ok, i'll keep this short and sweet. I've been researching on this site for some time, then gave up on the idea of a subie for myself. I've changed my mind...
like the looks of the 01 rs (brother had one, was fun to drive)
liked the power of the 03 wrx (did a test drive)
have only drooled over the 04 sti....

the options that i've laid before me are to either buy an 01 rs put on a wrx turbo, but an 03, or save more for an 04 STI for those of you who have had many different models, or just want to throw in your opinion, feel free.

I to this date, have no plans on racing, but just enjoying the driving experience of the subie

 

if i had the money i would get the old school rs's and slap a wrx motor in it. i just love how the old style looks.
but any of those cars you listed are great.
just my $.02

 

yes

 

aye, i love the look of the older models, brother actually had a black rs and had purchased a wrx turbo, tmic, full exhaust. We both did some research on the necessary things to put the turbo on the rs, but he sold the car before i was able to purchase it from him. Now the parts sit in the garage while i contimplate selling my blazer and purchasing an 01 rs to play with, just figured with the knowledge base and variety of opinions here, i could get a well, wider range of opinions and options.

Thanks in advance for any/all information

 

well, look at it like this.

The WRX comes with the turbo installed. Making a car that is not turbo in to a car that is turbo can be a pain. It's also costly. With the WRX, you get a car with a turbo FROM THE FACTORY, with a warranty, with all the necessary factory tested parts to make it work together well. Also, if you purchase a WRX, and this is only if you plan to finance, you can finance the WRX in its form, which is with the turbo. If you buy the RS, you'll likely finance the car and then have to outlay cash money to do the upgrades to add the turbo, which can get real expensive real fast.

Good luck on whatever you do

 

I think you'd be really proud of yourself if you did the motor swap in a GC. I know I would.

This thread needs more dancing bananas. :banana:

 

ok :banana: :banana:
:banana:

 

Old RS's are pretty pimp. Road in my friend's a few times. Fun, slap in the WRX motor and you're goin' faster than WRX's. The body is liek 300-400 lbs lighter.

 

yup

 

and they look so much nicer.

 

I'm loving the power, handling, and looks of my 04 WRX. The STi would be nice but much higher insurance took it out of my price range. I would rule out an 03 personally because I think the 04 looks much better and also because buying the car new there is a huge advantage to being the car's first owner. Yes a used 03 would be a fair amount cheaper but with a new car you dont take the risk of getting a car that has been ridden hard and not treated well.

 

I like the '04 better, but maybe it's just me because I own one.

 

I like 03 w/jdm headlights and sti grill the best



mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
(not my car, but I love this pic)

 

that is a beautiful car, thanks all for the input, i'm going to do some more research on the engine swap, as well as just the basic finances, think i'll think of the 03 and older 01 from now on. Thanks again all, really appreciate the opinions.