Mazdaspeed3 to wrx or legacy gt spec b???

[jwiist]

Hello everyone at club wrx,

I have a few questions that could only be answered by the daily drivers of these vehicles. I currently own a 07 mazdaspeed 3 gt with 32k miles and climbing. I am extremely worried about how many other owners are blowing up with no warning what so ever, both heavily modded and stock motors blowing up. I am worried to the point of parting my car out and checking out wither a 07 sti limited or a 06 spec b gt. I could use any insight whatsoever regarding both vehicles as far as reliability, and passenger comfort. I am going to be test driving each soon but I wanted to hear from the people that drive them on a daily basis. I am looking to start our family soon so are these vehicles easy to swap car seats and baby stuff in and out of? thanks for all the help.

Jordan

[302@12psi]

The 07 STI's did have some issues with their ECU's leading to some engine failures. This is cured by getting a good tune on the vehicle.

The Spec B is a wonderful option for the "family" vehicle. I'm not sure but I think the 06 is when they went to the 6 speed. If they didnt do that till 07 go find yourself a 07 with a 6 speed.

A ton of aftermarket in both cases and really easy to make fun, reliable, streetable horsepower.

Having owned a regular 07 STI I'd gladly take either and would lean towards the Spec. B for the family planning part.

[wrxtreme06]

just food for thought- the limited sti is VERY hard to come by and if you do happen to find one, they are still going for around $29-30k (atleast the ones here are)

my vote goes to the spec b. i think it has the best of both worlds

[John M]

Drive an STi first -- their suspension is, um, "purposeful". It's clearly designed to handle but you know it all the time. Child seats may be a tight fit.

The Legacy SpecB got the 6spd in 2007. For 06 it's just off-red seats, nav, and of course the unique Bilstein suspension setup. It's not like the STi but it gets the job done well.

I love my "regular" GT that I bought in Sept 2004. I'm free to mod the suspension to exactly the spot I want it. I'll start that journey soon now that I'm almost finished with the power production part of the equation.

[RayfieldsWRX]

Child seats fit just fine; I've been hauling kids around in my WRX sedan and then wagon since 2002.

The rear-facing infant seats MAY be a problem if someone with long legs wants to sit in front of them. I never put that one to the test.

[jwiist]

Well thanks for all the quick responses! I kind of failed to mention some more vital info that could factor into my decision making process:

07 Subaru Sti Limited price for sale is $25,000 with 49,xxx miles...
It looks like it has a COBB SFI already installed.
Alreay a lot of miles for an expensive car is it really worth it?? reliability wise?
06 LegacyGT Spec B price for sale is $14,500 with 18,000 miles...
Dealer installed Sti springs, Sti short shifter, Sti trunk spoiler and tinted windows, along with the rest of the spec b bits.
This is a private sale that is almost 120 miles away from my home but it seems like a great deal.

[liljon350]

for those prices, i cant even believe your considering the STI...with that difference you can drop in a 20g and still have 8k left over...plus you want your car more family oriented...spec B would be ideal for you...and as if it isnt an awesome car anyways

[jwiist]

Thanks for your advice, I am trying to set up a meeting with the owner of the spec b on Monday, I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for all the help.


Jordan

[wunderboy987]

wow thats real cheap for a spec b. jump on it

[falkonsti]

SpecB FTW. i have an 08 with the 6spd and its amazing. so much more comfortable and roomier than my 07 wrx limited. i dunno why i didnt get a specb to begin with. the wrx felt like more track car with leatehr seats, while the specb has a nice luxury factor and good power. im not sure when the legacy swithced to the 2.5 but the added torque is noticable and great

[ZACK777]

06 LegacyGT Spec B price for sale is $14,500 with 18,000 miles...
Dealer installed Sti springs, Sti short shifter, Sti trunk spoiler and tinted windows, along with the rest of the spec b bits.
This is a private sale that is almost 120 miles away from my home but it seems like a great deal.

I'd buy this one.