Subie longevity: turbo or no

[nostatic]

Well, it looks like an Impreza wagon is on the horizon. The only question is whether to go with the cheap 2.5RS na motor, or spend another $6K and get the WRX. At this point I really don't want to spend a ton of money, although I'm going to finance a good chunk of it. Spending less on the car means more room for toys, so that makes me lean towards the lower power car...plus if I want to go fast, I've got the 911 to jump into. I'm going to drive one of the 2.5 cars (165 screaming horsies), but I figure a good rationalization would be that the na motor would last a lot longer and cost less money to keep running after it is out of warranty.

Bottom line is I just want something that can carry more than one person (ie have a back seat), and can function as a road trip vehicle if we want to go to the snow, or beach or desert or... I ruled out the truck because I want something that handles a bit better and has a decent back seat and covered cargo area. So turbo or save the money (and buy a Ducati ). Or am I missing something? Sorry, no Volvo for me...long story.

[asphaltgambler]

6K more?? Whew.......that's alotta mo cake for a sub/tub!! If you're looking for a more utilitarion ride I don't see the benefit. Subarus are good, solid built vehicles.

[white87911]

I have 162,000 miles on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo and have has no problems with the turbocharger.

Generally speaking that turbo motors are build wi stronger pasts and have stronger axels / clutches etc. At least that is true with the Mitsus.

[Saintly]

We have had the WRX over here a lot longer than they have been available in the US and my friends have had no issues with a stock wrx. The engines are very strong and if you modify them the biggest issue seems to be cracking second gear on the way up.
That being said, if i was going to have a scooby and a p-car i would most likly get the RS so that i have a reason to go drive the p-car.
just remember that subaru backwards is U R A BUS.. treat it like one.

[nostatic]

my get feeling is that the na 2.5 engine is likely good for 250K. And that the fun to be had on a Ducati Monster (and the 911) would balance out the lack of hp in the Subie.

[turbo6bar]

Buy a Brat. It will make you really appreciate a Ducati and 911.

[SteveStromberg]

How about the Baja seats 4 and can haul a fair amount in the back.

[84porsche]

If you want the extra kick then get the turbo but 6k is quite a difference. Although 165 HP may feel horrible compared to your 911. I drove the SAAB 9-2X - same exact car (except different logos) as what you are looking at 2 weeks ago and it felt like a real let down compared to driving with a turbo.

[Stanley]

The Subaru 2.5L is an excellent engine. I have many friends with Subarus and it is no means a gutless engine when paired with a 5speed because of all the torque it has (166 ft-lbs). I would say go for a WRX if you are going to mod it because high HP is just a few cheap bolt-ons away. But you got the 911 for that, so a 2.5L Subaru is a much better choice. Also the WRX will get worse fuel economy, requires premium and a little more $ for upkeep on the engine.

[nostatic]

if I got thw WRX, I know I'd be thinking mods, and tempted to track it "just for fun". I'd rather put that money and effort into seat time, tires, and suspension on the 911. That makes me swing more towards the 2.5L. The idea is to have a bullet-proof transportation car that isn't a total dog...ie I don't want a ponderous feel like in an SUV. I don't mind a lack of HP, but I want it to handle ok.

The Baja is interesting, but I don't really need exposed hauling space. If I want to haul bikes I can get a small trailer...even the 2.5 should be able to pull 1000lbs or so, and they do make a light duty trailer hitch.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

The Subie WRX wagon is a POS compared to the sedan.

I'm ready to get rid of my wagon after having it less than a year.

[greglepore]

The 2.5 is fine. The WRX is great, but its a different deal. No way you'd not start to spend money on it, and the jealous ***** that the 911 is-well, you remember last time. She'll be annoyed enough w/ the Duc taking up your free time.

[Shuie]

We got the 2.5 in the Forrester. Its not fast or anything, but its fine for what it is. Gas mileage has been great so far with less than 1k miles on it. Go drive one.

[badcar]

Just bought a 1998 Legacy Outback wagon with 150K on it...I expect to put a timing belt on in 25K and change the oil...run it til it dies around 250 to 300k. Bomb proof, inexpensive, practicle winter vehicle to go with my future 911.

[911boost]

Todd,

You already have the 911, and are getting a bike. I would get the RS save some cash, and then visit these guys:

http://www.cobbtuning.com/main.html

They sell some good tuning parts for Subies. There is also a forum there, although it is nothing like PP. They sell parts that could get you 200 HP from the NA 2.5.

I bought the WRX because I have a 52 mile each way commute everyday and sometimes need... ahem, speed.. I have held off for a year on "tuning it", and am purchasing a CR250 dirt bike to take my attention away from tuning the Rex. I am like you, and want a car that I can drive for a long time, without having to worry about. My neighbor has an 02 WRX, with over 50K miles, and it still runs strong.

Although if you get the WRX wagon, you won't be disapointed.

Just my thoughts,

Bill

[project935]

I'm telling ya ... put a powerworks.net supercharger in a 5spd 2.0L Zetec Focus (any bodystyle) and have a blast! Save your pennies for the Porsche.

I drove one for 700 miles this past weekend and got 26MPG (almost 30 in warmer weather). Get into the boost and hang-on while the tires break loose in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Pulls like a train. Stay out of the boost and she handles snow just fine (had to go thru a blizzard in Cleveland).

I would have pounded on a WRX in Toledo, but I had the family in the car.

220HP, 200 ft-lbs in a 2500 lb car ... ZX3 or ZX5 is sporty looking. Sedan or wagon and it's the ultimate total sleeper.

250HP, 220ft-lbs is just an exhaust and fuel pump away ...

[nostatic]

Test drove the 2.5RS today. Perfectly acceptable...actually kind of nice because I didn't feel the urge to get on it just because it was there. Despite the fact I hate car payments, having a full warranty and roadside assistance for the next 3 years is a plus...at it actually seems like a pretty usable vehicle.

I actually like the looks of the Focus, but I can't deal with a FWD car...and the interiors make the Subie look nice

[Shuie]

What kind of incentives are they giving there on the Scooby?

I guess this stuff is regional, but they knocked $2.5k off the sticker of our '05 here. They gave me better than the 'sell it yourself' bluebook price for my truck also. I hate a car payment as much as the next guy, but its not too painful with a sub 2% rate on a simple interest loan. I probably didnt get that sweet of a deal, but I sure had a smile on my face when I drove off the lot. I feel like I got a lot of car for the money.

[nostatic]

not huge incentives...1.9% for 36 months. I'll likely do my own financing as I want a longer term that I'll probably end up paying off early. They do have a $500 rebate, and given the current demand, it'll end up selling for under invoice. I can live with that. We'll see if I can do the whole thing online...I submitted a quote request to 4 local dealers, and so far one of them has been on top of the ball. I'll give him the first shot. Says he can deliver it to my place.

[project935]

Originally posted by nostatic
I actually like the looks of the Focus, but I can't deal with a FWD car...

This was the first FWD car I've drivin in a long time - I know where you are coming from.

I spent the morning doing some research on how to convert one to AWD

Not easy, but may be doable ... I might figure out a way to tackle it.

That supercharged engine is BEGGING for AWD