New driver (shopping for used AWD Subaru)
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New driver...
I am just getting my license and have been saving up for a car for a while. Most of my friends who are getting nice cars are getting Camaros, Firebirds, and other cars similar to that. Where I live we have snowy winters and I want the AWD, I also need space for passengers or my hockey bag. So I thought that a used Subaru would be perfect, it has AWD, space for five, could be easily upgraded to run with those Camaros, and maybe most importantly, (living in Massachusetts), the insurance wont kill me. So my real question is; based on my needs I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion for makes of Subaru? I have my heart set on a Impreza RS AWD 2.2L sedan (96ish). Thanks fo rthe input!
Last edited by hammy48; Jun 7, 2005 at 04:48 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,646
From: NYC
Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
An older AWD L is a good choice for a first car, they are reliable and safe and won't overpower a new driver as can happen with the newer turbo cars.
If you find a car that interests you, be sure it has good service records and that all the scheduled maintenance has been performed. In particular if the car has over 60K you want to be sure the timing belt has been replaced, and if the owner can't prove that it has figure that into the purchase price as you'll want to have it done right away if you decide to buy the car. Otherwise look for regular oil and other fluid changes. The car should run smoothly and relatively quietly, these aren't luxury cars but they shouldn't make a racket either. If a manual trans it should shift easily without grinding or clutch shudder or slippage, the clutch should engage somewhere in the middle of the pedal travel and not too high or low on the pedal. If automatic it should shift smoothly and not slip between or in gears. Check the transmission fluid, it should appear almost clear and not smell burnt. Make some tight turns in a parking lot, if you hear a rhythmic clicking or clunking it indicates a possibly bad CV joint (repairable, but a bargaining point for a few hundred $).
In any case don't expect a perfect car of that vintage, but try to spot any major items that would make it one to avoid rather than one to buy. If possible, either have a mechanic or mechanically knowledgeable friend go with you to check it out, if not initially then make the sale contingent on the car passing a full mechanical inspection before you pay and take possession.
As for the upgrades and keeping up with Camaros, I'd seriously rethink that. First of all as a new driver, this is the last thing you should be thinking about. Learn to be a safe driver and control your vehicle, maybe even take a track school if one is offered within driving distance of where you live. If your priority before you even own your first car is who you are going to race, things will not go well for you.
Also, while there are a few things you can do with that L to improve its performance somewhat, you can forget about V8-like results. The only way to get that kind of zip from an L is with an engine swap and that is not a project for you, trust me on that.
If you find a car that interests you, be sure it has good service records and that all the scheduled maintenance has been performed. In particular if the car has over 60K you want to be sure the timing belt has been replaced, and if the owner can't prove that it has figure that into the purchase price as you'll want to have it done right away if you decide to buy the car. Otherwise look for regular oil and other fluid changes. The car should run smoothly and relatively quietly, these aren't luxury cars but they shouldn't make a racket either. If a manual trans it should shift easily without grinding or clutch shudder or slippage, the clutch should engage somewhere in the middle of the pedal travel and not too high or low on the pedal. If automatic it should shift smoothly and not slip between or in gears. Check the transmission fluid, it should appear almost clear and not smell burnt. Make some tight turns in a parking lot, if you hear a rhythmic clicking or clunking it indicates a possibly bad CV joint (repairable, but a bargaining point for a few hundred $).
In any case don't expect a perfect car of that vintage, but try to spot any major items that would make it one to avoid rather than one to buy. If possible, either have a mechanic or mechanically knowledgeable friend go with you to check it out, if not initially then make the sale contingent on the car passing a full mechanical inspection before you pay and take possession.
As for the upgrades and keeping up with Camaros, I'd seriously rethink that. First of all as a new driver, this is the last thing you should be thinking about. Learn to be a safe driver and control your vehicle, maybe even take a track school if one is offered within driving distance of where you live. If your priority before you even own your first car is who you are going to race, things will not go well for you.
Also, while there are a few things you can do with that L to improve its performance somewhat, you can forget about V8-like results. The only way to get that kind of zip from an L is with an engine swap and that is not a project for you, trust me on that.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 846
From: Orange County, CA
Car Info: 08 WRX - 401whp/408wtq
Since when are Camaros and Firebirds "nice" cars? Hmmphh... Btw, the RS wont get you running along side a camaro, but a WRX will keep up with some safe and reliable mods... Look into a WRX, try to find one that is in stock form, and buy one with the least amount of miles, and the older the owner, usually the better. You cant find many of them that are stock, let alone low mile, and on top of that an elder (more mature) owner. Goodluck.
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Posts: 10,029
From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
Origami posted by hammy48
...and maybe most importantly, (living in Massachusetts), the insurance wont kill me.
...and maybe most importantly, (living in Massachusetts), the insurance wont kill me.
--
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"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
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