Hello All-

Im new to the forum, just wanted to say hi to all and get everyones input on the 2006 Impreza 2.5i. Worth it--?? Any input, ideas, thoughts--please share-Im hopefully gonna order one up soon!!
Thanks!!
JB

 

What do you have in mind? If its performance... go for a WRX model. I believe there will be a TR (Tuner Ready) version which will have all the power of the standard WRX but without some extras, it will cost only about 2-3 grand more than a 2.5i... In all honesty, if you are performance minded and working with a budget, make the slight stretch, because if you end up settling with this car, you will not be satisfied and theres nothing worse than paying payments on a car that you wish had a turbo... just my .02

 

same here I have a '01 2.5RS don't get me wrong I love it and to top it all off it my favorite body the GC8, don't get me wrong I wish I had a turbo and now you see more and more engine swaps from WRX's into RS owners cars. If possible make a sacrifice for a few months to pay off the difference between the WRX and the 2.5i and you will not be dissapointed.

 

Yea- I Love the thought of turbo-its almost a $6k difference though in price-I dont have that right now, and I am in need of a new car. I mean the body IS exactly the same for the 2.5, WRX and STI- its primarily drivetrain, suspension and brake differences-which can always be changed out. Course that would come after I actually own the car-but hey! Thanks for the input--if theres anymore info out there please send it my way--thanks!

 

Actually, there are minimal suspension differences b/t the i and the wrx (slightly stiffer springs to offset the extra weight, and possibly a larger rear sway bar in the wrx)...both the springs & rear sway bar are easily & rather cheap to upgrade too.

I got the RS. If you're not going to heavily modify the wrx, the rs is definitely the way to go. In other words, the wrx has great performance potential that's 'found' when it's modded (especially power mods), but that big price difference b/t the rs and the wrx for only ~57hp, stock for stock, in my opinion isn't worth it.

You'll save a ton on insurance, gas (87oct), tires etc. But again, the wrx is much more exciting/fun. Just comes down to if you want to spend the extra few Thousand!

Oh, I've found that having a rs as opposed to a wrx makes it easier to get warranty work covered. Another thing, both cars have m&m thin paint, so if not having rock chips down to metal after only 1000 miles isn't your cup of tea, subaru's aren't for you

 

i got the 06 2.5i.. if u want power.. DO NOT GET THIS CAR .. I REPEAT DO NOT GET IT!!.. 06 2.5i is so slow.. and not much aftermarket parts for it.. so if your budget is large enough to sustain a WRx.. GO FOR IT!!
-- 2.5i driver

 

There's only a 57hp difference---I mean yes, turbo is different than NA---but is it drastically different to where you are saying the car sucks matay??? Its also an 06 so ofcourse there wont be mods for it till at least next year--06...It's a different ball game though when you make custom parts and do custom work--there are always possibilites..why do you speak so negatively of this car--what did you drive before have???

 

He's partially right, it's definitely not a fast car (7.9 0-60, 16 sec 1/4 mile).

Are there really no aftermarket parts for it? Aren't the vast majority of suspension parts the same as in a 06 wrx?

besides, why the hell would someone get a 3000lb+ car with only 173hp if they want a car with big power?

 

I just cannot justify holding back and settling for a vehicle.... Truth is, if youre even THINKING about modding a 2.5i, you are already looking at the wrong car. The 2.5i is a base Impreza... it's not made to be modded up. Sure, some owners will do it due to budgetting, but those who are true to themselves, even after the purchase realize that this isnt an enthusiasts car. This is almost like purchasing a Lancer, and trying to make it an Evo... ok not quite as ridiculous as that, but really... if youre thinking of doing power adders and what not... dont even look @ the i... because truthfully, your money will go down the tubes...

if it comes down to not being able to afford mods because you go for the WRX, go for the WRX, because its ALREADY a fast car, and all the power you have OVER the 2.5i is warrantied ...

So i dunno, i still have yet to see a good argument for going with the 2.5i

 

Im definately not saying that a 2.5i is a great mod car, or a great tuner car right off the bat-but you have to wonder what that extra $6k could do, if it were only applied only to power and drivetrain mods. Especially, if you are doing all the wrenchin yourself. Im not saying it may be lacking a little in the power department, but it is definately an impreza none the less.

Im also not primarily buying this car to mod it, at least not right at first. I need something to drive right now--thats my absolute bottom line at the moment.--Mods can always happen down the line.

The 2.5i, WRX and STI all share a frame and body, as far as I know. There are subtle differences between all three cars, with the exception of the powertrain and the suspension, and add on body spoilers, fog lights--etc. I just think that for $6k+ its not worth it from the factory, primarily for more power. I guess we'll see what happens...

 

But see... I highly doubt Subaru uses the same internals as a WRX on the standard 2.5i block.. Think about it, theres no reason for it have the stronger internals and what not. TRUE, 6 grand will take you quite a long way mod-wise, but consider the fact that the WRX has its warranty...

Also, the very reason I suggest you go for a WRX is BECAUSE its your daily driver.... If you start wrenching on the 2.5i yourself, and come across problems, who is going to warrant the work? What if a modification fails you, and costs you twice as much just to get things back to normal?

And how far would you even like to take this car? 6 grand in mods on a 2.5i? I smell forced induction on the way... The only way I could see the 2.5i as being a good purchase is if someone has it as an extra car, wants to build it HIS way, and can afford to... or if someone doesnt care about the vehicle being a performance car. You, on the other hand, will be relying on it for day to day operation... and maybe some fun once in a while...

And it doesnt have to cost 6 grand more... The Tuner Ready can be had for just 4 grand more... Chances are, youre financing the car, right? Just consider all your options before you make this possible 5 year commitment.

Best of Luck

 

Ofcourse--I dont plan on doing engine mods for at least a year or two--possibly even three. Everything else, such as "appearance" mods dont usually void a warranty. I mean there is always the possibility of swapping engine internals and doing a turbo install--or even a complete motor swap some day---Im not at that point at all right now. Thanks for all the advice though, its definately apreciated. Ofcourse if anyone has Q's on painting and paintwork---Let me know---Thanks again.

 

I'd take it over it's competition:

Honda Civic Coupe (Si is more expensive)
Nissan Sentra
Mazda 3
Mitsubishi RalliArt Lancer
VW Golf
Chevy Cobalt
Saturn Ion
Dodge Neon
Scion tC

Bill

 

im with you on that wgb, i wish i could make the payments on a wrx, but theres nowhere to get a brand new car for 200 a month thats any nicer than this.

 

I love my 2.5 RS Wagon. I bought it new stock for 17 + T/L.

If you upgrade the rear sway bar to 17mm, add mudflaps, add the rear spoiler wing, add the roof rack crosspieces, add the fog lights, install a good cold air intake, a guage pack for the dash, and maybe the WRX catback muffler, you will have even more fun and still get 25 mpg and also still have decent insurance rates....

You can pretend you have 230 hp. 165 hp/166 ft. lbs. seems to work fine for me on my twisty mountain road 35 mile commute. I am not planning any track days !

By the way, takeoff WRX wheels and tires are cheap as hell on Craigslist.org. I have two extra sets in storage.....many have less than 500 miles on em, and I have gotten a WRX 6 CD player for 75 bucks.....WRX-ers love to upgrade, and their sell-me-downs make my ride nicer.....thanks, you'all.

BTW the WRX block is much more internally reinforced and the heads are different than the 2.5 RS (2.5i) and the block is a closed head design.

Oh, and the 2.5i runs on REGULAR GASOLINE and gets great mileage.....