Highly considering making the switch from BMW to Subaru. Thoughts, tips?

[Smelly Cat]

Hey all I'm new to the forums, located in SoCal. I'm actually posting this because I wasn't allowed to post in the classifieds yet... anywho, I'm very much considering making the switch from my '01 BMW 330Ci to an '02+ Impreza or 05+ Legacy. I'm trying to straight up trade so I don't think I'll be able to swing the Legacy but I've seen bugeyes for around what my current car is worth.

The reason I'm trying to trade my Bimmer is because I'm a Snowboarder and I can't take it in snow, since it's a FR car. (If you're interested there will be an ad in the classifieds coming soon).

Anything I should know about the GD (I think that's the right model) Imprezas? They seem to be ideal for what I want. Something very practical for snow, yet sporty and fun to drive. Any input (also anything on GC models and the 05+ Legacy) is appreciated. Thanks!

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[SWP n Gold]

When you say Impreza, do you mean Impreza or Impreza WRX?

[Smelly Cat]

I wouldn't mind an 2.5RS, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a WRX. My only previous experience was driving my buddies '02 WRX, but it was auto...

[WRXJunky]

I changed from my 2006 BMW 325XI... I will say that my subaru doesn't sound as 'well built' and isn't as comfortable but... I had to come back to Subaru!

[SWP n Gold]

Originally Posted by Smelly Cat

I wouldn't mind an 2.5RS, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a WRX. My only previous experience was driving my buddies '02 WRX, but it was auto...

Well, since you're asking a really broad question, start reading the WikiPedia pages for the Impreza, WRX and Legacy.

[Smelly Cat]

Originally Posted by WRXJunky

I changed from my 2006 BMW 325XI... I will say that my subaru doesn't sound as 'well built' and isn't as comfortable but... I had to come back to Subaru!

Thanks for the input! I was also considering getting an E46 Xi, I love my 330Ci, but I wanted to save on general maintenance, gas, insurance and figured it'd be cheaper to have a Subaru. (If you happen to read this thread again) Just curious, why'd you give up your Xi?

@SWP n Gold. Basically what I was wondering was if there were any common (expensive) problems... like "Oh, you're getting a an '02 WRX? Okay... but you should know that _____".

For example, when I was getting my 330Ci, I got a 5-speed because the Auto trannys on the E46's have had a lot of problems, some of them not being able to go into reverse, some of them failing completely.

[BeefCurtains64]

Cheaper to have a subaru.... lmao !!!!!! thats funny.

CHEAP ??? what is this mythical thing called cheap???

the 2013 subaru impreza is cheap on gas, insurance, maintenance.
2004 subaru impreza WRX and/or STi are not cheap on gas, insurance maintenance, and parts, AND TUNE!!!!

[10MTN-bugeye]

If you are going to keep it stock, stay out of boost and do you own maintenance, I guess it could be cheap, maybe...
If I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now, I would have gotten an RS and modified that. At this point I have mostly Sti and aftermarket in the WRX anyway. I could have been in the same spot starting from a less expensive NA model and would have lesser insurance premiums.
If I could ignore the urge to turn a wrench, I would pickup an Sti and leave it alone for resale's sake.

[rob1n1]

Subarus are infinitely cheaper to maintain than Euro cars.

[WRXLTD]

I'd be all over a 135 if BMW made it AWD.

[WRXJunky]

Originally Posted by Smelly Cat

Thanks for the input! I was also considering getting an E46 Xi, I love my 330Ci, but I wanted to save on general maintenance, gas, insurance and figured it'd be cheaper to have a Subaru. (If you happen to read this thread again) Just curious, why'd you give up your Xi?

A few reasons:

• More affordable to maintain.
• I wanted a newer car.
• The AWD system is more sophisticated.
• Modifications are more doable.
• The WRX was just more fun, lol.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: Insurance was not cheaper for me (in my case), gas was a little better on the MPG's but nothing significant, general maintenance is much more affordable.

[SWP n Gold]

Originally Posted by Smelly Cat

@SWP n Gold. Basically what I was wondering was if there were any common (expensive) problems... like "Oh, you're getting a an '02 WRX? Okay... but you should know that _____".

02-03 were arguably the most reliable years for the WRX since they don't have the horribly lean tune that started coming on these cars in 2004. The only problem is that they're 10 years old now and most of them have been beaten on.

[cmiovino]

I'd say go with it if you're into snowboarding... AWD for snow is great. It's comfortable to live with in day to day life for sure... especially if you get the interior of a WRX. I came from a '98 Outback to a WRX is the interior is amazing (haha). I could see someone coming from a BMW to a WRX looking down on it though.

WRXs are not cheap on gas.. that's my only complaint. I get 20-22 MPG all city on 93 oct. Doing a highway run with some spirited driving in there (minor), I netted 24. So meh.. not the greatest. Tradeoffs for the AWD and boxer engine. Other than that, it's great.

[rkramer]

Originally Posted by SWP n Gold

02-03 were arguable the most reliable years for the WRX since they don't have the horribly lean tune that started coming on these cars in 2004. The only problem is that they're 10 years old now and most of them have been beaten on.

02/03's tended to have trans that got a bad reputation, but as you mention, they probably have been beaten on. (hence, the bad rep)

To the OP... You are looking at used car that, statistically speaking, was driven hard by a younger person, and probably not maintained as well as it could have been. (again, stats...) Look for signs that it was owned by someone older, and hasn't been modded in any way.

[SWP n Gold]

Originally Posted by rkramer

02/03's tended to have trans that got a bad reputation, but as you mention, they probably have been beaten on. (hence, the bad rep)

I was referring to the engine, but yeah the transmissions were weaker. Not to mention, I think when the WRX first came out, people were just launching them like crazy.

[Smelly Cat]

Originally Posted by rkramer

02/03's tended to have trans that got a bad reputation, but as you mention, they probably have been beaten on. (hence, the bad rep)

To the OP... You are looking at used car that, statistically speaking, was driven hard by a younger person, and probably not maintained as well as it could have been. (again, stats...) Look for signs that it was owned by someone older, and hasn't been modded in any way.

Just curious, were you speaking of the auto or manual tranny? Or just in general? I ask because if you noticed my earlier post, mostly the auto trannys on my car had problems (the reason went stick). Also, I'd be strictly getting a stick shift.

Yeah I'd probably not be looking to buy from a younger driver and would be looking for mostly, if not all stock. Not that all younger drivers drive hard, but like you said, statistically speaking.

And guys: SWP n Gold, WRX Junky, BeefCurtains64, 10MTN-Bugeye, rob1n1, WRXLTD, cmiovino, rkramer. Thanks all, I really appreciate the input!

PS: My ad is now up in the classifieds if anyone's interested. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2410272

[SWP n Gold]

Originally Posted by Smelly Cat

Just curious, were you speaking of the auto or manual tranny? Or just in general? I ask because if you noticed my earlier post, mostly the auto trannys on my car had problems (the reason went stick). Also, I'd be strictly getting a stick shift.

Yeah I'd probably not be looking to buy from a younger driver and would be looking for mostly, if not all stock. Not that all younger drivers drive hard, but like you said, statistically speaking.

And guys: SWP n Gold, WRX Junky, BeefCurtains64, 10MTN-Bugeye, rob1n1, WRXLTD, cmiovino, rkramer. Thanks all, I really appreciate the input!

PS: My ad is now up in the classifieds if anyone's interested. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2410272

He's talking about the manuals. It's not that the transmission is flawed or anything, it just won't put up with abusive behavior all that long (aggressive launching and banging gears all the time). If you find one that wasn't treated that way, and you don't treat it that way, you'll be fine.

[rkramer]

Originally Posted by Smelly Cat

Just curious, were you speaking of the auto or manual tranny? Or just in general? I ask because if you noticed my earlier post, mostly the auto trannys on my car had problems (the reason went stick). Also, I'd be strictly getting a stick shift.

The manuals tended to be rock solid. They were arguably built better, but also lived in vehicles that were not abused as much.

[WRXJunky]

No problem... Best of luck to you!

[MachineGunJoe]

Originally Posted by cmiovino

I'd say go with it if you're into snowboarding... AWD for snow is great.

Perfect car for going up the mountains! I've seen bimmers get stuck in the snow, Don't let the commercials fool you!

[H_wells3000]

I have a bugeye and I love it! sucks we have a cap around 350whp though cause of the tranny

[sc00by4life]

Originally Posted by H_wells3000

I have a bugeye and I love it! sucks we have a cap around 350whp though cause of the tranny

Hp doesn't break trannys, torque does

And this is very debatable. I personally know people with 400+ hp gt30/35 builds on the stock 5 speed.

[Smelly Cat]

Originally Posted by MachineGunJoe

Perfect car for going up the mountains! I've seen bimmers get stuck in the snow, Don't let the commercials fool you!

Yeah man, I've seen some videos on YouTube of bimmers rolling backwards down a hill while in gear. Plus, mine (like most of them) is FR so I'd just be asking to spin out. And I'm originally from Hawaii, so I've driven in snow... never haha.

[Smelly Cat]

If anyone's still monitoring this thread, I'm noticing that a few of the bugeyes that I've come across have engine rebuilds. Is this something that I should consider a red flag? This is the link to one of the subies I was considering. It's around my car's value and he/she is open to trade. Any input, as always, is appreciated.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/3296844803.html

[Barnold]

BMW's are horrible cars in the long run, every person i know that has owned one has had numerous issues with it after 60k miles. If you plan on keeping your Subaru stock it should be pretty problem free, risk always comes with modification so take it FWIW.