Topic: It's about time....

[Wolfe]

Subaru 2.5RS Coupe?  Out of budget, methinks, but even so...    What about an older Subaru with AWD?  wing had one for a while, does the job in the winter time with the added security of AWD. 

I believe the 2.5RS coupe had the DOHC 2.5L engine that had the serious head gasket problem. The newer SOHC 2.5L or the old 2.2L are better choices. As you say the 2.5RS would probably stretch the budget more than I'd like.

I've looked through the listings of Subarus there are a few that might be decent candidates, however, costs (purchase + maintenance) would likely be an issue. I would have to find a Subie with service records showing that at least some of the big stuff (timing belt etc.) has been taken care of. The hard part would be finding the right Subaru at the right price.


As far as security goes, I live in the city I don't need AWD. OTOH I already know from experience how much fun it is to give it a bit of extra throttle in mid-turn and do a 4 wheel slide in the snow. The Miata was bought to be the fun car so for this purchase I will likely lean more towards something cheap and reliable. If I can find cheap and relaible and fun even better but it's not absolutely necessary.

[dr_spock]

How about one of these at around $5K?

[Wolfe]

 

NO!

[Wolfe]

Here's my list of winter beaters...if I ever get around to looking for one:

Subaru 2.5RS (hard to find and overpriced here)
Subaru Legacy GT
Subaru SVX
Acura RL
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Celica

1990s Celicas are fairly rare for some reason and they're not cheap. 2000-2005 Celicas are much more common but cost even more (and they're ugly IMO.)

Maximas are not nearly as expensive as I would have expected. A 5 speed + 3.0L VQ interesting but kinda bigish.

[ghost]

I believe the 2.5RS coupe had the DOHC 2.5L engine that had the serious head gasket problem. The newer SOHC 2.5L or the old 2.2L are better choices. As you say the 2.5RS would probably stretch the budget more than I'd like.

Wrong. 1999+ 2.5RS coupe are equipped with SOHC EJ25s. In fact all EJ25 99+ are SOHC blocks. my old 01 RS Coupe was a hoot to drive around. I still miss it.  I'd swing for a 2000-2001 2.5RS coupe as it comes with rear LSD.

[Wolfe]

I stand corrected.

Excuse me while I go have another look at the Autotrader.


EDIT: It's probably a good rule of thumb that the winter beater should cost less than the summer toy car. Damn.

[initial_D]

Unless the summer toy car is an RC model. 

[initial_D]

How about one of these at around $5K?

I actually don't mind one of those for winter.  Think the AWD system is a VC center diff (like the 2nd gen Rav4, ?) with a 5 speed, could be fun on snow.

[Wolfe]

No, the AWD system on the 1st gen RAV4 had a locking centre diff with a button on the dash and an optional rear LSD. The AWD system was optional on some models of the 1st gen. There was even a convertible version of the 1st gen (FWD only IIRC.)


The 2nd gen had the VC centre diff and the top trim model had a rear LSD from 2001 until 2003 when Toyota dropped the rear LSD completely (the 2004 and 2005 models might have had traction or stability control but I'm not sure.) 2nd gen RAV4s were AWD only here in Canada but other markets, including the US, had a FWD version as well.



My Rav4 was a 2001 so it was a 2nd gen, mid-level trim so it had no rear LSD. Still lots of fun in the snow though.

[Leviathan]

 

[Wolfe]

It was fairly warm here today so I washed the Miata and took it out for a nice drive. I didn't quite get to the redline but I did get close a couple of times... . The oil will be changed this week and then it's nighty night for the winter


A preliminary list of mods/maintenance to do:
-new wheels and tires
-change out the springs
-remove the aftermarket alarm system
-remove the chrome style bar
-seek and destroy the vibration from the left side of the dash/instrument panel that occurs between 2700 and 3200 RPM
-replace transmission and differential gear oil (most likely to be done in the spring)
-replace timing belt, tensioner etc., water pump, front main seal, valve cover gasket(which is just starting to leak)


I'm probably forgetting something but that's the list so far.

[mdxtasy]

It was fairly warm here today so I washed the Miata and took it out for a nice drive. I didn't quite get to the redline but I did get close a couple of times... . The oil will be changed this week and then it's nighty night for the winter


A preliminary list of mods/maintenance to do:
-new wheels and tires
-change out the springs
-remove the aftermarket alarm system
-remove the chrome style bar
-seek and destroy the vibration from the left side of the dash/instrument panel that occurs between 2700 and 3200 RPM
-replace transmission and differential gear oil (most likely to be done in the spring)
-replace timing belt, tensioner etc., water pump, front main seal, valve cover gasket(which is just starting to leak)


I'm probably forgetting something but that's the list so far.

Today was a great day here as well.  My car's been parked so no run with it.  Did see that 360 Modena that comes by my neighbours house...in a parking lot no less. 

[Wolfe]

FOR SALE: one slightly destroyed set of fog lamps. These fog lights were a hack install and I'm glad to be rid of them. They were wired directly to the battery

The alarm system removal will be a real bugger of a job when I get 'round to it. Why someone would bother putting an alarm in a Miata just does not make sense to me. The car will never, ever be secure no matter what you do and the alarm will simply annoy your neighbours when it goes off at 2AM.

On a positive note I think I've found the source of the loud vibration from the left side of the dash around 3000 RPM. It was very likely from the alarm system's backup battery which was placed between two pieces of plastic totally unsecured.

[AVToller]

I can see you love the useful and tasteful mods done to your little darling.    Keep at it. She soon return to her original glory. 

[Wolfe]

I can see you love the useful and tasteful mods done to your little darling.    Keep at it. She soon return to her original glory. 

I've been looking up info and prices of all the mods on the car and at todays prices the parts alone would add up to just under what I paid for the car.

After some more poking around under the dash I've found out what model of alarm system is installed and I downloaded the owner's manual. Unfortunately it turns out to be a particularly complicated system and it may or may not have wireless components which would be very difficult to locate. This is going to be a lot more trouble than I had initially thought. 

[Julie]

Hey, an update. I was just thinking of asking you how you were doing with your new darling.

You sure are good at DIY.

[Wolfe]

Hey, an update. I was just thinking of asking you how you were doing with your new darling.

I haven't driven the car since last weekend and it may only make it out of the garage once more before next spring.

I've now found the installation manual for the alarm system and after a look at the wiring diagrams I've come to the conclusion that my poor Miata has been horribly molested

You sure are good at DIY.

Hmm, I'm not nearly as sure about that as you are

I'm considering taking the car to a professional for the alarmectomy. I don't want to get 99% of the way through the alarm removal and end up stuck with a dead car as a result of some hidden wireless fuel supply or ignition cutoff component.

[AVToller]

On the other hand, you do have a lot of time before she needs to be road worthy, and there is a great deal of satisfaction in becoming a self-taught surgeon. Just think how proud your parents could be - "My son the MD (mechanical stuff doer)." 

[Wolfe]

On the other hand, you do have a lot of time before she needs to be road worthy, and there is a great deal of satisfaction in becoming a self-taught surgeon. Just think how proud your parents could be - "My son the MD (mechanical stuff doer)." 

  I think my Dad is still a bit disappointed I didn't want to become a doctor. It's probably wise not to dredge that up again all these years later.

Anyway, it's not the mechanical stuff that I'm leery of, I've just ordered the parts to change the timing belt and do the associated maintenance. The electrical stuff is a whole 'nother can of worms. I'll give it a shot and if worst comes to worst I'll have to call in a pro later, same difference I guess . I'm sure this job will involve lots of swearing one way or the other.

Now that I have some understanding of these aftermarket alarm systems I would be reluctant to buy another car with one installed. I'd buy the Miata again in spite of the alarm, no question, but in most cases I would offer a lot less to buy it or walk away entirely.

[AVToller]

I must admit that while I always enjoyed ( ) the mechanical work, wiring was another matter for me as well. Good luck!