How about a new old car
#1
What's up guys, I just returned from working at my summer camp for the last 8 weeks and am now trying to catch up on all the things that happened in the world since I was gone, apparently it was a lot.

Anyway before I head up north in a month or so I'm going to try to become one of those crazy subaru kids so I can have a car that can actually make it through the winter in NH. I now think I can spend up to about $6k-$7k and I was looking at the impreza outback sport or maybe just a regular outback. I'm keeping the 325 so I dont need a car to do track events with, but I may try to get into so rallying while I'm up there. Do any of you subaru guys have any suggestions or opinions about that car?


Before you say it, I can afford a wrx.
1993 BMW 325is
Sgt. Slaughter
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#2
Welcome back man, I knew you were at camp. Did you see your Birthday thread?
2017 Mineral White BMW M240i Cabriolet
2014 White Platinum Pearl Explorer Sport

Living in the Alamo City.
210
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#3
STi. i guess thats technically a wrx though. how bout a 2.5RS? maybe a forrester XT? legacy?
1994 Ford Ranger
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3
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#4
I thought about an RS but I like the idea of having a station wagon so that I can actually fit things in my car for the first time ever. Are there any common problems I should be looking for in those older imprezas?
1993 BMW 325is
Sgt. Slaughter
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#5
I believe the RS has a wagon version.. perhaps the TS?? For that price range you should be able to pull off the impreza version of the wagon.. which in my opinion would be a lot more useful than the outback. I'll look around and see whats available because I'm not completely sure.
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#6
bah, you don't need anything that nice to tear up!

[Image: subaru_justy_08.jpg]
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a van is a good guy with a van
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#7
Apparently they made a wagon version of the base impreza, but I haven't seen one for sale anywhere. The only difference I see with the outback sport version is the grey molding bodywork and and extra half inch of ground clearance which might be a good thing. I really just need it to be a reliable daily driver in the snow up in NH, I'd also like it to be able to get me to killington when theres a foot of snow on the ground. But I'm pretty sure if I have an all wheel drive car, I'm going to rallycross it.
1993 BMW 325is
Sgt. Slaughter
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#8
i would say to avoid aiming for a 2.5RS. All of my searches for those have resulted in very few results, all with an unreasonably high price tag. That's really all I have to say for this, since I've never really looked anywhere alse. I think you are on the right path; a cheap but well maintained suby, of just about any form, will get you anywhere you will have to go, and probably hack it for a little while as you begin rallying.
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#9
Would a WRX Wagon fit the bill?
2017 Mineral White BMW M240i Cabriolet
2014 White Platinum Pearl Explorer Sport

Living in the Alamo City.
210
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#10
Feersty Wrote:Would a WRX Wagon fit the bill?

Didn't he say he couldn't afford a WRX?

I mean, find me a nice WRX for 6-7k and I'll buy it!
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
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#11
Rob, you cant buy a WRX wagon for $6-7k. At least try and be constructive instead of wasting posts.

Hunter - my father is a master tech and has been working at a Subaru dealer for over 15 years - best mechanic I know - if you have any subaru specific questions let me know, I will pass them along to him. They're really reliable cars, damn near indestructable - just keep up on the maintenance.
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
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#12
Hunter Wrote:Before you say it, I can afford a wrx.
actually, technically he said he could afford it :-). But I think since he specifically stated this option, and it clashes with market prices, it must have been a typo.
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#13
Joan's outback is great. It has a steel plate thingy that protects the rear diff if you're worried about that driving around up there. But I think any Subie will do. Joan's uncle and aunt teach at Amherst which is pretty close to where you are and they say every has a subie. He drives a Legacy wagon. She has a Forester.

Whatever you get, try to get a manual as automatics and heavy AWD car = sucks. Also, I get really fustrated driving the Outback, he handles like it looks. I would get a Legacy Wagon Sport or something along those lines.
Two feet.
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#14
the 2.5L subarus before 2000 (DOHC 2.5) had head gasket issues, so getting a pre 2000 outback may not be a good idea.
If you can find a 2000 or 01 legacy wagon for the money you have then that would be a good way to go. Otherwise the OBS is a good bet.
SM #55 | 06 Titan | 12 Focus | 06 Exige | 14 CX-5
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#15
I meant to say I can't afford a WRX, I guess most of you figured that out. Yea I'm trying to stay away from the legacy version of the outback, it's big and heavy. The outback sport is alot lighter (300 lbs lighter), but there just aren't as many of them around.

RJ - I was wondering if there were any common problems with the 2.2L engine that subaru made from 96-98 or the newer one introduced in 99.

I think I need to join nasioc.
1993 BMW 325is
Sgt. Slaughter
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#16
Hunter Wrote:RJ - I was wondering if there were any common problems with the 2.2L engine that subaru made from 96-98 or the newer one introduced in 99.

The 2.2's are pretty solid from what he's told me. I think he has a legacy beaterwagon with the 2.2 on it, tons o' miles on it.
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
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#17
get this, it isnt a scam or anything
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if you havent seen it already
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SM #55 | 06 Titan | 12 Focus | 06 Exige | 14 CX-5
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#18
Yea that evo looks pretty legit, just a little under bluebook value.
1993 BMW 325is
Sgt. Slaughter
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#19
.RJ Wrote:Rob, you cant buy a WRX wagon for $6-7k. At least try and be constructive instead of wasting posts.

Hunter - my father is a master tech and has been working at a Subaru dealer for over 15 years - best mechanic I know - if you have any subaru specific questions let me know, I will pass them along to him. They're really reliable cars, damn near indestructable - just keep up on the maintenance.
RJ...when I can compose the question, I have one for your dad...

I have a 99 legacy outback slush box and it is the best handling car I have ever driven in the snow, better than both my 4x4 pick 'em up trucks
Sean Thompson
NASA Mid-Atlantic Registrar
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#20
Evan Wrote:the 2.5L subarus before 2000 (DOHC 2.5) had head gasket issues, so getting a pre 2000 outback may not be a good idea.
If you can find a 2000 or 01 legacy wagon for the money you have then that would be a good way to go. Otherwise the OBS is a good bet.

yes, My SOHC can confirm this...blowed all the coolant out the expansion tank
Sean Thompson
NASA Mid-Atlantic Registrar
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