Thinking of buying an Impreza, but not the one you think.

[Raven]

I'm thinking of getting a lowly non-turbo Impreza. In 5 speed. I'm wondering how advisable this is. I'm wondering how mod friendly a non-turbo is. Obviously I'm not gonna be able to up the power like a turbo model, but can I still get a catback? Can I put something like a STI suspension on the car?

Basically, I don't mind the 170 hp, I just want a car that can be made to corner nicely and sound good.

[chicken n waffles]

catback on that car would be a complete waste of money.

maybe get a used 08 wrx and build it up? they're going to for dirt cheap.

[complacent]

It's certainly an economical way of doing things. Few points to consider:

- non-turbos are almost as heavy as turbos. no real weight savings.

- same chassis, same suspension goodies. easy to make handle well.

- still have awd. very nice indeed

- power cannot be made easily with the n/a motor without spending $texas. i've seen built n/a motors that put down 275+hp and matching tq. very cool, very expensive.

if you're satisfied with the power levels, i'd say why not. but the power levels are lower than most fwd cars in the same price range (civic, sentra, etc)

personally, i think it's worth the 2-4k premium of the turbo. but that's just me.

[zaxrex]

Aftermarket exhausts on NAs are LOUD. Ain't got no turbo in the way to quiet things down (see civic, integra, sentra...)
Most of the time you are not driving in the powerband that you would pay for in a turbo. If you spend more than 20% of your driving time over 100 hp/tq I'd be shocked. Power is fun to have on tap, but you feel suspension all the time.
If you want some fun tossing something around, then a used 2.5 could leave you cash to do suspension and brake mods. Ask Julian.

[Raven]

I'm really not looking for a ton of power. I'm looking for a car that will run forever and get decent mileage with a good highway cruising range. I currently have a car with a wobbly front end that no mods can fix (I've tried) and way more power than it can put down (it'll spin 2nd in the wet from a roll). I want to get a car that can corner well (or at least be made to) with a pointy front end. Basically I want an economical car that isn't soulless and boring.

[schvin]

i'm reasonably happy with the mileage and general feel of my n/a.

but, i won't lie. i definitely miss the jump of the sti.

[Raven]

but, i won't lie. i definitely miss the jump of the sti.

That "jump" nearly got me a wreckless.

[sirwilliam]

personally, i think it's worth the 2-4k premium of the turbo. but that's just me.

^^This.

[Raven]

But it's not 2-4K, it's 5-7K. That's a lot on a 20K car.

EDIT: Anyway, my average speed when I don't go on a road trip is about 25 mph. 265 hp is really not necessary to get around here.

[captainslow]

the '03-'04 2.5 RS Imprezas can be had for under $7k. There are a couple for sale on CL in the area.

[Sabre]

^^^ Those are great buys too!

[Raven]

I found an 05 9-2X 2.5i at a nice price.