First car advice

[sobaka777]

Looking to buy my first car (that I actually own). I'm considering either a GR WRX or GP Impreza, but I'm leaning towards the FB20 Impreza since I'm a little weary of cars with timing belts, especially older ones that are prone to abuse (like the WRX). Otherwise I'd prefer the WRX since it's much quicker but I gotta be concious of reliability since I won't have a backup car for a while. I live in southern Ontario where rust is a big problem, in case that's a factor. Manual transmission is not optional, since I gotta learn how to drive one sooner rather than later. Thanks

 

[walkerjc]

I got a 2010 base model Impreza hatchback (GR) with a manual transmission, and it has been good so far. It was my first car and its lots of fun to drive. ive heard the GR STis are great but pricey so a GR WRX seems like a good choice, if you werent worried about the belt. My car does a few problems right now but they arent major (as far as i know now, lol).

 

[HowAboutThat]

If you’re in Ontario, isn’t snow going to be a huge factor? If you can find a Crosstrek, it’s basically a lifted Impreza and would perhaps be a better bad weather choice?

 

[bmart]

Why are you worried about a timing belt, something that has been used and worked for many decades, and which we know the replacement cycle for..and which is pretty easy to replace?

 

[sobaka777]

Why are you worried about a timing belt, something that has been used and worked for many decades, and which we know the replacement cycle for..and which is pretty easy to replace?

Fair enough, maybe a bit irrational on my part.

 

[sobaka777]

If you’re in Ontario, isn’t snow going to be a huge factor? If you can find a Crosstrek, it’s basically a lifted Impreza and would perhaps be a better bad weather choice?

We don't get enough snow down here to need the extra ground clearance, especially not enough to justify the cost premium over an Impreza. For the same price though I would prefer a Crosstrek, especially as a taller guy.