GTP Member's cars directory. What do you drive?

[Rotary Junkie]

That is a good point, but, my point is to learn things, and go to autocross/time-attack events.

Wrong car is wrong if you want to be competitive. If you just want to have fun, go for it. Just know it's not going to set the world on fire unless you really want it to.

So, my real goals are simple: make a nice, daily-driving Impreza wagon, that stops/turns well, and has decent "go." Nothing too serious. However, it'll be on Brembo brakes, with suspension mods, etc., so it'll be like a WRX STi, in a way.

First and second bit, sure. Go? Not really gonna happen, it's an automatic Subie with no turbo. If you're planning on going in steps with it you may as well start saving up what you would be spending on mods then swap it for a WRX wagon instead, especially considering you apparently got it well below value.

 

[motortrend]

All this Subaru talk is making me want a wrx wagon

 

[Radracing]

Looks good man! I briefly toyed with the idea of selling the Miata with the RX & picking up a boxster. Miata's are just too cheap & easy to own/maintain though. Now if I could get a new one or there were Caymen's old enough to be affordable..!

Actually true, my first choice would be a Miata too for its affordability and cheap maintenance. I just couldn't pass this one up since it only had less than 15,000 miles and only $14k. Not much I can do in terms of mods since its so expensive for parts and labor to do any engine mods. Looked up a GT3 motor on Ebay and found one for $17k plus another $2k for the engine swap kit. It would be hard to justify the expense to the wife really.

 

[SPhilli911]

HNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG, so much 🤬 jelly!

Im not sure if that's actually an STI or not but damn! You've more than likely seen my car, sometime during 2013 I plan to upgrade to an 04 WRX and if I want it to look like anything, I want it to look like that.

Infact, that's now the example of what I aspire mine to be. Great looking car mate 👍.

It is indeed an STI. A lot of people ask me if it is, because everyone assumes that the 2004-2007 STIs had arches over the rear wheels, when the 2004 year model actually did not.

Glad you like it! I'm a big fan on the body style Subaru you have (and Murcie's WRX), but believe it or not I had a more difficult time finding something like that than I did finding a low mileage 2004 STI that wasn't modified. The US got the 2.5 RS Impreza, but they've all rusted into the ground in my area.

 

[Legendary]

It is indeed an STI. A lot of people ask me if it is, because everyone assumes that the 2004-2007 STIs had arches over the rear wheels, when the 2004 year model actually did not.

Glad you like it! I'm a big fan on the body style Subaru you have (and Murcie's WRX), but believe it or not I had a more difficult time finding something like that than I did finding a low mileage 2004 STI that wasn't modified. The US got the 2.5 RS Impreza, but they've all rusted into the ground in my area.

We have a tonne of them here in Australia so it's not hard to find one at all. In fact we have heaps from every model.

Murcie has the facelift version of the GC though which, visually, is better than my car at the front by a mile.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Wrong car is wrong if you want to be competitive. If you just want to have fun, go for it. Just know it's not going to set the world on fire unless you really want it to.




First and second bit, sure. Go? Not really gonna happen, it's an automatic Subie with no turbo. If you're planning on going in steps with it you may as well start saving up what you would be spending on mods then swap it for a WRX wagon instead, especially considering you apparently got it well below value.

I've said a few times, that the automatic transmission is on its way out. I'm planning on getting a 6 speed manual...


But, the check engine light came back on again; every time, we have to "retighten" the automatic shift cables.

 

[Legendary]

I've said a few times, that the automatic transmission is on its way out. I'm planning on getting a 6 speed manual...


But, the check engine light came back on again; every time, we have to "retighten" the automatic shift cables.

Oh how badly mine needs a 6 speed. Sitting at 3000rpm in 5th gear on the motorway speed limit (100km/h) is hardly fuel economical at all.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Oh how badly mine needs a 6 speed. Sitting at 3000rpm in 5th gear on the motorway speed limit (100km/h) is hardly fuel economical at all.

Wow, with a 5 speed? Mine's at like 2000 at 110 km/h. (the unofficial Canadian speed limit)

 

[Murcie_LP640]

2250 @ 110km/h or thereabouts here.

Also, as for that front:


DSC_0013 by Murcie_LP640, on Flickr

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

And without the fog lamps, you have one of the greatest looking cars, ever.


However, I preferred Legendary's, since I hate fog lamps.

 

[SPhilli911]

We have a tonne of them here in Australia so it's not hard to find one at all. In fact we have heaps from every model.

Murcie has the facelift version of the GC though which, visually, is better than my car at the front by a mile.

When I was in Melbourne last year before I got the STI, I toyed with the idea of importing a WRX or Evo VI. When all is said and done it would probably cost about the same... granted my knowledge of car importation is very low. I imagine a few hidden fees and red tape everywhere to import a right hand drive car. One day I'll find the right car... one day.

A 22b or P1 would be a dream.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

All this Subaru talk is making me want a wrx wagon

*cough* do it *cough*

When I was in Melbourne last year before I got the STI, I toyed with the idea of importing a WRX or Evo VI.

I was toying with the idea myself of saving the extra couple of grand and trying to pick up an Evo 6.5 Tommi Makinen Edition but I would have been scraping the barrel with that...for the price though my WRX was pretty much the most immaculate GC8 in SA I could find and I couldn't turn that pretty Cashmere Yellow body down

 

[SPhilli911]

Evo 6.5 TME...

The things I would do for one of those.

 

[Legendary]

When I was in Melbourne last year before I got the STI, I toyed with the idea of importing a WRX or Evo VI. When all is said and done it would probably cost about the same... granted my knowledge of car importation is very low. I imagine a few hidden fees and red tape everywhere to import a right hand drive car. One day I'll find the right car... one day.

A 22b or P1 would be a dream.

Yeah I remember you talking about doing so a while back.

A 22b here goes for around 100k, so good luck with that .

EDIT: Proof of that, here is an ad for one in Australia.

 

[SPhilli911]

Oh wow, $100k?! I knew they would be expensive due to high desirability, but not that high! Still one of my all time favorites the 22B, but I think I'd be happy with a P1.

 

[masonholmes]

I just couldn't pass this one up since it only had less than 15,000 miles and only $14k. Not much I can do in terms of mods since its so expensive for parts and labor to do any engine mods. Looked up a GT3 motor on Ebay and found one for $17k plus another $2k for the engine swap kit. It would be hard to justify the expense to the wife really.

Oh wow, 15k for $14k.. not sure I'd have passed it up either! (though I'd have likely tried putting it back on the market for profit & then went ahead with the Miata plan. ) Honestly, one of the reasons I sold my RX-7 is Miata's just made too much better sense, financially speaking, and can be made just as nice a driver's car. Found myself taking the Miata out more often as well, since I'm an addict to going topless. Regarding Boxster's, one thing I hate about them has nothing to do with the car, but rather people's snobby attitude towards them. (as Miata's are similarly treated/looked down upon, heh) Oh well, not that it matters. Also, ouch on the GT3 pricing. I never even toyed with that thought process as I knew there'd be no way in hell it'd actually happen.

And without the fog lamps, you have one of the greatest looking cars, ever.

However, I preferred Legendary's, since I hate fog lamps.

I like them personally, as it sets them apart from the US's lack there of + the whole usefulness factor.


Regarding all this Evo talk.. I always wished they'd made a 2d of them as well, especially back in gen5 days, heh. I'm sure they'd be incredibly sought after & hard to come by now, if they had!

 

[McLaren]

Oh wow, $100k?! I knew they would be expensive due to high desirability, but not that high! Still one of my all time favorites the 22B, but I think I'd be happy with a P1.

Remember it's still Australia, which if I remember correctly, has a very high tax which makes a lot of cars there very pricey. May be wrong though, but that's what I was told a couple years ago (regarding how a $300,000 Zonda in the UK costs north of $700,000 in AUS).

http://lancerregister.com/showthread.php?t=411486
This one in the UK is for sale at £22,500.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I like them personally, as it sets them apart from the US's lack there of + the whole usefulness factor.


Regarding all this Evo talk.. I always wished they'd made a 2d of them as well, especially back in gen5 days, heh. I'm sure they'd be incredibly sought after & hard to come by now, if they had!

I remember when I had to drive through fog; my mom and I couldn't even find the button for the fog lights (we were on a highway,) but I still had plenty of visibility without. I don't understand the "usefulness factor," then. My idea of the nicest looking car ever rarely ever has fog lights; and if they are fog lights, they're LED.

 

[masonholmes]

I remember when I had to drive through fog; my mom and I couldn't even find the button for the fog lights (we were on a highway,) but I still had plenty of visibility without. I don't understand the "usefulness factor," then. ...

Wow, that makes about as much sense as saying an Accent is faster than an FD. (at anything.. no matter the tires) Did you bounce a couple times when yo mama popped you out? Also FWIW, factory fogs tend to rather low performance from my experience. (especially on dated cars) If the pictured Subie were mine & that wound up being the case, they'd get replaced with higher quality units. But again, your posts never cease to amaze me.. even for a 19yo!

 

[Legendary]

I remember when I had to drive through fog; my mom and I couldn't even find the button for the fog lights (we were on a highway,) but I still had plenty of visibility without. I don't understand the "usefulness factor," then. My idea of the nicest looking car ever rarely ever has fog lights; and if they are fog lights, they're LED.

Yes, essentially what you've said is that because you couldn't find the button, they aren't useful. You wouldn't know if you didn't try them .

But yes, I have been told the ones on my car were really weak, so covering them didn't affect practicality (previous owner is a family friend).

EDIT: And in response to Mason:

What were you saying about Accent's? .

 

[Murcie_LP640]

But yes, I have been told the ones on my car were really weak, so covering them didn't affect practicality (previous owner is a family friend).

Having had some bad fog on a couple of days in the past months I've owned the Rex, they are useful but not a necessity.

 

[Clark]

I'd love a 22b, one of the best small performance saloons ever (even thoughts it's a coupe), and it's a proper motorsport derived car but I could never drive a Subaru because of the image they have over here.

 

[masonholmes]

Good lord.. they went to the trouble of/wasted $$$ making an Accent fast & THAT'S the best they could come up with for paint?!

Having had some bad fog on a couple of days in the past months I've owned the Rex, they are useful but not a necessity.

Which would be why I'd plan an upgrade.. similarly, the factory driving lights found on FD's are absolute garbage/basically just added weight. I left them only for aesthetics, since most came with them & thus they just looked "right". I'd picked out replacement projectors that looked pretty well identical & had a kickass beam pattern though. 👍 Alas, all my money's went under the hood/drive-train. (or in other words, I'm just not baller enough to roll three cars the way I'd like )

 

[Radracing]

Oh wow, 15k for $14k.. not sure I'd have passed it up either! (though I'd have likely tried putting it back on the market for profit & then went ahead with the Miata plan. ) Honestly, one of the reasons I sold my RX-7 is Miata's just made too much better sense, financially speaking, and can be made just as nice a driver's car. Found myself taking the Miata out more often as well, since I'm an addict to going topless. Regarding Boxster's, one thing I hate about them has nothing to do with the car, but rather people's snobby attitude towards them. (as Miata's are similarly treated/looked down upon, heh) Oh well, not that it matters. Also, ouch on the GT3 pricing. I never even toyed with that thought process as I knew there'd be no way in hell it'd actually happen.

Yeah, I thought about cashing it in but loved it so much that it became a keeper. It's true though about the Miatas and Boxsters don't get much respect and considered as a secretary's car. But I think its just the mentality that its at the low end of the price for a sports car. But considering a Dino which has the same horse power and layout as the Boxster and having it turn out to be a desirable collectible has to be a good reason enough to want a Boxster for its well balanced handling. Not that I expect my Boxster to be a collector car.

Hell I went out for a twisty back roads drive with a bunch of guys in their Twin turbo 911s that were all tweaked out to over 600hp and they couldn't figure out how I could keep up with them and insisted my Boxster was not stock. I bet if I had a GT3 motor in it that they would all shut up about my car to be a ladies car.

 

[masonholmes]

I hear ya. While I've not got friends with cars in that class, I've had similar experiences in my Miata's over the years.. which are down on hp compared to old Boxster's, but are just about light enough to make up for it. (at least the 1.8L 1st gens) I miss the "cool car factor" of my amply massaged RX-7, though once the M gets blown this spring I figure it'll be nearly as quick. 👍

 

[Organ-Donor]

Hell I went out for a twisty back roads drive with a bunch of guys in their Twin turbo 911s that were all tweaked out to over 600hp and they couldn't figure out how I could keep up with them and insisted my Boxster was not stock.

Huh? How does a stock Boxter keep up with TT 911's with over 600hp?

 

[Clark]

Because in the real world on twisty roads, power means nothing if you can't put it down and you're car can't take corners. Add to that if they were back roads this modified 911s were probably set-up way too stiff and just bumped and bucked instead of actually handling well.

On country roads my E30 has seen off 300bhp+ Silvias with track suspension etc. and because I know the road better and I can put all my 171bhp down well. (and I'm better driver ) They spin the power away and their cars are way too stiff for normal roads.

 

[masonholmes]

What he said. A stock Miata will trounce most cars on back roads as long as there aren't enough straights that the competition can get far enough ahead for it to matter. If you want a FWD that handles about as close as you can get to a Miata, snag a 6cyl MX-3. (the 4cyl's suspension's not quite as up to par, tho obviously that's fixable) They make neat work of twisties for nearly all the same reasons. 👍

 

[Organ-Donor]

Because in the real world on twisty roads, power means nothing if you can't put it down and you're car can't take corners. Add to that if they were back roads this modified 911s were probably set-up way too stiff and just bumped and bucked instead of actually handling well.

A 911 TT has much better handeling and suspension than a Boxter. You act as if the 911 is some generic car with just horsepower thrown into it. Saying a 911 can't take corners but a Boxter can just makes me scratch my head.

On country roads my E30 has seen off 300bhp+ Silvias with track suspension etc. and because I know the road better and I can put all my 171bhp down well. (and I'm better driver ) They spin the power away and their cars are way too stiff for normal roads.

That's due to the driver, not the car.

 

[Clark]

A 911 TT has much better handeling and suspension than a Boxter. You act as if the 911 is some generic car with just horsepower thrown into it. Saying a 911 can't take corners but a Boxter can just makes me scratch my head.

That's due to the driver, not the car.

Because 911s aren't my favourite car are they...

I didn't say a 911 can't handle. But one with alot of power on probably with overly stiff suspension won't handle as well as a boxster on a tight twisty road. On a track with more space it would be the other way round.

And put any driver in a car and they'll probably initally go faster in a Boxster because its more forgiving and approachable than a 911.