As far as safety, you should tell teh old GF that manuals are safer too =]
esper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:51 PM   #7
wrx05
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 69032
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Maine
Vehicle:
2005 Legacy GT
Obsidian Black

Default

Go for the 5-spd..Seriously..If the fiance' doesnt know how to drive it teach her. You will get better gas mileage, a more reliable transmission and alot more fun.
wrx05 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:55 PM   #8
Jejunum
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 15773
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Madison
Vehicle:
2011 Impreza WRX
Silver

Default

you should be able to get a RS cheaper. check for any incentives that Subaru may be offering. www.edmunds.com

i got my RS for 300 below invoice. dealer made a profit + i was happy. win win

oh i have a 4eat. i regret it somewhat, but it was a necessary choice at the time.
Jejunum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 05:58 PM   #9
HondaH8er
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 3097
Join Date: Nov 2000
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: www.rs25.com Beaverton, OR
Vehicle:
2013 Ford Focus ST
Performance Blue

Default

Rallitek here in Portland can do a WRX swap into an RS for about $5k. Of course, if you had the $5k for that now, I would say to just get a WRX. Hexk, if you're already thinking about turbo, I'd say wait a little longer, save up a few more bones, and get a WRX right off the bat, lots of potential for that engine, since it's already built for turbo. An RS would need some serious money thrown at the stock engine to get it as powerful and reliable as the stock WRX engine. That's why I'm getting Rallitek to do a swap into my 00 RS sometime later this year.
HondaH8er is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:08 PM   #10
turbosuzybutt
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 63884
Join Date: Jun 2004
Vehicle:
'99 Impreza OBS
Green

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by esper
The stock engine shouldn't have a problem seeing 200k miles if well maintained.

A turbo 2.5 would have trouble getting past 40-50k after the turbo was installed. If you want to make it faster, you're looking at a ceiling of 200hp withing reasonable means. That's crank HP, not wheel. Besides that, you're going to start having to invest a lot of cash and streetability.

There is always of course the engine swap. If you can keep the rest of the car in good shape, you can always swap in a turbo engine. Subaru has a large variety of displacements and setups available for between 2.5-4k for the engine and ecu. You'd have to get your own turbo kit and IC and install it (or pay someone to) but you do get a new engine with a new warranty.


As far as safety, you should tell teh old GF that manuals are safer too =]
Excellent advice here.

If you don't mind a used car, I recommend you look into the previous bodystyle (commonly referred to as the GC8) RS too. Much more stylish and tossable IMHO, and lighter too.
turbosuzybutt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:15 PM   #11
Foxy
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 33069
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Vehicle:
2008 STI
WRB

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3DF
- Crash tests: Is the car safe? I've looked for some info, but was curious if you guys had any other info to check out.
Show your girlfriend this thread:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527529

It ought to convince her that Imprezas are pretty safe.
Foxy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:21 PM   #12
STi-BOD-
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 78539
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: IL.
Vehicle:
2005 Subaru STi
K&N Typhoon HKS CarbonTi

Default

the car is very safe, i know the sti has side airbags but other than that the imprezas are real safe.

the car should last forever if you take care of it, my unce had a 86 chevy step side that had 750,000 on the odo when he sold it for 150 dollars lol!! 200k is nothing really...

get the 5speed its much better as far as reliablity goes and gas, fun, cool factor.

STi-BOD- is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:21 PM   #13
ScoobyNewbie101
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 75891
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Git-R-Done
Vehicle:
1995 Danger Ranger
Mud

Default

bug gard is a no no. Get 5spd
ScoobyNewbie101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:25 PM   #14
2005RBP2.5RS
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 77688
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portland
Vehicle:
2005 Impreza 2.5RS
Regal Blue Pearl

Default

3DF

I bought my 2.5RS in December and love it! I was able to buy it for $100 below invoice plus $500 cash back. Robert treated me very well from Wentworth Subaru, just email him through the stores website and he will give you a quote via email!

good luck!
2005RBP2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:35 PM   #15
Jejunum
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 15773
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Madison
Vehicle:
2011 Impreza WRX
Silver

Default

if you are going to get a turbo, i say ignore these people and dont buy a wrx. the forester xt is this best value. and the legacy gt is HAwT. haha

turbo kit on RS =bad idea.

5 star crash test ratings on imprezas.
Jejunum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:38 PM   #16
3DF
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 59373
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle:
2005 '01 H6/LegacyGT
'01 H6 (wag) '05 SWP (gt)

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2005RBP2.5RS
3DF

I bought my 2.5RS in December and love it! I was able to buy it for $100 below invoice plus $500 cash back. Robert treated me very well from Wentworth Subaru, just email him through the stores website and he will give you a quote via email!

good luck!
Wow, thanks for the good words! Can I say who refered me just for Robs sake.

Thanks for all the input guys. The whole thing with the 5spd, I'd like to..... but..... I've driven an Auto my whole life as well as my fiance so it's best sticking with what works. I know I'm gonna take crap for it but hey, that's what options are for.
3DF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:39 PM   #17
cabe
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 55864
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: williamsport,PA
Vehicle:
2002 WRX sedan
PSM

Default

Yeah, don't get a bug guard, just wash your car once in a while. Also, don't get an auto, you'll kick yourself for it later, unless you don't plan on doing any sort of aggressive driving.
As far as safety and reliability, a woman crashed into my door on my mom's outback going 40+ (t-bone) and I came out unscathed. Also, we've had tons of subies, our last with over 220K when we traded it in.
I got my wrx for 14K+8K trade, so you might want to look around a little more. Whatever you decide, make sure it's a subie!
cabe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:45 PM   #18
goNads
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 61888
Join Date: May 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: San Gabriel, CA
Vehicle:
2003 Outback Sport
Midnight Black Pearl

Default

the 4eat is just as reliable as the 5spd... some would argue more-so.

the 5 speed does get better milage... but has some quirks.

edit-- the bug guard is only a no-no on the wrx (it has been shown to deflect some air flow from the scoop) otherwise, it shouldn't matter. imo, the bug guard looks cool on a rs... makes em look meaner. :P
goNads is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:54 PM   #19
fuzzymemory
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 63477
Join Date: Jun 2004
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: CT Shoreline
Vehicle:
04 WRX Wagon
San Remo Red

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jejunum
if you are going to get a turbo, i say ignore these people and dont buy a wrx. the forester xt is this best value. and the legacy gt is HAwT. haha
I have a WRX wagon, and one of my good friends has a Forester XT. I am happy with the compact size of my WRX wagon, she needed more room for her large dogs. I find the Impreza looks and handles better. The XT is faster 0-60 and has more power at low RPMs, making it easier to drive around town than the 2.0L-t wrx. Both are great values, so it all comes down to what you want...
BTW, if you are finding the RS doesn't have enough power (do a highway test drive before you buy) than look into getting a used WRX or Forester. It takes way more than 5k to make a RS perform like a WRX... the WRX has better seats, stereo, suspension & more. So maybe you can spend 5k and get a wrx engine & turbo installed, but that doesn't get you the better seats, interior, stereo, suspension and more (spoiler included on wagon).
If it were me, I'd rather spend the extra 75 bucks or so a month to get the WRX now, then to plan on dropping 4-8K in a few years to make your RS as fast as a WRX (voiding the warranty & making the car less reliable).
And there is nothing wrong with the AUTO impreza... stick shifts suck in stop&go traffic and it's better to get an auto then to have your GF fry your tranny in under 10k miles
fuzzymemory is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 08:33 PM   #20
esper
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 23514
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Vehicle:
2006 WRX Wagon
San Remo Red

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fuzzymemory
BTW, if you are finding the RS doesn't have enough power (do a highway test drive before you buy) than look into getting a used WRX or Forester. It takes way more than 5k to make a RS perform like a WRX...
I guess you're altogether unfamiliar with the performace of RS vs WRX on the autoX circuit, which most closely resembles any ort of high performance driving possible in the real world, so I'll just summarize by saying this statement is a bit innacurate.

Quote:
the WRX has better seats, stereo, suspension & more.
RS seats 02+ are exactly the same seats you get in a WRX, theyre just not colored on the inside. The interior is IDENTICAL minus the shift knob, leather wrapping on the same steering wheel, and the pedals. The only difference in the sound system is the head unit, all speakers are the same.This is not to mention that they'll sell all of this extra stuff to you in the 2.5rs now for 1k more)

And the suspension is exactly the same too. Spring rates only differ because of the cars weight (imo both cars have half as much spring stiffness as they actually need stock anyways, and the weight differential is 110lbs)

The real difference is the engine, but you can get a 2.5rs to run a 0-60 barely slower than a WRX for less than 2 grand anyways, and it will still turn the same (maybe a bit better since it's lighter), and accept all of the same suspension parts. The added cost savings of much less insurance, much less component wear than a turbo (the average engine life is longer on the 2.5 NA), and 87 octane gas will also really make the 2.5 a better value, especially since it seems like you're looking for a daily driver.

If you want the proof of actual performance, in most autocrosses I've been to the stock 2.5rs drivers and the wrx drivers are getting about the same times. Sometimes the 2.5's are beating the wrx's but that really depends on the driver more than the car. I know I managed to consistently beat 2 wrx drivers all year last year with absolutely no mechanical advantage whatsoever, and no difference in the amount of time any of us were driving. With an exhaust, intake, and springs, i can give any stock wrx a run for it's money around a race course, and that whole total is going to run you less than $800 if you shop wisely.


Quote:
So maybe you can spend 5k and get a wrx engine & turbo installed, but that doesn't get you the better seats, interior, stereo, suspension and more (spoiler included on wagon).
Again, the key interior differences are a shift knob and pedals (the steering wheel is the same wheel with different leather, so i wont even count that).

Thats a whopping hundred bucks, 150 if you buy the most expensive ones at the shop. Any $100 head unit is better than either of the stock ones, although I guess the 6 disc changer would be nice.

Quote:
If it were me, I'd rather spend the extra 75 bucks or so a month to get the WRX now, then to plan on dropping 4-8K in a few years to make your RS as fast as a WRX (voiding the warranty & making the car less reliable).
Sounds like someone who has never really driven in an RS with some good work done to it

And my warranty is just fine. an intake and an exhaust and chip don't seem to bother any of the 3 subaru dealerships i've been to for warranty work. I got my entire engine rebuilt under warranty just to check for piston slap (turns out i had a rare timing problem, fixed for free), and I had a chip, intake and exhaust installed.

It's not going to run you 7-8k $ to make it run a race course faster than a WRX. it will make to make you win a drag race, and for 8k, you could absolutey destroy it since you would at that cost level be driving it with an STi engine in it.

A lot of this is also not taking into account that after 150k of good service from your 2.5 engine, you can still do a swap and basically get a new car for much less money. All you need to do is keep the chassis in good shape, and keep a good suspension in it. This might open the door for having a very nice high speed second car for a third of the price of an STi, and you got 150k wourth of daily driver service out of the same vehicle. And you still spent less than 30 grand for the whole lot. I just think a lot of WRX drivers are unaware of how similar the new era 2.5rs is performance wise to the wrx in every department that's not acceleration, nor how improveable the 2.5rs really is.

Quote:
And there is nothing wrong with the AUTO impreza... stick shifts suck in stop&go traffic and it's better to get an auto then to have your GF fry your tranny in under 10k miles
"yeah, those women, they just cant drive"

There isn't anything wrong with the auto, but the assumption/joke that a woman couldnt learn how to drive a stick in 10k miles is somewhat insulting to women imho.
esper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 10:50 PM   #21
Crash477
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 49881
Join Date: Dec 2003
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Knoxville, TN
Vehicle:
2006 Subaru STi
1989 BMW 325is

Default

^^ agreed. My 02 RS is awesome! I have spent about 4500 and it will hang with stock wrx's. and my suspension is better than a stock wrx now.
Crash477 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2005, 01:05 AM   #22
persianpunisher
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 68699
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Sandy
Vehicle:
2004 Impreza WRX
Aspen White

Default

How much was the Chip, Intake and Header, and how much HP gain total?
persianpunisher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2005, 01:35 AM   #23
Diabolical1 CC
*** Banned ***
 
Member#: 59897
Join Date: Apr 2004
Default

Ok nobody posted the crash test info so I will.

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat.../html/0126.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat...ead_subaru.htm
(top row, of the rear safety test, is for the RS sedan and sport wagon) the RS Sedan Sport package has a WRX like seat now.
Diabolical1 CC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2005, 01:41 AM   #24
Marx92x
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 78380
Join Date: Dec 2004
Chapter/Region: SWIC
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Vehicle:
2005 Saab 92x Aero
Black

Default

I don't believe an aftermarket turbo kit is a cheaper alternative to buying a factory turbo car. It will cost you.

And I agree with everyone - a manual will make you much happier with the N/A engine.
Marx92x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2005, 03:17 AM   #25
Diabolical1 CC
*** Banned ***
 
Member#: 59897
Join Date: Apr 2004
Default

It might not be cheaper but it would be faster.
Diabolical1 CC is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
I don't think I'm going to make it as a recruiter/salesman Grap Off-Topic 25 06-17-2008 02:16 PM
I can't poop until 11:00am, I don't think I'm going to make it. El Camino Off-Topic 31 01-03-2008 12:16 PM
Return of I test drove the 2.5RS yesterday.... picking up the car today.... 3DF General Community 22 02-07-2005 03:24 PM
I know i'm going to get flamed but Intake question scooby24 Engine Management & Tuning 9 01-21-2005 04:37 PM
I think I'm going to get a new car next year. Tex-WReX Texas Impreza Club Forum -- TXIC 10 12-04-2002 06:25 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:47 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.