07 WRX - opinions / alternatives?

[snwtoy]

Thanks guys, this has been an interesting thread.

The reason I want 4wd is because I regularly visit ruapehu, chains are a pita (although I still carry them too).

If NZ roads were better and there were more long straights for overtaking, I wouldn't want the 200kw either ..... ahh who am i kidding.... POOOWWWWEERRRRR!!!!

In terms of going with an STI or EVO, of course I would love to, but there's no way I want to spend that sort of money, and even 25 would be a massive stretch. I could go for a slightly older STI, but the mrs hates the FOB-factor (as she calls it) (am also slightly worried about how often subies get targetted for theft etc).

[Heylin]

Get a 2005 Legacy GT-B spec Wagon with 70-80Ks for about $15K. Spend the change on a good service and an ECU reflash.

Tiptronics in those are nice as well, miles ahead of the older ones. 5 speed as well, better shift points, G-sensor in box so it doesnt change gear mid corner.

I drive a 2004 Gt-B Sedan, and there isnt much change in styling or features between 2003-2007 to warrent an extra 5K.

I run a subtech pipe, air filter and ecu reflash, and get 181kw at the ground, so about 210-215 at the motor.

Open road economy is 8.6L per 100kms on 98.

[Heylin]

Something like this

http://www.autotrader.co.nz/used-cars-f ... acy/875450

could be some nicer ones on TradeMe privately

Seems hard to get them in lower kms now, most of them 100,000 kms. Provided the cambelt is done on them they are a good buy.

I wouldnt pay anymore than $16K for one that 100K, and would insist the cambelt etc was done. Usually about $800-900 to do on these.

[thornz]

Look for one of these in manual, has the same 6 spd box as the STI WRX's from memory. Not quite 200kw (190kw I think), awesome motor to drive, and have all the luxury gear as well, much nicer build etc than the WRX's.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 404039.htm

[AE82 FXGT]

I'm in the same boat with my gtt too.

Here are my thoughts of what I've looked at:
1) Mazda MPS - wasn't on the list of cars I was considering until I drove one. They have an insanity factor with 190kw at the front wheels. Sporty interior, bigger than you expect. Feels faster than my GTT noting power is limited in 1st & 2nd to make it drivable - but it still hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds.

The Atenza MPS (i.e. Mazda 6) is 4WD
The Alexa MPS (i.e. Mazda 3) is FWD

Sorry - yes I was refering to the Maz 3. The Maz 6 is ugly and looks old - wouldn't consider it.

Just FYI "MPS" is an NZ new thing, so Mazda 3 MPS and Mazda 6 MPS. Atenza and Axela are called Atenza/Axela Mazdaspeed. In the states they're just called Mazdaspeed 3/6.

Also if when looking at any turbo Mazda make sure you start it from cold and listen for any timing chain noise. If there is any it will most likely need a chain and tensioner (Or if you're like me you look for ones with this problem use it to drive the price down and fix it yourself).

[dnalunchie]

Look for one of these in manual, has the same 6 spd box as the STI WRX's from memory. Not quite 200kw (190kw I think), awesome motor to drive, and have all the luxury gear as well, much nicer build etc than the WRX's.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 404039.htm

ah, unfortunatly no they dont have the same box, i was under that impression too but one of the guys on scoobynet uk pulled one of each apart and the legacy one was quite different with weaker looking smaller componants.

they are dam nice to drive tho

[eskimo]

Look for one of these in manual, has the same 6 spd box as the STI WRX's from memory. Not quite 200kw (190kw I think), awesome motor to drive, and have all the luxury gear as well, much nicer build etc than the WRX's.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 404039.htm

Agreed, I have the 03 model and its a wicked car... plenty of poke when needed too

[dnalunchie]

Look for one of these in manual, has the same 6 spd box as the STI WRX's from memory. Not quite 200kw (190kw I think), awesome motor to drive, and have all the luxury gear as well, much nicer build etc than the WRX's.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 404039.htm

Agreed, I have the 03 model and its a wicked car... plenty of poke when needed too

+1 my brothers one was seriously quick for an NA car, was very impressed with the mcintosh sound system and leather too