another new guy

Dunno whether to start a new thread or continue in here ....

I've spent a lot of time reading up on all things Subaru, looking at all the for-sale ads on various sites, reading how-to's and blogs, etc etc
Am I any wiser as to what I want ?

No. .... and now I just cant see the wood for the trees :hammerhead:

Well, now that I know a little more about the variations and different model years etc, I have narrowed it down a bit.
I can't get used to the looks of the early forester. I'm sure they are a fine Subaru, just not for me. :shhh:
So, that leaves Legacy & Impreza, and my budget.

I love the looks of the very early saloon, but anything in good condition is very much out of my budget.
Not so keen on the legacy wagon, but I could live with it.
Later Legacy, like the B4 look very big compared to Impreza, or is that just in photos ? - I didnt compare stats or anyhting, just my impression.

Impreza saloon is very nice, but the wagon is simply gorgeous.
I like the sleeper look compared to the saloon. (is saloon the right word ?)

So, I guess in order of preference, I'm looking for:
99/00 Impreza Wagon
Early Legacy saloon
99/00 Impreza saloon, but very standard
Legacy Wagon

UK/Irish, 2L Turbo, manual & not messed with.

My problem is that I like the early legacy saloon, but I dont want to have to give it a lot of tlc.
The other attraction to the early cars is insurance, as I could probably add it on to my classic policy for very little extra.

The 99/00 Impreza wagon is looking like a very good idea, assuming I can find one in very good condition within my budget.
Something like that '99 wagon that just sold. https://isdc.ie/forum/threads/26894/ I thought that was about perfect & would have had it in a flash if I had the cash.


Considering my whole man-logic thing about buying one is that I intend using it as a winter car, is there anything important I'm missing ?
i.e. Is there any feature/spec of any of the particular cars that is a good/wise thing to have for poor road conditions ?

All pointers & nudges in the right direction are welcome.

Cheers,
Declan
 
Hey Declan... TBH any Subaru model is exceptional in poor road conditions and none of them really stand out over others for winter driving and snow. The UK/Iirsh car obviously doesn't have the DCCD that the JDM STI's have but day-to-day driving doesn't really require it. My UK wagon in the bad snow was unstoppable and would have been even better had I had a spare set of rims with proper winter tyres, which I'm planning to have ready for next year.

You just need to source yourself a good, clean UK/Irish car with as comprehensive a service history as possible and with a recent belt done and if lucky a receent clutch as they tend to be a big enough expense. These cars do come up, but are coming harder to find. Take your time and no matter how impatient you are to get one, hold off till the right one comes along. It took my from June last year til November to find my wagon... hopefully you'll have more luck and something will come along sooner.

I've owned a saloon and have a Type R coupe and the Wagon now... and I love the wagon as it is a little bit of a sleeper and doesn't attract the same attention as the others. Would you consider a UK Bugeye Wagon if it came up for the right money...? As they are a few about and they are nearly the same money as classic.
 
Thanks Jamie. Thats exactly the sort of info I was after. :thumbsup:

As you suggest, I intend to take my time. I'm in no rush, and I cant do anything until I shift the golf anyway.

I would certainly consider a UK wagon at the right price, as I've gone thorugh the import process a few times.

Being a 4th car, my budget is quite tight, probably 3K, maybe 3.5K at a push, & that has to include any UK travel & teh dreaded VRT.
I think that might rule out the Bugeyes for now. :dontknow:


I keep seeing scoobys on the roads ! Saw a red classic & a white bugeye yesterday & a white early legacy wagon this morning. :smile:
 
VRT isn't too bad on em... it was about 1200 on my 01 Wagon! They did try and charge me the VRT on a Bugeye though as they where the new model from 01... and mine was just a late registered classic. Bit of a screaming match sorted that! :new_argue: :angry1:

I absolutley love the old Series 1 Legacy's and I did contemplate one... but they are getting old and generally the only readily available ones tend to be the old UK cars (sunroof is a give away) and they are all savaged by rot and become a pain to keep in good condition without a lot of TLC.

A lot of early classic Impreza's are starting to suffer a little from rot too over the rear arches so beware of that when looking.

You'll be seeing Subaru's everywhere now! :icon_grin:
 
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