Never back down, Never give in.

[Numbchux]

This is something that a member of RS25.com posted over there, and I found it very inspiring, and thought I'd share:

 

I know we’ve all been there at one point; we hate our cars because it takes so much to turn it in to something that it’s not. We spend so much time, effort and money to replicate our favorite version Impreza, or make it our own, and all we get are head aches and empty bank accounts. (Garrett ‘poormansporsche’ knows exactly what I’m talking about.) The unexpected break downs, receiving the wrong parts, the bloody knuckles, the waiting for the container to arrive from Japan, the dirt and rust ridden undercarriage, the bolts that are so tight you’d swear someone welded them in place, it all takes a toll. Then there is the discouragement of those that bought faster, better built, newer Imprezas that always seem to pass us on the long straight at the track or squeeze out those extra tenths of a second while auto-crossing. “Those bastards! Once I swap my VX WRX/STI/RA motor I’ll be faster…”

 

We’ve all been there.

 

Some traded up because they’re sick of it or lost hope. One day it finally sunk in, despite the persistent resistance, “My RS/L/Brighton/Wagon/OBS is an inferior chassis.” Finally they succumb. “I’ll always love and miss my RS,” they say, “but a swap just wasn’t possible so I bought a WRX.” Threads like this pop up all the time and responses are mixed. Some look at it rationally and congratulate them on their new purchase while others label them as traitors, half joking but sometimes not. Despite the surprisingly successful “Fanboyism” thread there are still those that claim they’ll never sell, never leave the cult. They have pride that is easily mistaken as arrogance but they have the right! Their car paved the way for later models, for the WRC, made Subaru what it is today!

 

I am one of the forsaken.

 

The challenge and cost were too large for me. I wanted my car to be turbocharged. I wanted a stronger transmission. I wanted a quicker ratio steering rack. I wanted less compliant suspension bushings. I wanted larger sway bars. I wanted coilovers. The wants continued to build and so did the costs, to intimidating amounts. Then rationality set in. “Why should I spend all this money to make my intended econo-box as good as a STi?” That’s when my will was broken and hope was lost. That’s when I put my Impreza Wagon up for sale.

 

Fast forward three months and there I am, a grin that looks to be splitting my face in half surfaces as I turn the key and start my new-to-me 2005 STi. The interior is ten times better! The sound of the exhaust is menacing! Good God, look at that hood scoop! It’s a sensory overload and I haven’t even let out the clutch and began moving. The initial drive signs the papers, finalizes the terms and agreement, stakes it’s claim; that face separating grin is here to stay. The ride is firm and tight like a car that is meant to be on a race track should feel. The handling is confidence inspiring to the point that I thought my chest was going to break the seat belt. Oh my, the power orgasmic! “I’m glad I decided to upgrade.” I say, not knowing that I’d be sitting here three months later contemplating whether I should keep my beloved STi or go back to the will breaking, money draining, soul rending state of owning a project car that I thought was once a lost cause.

 

Everyone I talk to about this conundrum reacts the same way. “You just bought it!” “It’s everything you wanted!” “Tim, you make no sense.” I’ve heard it all before. The problem is that all the fun of the STi came too easily. I made a few phone calls and signed some paperwork then it was all mine. That was it. I don’t appreciate the crisp steering as much as I would if I installed those Whiteline steering rack bushings myself. I’m not as proud of the instantaneous power as I would have been if I had spent hours upon hours merging wiring harnesses and finessing that beefy turbocharged 2.5L motor in to an empty engine bay. I don’t appreciate the years of engineering put in to this car, the time spent testing it off the beaten path as much as I should. I don’t appreciate the blood, sweat and tears put in to this car because they are not my own. As the saying goes, “Without the bitter the sweet wouldn’t be as sweet.” I am a DIY Guy that likes to do things the hard way.

 

I’ll end with a few encouraging words to those still struggling, those with their vision still vivid and full of hope. Don’t quit. Never stop. You are a unique breed that have ban together here to share your knowledge, gather information, ask for help, and whore your projects. Without you sites like this would diminish and the moral of the Subaru community surely would follow. You are the building blocks, the back bone of automotive enthusiasts and it should be known. You and your projects serve a high purpose than only your personal enjoyment, they are inspiring. One day I will rejoin you with another project car of my own. Until then, I salute you.

 

 

original thread here:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61226

[A DOG]

This is absolutely great. I have my 90 legacy wagon and I want it to be an sti wagon soo bad and I realize its gonna take thousands of dollars, but guess what I've got my whole life ahead of me to do everything I want to. Someday I will have a one of a kind legacy lsti wagon. Its really worth it to have a one of a kind car that you put all the work into. Thanks for sharing

[Reveeen]

I kinda "reflected" on this very thing today.

 

I'm lifting/rebuilding my $60 '92 Loyale, out at the crack of dawn grinding and welding (trying to catch the cool of the day), there are some choice words, and some serious talking to one's self going on (how else is a fella going to get the answers he likes?). My neighbor drops in on his way to work, seeing the completed lift on the one side he comments "where do you buy the stuff to do that", buy? I say, you "make" it.

 

The skills to do this type of work are rapidly disappearing, you don't see them on TV (unless you count a couple of "drama queens" assembling motorcycles out of parts as "skilled"), parents don't teach these things to their kids (I'm as guilty as the next, 2 doctors, 1 engineer, 1 army guy, in my family). We are becoming a nation of "desk operating do nothings", who, for the most part, buy their toys.

 

It becomes a "faith thing", you do it because you can, and because you like doing it, sure I can buy, but I choose not to. Too bad there is no one to pass this stuff on to.

[The Dude Abides]

Theres a fine line between what he is saying.

 

Theres the man ive acomplished it factor

 

And the man ive got it factor

 

The ive got it factor comes quickly you get ur results imedately

 

The ive acomplished it factor is you set out a goal you did it and now you can reap the benefits.

 

but the end result is the same. it always ALWAYS gets old. Youve spent 2 years saving for that lift and installing the rock bumpers and the wench. But in the end after a while u get tired of it and want bigger and better. Or maybe lower and faster.

 

That is the ultimate thing. Car people are never happy. We are never happy. I may of not had a subaru before this one but i have been a car nut all my life. Ive had project cars and got disapointed and sold them. I put on the brand new coil and carb only wishing i had the money for a supercharger. We want bigger and better and when we finally get it. The rush is over. Our high dies out and we go looking for it elseware. He bought a wrx he got one of the most awsome factory vehicles made. But again in the end it wasnt enough he wanted something else.

 

. (Stands UP) Hello My Name is ben and im a caraholic i cant seem to get enough of them. From chevrolet to subaru from ford to fiat. I am comsumed buy vehicles. It is a passion of mine dare say an obcession.

 

Y do so many people here have multiple vehicles. To feed there passion. I can totally relate to having one for fast, one for offroading, and one for daily comute but everyone knows that the daily compter will sill get tricked out even if we had the money. Thats the way it works. I love cars everything about them. I will always love them.

 

You could give me a ferrarri and i would be tired with it in a year. I mean i live in iowa i cant drive it year round.

 

We are who we are and we cant change that and frankly i dont want to. This guy should just keep his new car and buy some project to wrench on in the weekend. That way he has a reliable car to get him to work and maybe have alittle fun in. And then he can wrench to his hearts content on the weekend.

 

Would you truly absolutely positively in the hottest days or the coldest nights want something that was 20 years old and not reliable even though you could fix it. Or would you just rather jump in some jetta, malibu, caravan. And just go to work comfortable and not half to worry about it.

 

Think About It

 

Ben

[Numbchux]

^^can't say I agree with you....at all :-\

 

 

It isn't that he wanted something different out of the STi, it's the concept that it just isn't the same if you don't do it yourself.

 

 

 

you couldn't give me a jetta, malibu, or caravan. I don't worry for a second about the reliability of my 15 year old car with a 250k mile engine. in fact, I trust it more than I would any new car! Subarus included.

[The Dude Abides]

honestly i understand because im all for the wow what an experience that was. man i did it. I totally understand that.

 

my wife has a 2005 malibu and i trust that. Because its new, becaue it has a waranty, and if something does happen i call chevy and they take care of it and give me a rental to boot. I love wrenching and im trying to learn all i can about these cars. And not to dig into you are anything but werent you having problems with your car recently. Im not saying that its not reliable but things happen and i can understand that. I find comefort in knowing that iff my car does break down. I can take my wifes car to work because its there and it can get me there comfortably. I like my subaru well enough but i havent had it long enough to know if im gonna take it cross country.

 

And thats the difference between a 500 dollar car and a 20000 dollar car. Ive always had that. One newer reliable car for the wife and kids and the one i drive to work. It isnt to say that the 20000 dollar car isnlt going to break down its just less likely. That is y i pay the car payment for that peace of mind. When it comes to my wife and kids i want good reliable transportation. Let me worry about timeing belts and oil leaks.

[86BRATMAN]

There was a post by him that got dug up from about a year ago. Before the ej22 swap, thats the only one I've seen since I've been back on the board full time in January that has been a "problem" post.

 

It comes down to what drives you, I could go out and buy something fast, something low, something loud, whatever I wanted. But I would get tired of the multiple hundred dollar a month payments. I paid $250 for my hatchback. That was one month's payment on the civic my wife and I had at the time. We won't even talk about the insurance. Damned high theft rate and being an Si model kinda sticks it to ya...

 

So what if my old car has rust, I've got metal and can paint. So what if its grossly underpowered for my liking. I've got an ej22t and just about everything needed to install it minus tranny crossmember and proper length driveshaft. So what if I'm not happy with the wheel selection of the 4 lug. I just need xt6 rear stuff, I've got the front and the wheels I'm gonna run already. So what if my car rides like a log truck with cut springs and reclocked torsion bars, I can make aftermarket legacy stuff fix that.

 

And finally so what if it takes me till next year to finish it. Its paid for and in the end everything won't add up to be what I would pay for one years worth of a new car. And it will be my creation.

[The Dude Abides]

I understand that all of that really i do. The pride in having something you wrenched on. Made your own. Can fix at the drop of a hat. But not everyone is so mechanically inclined as you are. And some people dont have the time. I make that monthly payment so i can have peace of mind for my wife and children. That payment insures me that they get to where they need to go without any hickups. So i dont half to worry about her being stuck on the highway with an overheated engine.

 

I guess different strokes for different folks. The payment and the insurance does suck but its a small price to pay for there well being.

 

ben

[Numbchux]

That payment insures me that they get to where they need to go without any hickups.

 

no it doesn't, it just means that if/when something goes wrong, you can blame it on someone else.

 

I stand by my statement, I trust my car more than any new car. a warranty doesn't change reliability.

[The Dude Abides]

lets just agree to disagree:banana:

[kingbobdole]

hi-o

I'm with numbchux on this one. I work as a mechanic.. ALL cars break. 92 loyales AND 2007 Fords, I see it all. No amount of "new" car is going to protect you more so then an "old" car.

 

"a warranty doesn't change reliability" So true.. I actually bought a brand new car because I was tired of my old crappy car. I chose poorly and got a new to the USDM Ford Focus in 2000. Only left me stranded once in the first 3 years, but luckily I was a service writer at a Ford dealer at the time. It also, like some new cars had a "few" recalls (unlike most new cars with recalls, my focus had 28 IIRC)

 

Truth of the matter is that it is not the AGE of the car, but the CARE that is given to it... You can buy an 87 GL, like I did and dump a few grand into it to make the drive line basically new and it will be as reliable as a new car as long as I keep on top of it.

 

Which launches me into another rant, some can stop reading here and go down a bit if you like as it is a slight bit off topic. NO ONE takes proper care of their cars. No one. Right now you are thinking "ohh, but I sure do! I'm a car guy." No, you are probably wrong... Here's an example:

 

Do you check the oil level EVERY time you get gas? Most manufactures say that it is a required part of maintenance. Lots of old Subaru guys(I'm guessing) keep a pretty good eye on their oil level.

 

Ok then smarty... when's the last time you flushed out your power steering fluid? brake? diffs? trans? coolant? Some of these services are needed every three years(30k) while others are every year. I don't take the 100% best care of my cars, but I try to get done what needs to be done as I can afford it, having 3 cars makes it hard. I do the brake flush every year, diffs, trans and power steering I do when I purchase the car, or do a swap:banana: and coolant... well I kinda slack on that... it gets changed when it gets bad. ok I'm done

[/crazedmaintenancerant]

 

Any hoo, back OT, I agree fully with the OP. Yeah, buying an STi is a great shortcut, but I would personally never trade any one of my cars for one JUST to have a better faster nicer car because I don't go on a "got to have it" frenzy and the old saying, "No matter how fast you are, there is ALWAYS someone faster"

 

On top of that I'm a weird guy. I didn't shove my Focus off on my father because it was unreliable(wasn't bad) or got old... it was just... boring. I do NEED to stand out. To the cops, t3h ladies or who ever turns my way. I love when old guys in new Land cruisers give my lifted GL the "Rock on" \m/ or when kids in preludes ask what my yellow lowered XT-6 is, and how'd it get so fast. Or when some old guy tells me my ej25 swapped Rx is missing a fender:grin: :lol: I just love the attention that my old cars get, they may not be the fastest or handle the best but I've turned this thread into a love fest with my super long post.

[The Dude Abides]

i must be the odd ball in here. my wife is not interested in cool or different. and as i get alittle older things like that dont really matter to me as much either. a to b is what im interested in. when i have more money someday then ill want something to look different or be different. ive had plenty of old cars that have left me stranded. i had to walk 5 miles after my car broke down on me on a long bypass at 3 in the morning. ultimately things are going to get old and things are going to break. Proper maintence helps prolong the life of vehicles and helps take care of them but these are wear parts there wearing every time we use them. i sill stand buy my statements. i dont know if you folks have wifes or kids but that makes the difference for me.

 

Ben

 

and a waranty doesnt change reliability. but then someone else fixes it on there dime and there time.

 

king bob dole what did you half to do to be a service writer, do you enjoy it

[misledxcracker]

and a waranty doesnt change reliability. but then someone else fixes it on their dime and their time.

I had a Kia Spectra which was supposed to have 76,000 more miles on it's warranty, and guess what? It caught fire, and I was blamed for it, so they wouldnt cover it under the warranty.

 

I also had a 2003 Hyundai Elantra with a wiring problem, the car would not keep a charge no matter WHAT was replaced, and all this was to MY dime, as like always, I was blamed for the wiring fault, though NOTHING had been changed on the car, not even the stereo.

 

Yeah, yeah, my "new" ones were only Korean cars... but seriously, they ALL break down, Subaru included. I know of at LEAST a dozen people whom have been royally screwed on dealer warranty BS.... some of them even worse than I:dead:

 

You can preach about your payments and reliablilty and warranty, thats fine, but I'd rather pay the local junkyard chump change to keep my coupe running :cool:

[The Dude Abides]

2005 chevy malibu power stearing rack failure. factory replacement replace the whole front suspension struts rack and all. Gave me a rental car to boot.

[The Dude Abides]

1999 Chevy malibu intake manifold leak. replaced gasket with new rubber fles one. free with rental car to boot

 

all cars do break down this is true.

 

buy the way i have seen few subarus in junkyards in iowa and the ones i have seen are pretty bad

 

Ben

[misledxcracker]

Why would a steering rack fail within 2 years?

[The Dude Abides]

im not quite sure it doesnt have the traditional power stearing rack it has that electrical assist or something like that. anyways there all doing it. nothing leaking or anything like that. sometimes if you turn it to quickly it will slow down its weird lol but they fixed it. something causing stearing components to qear out quicker then originally intended so they switched something in the design and thrown in another rack.

 

ben

[86BRATMAN]

I've seen way more than my share of old subies in the junk yards around here. You know what kills them, RUST. Now we can all blame the state road maintence officials for using corrosive agents during the winter. But when it comes right down to it the owner is at fault for not properly caring for the undersides of these things after exposure.

 

I'm here to tell you that an arguement about payments and warrantees is pointless. Both sides of the debate will have great points, and each has faults. I've been on both sides of the coin within the last year. We sold our 06 2.5i Legacy, not because of any problems it is one of the best cars I've ever been around as far as ride, handling, and fuel economy. I just did not see it logical to pay $480 a month for the payment and another $150 a month for the insurance.

 

But on the other hand as I stated before, I paid $250 for a running low miles(relative) 112K 87 hatchback. It was even delivered to my house from 2 hours away buy the PO. Since that day I have not spend one thin dime on the car, at least on anything it has truely needed. It has started everyday and got me safely and reliably where I have needed to be. We took it on it's maiden interstate voyage today(at least while we've owned it) 65+ even on the hills, long steady grades without having to downshift or floor it at all. Keep in mind this is the stock through and through ea81.

 

I'm not worried about anything on this car, save for the axle that is going out which I've got 5 replacements on hand. And the radiator that isn't exactly in good condition, again 3 replacements on hand. If the transmission decides it hates me, I've got one on hand. Rear diff, 4 here with one vlsd spare. I could go on and on. Most of the stuff I've got here has been either free or included in under $50 parts cars. If something were to have broken with the other car and warrantee didn't cover it we would have been screwed. And this car in its 4 different colors turns heads, Drive a new car and there are at least 5 of the same exact color and trim in the same town. I dunno, I'm old school turn heads be different. Remember Subaru's Motto from way back? Inexpensive and made to stay that way.

[kingbobdole]

kingbobdole, what did you have to do to be a service writer, and did you enjoy it?

I just had to show up and be able to sell stuff basically... and NO, I HATED IT. I'm a mechanic not a negotiator, dealing with people wining and crying about their cars and how much they wanted to pay to have what done is a royal PITA. Some would be nice and easy get what they want and need and go. Some were cheap skates, but the real joy were the people that wanted to argue the price or what needed to be done.. just too much of a headache for me, and honestly the Ford dealer I worked for would have rather I made cars out worse then they were so that I could sell more. I did pay well though:)

[misledxcracker]

Actually, one of my buddies used to be a service writer at a local Ford dealership as well.

 

They gave him overtime up the wazoo, paid him awfully well, but he still quit. Hated hearing the people complain and try to get the price cut down!

[The Dude Abides]

On a side note.

 

I recently saw a black suburu wrx sti. I wanted to see what all the hype was ive never driven one before.

 

Holy Rocket Snot. Thats one hell of a car. If i could fit 3 kids in that i would own it. I just need the 25000 to buy it. Awsome sound, Crisp handling, Hearing that motor wind up. 300ponies in awd form. Truly Awsome.

 

Ben

[daeron]

my only thoughts on this subject run thusly:

 

I see those bumper stickers that say "Drive it like you stole it" and, since high school, my response has been "drive it like you built it, dillhole." Well, slightly more colorful than that; I literally swear like a sailor when I get started.

[FlyB0y]

my only thoughts on this subject run thusly:

 

I see those bumper stickers that say "Drive it like you stole it" and, since high school, my response has been "drive it like you built it, dillhole." Well, slightly more colorful than that; I literally swear like a sailor when I get started.

 

I gotta say I agree with the "You Built It" part!

 

It's much like how harleys are now the choice of doctors and lawyers. I still remember when you HAD to have saddle baggs for your harley for tools and USE them to keep them properly maintained. Now all a harley says to me is "I have a FAT wallet and like to be a Poser:rolleyes:" ( that's for the NEW ones that take $20k+ to buy, I still respect the old school harley riders:cool:)

 

Same goes for the Yuppie thats going through his "mid-life crisis" and buys a Hummer or a Fararri.

 

Those guys get some looks, but no one stops and asks things like: "Wow, did you lift that yourself?" or "Have you used that snorkel in really deep water yet?" or "Man! that is the nicest brat I have seen in a long time!"

 

Yes, I am an individualist, and I like being different. I also used to be a motorcycle mechanic, and I just don't like driving anything I can't mainly fix/diagnose myself. That, and I just love showing the ppl that think it can't be done that I can and am doing it!

[SUBEE-DO]

WELL SPOKEN THANKS!!

This is something that a member of RS25.com posted over there, and I found it very inspiring, and thought I'd share:

 

I know we’ve all been there at one point; we hate our cars because it takes so much to turn it in to something that it’s not. We spend so much time, effort and money to replicate our favorite version Impreza, or make it our own, and all we get are head aches and empty bank accounts. (Garrett ‘poormansporsche’ knows exactly what I’m talking about.) The unexpected break downs, receiving the wrong parts, the bloody knuckles, the waiting for the container to arrive from Japan, the dirt and rust ridden undercarriage, the bolts that are so tight you’d swear someone welded them in place, it all takes a toll. Then there is the discouragement of those that bought faster, better built, newer Imprezas that always seem to pass us on the long straight at the track or squeeze out those extra tenths of a second while auto-crossing. “Those bastards! Once I swap my VX WRX/STI/RA motor I’ll be faster…”

 

We’ve all been there.

 

Some traded up because they’re sick of it or lost hope. One day it finally sunk in, despite the persistent resistance, “My RS/L/Brighton/Wagon/OBS is an inferior chassis.” Finally they succumb. “I’ll always love and miss my RS,” they say, “but a swap just wasn’t possible so I bought a WRX.” Threads like this pop up all the time and responses are mixed. Some look at it rationally and congratulate them on their new purchase while others label them as traitors, half joking but sometimes not. Despite the surprisingly successful “Fanboyism” thread there are still those that claim they’ll never sell, never leave the cult. They have pride that is easily mistaken as arrogance but they have the right! Their car paved the way for later models, for the WRC, made Subaru what it is today!

 

I am one of the forsaken.

 

The challenge and cost were too large for me. I wanted my car to be turbocharged. I wanted a stronger transmission. I wanted a quicker ratio steering rack. I wanted less compliant suspension bushings. I wanted larger sway bars. I wanted coilovers. The wants continued to build and so did the costs, to intimidating amounts. Then rationality set in. “Why should I spend all this money to make my intended econo-box as good as a STi?” That’s when my will was broken and hope was lost. That’s when I put my Impreza Wagon up for sale.

 

Fast forward three months and there I am, a grin that looks to be splitting my face in half surfaces as I turn the key and start my new-to-me 2005 STi. The interior is ten times better! The sound of the exhaust is menacing! Good God, look at that hood scoop! It’s a sensory overload and I haven’t even let out the clutch and began moving. The initial drive signs the papers, finalizes the terms and agreement, stakes it’s claim; that face separating grin is here to stay. The ride is firm and tight like a car that is meant to be on a race track should feel. The handling is confidence inspiring to the point that I thought my chest was going to break the seat belt. Oh my, the power orgasmic! “I’m glad I decided to upgrade.” I say, not knowing that I’d be sitting here three months later contemplating whether I should keep my beloved STi or go back to the will breaking, money draining, soul rending state of owning a project car that I thought was once a lost cause.

 

Everyone I talk to about this conundrum reacts the same way. “You just bought it!” “It’s everything you wanted!” “Tim, you make no sense.” I’ve heard it all before. The problem is that all the fun of the STi came too easily. I made a few phone calls and signed some paperwork then it was all mine. That was it. I don’t appreciate the crisp steering as much as I would if I installed those Whiteline steering rack bushings myself. I’m not as proud of the instantaneous power as I would have been if I had spent hours upon hours merging wiring harnesses and finessing that beefy turbocharged 2.5L motor in to an empty engine bay. I don’t appreciate the years of engineering put in to this car, the time spent testing it off the beaten path as much as I should. I don’t appreciate the blood, sweat and tears put in to this car because they are not my own. As the saying goes, “Without the bitter the sweet wouldn’t be as sweet.” I am a DIY Guy that likes to do things the hard way.

 

I’ll end with a few encouraging words to those still struggling, those with their vision still vivid and full of hope. Don’t quit. Never stop. You are a unique breed that have ban together here to share your knowledge, gather information, ask for help, and whore your projects. Without you sites like this would diminish and the moral of the Subaru community surely would follow. You are the building blocks, the back bone of automotive enthusiasts and it should be known. You and your projects serve a high purpose than only your personal enjoyment, they are inspiring. One day I will rejoin you with another project car of my own. Until then, I salute you.

 

 

original thread here:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61226

[subaruguru]

i know what he meens i ride in my buddys newer,faster,more expensive cars all the time and say to myself man i would like to have one of these.

nice air conditioned,sterio,bigger engine,but then i get home and my heart gose to that special place to where my subaru is being all it can be all the time. and the only time it ha left me strandid is when it runns out of gas. i have the best times of my life in my home built,Daily driver,off road,some times parts car subaru and i wouldent trade it for a million bucks