Purchasing dilemma

[Huffer]

So here's my dilemma.

I'm in the market for a 5spd Legacy wagon.

Do I buy a lower-specc'd model (L, Brighton) for $4k, knowing that I'll eventually be doing a full WRX/STi swap in a couple of years, along the way doing the usual exterior & suspension upgrades

OR

Buy a higher spec (but lower mileage) wagon (Outback, GT) for $8k, enjoy the exterior upgrades and the slightly more torque-y engine and the heated seats?

I'm thinking of going somewhere in between and getting a higher mileage, higher spec model and then doing the swap anyway.

Ahhh, decisions decisions. Just have to make the best use of the $$.

[Perdue]

I'd say the GT model will end up being cheaper in the long run with the lower mileage, not to mention, it already has a scooped hood if you don't plan on going FMIC. Heated seats would be really nice for those really cold mornings too.

[pdawg]

Go comfort

[Reason]

If you want the comfort get the higher end model. I would only do a lower end if I were going to gut it and race it.

[StatGSR]

4 grand goes a long way, geta L tho, will be a little less work, the brighton has its draw backs..... cough drum brakes cough..........

[Huffer]

Drum brakes aren't an issue. When I said "full WRX/STi swap" I meant FULL.
;)

I'm thinking entire drivetrain and brakes...ie. Brembo & DCCD.

Would that not be a PANTSPANTS Legacy? :lol:

[Wiscon_Mark]

Do up the L or brighton.

Besides, is 4k worth it for heated seats, an EJ25 and rear disc brakes? ;)

(okay, it gets a hydraulic clutch too)

[LunchBox04V]

Go with the Legacy L. :cool: I love mine, it's even a stick! I really like the fact that it is a sleeper. No one sees it coming. I would however, avoid the Brighton. A little too much work for me.

I didn't know that they had drums :roll: ........They get the job done....kinda.

[Wiscon_Mark]

The rear brakes are pretty inconsiquential. Especially since the brighton is so light. And drums really aren't as bad as people think.

[Huffer]

The rear brakes are pretty inconsiquential. Especially since the brighton is so light. And drums really aren't as bad as people think.

Yup, and considering you can actually get "uprated" drum brakes...and given the front/rear brake bias...

I think I'm going to go with a 100k+ GT or Outback, with the nicer exterior. I think the Outback, because the front bumper is more FMIC friendly if I want to go that way.

I'll probably stick with the STI TMIC, and add a transmission or an oil cooler down below.

I kinda like seeing the IC fins inside the scoops.
(plus they make great grilles in the summertime)

[StatGSR]

dude, a outback bumper isnt that expensive...

[Huffer]

dude, a outback bumper isnt that expensive...

Yeah, but why bother with the hassle of adding one, when it's easily bought already attached?

Besides - you can get better and cheaper driving/fog light upgrades with circular form factors. No way am I spending a chunk of change on a set of JDM projector fogs. They'll just get messed up.

[Kraziken]

You can rockblocker put on the JDM fogs. It only costs about $35.

[Huffer]

You can rockblocker put on the JDM fogs. It only costs about $35.

But you still have to mess around with the mounting brackets. and then the wiring to get them to switch on the way I want.
No dice.
The money's going to the powertrain, not some lights mounted way down on the bumper.

[Reason]

Yea it he bought an L or lower it will cost a lot and be a pain in the ass to get the comfort he wants. I do a GT or outback and go from there.

[badbasser98]

Yea it he bought an L or lower it will cost a lot and be a pain in the ass to get the comfort he wants. I do a GT or outback and go from there.
agreed.. what's a few extra pounds in light of added comfort? :eek:

[Wiscon_Mark]

agreed.. what's a few extra pounds in light of added comfort? :eek:

It depends entirely on the car you're looking for.

[badbasser98]

How did I know you'd be the first to respond to that comment :lol:

[Reason]

agreed.. what's a few extra pounds in light of added comfort? :eek:

It depends entirely on the car you're looking for.

Yea duh Mark, That's why he is opting for the higher end model. He doesn't want the hassle of screwing around with little things.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I was just saying...yeesh. :lol:

[Reason]

I was just saying...yeesh. :lol:

:twisted:

[Huffer]

Ok, so here's my little budget.
I've decided that I want to have some fun while I prepare for the swap, and I've figured that anything I buy I can always resell, or reuse on one of the other Subarus.

$8000 budget:

$4000 car
$300 general maintenance (fluids/filters)
$150 ebay "Borla" header
$1200 wheels & tires - thinking a set of Falken ZIEX 512s OR Kumho Ecstas OR Hankook K106 and 17x7.5 Rotas (or similar)
$450 new struts & top hats - KYB GR2s + OEM + misc. hardware
$220 new springs - Eibach/H&R/Whiteline
$110 new headunit - Pioneer
$200 tinted windows
$50 rear strut brace (wagon)
TOTAL remaining $1680

Other bits:
Newer engine mounts (free)
Newer shifter bushings
Newer speakers (free)
05 WRX/06 STi axleback mated to mandrel bent resonated mid-pipe

Possible wheels:
Rota Torque - 17x7 Bronze, Gold or Steel Grey (wagon will be white/slate two tone)
5 spoke RS wheels - 16x7 Silver

My goal is to accumulate all the parts without spending 100% of the budget.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I thought you were swapping....? So what's with the exhaust upgrades? I think the tires I just got are falken 512's. I'll have to check and let you know, but so far I like them.

BTW, my vote is for an L, LS, or outback. GT's tend to be pretty pricey because of their rarity, but with the outback atleast you've pretty much got everything you need in a cheaper package. Not to mention you're swapping out the springs and struts anyway (the main reason behind a GT vs. an outback). Having said that, an L comes with disc brakes, abs, cruise, and power everything, so if everything otherwise is dropping out of the car.... and you can get one cheap enough, I'd go that route. Also, what if the headgasket goes out on the outback/GT before you can swap?

I think in the end, find a car that is a great deal and go with it.

[Huffer]

I am swapping. Further down the line. But initially I want to have some fun with the car while I accumulate the funds prior to the swap. I'm not even going to bother collecting STi parts, I'm simply going to pay the correct people appropriately. ;)

I'm kind of torn between the Outback and the L/LS/30th ann. The Outback has the nicer exterior bits, but the L has the more reliable 2.2.

[Reason]

4k on the car and acquiring those pieces would be great and fun to drive. BUT thinking about it, if you throw the remaining 4k on the swap would be a good route. Makes the swap more realistic obtainable goal. It's something to think about. Getting the car "prepped" for a swap (suspension and brakes) isn't a bad road either, but I wouldn't spend money on something I won't be using when the swap is done (exhaust and non interchangeable engine parts). That being said did you figure out how much this swap will be? Are you doing it yourself? Shop? Do you have any parts already?

[badbasser98]

I've recently made up my mind to do the same thing. The BE will get a few more treatments, but I am going to start looking for a BD soon, preferably LS trim.

[Huffer]

Getting the car "prepped" for a swap (suspension and brakes) isn't a bad road either, but I wouldn't spend money on something I won't be using when the swap is done (exhaust and non interchangeable engine parts). That being said did you figure out how much this swap will be? Are you doing it yourself? Shop? Do you have any parts already?

I have another Subaru I can throw the parts on when I go to swap the wagon. Including wheels etc. I'm planning on basically just using the shell, and lights when I do the swap. I will probably keep the interior, except for the front seats.

As for the swap, I'm going to be a check-book racer. I may not opt for the DCCD, but I think a semi-RWD wagon would be kinda cool. ;)

[Reason]

Oh so you are keeping your BD? I must have missed that one. Well in any case it should be fun regardless what you do.

[Wiscon_Mark]

The exhaust isn't a complete waste for a swap, except for the Borla headers. And you can always resell the parts to other members.

I think it's a little easier to find an L in 5MT form as well.

[Huffer]

Just found a 98 Outback in white/slate w/ heated seats, 5 spd and only 120k on the clock.

:twisted:

[badbasser98]

nice :wink:

[Wiscon_Mark]

As long as it's a 5 speed.

[Huffer]

As long as it's a 5 speed.

Mark you need to get some glasses:


Just found a 98 Outback in white/slate w/ heated seats, 5 spd and only 120k on the clock.

[Wiscon_Mark]

No, I know what it said. My vote was for the L with an EJ22, but if you can get anything with a 5 speed, I'm happy for 'ya ;)

[Huffer]

:lol:

Mark, the eternal EJ25 hater. ;)

[Wiscon_Mark]

Just because I prefer the EJ22?

Nah, I'm actually musing building up a PhaseII EJ25 N/A style.

[badbasser98]

Ninja delete there :razz:

When did this revelation happen?

[Reason]

Ninja delete there :razz:

When did this revelation happen?

The day he found out that his WAGON has no power!

[GrassyKnoll]

Ninja delete there :razz:

When did this revelation happen?

The day he found out that his WAGON has no power!


HEYYYOOOOOOOO

[Huffer]

So I took the wagon for a test drive today.
It's done 125,000miles, and it pulls well. It's a 98 Outback, it has cloth seats (heated), and heated wing mirrors (a big plus for me).

The rear liftgate handle bracket is all rusted out, and I suspect that the rear exhaust section will need replacing within 6 months (not really an issue).

The manual transmission is noisy - noisier than I expected, and getting into 3rd was hard to do. I think new fluid would probably help. When in gear and cruising, there wasn't much vibration through the floor and shifter.

It has definitely been used to haul things around, the rear hatch carpet was a bit messed up, even though there was a cargo tray. The engine bay was stock, and looked clean, though some areas of rust were the same as my BD (like the bracket above the air filter).

The suspension was pretty solid, no weird creaks or thunks. I went over a set of railroad tracks and the back didn't "waggle" too much.

Exterior-wise, the car was pretty clean, minus a few cosmetic battle scars. Nothing a good body shop couldn't fix for a couple hundred.

One thing I am concerned about (because I hate electrical problems) is that when the dealer backed the car out, the rear lights didn't show up. They may not be working, which could just be a bulb.

Also, there appeared to be some dampness around the hatch glass, I'm hoping it's just condensation and not a big leak.

The radio was showing "12:00" so I think the battery was replaced.

Overall, it's a not a bad car, the biggest things are giving it a full overhaul including brakes and tires, and fixing the rear handle bracket.

Should I do it for $3995?

[Reason]

You should be able to do better. Electrical problems and leaks IMO are the worst. Look around some more and see if you can find anything else. Or find out what's up with the condensation and see if they will fix the reverse lights.

[Sarra]

Ninja delete there :razz:

When did this revelation happen?

The day he found out that his WAGON has no power!


HEYYYOOOOOOOO

lmao

For a daily, a 2.5 is the way to go. For a massive build, a 2.2 is the way to go, imo. Just lower the 2.2's CR, and you're clear for boost.

[Wiscon_Mark]

No, I'd N/A build a 2.5 because there's more aftermarket for it, and displacement would mean a lot more for a non turbo build. I just can't see myself going turbo anytime soon (realisitically).

My wagon is fine, it doesn't need to be any faster than it is, and it's just fine for driving around with traffic, but I would like to up the fun factor in the future.

I wouldn't really consider the reverse lights being to be a "major electrical problem" or a sign of a slew of other electrical problems to come - it's probably just that switch that goes on when you put it in reverse (or maybe bulbs).

[Huffer]

I spent a little more... and I pick it up this weekend.

;)

[Reason]

I spent a little more... and I pick it up this weekend.

;)

What is it?

[Wiscon_Mark]

I spent a little more... and I pick it up this weekend.

;)

What is it?

I doubt he'll tell us until he gets it.

Sounds a lot like something you would do ;)

[Reason]

I spent a little more... and I pick it up this weekend.

;)

What is it?

I doubt he'll tell us until he gets it.

Sounds a lot like something you would do ;)

Yea it is, becasue I'm looking for another car again. I want to trade the Accord in for a nicer car. I have the neon for work, I'm going to get it fix this weekend. This other car/s I'm looking at most of you wouldn't guess what it is. Maybe I'll start my own thread so I dont steal Rogers thunder :twisted:

[Huffer]

Muwhahahahaa

[Huffer]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=3110&highlight=

:twisted: :grin:

[Huffer]

STi axleback arriving this week. Will be going on with a new mid-pipe in a couple of weeks. Kinda toying with the Stromung, but it's not resonated.

I'll be picking up some headers and the GP Moto CEL fix as well.

18-20-22mm swaybar coming over from the BD, and trying to decide what combo to put into the transmission.

Oil & fuel filter change w/ Castrol Syntec blend.

No-one cares what I bought though... :lol:

[Reason]

STi axleback arriving this week. Will be going on with a new mid-pipe in a couple of weeks. Kinda toying with the Stromung, but it's not resonated.

I'll be picking up some headers and the GP Moto CEL fix as well.

18-20-22mm swaybar coming over from the BD, and trying to decide what combo to put into the transmission.

Oil & fuel filter change w/ Castrol Syntec blend.

No-one cares what I bought though... :lol:

I do :smile:

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'm curious as well.

Oh, and nice score on the BG GT rims.

[Huffer]

I'm curious as well.

Oh, and nice score on the BG GT rims.

Uh, no. ;)

:grin:

[d1giPhux]

come on now.. quit being a wanker and tell us! :lol:

[VR4ownzU]

if you ever decide to part with the stock 16s or JDM 17s let me know!

[Reason]

So I wonder what Roger got :smt017 .....looking at "VR4ownzU" sig

[d1giPhux]

So I wonder what Roger got :smt017 .....looking at "VR4ownzU" sig

98 Legacy GT wagon...sold to Huffer

HAHAHA. BUSTED!~ or.. is he? :smt065

[Huffer]

Took you guys long enough... :lol:

Pics to come - I'm just getting busy detailing the exterior and fixing up a few things like the non-working passenger mirror, non-working reverse lights (yes the bulbs are good) and cleaning the rust off some of the exterior brackets.

Redline tranny fluid (ye olde 3qts MT90 + 1qt Lightweight Shockproof) is going in this week, along with the requisite synthetic oil.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Took you guys long enough... :lol:

I always knew you were interested in Jakmobile's old wagon.

[Reason]

Do I win a prize or something?

[Huffer]

Yeah.... "something"

:lol:

JDM BG wheels FTW!

[Wiscon_Mark]

Shane - you can give yourself an SLi decal...to stick on your...uhh...:lol:

[Reason]

Shane - you can give yourself an SLi decal...to stick on your...uhh...:lol:

Good idea :wink: woohoo!