The Life of Nathan's 99 GF4 Begins

[SubieNate]

Well, I went last Sunday to look at a 1999 Impreza L Wagon in Merced. After looking the car over [well] and driving it, I decided I wanted to buy it. No, it wasn't in as good condition as I'd hoped, but I've been looking for MONTHS for a reasonably priced OBS/Impreza wagon, and it seems these things are relatively scarce here in California! I decided that being a college student, not having a car wasn't an option, and besides, those are just more things to lower the purchase price which = more fun money

The previous Saturday night I had sold my [horrendously huge] 1994 Volvo 960 for $3700, exactly $1000 more than the purchace price only 5 months ago It was definitely a lucky sale, the markey is absolutely AWEFUL right now. Living right next to the forclosure capital of the state, people aren't buying luxury cars in this area so much. It seems the stars aligned for me to get a Subaru for Christmas

Went on Tuesday to get a cashier's check, but the check hadn't officially cleared yet, so I had to wait until after vacation Last night I went in, was able to get the check, and after calling my contact (the owner was out of the country) I immediatel left to pick it up.

An hour and a half later, she was mine

Finally got some pics today!






It's dirty, but I have to start my journal at the beginning right?

Name explanation in post #47

Nathan

[SubieNate]

UPDATED August 15, 2009



Known issues:
Mechanically, it seems sound. For 157,000, I was amazed to see no leaks of any kind or any visible issues. It runs great and starts fast.

Body:
-5 or so dings in various places. Going to call a paintless dent repair guy I know and get an estimate this week.
-The bumper covers are pretty beat up. I wasn't too worried about this because I plan to get the RS bumper this summer. Hopefully JDM rear eventually.

Future Plans:
-Fix issues with body
-RS Bumpers
-STi Roof and Waist spoilers
-2003 WRX Wagon rear seat conversion
-Black out interior, haven't decided on a technique yet
-Suspension

-RCE Tarmac II's
-Poly bushings all around
-Bigger front sway, not sure which one yet.

-WRX Swap I plan to do everything else first. I believe that a person who can drive a slow car fast is a much better driver than someone who uses power to make up for their driving skill, so I plan to go as far as I can competition wise in Rally X, Auto X, track, whatever on the stock motor, and then upgrade. I also believe that upgrading the suspension, etc. to handle the power and still drive correctly is very very important.



Completed Mods:
-WRX Wheels, Pirelli P6000 tires
-RS Front brakes
-Legacy rear knuckles and rotors with Ver. 3 STi Type RA calipers.
-Stainless brake lines in the rear
-DOT 4 brake fluid
-Leather Shift Boot
-ebay Ganzflow style intake
-Tint, 35% front/5% rear
-2003 WRX Front Seats
-Suspension

-WRX 20mm sway bar

Nathan

[GF8er]

Nice car. Seems like you have a good plan for your future mods. I look forward to seeing this car progress! How much did you end up paying for it?

[OBSmines2010]

Originally Posted by SubieNate

I believe that a person who can drive a slow car fast is a much better driver than someone who uses power to make up for their driving skill.

+1!!! I love beating guys at autocross that put down 300 whp when I am not even over 100 whp. I love it!!

[SubieNate]

I paid $3000. Seemed fair to me, Blue Book in "good" condition was $3200 and fair $2700ish and I'd call it above fair as the interior is in great shape and most of the exterior problems are easy to fix.

I plan to get the basic looks of the car fixed first (Fix the bumpers, tint, maybe rims) as I want to learn the car a bit better driving wise before I decide exactly what to do, and it's already the best handling car I've owned, so that tells you something about my experience

I think after I get the body/tint stuff figured out my next move is a short shifter, either Gimmick or Kartboy I'm not sure yet.

Nathan

[99STM]

Clean Wagg. Have you thought about what you want for wheels???

[SubieNate]

Originally Posted by Subaruuu06

Clean Wagg. Have you thought about what you want for wheels???

Either some stock 98 RS wheels/other Subaru wheels or Enkei's if I go aftermarket I think. Not a fan of Rotas and I can't afford super expensive wheels

Nathan

[Scooby South]

sueeeeeeeeeeet....very nice pickup...should be a nice project for you..

Bill

[99STM]

Originally Posted by SubieNate

Either some stock 98 RS wheels/other Subaru wheels or Enkei's if I go aftermarket I think. Not a fan of Rotas and I can't afford super expensive wheels

Nathan

go to www.jlbmotorsports.com. they have awesome priced wheels.

[Anthony7325]

I picked my 01 OBS up for $3200 off of ebay. had the timing belt replaced by the dealer, and havent had any issues since. i am in need of a front cv joint, and some back brakes though. good luck with yours. hope you dont have issues pop up.