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liberty or impreza

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 11:08 am
by matt92
hi guys im looking into getting a Subaru once i sell the car i have now.
Im on my P-Plates:( so i cant get anything Turbocharged.
I like both the (95-98.) Liberty RX and the Impreza RX.
I'v driven some Impreza's both turbo and non turbo around the panel shop i work at but only in 1ST-2ND gear and i like the feel of them, but i haven't had any Liberty's in except some very new one so i dont know what there like to drive.

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 12:46 pm
by H-top
It depends what your after.
Libbs are going to be cheaper with most subarus
around that era having many many interchangable parts
like suspension, brakes, steering components both
aftermarket and factory.
So if your dream is a weekend warrior with your daily
it's very possible.

Impreza's are going to cost alot more with many being
FWD in the GC8 shape. But the look Does
have more street cred with some..
The bonus of getting an impreza is that when you are off
your P's you can swap to EJ20 Turbo engine without
any mod plate requirements as it was a factory option
with that body and thus will not be paying for a rediculous
insurance policy cost of an under 25 male driver of a WRX
instead paying for a cost of an impreza :)
In my experience NRMA is the best and most friendly about this
kind of mod arrangement with a quote $700 a year less than
the nearest competitor :)

that being the same case with a liberty too.

I have a Gen I liberty GX with a 98 EJ20 ATM, loads of luxury comfort,
goes well, lots of parts available, cheap to insure and very subtle to police.

I like the liberty myself as a personal preference. My car I intend to have
for a long time as my daily ( if the great suby gods
let me keep this one!)
and am aware of the much lower resale value as compared to a GC8.

So just ask yourself what you want out of the car, it will make the decision
more black and white I hope :)

cheers,
Sam

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 1:14 pm
by Jeff
Not sure where you got your info from but you definitely need to get a MOD plate if you put an EJ20T into an NA Impreza or Liberty for that matter in QLD

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 4:06 pm
by H-top
No way, an engine available as an option in the same body

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 4:29 pm
by Jeff
Well QLD Transport have taken a lot of money off me under false pretenses then.

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 5:18 pm
by H-top
VSB 14

section LA

paragraph 1.1

Modifications not requiring certification

- Fitting a Manufacturer's engine optional for the same model vehicle.


I had to double check it twice
myself!

Not very specific though, is model
liberty or RS, impreza or wrx?

But they will take money If u offer it. It's how they are.

Cheers

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 5:19 pm
by H-top
Yes, I said double check twice! That's 4
times! .......right?

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 1:08 am
by d_generate
I own a 95 WRX and a 98 Liberty, also had a Bug Eye & 99WRX and about 8 other n/a's............For comfort and build quality (inside especially) I'd take a Liberty any day over any of them, also less of a target for Mr Plod if you're on P's.
Liberty's also came out with a manual 206kw twin turbo in the GTB

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:26 am
by Subaman
No mod plate required in QLD, its in section one in here.
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/c792a ... icles2.pdf

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:42 am
by tex
Jeff wrote:Not sure where you got your info from but you definitely need to get a MOD plate if you put an EJ20T into an NA Impreza or Liberty for that matter in QLD
NSW and act are the same, In the ACT I don't need an engeneers report for my lift kit according to their rules and regulations but I can tell you from experience you wont go through the pits without one!

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 6:38 pm
by Bodge
Oh...
so my mechanic rorted me over my last 2 cars "needing" mod plates then.
:(
Oh well, he also asked me the classic - "are you keeping it?" - before roadworthy and went nice and easy on them so I shouldn't be too disappointed I guess.

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:20 pm
by H-top
yeah it seems that way mate.
sometimes laws do make things easier it seems.

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:15 pm
by discopotato03
To comply with Australian design rules you will also have to update any safety systems applicable to the model the turbo engine came from ie suspension and brakes . You should be doing this anyway .

Possibly not on the top of your list but can't you wait until you get green P's and then just buy a std turbo Subaru . At least then you'll know that its a complete factory package and probably maintain the value in your investment .

A .