Opinions please

[Rill 0]

Hello there!

First post and I'm looking for a bit of input from some fellow petrol heads.....

My current ride as an Audi 3.2 A3 Sport with DSG and all the usual trimmings. The manufacturers warranty is due to run out in summer 2007 so (being the tart that I am ) I'm starting to look around for a replacement vehicle. Have considered loads of different motors but I must admit I've got a bit of a hankering for a Scooby, more specifically an Impreza WRX STi Spec. D with a Prodrive Performance Pack.

I've got a couple of test drives lined up and I appreciate that ultimately it's a decision only I can make but I'd really like to know you're opinions about the swap from Audi to Subaru, especially if there is anyone out there who has made a similar move.

Am I likely to miss the comfort/build quality of my current car?

What about customer service? My dealings with Audi have been absolutely faultless, am I likely to get a similar service from Subaru?

Thanks for listening, look forward to your responses!

[scooby_simon 0]

I the impreza will rattle more, it will have cheap plastic inside and if you "love" the "feel" of the inside of the A3, you might not like it.

However, the Impreza will go like stink, stop like hell and go around corners like it is in rails. You will also spend more on Optimax than you do in the Audi.

If you want a more "drivers" car, then the Scooby is for you.

Mine is 10 years old and is showing it, but it goes like stink and I love it.

Two totally different cars.

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

While you're having a look at a Spec D, make sure you arrange a test drive in a 2007 Legacy Spec B manual. It isn't as focussed as the Impreza, but it is a much nicer place to be. Depends on your priorities really.

Reliability is utterly bombproof (far better than anything German). Build quality isn't an issue either. The interior of the Impreza does look rather functional and dated and uses some cheaper materials, but I promise you will be impressed with the Legacy - IMO it's as good as anything in the premium sector. I have a 2005 Legacy 3.0R - not as sporty as the Spec B, but still very nice inside.

Subaru dealers always do well in customer satisfaction surveys, and I've never had any problems with the ones I've used. (I've had 5 Subarus and used 3 dealers for one reason or another - nothing to do with anything they've done wrong I hasten to add).

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

P.S. There's a little demon inside my head that keeps saying "you want another Impreza"... if I did, it'd be the Spec D or a Litchfield Imports special.

www.litchfieldimports.co.uk

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

P.P.S. Get an insurance quote before you fall in love with it...

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

P.P.P.S. There's an all new Impreza out at the end of 2007. It's a smaller hatchback (think Honda Civic) and looks nothing like the current car, so bear that in mind in terms of desirability/resale in a couple of years time.

Also, they can't give new Imprezas away at the moment so you shouldn't have to work too hard for a BIG discount.

Err, I'll stop now...

[scooby_simon 0]

[ QUOTE ]

P.S. There's a little demon inside my head that keeps saying "you want another Impreza"... if I did, it'd be the Spec D or a Litchfield Imports special.

www.litchfieldimports.co.uk

[/ QUOTE ]

Please stop this. My wife nearly benned me from watching 5th gear, just because this car was on there.

I need this car....

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

It is a bit special isn't it.

[scooby_simon 0]

[ QUOTE ]

It is a bit special isn't it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a bit.

Going to need a bigger garage as I also need an exige.....

[Rill 0]

Thanks for the responses so far, very useful indeed!

Done a couple of quotes online this afternoon just to get an idea..........mid 30's, 3 points (SP30), full NCD with one partial blame accident claim a couple of years ago (nothing massive though). It would appear I'm looking at about £800, fully comp, with £250 excess and protected no claims. I'm sure I can get that down a bit more yet though!

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

Sounds reasonable. Insurance companies really don't like Imprezas.

Can't think why...

Edit - Oh, try www.privilege.com if you haven't already.

[Rill 0]

[ QUOTE ]

Oh, try www.privilege.com if you haven't already.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good call..........

Down to £700 now!

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

Mine's a pint of Stella (cold).

[bladem18 0]

Bought a 2006 2.5 WRX last month. Owned a bmw 318si and a Lexus IS200, and there is no way i would ever go back.

Ive not even done 600 miles and exceeded the 4000 rpm yet!!

Insured with Barclays £501, 37 yr old, full prot.ncd + 3 pts (sp30) excess £350. Ive heard the Subaru Ins. is worth a look. Hope this helps.

[Rill 0]

Over the past couple of weeks I've taken loads of stick from friends and colleagues about my plan to move from an Audi to a Scooby.

No doubt you can imagine what they've been saying.....

It's got a crap interior, especially compared to your Audi

It looks too "chavvy"

It's too obvious

You're not 21 anymore

You t@sser

Are you gonna buy a Burberry cap as well?

etc, etc................

Well I've since test driven a 2.5 WRX STi fitted with a Prodrive Performance Pack and to be honest I really couldn't care less even if all their comments are true because as far as I'm concerned the performance and handling of that car really did take my breath away!

I have now finally discovered the true meaning of the phrase "the most fun you can possibly have with your clothes on."

Decision made, I'm having one...end of!!!!

The cost of insuring the damn thing is almost irrelevant now because no matter what the price I have no intention of changing my mind! But, for the record, I've got a quote from Subaru Insurance for a 2006 2.5 WRX STi with PPP, fully comp, protected, minimal excess with "she-who-must-be-obeyed" as a named driver for £750......

.....that'll do me!

Thanks for all your help!

[ScoobyTim 0]

Try Priviledge. I too am mid 30's with full NCD etc and I pay less than £500.00 with a tracker fitted!

[Biscuits 200]

Good thread........

Glad you've desided on the Impreza RILL, I'm sure you'll never regret your choice, Subaru's are great and the dealers are pretty darn good too (compared to any VAG dealer anyway!)

I need to change the missus' car (Golf GTi 1.8T) as she wants more boot space.

I'm trying to get here to have an Impreza 2.5 WRX 5 Door... but she prefers the Forester Turbo "as it has more space".

[garcon magnifique 4,433]

You should try the Forester 2.5XTE (that's the turbo). It's an absolute hoot to drive.

Put the Prodrive pack on it and it does 0-60 in 5.3 secs. Imagine the fun looking down on all those poor 'performance car' drivers as you leave them in your dust!

It rolls rather alot more than an Impreza, but that's part of the fun!

[v6tas 0]

[ QUOTE ]

......No doubt you can imagine what they've been saying.....

1. It's got a crap interior, especially compared to your Audi

2. It looks too "chavvy"

3. It's too obvious

4. You're not 21 anymore

5. You t@sser

6. Are you gonna buy a Burberry cap as well?

[/ QUOTE ]

1. It has....

2. It does....

3. It is.....

4. You arnt !!

5. No one said that

6. No but a furry Scooby Doo has its seat belt on in the back instead !!!

Lovely new alloys by the way, very RB320 looking. The only question that remains mate, is will this car last more than a year before one gets bored ?

[yellowwagon 0]

its got to be a scooby all the way,iam totally addicted.i have had 6 in total and everytime i sell one to buy another car i end up selling in few days as i just cant get the flat 4 out of my head.lol.

money and performance is brilliant and the fun is great,i have devoted my hobbie into my own scooby business,thats what they have drove me too.lol.

spec d have it!!!

gaz...