Need your info, please (on a new Impreza purchase)
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Need your info, please (on a new Impreza purchase)
I've got a few options about Imprezas that I'd like some opinions on. I'm basically thinking aloud here, but I'm burning myself out and going in circles in my head.
I'm looking at buying a new Impreza. I currently have a 1999 2.5RS white w/53,000mi. It's in absolutely fantastic shape and everything, but it's time I have a 4-door (I know, it sounds funny, but accessibility is a factor). My options to buy are as follows...
I'm looking at sedans only.
1.) 2004 or 2005 WRX: brand new, 0 miles, warranty, etc etc.
My thought: Unfortunately, money is an issue. $25k+ is over the budget I gave myself, but I plan this to be the last car I'd buy for a long while. I feel that maybe I should get what I want and be completely satisfied.
2.) 2004 2.5 RS: there's one I'd choose locally right now. $20k and there's a $1500 cash back on 04 models.
My thought: The RS is extremely tempting. It's within my budget, it's the right color and options. It's also brand new with <10mi on it. But in the long run would I constantly say to myself "I shoulda got the WRX"? One more thing...I know I'd miss looking over that hood scoop!
3.) 2002 WRX w/40,000mi: Again, there's one locally that I'd choose right now. $18k,
My thought: That's a lot of miles to me. I'd prefer finding one in the 20-30,000mi range. But, I'd would buy a warranty with it, so that should take care of any possible problems.
I hope it's clear enough. I tried to write it simple. Thanks in advance for any thoughts...
-David
I'm looking at buying a new Impreza. I currently have a 1999 2.5RS white w/53,000mi. It's in absolutely fantastic shape and everything, but it's time I have a 4-door (I know, it sounds funny, but accessibility is a factor). My options to buy are as follows...
I'm looking at sedans only.
1.) 2004 or 2005 WRX: brand new, 0 miles, warranty, etc etc.
My thought: Unfortunately, money is an issue. $25k+ is over the budget I gave myself, but I plan this to be the last car I'd buy for a long while. I feel that maybe I should get what I want and be completely satisfied.
2.) 2004 2.5 RS: there's one I'd choose locally right now. $20k and there's a $1500 cash back on 04 models.
My thought: The RS is extremely tempting. It's within my budget, it's the right color and options. It's also brand new with <10mi on it. But in the long run would I constantly say to myself "I shoulda got the WRX"? One more thing...I know I'd miss looking over that hood scoop!
3.) 2002 WRX w/40,000mi: Again, there's one locally that I'd choose right now. $18k,
My thought: That's a lot of miles to me. I'd prefer finding one in the 20-30,000mi range. But, I'd would buy a warranty with it, so that should take care of any possible problems.
I hope it's clear enough. I tried to write it simple. Thanks in advance for any thoughts...
-David
I wouldn't buy a used WRX unless I knew exactly how it was driven and what mods where put on. Nothing like buying a used WRX to find the tranny is almost gone. I don't think mileage is nearly as important because plenty of people can do more damage in 20,000 miles then the average driver puts on in 40,000.
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If you've got a '99 RS right now, I can't see why you'd get a new RS. If it's the warranty you're worried about, maybe look in to companies that provide extended warranties. You'll get a warranty for MUCH less than new car and still have about the same performance. With an '02 - current RS, you get all the ugly of the WRX and none of the turbo. That sucks.
If you're set on buying yourself another car, and it's really the last car you'll buy for some time, then given your options, the WRX is the only way to go. If you buy the RS you'll want more power in the future and you may find yourself in two years looking to buy again. If you really want a new car, I say haggle with the dealer a bit on an '04 and get yourself a smokin deal. A lot of people are getting their WRX for $21k or so, which equates to about $23k or so out the door, and truly, payments aren't too high that way.
If you're gonna get an RS, keep the one you have. It's WAY better looking and most of the specs are similar. You're probably pretty close to owning it outright too, unless you already do in which case the extended warranty option might be just the ticket.
If you're set on buying yourself another car, and it's really the last car you'll buy for some time, then given your options, the WRX is the only way to go. If you buy the RS you'll want more power in the future and you may find yourself in two years looking to buy again. If you really want a new car, I say haggle with the dealer a bit on an '04 and get yourself a smokin deal. A lot of people are getting their WRX for $21k or so, which equates to about $23k or so out the door, and truly, payments aren't too high that way.
If you're gonna get an RS, keep the one you have. It's WAY better looking and most of the specs are similar. You're probably pretty close to owning it outright too, unless you already do in which case the extended warranty option might be just the ticket.
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nKoan: That was my thought exactly. The history of a used WRX is questionable. I hate to buy someone else's problems.
sonicsuby: Getting an RS for an RS was also a concern of mine because I really don't feel it's an upgrade. Sure, Id' be getting the new body style, but I'd be losing the dual overhead cam engine and gaining overall weight (for examples). I test drove a 2002RS and found it to be "all right". It definately felt heavier. My current RS fells more fun to drive.
Thanks, guys.
sonicsuby: Getting an RS for an RS was also a concern of mine because I really don't feel it's an upgrade. Sure, Id' be getting the new body style, but I'd be losing the dual overhead cam engine and gaining overall weight (for examples). I test drove a 2002RS and found it to be "all right". It definately felt heavier. My current RS fells more fun to drive.
Thanks, guys.
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