Roost Air Lounge => General Discussion => Topic started by: Frank N. O. on November 19, 2006, 03:42:58 AM
Title: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 19, 2006, 03:42:58 AM
I know it's a long shot but me and my might be looking for a new car and after one disapointment after another for a lot of different reasons there's no need to list here then we're looking at a new Subaru Impreza 1.5R but after driving one I found myself in pain because the pedals are so high up off the floor and furthermore the brakes had a very long travel and still very little brake power, I only did drive slowly and it was brand spanking new, 25km on the clock, but still. The throttle, which is electronic, could also be pressed far down without any response at all, and not much sound or vibration to use a as a guide either. To add insult to injury then to be able to even press the clutch down (and up it almost felt like) I had to sit uncomfortably close to the steeringhweel, and windshield and I'm not short-legged, in fact quite the contrary.
Next week we'll try to go to another dealer and ask there and investiage further about the pedals but I'm not very optimistic. In fact this whole week of looking at all kinds of cars have been extremely depressing for me :( One problem with several sub compacts was that my elbow in the B-pillar (on 5-door models) or my whole arm against the door despite all tested cars being at least 1/2 inch wider than our 2001 Peugeot.
A Subaru Impreza is one of my highest dreamcars, even in this 1.5L version but after this drive ending a week of one disapointment after another and waves of feeling out of place and old-fashioned then I'm nearly in tears. I may be a dreamer, but one that has dreams intended to be made into reality, and the Impreza is probably the most expensive car I'd ever want to own and drive in real life, seriously, no Ferraris or Corvettes for me thank you. The 2007 Impreza 1.5R btw is a brand-new model over here, just introduced last month and is powered by a brand new 1.5L DOHC 16V unit with 105hp @ 6400 rpm and 142Nm (104lb-ft) @ 3200rpm and with a redline of no less than 7000 rpm (and need I say it's AWD?).
My mom loved it though, she was comfortable in the seats and the car felt solid, which it sure as heck was, and it was easy to get in and out for her, much more so than in the 206 despite it just being 1 cm lower but I guess it's a matter of how the bodyshape is. An exhuast that lasts over 10 years isn't bad either, and cheap service prices.
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: BrianGMFS on November 21, 2006, 02:37:35 PM
I can't say that I have..... I'm a Blue oval kinda guy (Ford)
As testified by the collection of "parts" cars in the back yard: 2 Taurus's, a Thunderbird, A Tempo and my "project" car... A 77 Ranchero
All the while I drive a Windstar Mini Van.....
Brian
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: fireflyr on November 21, 2006, 04:30:16 PM
I can't say that I have..... I'm a Blue oval kinda guy (Ford)
As testified by the collection of "parts" cars in the back yard: 2 Taurus's, a Thunderbird, A Tempo and my "project" car... A 77 Ranchero
All the while I drive a Windstar Mini Van.....
Brian
If you drove GM products you wouldn't NEED a bunch of "parts" cars ;D----sure you don't live in the midwest?---It never fails to amaze me how many folks that live in the Great Basin consider junk cars as backyard landscaping :-\ Before you send a scathing reply----this was meant as HUMOR!!! ;D :D ;)
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 21, 2006, 08:18:35 PM
Well off-hand then we had two Fords (european ones) before the Peugeot but there are no new Fords I like, the last one was the Mondeo mk2 that was only made between 97-00 (it's the car that the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique were based on, but they're so heavily re-designed and re-constructed that if I were to move to USA I'd need to bring a Mondeo over). The my dreamcar was usually a 99-00 Mondeo since it had side-airbags, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and ventilated brakediscs at all 4 wheels and I could use parts from other/older models to not have anymore equipment than I'd use, such as deleting the A/C, remote adjustable headlight level, front foglights, electric seats/seat heating, headlight washers, heated windshield washers nozzles, heated windshield, electric rear side windows and such. Finding such a Mondeo now and in a 4-door sedan version (and not hatchback or wagon) and without a trailer hook and rustfree is a major problem, and that's without trying to find one in a specific colour. Furthermore the situation is that it's very unlikely we can get a loan for a used car, and that loan can only be from the bank, the loan for the handicap car only covers a new car, and with the Subaru we'd have to take a bank-loan to cover the extra price of the Subaru already, a 105hp 1.5R costs 43000 USD. I still wish I could move to USA but with the mental stress and pressure I'm under here and which has been growing for years now and with no hint of it getting better.
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 21, 2006, 08:21:58 PM
Here's a nice silver Mondeo sedan with factory wheels and optional rearspoiler, note the shorter bumpers, sqared off roof, steeper rear window and flatter trunk, I think the hood is the single only panel that's interchangeable between the Mondeo mk2 and the Contour/Mystique that btw is also several inches longer, but has a smaller trunk.
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: undatc on December 07, 2006, 10:16:49 PM
I test drove te Subaru WRX about 5 months ago when I bought my new car and loved it. Small sporty, fast!!!
However, for car insurence and car payment reasons I actually ended up with a 2003 Neon SXT. Great little car. With my manual i get about 30mpg, suprisingly fast and nimble, sunroof, power windows, you name it. I have never heard anything bad about the manual models of the car, however the autos I've read tend to die after awhile.
Here's a picture of it, those are my cousin's kids, they washed it for me, arent they sweet?
However, for car insurence and car payment reasons I actually ended up with a 2003 Neon SXT. Great little car. With my manual i get about 30mpg, suprisingly fast and nimble, sunroof, power windows, you name it. I have never heard anything bad about the manual models of the car, however the autos I've read tend to die after awhile.
I have a 2000 Plymouth Neon. Not likely as sporty (I'm sure they've improved the engine at least a little) - and certainly mine is plainer: no power windows, locks, or seats, and no sunroof. But it has four doors and gets decent mileage. I did have to replace the shifter cables recently - the plastic grommets at the transmission end of the cable wore out (I'm sure the Texas heat had a hand in that - and my overly aggressive shifting). I figure by driving this car I'll be able to afford that airplane someday...! :D
I gotta say, your Neon looks great.
jbs
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 08, 2006, 05:27:54 AM
I've only ever seen a Neon mk2 once, and it actually has US plates on it (and that was really rare since it was in Odense, Denmark! Funny enough just 100m from the only other US registered car I've seen, which was a early 80s stationwagon! Really weird tourists because from what I hear then a car-trip over the atlantic is very expensive, but a Neon and old stationwagon are hardly cars for the rich people).
Still no Subaru democar (the 1.5R is a new model and DK doesn't have the strongest dealerchain for Subarus unlike our neighbouring countries) but we've looked at all other cars and with the special requirements we have then it's basically the only one that might be practically usable. Personally I'd rather have a plane too with all the deathdrivers on the road here, a nice refurbished Commander, and then live near a place with an airport that had a supermarket! :D Just like that old Sikorsky video with the familyman picking up groceries in a helicopter at the store and putting them in a small metal basket on the nose and then taking off from the parkinglot and landing at home in the garden LOL. That reminds me I gotta take a look at if the Moller skycar has done any more testflights (the first ones looked quite unstable, or rather erratic manouvering but there could be several reasons for that).
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Baradium on December 08, 2006, 06:24:20 AM
Frank, is there an American military base there? The military will transport a vehicle for someone stationed overseas...
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 08, 2006, 06:34:03 AM
There isn't a US base in DK but there are several in Germany I think, maybe that's where it's from, thanks for the info, that's been puzzling me for years |:)\
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 20, 2006, 05:25:07 AM
Well that's over, my dreams crushed and my mom sad. We got to testdrive a 1.5R sedan and after countless tries to adjust the seat I was too close to the otherwise great wheel, and after 5 minutes relaxed driving I again started to feel pain in my right leg like the first drive in the wagon. The engine was very hard to read until it was at high revs (it could go to 7K and then you could hear it was a boxer) but it was hard to drive by feel in that car due to a very soft throttle-pedal and lack of sound, but worst of all, the brakes very horrible! The pedaltravel was right around illegal limits. I couldn't even brake hard in it with the pedal 3x as far down as on the 206 at full braking that would make the ABS kick in even on hot dry tarmac, and I can't become confident driving a car with such brakes. So now it looks bad, so bad I'm stretching to looking at a Ford Focus (the european mk2 is a new model sharing the base with the Mazda3 and Volvo S40/V50), a Mazda3, VW Golf and Honda Civic but all these cars have brake-assist, ESP, tons of annoying equipment and push-button aircon etc. etc. and I fear tons of soundproofing and bad electronic throttles just like the Subaru and the Peugeot 307 loanercar that both had the same vague hard-to-read throttle-response.
It's really hard for me too since the dealers couldn't say why the brakes were so soft and long and after talking to Subaru owners in a US forum it's clear that I'm the one that doesn't fit, not the car that's wrong. It's just like the whole country, I just don't fit in and I can't even find my own place. On the trip we were inches from getting sideswiped twice by fast cars cutting extremely sharply in front of us, respectfully at a freeway at 110kph in the daylight and in the dark night on a narrow highway at 80kph (that Opel Corsa-driving nutjob was doing more like 110-120 and overtook right in front of a string of oncomming traffic and pulled infront before he was clear of our front). The Subaru Impreza AWD sedan was my highest dreamcar ever, no Lambo's or 'vette's for me, and I find out that I don't fit the car and can't drive it the way it was built and constructed by experts :'( :'( :'(
250K DKK is what the Subaru cost, and several other similar cars, that's like a PPL and a lot of ratings, or half a Commander 112, and for that you can't even get a nice dependable car, only tons of equipment and gadgets that just break down and get in the way, but then again, I might work hard and get a Commander 112 just to find out I can't use that either :( But fat chance of even see one flying here let alone getting near one so I don't think I'll ever find out.
All I can say is that I hope you people here continue to have a good life and keep your good mods, and keep that great attitude I've seen here.
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Baradium on December 20, 2006, 07:02:32 AM
Frank, all I can say is don't just give up hope. Don't let little things dash your dreams.
Try sitting in any airplanes before you buy them too. ;)
I recommend an International if you can find one. But that's me...
Anyway, keep searching. The mini cars might just be too mini for you, keep that in mind. And don't let every little bump put you down. As the song goes, "the Lord gave us mountains... so we could learn how to climb."
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: tundra_flier on December 20, 2006, 05:32:53 PM
I test drove te Subaru WRX about 5 months ago when I bought my new car and loved it. Small sporty, fast!!!
However, for car insurence and car payment reasons I actually ended up with a 2003 Neon SXT. Great little car. With my manual i get about 30mpg, suprisingly fast and nimble, sunroof, power windows, you name it. I have never heard anything bad about the manual models of the car, however the autos I've read tend to die after awhile.
Here's a picture of it, those are my cousin's kids, they washed it for me, arent they sweet?
Sweet! I have a 2004 Neon SE, about as plain jane as they come, even has manual windows. Mines got the automatic tranny, not my first choice, but got a great price on it because it was their last `04 model on the lot. They did change to a different auto tranny at some point, `03 models I think. So it's at least a 4 speed and I get 34 to 36mpg highway. My biggest grip with the auto tranny is the 'smart' feature. After driving on ice for 6 months it shifts like a grandma :(
I'm something of a Dodge fan anyway, but it was the only small car I've been in that had enough leg, head an elbow room for me. All the Subarus I've been in felt cramped, and the Ford focus I felt like I was sitting on it instead of in it.
Phil
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 22, 2006, 03:28:40 AM
Ah, finally a good break! We got the chance today to testdrive a brand-new Ford Focus 1.6 Trend (European mk2, same platforum as Mazda3+Volvo S40/V50 and probably C30 as well). I could drive it naturally from the getgo! It may be modern, comfortable and sophisticated but I could feel exactly how much throttle to use for a normal relaxed start, I could hear the engine even in slow driving so I could get hints of speed changes and engine-strain, I could feel the clutch point, the brakepedal feel was natural and re-assuring (in sharp contrast to the Subaru on all counts sadly) and best of all, my mom could get in and out of it and sat comfortably (and that's better than the Peugeot) and we could get a good trade-in price for our old car! I must say thoug, it's weird that a Golf-class car is listed to be no less than 184cm wide without mirrors (72.4 inches)! That's a full 9cm wider than most cars in it's class and 19cm wider than the 206 and 20cm wider than the old Ford Orion (which the Focus sedan is actually the successor of, with a few generations inbetween my model and this of course). Btw, we looked at a Golf too, but it's more expensive, and the lower part of the body under the doors sticks out a fair bit like the 206 which is a bit of an obstacle when getting in and out, also for me, the Focus however was better and for the price of a 5-door Golf hatchback we can get 4-door Golf sedan which is one heck of an elegant car (in contrast to the original mk1 Focus sedan), and you can't go wrong with well over 500 liters of trunk space :D
We never got a chance to see the Honda Civic (the european model is different inside and out but still very wild but it was in the pricerange and the fuel economy should be good), but the Mazda3 and Opel Astra were nixxed from the list and I doubt the old model Toyota Corolla can hold a candle to the Focus mk2. So now we're just waiting for the new counties to get their paperwork in order. Until now Denmark used 3 levels, State, large regional counties and then smaller counties but now it's being remade and we'll just have state and regional counties now, but there are a lot of things to get done so no idea how many weeks or months we're going to wait, and in the meantime our car looses value and the Focus will upgrade to a new equipment level from january that has flat pushbuttom dual-zone climate control, front foglights, rear power windows etc. etc. and I don't need any of that and I'd prefer the turn button ventilation too and the normal A/C is fine to us.
The attached picture shows a used Focus trend but it's identical to the one we want/can get right down to the hubcaps. I think that's the colour called Tonic since the normal silver is brighter and more grey while this is blueish tinted, which is actually quite like my old Orion's Strato Silver colour :D I'm not sure but I think the picture is in a bad perspective but the car is 449cm (176.8in) long and 150cm (59.1in) tall for reference and the std. wheelsize is 195/65-15 with optional 205/55-16, 205/50-17 and 225/40-18 (I'll stick to 16" wheels and some great looking but easily cleaned Ford alloy wheels). I think it might be delievered with Pirelli P6 tires, at least another Trend sedan that was to be delievered from the dealer had that.
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: undatc on December 22, 2006, 07:20:17 AM
Nice, I have a friend with a ZX3, the 2 door hatch back model and he loves it. When I test drove the focus here, i didnt like it cause it didnt have a tach. But other than that, its a nice little car.
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 22, 2006, 07:59:33 AM
The original Focus was also said to be a great car, setting new standards in the C-segment (same class as the VW Golf, Honda Civic, Citroen C4, Peugeot 307, Opel Astra and probably Dodge Neon as well if it was sold here, at least sizewise). The new model is more discreet and not as sharp in terms of either handling or looks as the mk1 but still a great driving machine. Just to check, you did read that the European Focus mk2 is a brand new model with no links to the old Focus mk1 that the current US Focus is still based on right? I find it strange that the US Focus isn't upgraded since I thought the classes were the same all over but the mk1 Focus can't hold a candle to the current Golf mk5 but maybe the Golf/Jetta in USA has been moved up to a higher class. An actually with the sedan-models then the Jetta and Focus are now as big as the Passat/Mondeo were just a few years ago. Some strange notes (in my opinion), the Focus mk2 can be bought with turning headlights (only for the std. halogen lights, not the Xenon lights that are optional), and electrically adjusted pedals! I haven't heard of that many cars that has adjustable pedals, and certainly not mass produced saloons. The mk2 Focus also has ABS with EBD, ESP and EBA and disc brakes all around, 278mm discs on the smaller models and 300mm on the larger ones.
It also seems that the engines are now actually Mazda engines. The 1.6 and 2.0 engines has completely different bore/stroke than the old Zetec/Zetec-E engines that originally appeared in Europe in 1992 and existed in 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 versions, all with the same 88mm stroke btw. It was also said that Ford would focus on making platforms and Mazda would be contrusting engines. The 2.3 PZEV engine in the US Focus btw is actually a MZR engine originally and not a Ford engine from what I heard, although no harm in that at all. Not sure if the good old IB5 and MTX-75 Ford transaxles are still used in Fords though. I can't find any gear-ratios for the new Focus models except the Volvo-powered 225hp 5-cylinder Ford Focus ST.
I am however also hoping that I can get a chance to have another similar talk about buying a new vehicle and talking specs, but then about propellers and instrumentation 8)
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: undatc on December 22, 2006, 12:15:19 PM
I actually think they just released the new version of teh Focus line here, or maybe its just a body change. I saw a new model of Focus on the road yesterday, and was like woah, what happend..
And I agree, the Golf, or even the new Rabbit (which is what I think they are calling the new golf, i actually just am lazy right now and dont feel like looking at the VW site) is amazing. I wanted a GTI so bad, but couldnt find one in my price range. Almost bought a jetta, but decided on something newer. However I have planned to buy a Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35 when i graduate with that first fat controller pay check, or does that go to my student loans... I forget. ::thinking::
Anyways, im actually really excited that Nissan is going to release their new GTR here in the states. It has been available as an Infiniti model, i think the 40 or something like that, for awhile but with out all the cool race stuff on it. 2008 or 7, they havent said for sure yet, they are supposed to be available here for about 35k ::unbelieveable:: fully done out, stock with dual turbos and all the other goodies.
That is a Ford GT, that has the super charger removed, and replaced with two turbo chargers running 19psi. If you go their website,www.turbofordgt.com , they show it at the end, they have rebuilt the engine, with some better parts, and now it runs a little over 1453 horses and about 1250 foot pounds of torqe.......
And that is their street build, I want to see what their fully tuned race build is....... ::loony::
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 23, 2006, 03:47:52 PM
Just checked, the current US Focus is still the based on the original international mk1 model although the headlights and front bumpers were facelifted giving them a similar look to the european Focus mk2 but the doors, doorhandles, wheelarches and such are still easily recognizable from the original, and then the matter of a 5 1/2 inch difference in width excluding mirrors hehe.
I've seen spyvideos of the new Skyline GTR on the Nürburgring Northern Loop and it's extremely fast but with active awd and active independant automatic rearwheel-steering, probably active dampers etc. then it should be. The twin turbo GT is just too crazy in my opinion, and the owner is nothing short of insane and irresponsible in my opinion, just look at how it got out of control on a sticky drag strip, then try that on a bumpy slippery public road, more money than brains. I'm not saying all supercar owners are insane, but that dude sure looks like it from that video.
Frank
P.S. We just got the letter in the mail, we can get the car as soon as the dealer is open again woohooo!!!
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: undatc on December 24, 2006, 12:51:45 AM
Just checked, the current US Focus is still the based on the original international mk1 model although the headlights and front bumpers were facelifted giving them a similar look to the european Focus mk2 but the doors, doorhandles, wheelarches and such are still easily recognizable from the original, and then the matter of a 5 1/2 inch difference in width excluding mirrors hehe.
I've seen spyvideos of the new Skyline GTR on the Nürburgring Northern Loop and it's extremely fast but with active awd and active independant automatic rearwheel-steering, probably active dampers etc. then it should be. The twin turbo GT is just too crazy in my opinion, and the owner is nothing short of insane and irresponsible in my opinion, just look at how it got out of control on a sticky drag strip, then try that on a bumpy slippery public road, more money than brains. I'm not saying all supercar owners are insane, but that dude sure looks like it from that video.
Frank
P.S. We just got the letter in the mail, we can get the car as soon as the dealer is open again woohooo!!!
The thing is, is that GTTT is a mid engine mount, and it was running drag slicks. The weight distribution for drag racing is all wrong. However, on the road, going through twistys, those cars fly. And youre right, way to much money, that car used runs about 145k, and that twin turbo kit runs about 16k....
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: fireflyr on December 24, 2006, 06:10:26 AM
Congratulations on finding a new car Frank :) Be careful ;D
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Baradium on December 24, 2006, 10:10:01 AM
The thing is, is that GTTT is a mid engine mount, and it was running drag slicks. The weight distribution for drag racing is all wrong. However, on the road, going through twistys, those cars fly. And youre right, way to much money, that car used runs about 145k, and that twin turbo kit runs about 16k....
I'll stick with my IH's, it's a much cheaper hobby. ;)
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 04, 2007, 04:09:01 PM
After thinking about then my mom and I agreed that if he had to buy a 250K DKK Focus then neither of us could save up anything for either a better place to live or for my career wether it be planes or programs so we opted for one that was cheaper so we only had to loan 50 vs 100K DKK and we testdrove one yesterday and he got us a good deal on the Peugeot and he threw in metallic paint since there were only a few ones left in the country of this older but excellent model that also has sports equipment in DK (Momo leather sports airbag wheel, leather gearknob and handbrake handle, OZ Rally wheels albiet "just" a small 15" size, front strut brace, front/side/rear scirts, rear-spoiler with stoplight) it also has 6 airbags and ABS with EBD but no ESP or TCS but that's just fine with me. I still can't believe my mom chose one in black again. If you haven't already ID'ed it then I can tell you that this same company has made a (in)famous twin-engine turboprop that Jim has flown one of in real life.
After it gets settled and we break the car in with some calm highway drives then I'll focus my energy on again trying to find a new life. In the meantime I bought myself some late christmas gifts in the shape of some good old cheap but great computer games and a few movies (The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy UK 2-disc version and Cars (awesome movie and awesome places in the documentary about the real Route 66 trip they took before making the movie)).
Frank
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: fireflyr on January 04, 2007, 04:14:45 PM
You bought a Mitsubishi?
Title: Re: Has anyone here driven a late-model Subaru Impreza (manual transmission)?
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 05, 2007, 07:00:39 PM
Darn that was quick, I probably gave too many hints. Actually my mom is buying one, I'm just the driver but yes a brand-spanking new Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 Invite (that in DK is std. fitted with the optional sport package). We got the contract today and got the exact figure he gave for the 206 and it was good, and then there was the free of charge metallic black paint as well so a good deal :) Now we just gotta see when the final paperwork with the county and the bank can be finalized so we can swap the cars.
Went by Roskilde Airport on the way today as well and saw a couple of big biz jets, not quite sure what they were but they seemed bigger than Learjet's so maybe Challengers or Gulfstreams. Soon I can try again and go into greater detail and find out what I can do with my life to get it changed for the better, and I might ask you some questions too since you seem to have a lot of info and experience I can use to find out what I can/can't do.
