No more vdubs! want a wagon :D

[akoz]

Just a brief background on me. New to the forums, hi guys. I go to school for automotive technology, and have been a vw freak for the longest time. I got 3 mk3s so far, first sold, 2nd wrecked, and 3rd is a lemon. I am basically saving money to determine whethor my gti vr is even worth dumping money into or scrapping.

I was looking for cars that seemed to be fun, and I might be considering a suby. Need something good in snow around me, and gets good mileage, plus the wagons look dopee :-o

I have just been reading a lot of wiki things about the impreza, and looking on craigslist for prices. I noticed a lot have high miles, but I am honestly just looking for a good background of what to avoid/what is normal on these cars. I should have about 2.5k to spend in the spring.

Basically just typical issues, things to watch out for. If you can recommend a motor with more kick, clist never states the motors but I know that it has a 2.2 and a 2.5, along with a 2.0t if i read correctly. My plans were basically to get somethin clean, drop a little, wheels, and rest engine, so let me know if some good parts sites and suspension while I lurk the interwebz at the same time.

Sorry for a bunch of inqueries, but just looking to get something that doesnt break down every 2 seconds. The pleasure of a vw doesnt surpass the work like it used to for me :pissed:

[AWD>FWD]

No factory turbo engines in the states for those years... There were the EJ18 base models, EJ22 single port, EJ22 dual port, then SOHC and DOHC EJ25s. Plenty of choices, the dual port EJ22 is one to rev out all day with minimal breakage, but the dual cam EJ25 generally has the most torque.

As for common problems... the general used car issue: bad owners. The car has a few known problems (head gaskets and front seals like to leak, the power steering res. leaks, the front passenger CV boot, weak wheel bearings, etc), but other than that, it's all upkeep. These are notoriously reliable cars for a reason, they were built right. You can't go wrong with an older Legacy if you don't have a lot to spend, they share a lot of parts with the Impreza and usually go for a lot less.

[MilesFox]

Investigate when the timing belt or water pump has been done. Rear engine oil leaks are more likely a breather plate. 150,000 miles is not a whole lot, when you change the timing belt. If you have tools, the work is easy to do yourself, but may be expensive to pay labor on. Find a soob for 1500, and save the other stack for goodies:)

[akoz]

No factory turbo engines in the states for those years... There were the EJ18 base models, EJ22 single port, EJ22 dual port, then SOHC and DOHC EJ25s. Plenty of choices, the dual port EJ22 is one to rev out all day with minimal breakage, but the dual cam EJ25 generally has the most torque.

As for common problems... the general used car issue: bad owners. The car has a few known problems (head gaskets and front seals like to leak, the power steering res. leaks, the front passenger CV boot, weak wheel bearings, etc), but other than that, it's all upkeep. These are notoriously reliable cars for a reason, they were built right. You can't go wrong with an older Legacy if you don't have a lot to spend, they share a lot of parts with the Impreza and usually go for a lot less.
Ok, i am just confused on outback vs. impreza vs. legacy. Just a guess, i assume that each model looks very similar but has slight trim differences/engine options? I know for sure I really want the rs bumper up front, im pretty sure that is the one with those fog lights down below.

And what goes wrong with the cv boot, they just rip often? or is this a tie rod issue?

Also, would there really be any real cons to picking up a wagon with close to 200k miles depending on how the maintence is? I know for vws, even a well maintained 200k car isnt usually a highlight for buyers, but just wondering. Thanks:lol:

[AWD>FWD]

There are Imprezas; coupes, sedans, wagons, Outback Sport (fully loaded wagon with taller suspension and two-tone paint), then the later 2.5RS coupes and sedans which had a different hood and front bumper to look more aggressive, along with a few suspension/brake/wheel differences from a standard Impreza. The Outback Sports look like two-tone lifted 2.5RS wagons.

Then there are Legacies; sedans, wagons, and Outbacks (fully loaded wagons with taller suspension and two-tone paint, taller roof depending on year. A few Outback sedans were also made).

I recently bought my Legacy Outback wagon with 213k miles. The dual cam EJ25 has been gone through twice (head gaskets and timing belt replaced), and after doing some maintenance (coil, plugs, and a knock sensor) it seems to run pretty darn well. :) The only drawback to this model (and I'm not sure which cars got the same gear ratio as my car) is the dreadfully short 5th gear, although it will stop you from getting many speeding tickets on the highway and tranny swaps aren't impossible.

The CV boot is a minor issue, the front passenger CV sits over the front catalytic converter on most cars and that heat dries out/cracks the CV boot faster than the others. Not a real issue, just kinda dumb.

[akoz]

ok well i dont mind the 5th gear issue, i have a bad driving record. I figured a wagon wouldnt really be a cop magnet, dont even get me started about the cops in my town

I am not a huge fan of the two toned paint. I eliminated the legacy i dont like the wagon end on that one, I like the impreza better. Ill keep reading up thanks for the imput