Newbie and hopefully a Subaru owner

[Izanagi]

Hi there.

 Due to starting a family and having the dog I'm looking at getting a bigger car and moving away from Honda past 3 cars have been one and my current is an Accord Type R picture attached for those interested.

I've always liked Subaru and having 4wd can only be good. As stated I have a dog and he needs a boot to go in as wouldn't want him jumping about in back seats with newborn

The 3 models I've been looking at are :-

Impreza Sti wagonimport.

Forester Sti

Legacy gtb 2ltr twin turbo

I'm wondering if folk can give me their views on the above cars. And information on running costs in comparison to the Accord type R would be great.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Impreza wagon as they seem to be a good price for what they are I'm just not to sure if possibly on smaller side?

I've heard horror stories of the 2.5 lump found in the forester can be a little problematic but could this be down to user error and poor maintenance?

Lastly the setup in the legacy I don't know to much about. Could a twin turbo setup on a 4 cylinder be a little over the top?

Any help and advice is greatly apprecitaed

[martyc]

The 2.5 seems to have a weak spot causing head gasket failure, however that's not to say that all cars suffer with it. You'll always get problem cars on forums, because people go to forums when they have problems! I've never been in an accord type r so it's difficult for me to compare interior space etc. Imprezas are plenty big enough if you have no more than 2 kids, mines been a daily commuter, shopping car and toy all in one for the last year, and has been no trouble and a pleasure to drive! Only bought 2nd car recently as I felt guilty using the scoob for tool lugging duties, although my Impreza does feel almost frantic in comparison!

I'm sure someone will be able to answer the more specific forester/ legacy questions shortly.

Oh and welcome!!

Sent from the moon using telepathy

[Izanagi]

Thanks for the welcome. I don't plan on having more that 2 kids so that's okay . 

It's the older sti wagons I'm liking as they can seem to be had for around £7000 and I'm sure dog could fit in back of one with enough space.

[GeoffLeggy]

Welcome!

The Foz STI would be my choice but obviously the most expensive!  The Leggy TT is probably the most likely to cause you running issues lol.  What about a Leggy Twinscroll?  You could probably find one less than the Foz STI and will still give you good space and be less 'in your face'.  They are still 280bhp so def good fun!  

[Izanagi]

I'm going to be honest and seem daft but I think I got confused between  twin scroll and twin turbo thinking they are one the same . I quite like the normal look they have "not in your face".  The interiors of them seem to be the nicest place to be out of the 3 to be in. Seems hard to find a manual model though(*edit actually I'm talking rubbish just seen a few manuals for sale*)  http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-SUBARU-LEGACY-TWINSCROLL-TURBO-WITH-ONLY-69000-MILES-/182100403096?nav=SEARCH

Edited April 27, 2016 by Izanagi

[GeoffLeggy]

The twinscroll is a single turbo its just described that way due to the nature of the turbos workings. The twinscoll are the newer model to the twin turbo (post 2003) and definitely the 'easier to live with'.  There are indeed manuals if thats what you want but I would say they are the harder to find variant.    If you are happy with the tiptronic  then the one you found looks pretty good! 

[Izanagi]

In regards to the Impreza Wagon. Is the Jap import Sti worth the money over a UK spec WRX. Would I be best getting a WRX and upgrading a few parts when money allows?