Hello, my name is Russell, I live in central Ohio, and I am a new member.
I am researching a vehicle to replace my 2003 Subaru WRX, which I love, but have to sell because foot surgery won't let me drive a stick anymore. I have been spending hours upon hours reading these forums and have found all kinds of great information! I am looking to buy a car that I will keep for a long time and put hundreds of thousands of miles on in the very near future, and i really want a G. I have also looked in to IS300, but the performance and awesome engine in the G are winning me over. I will probably be getting a non-aero 2003.5 with an auto, leather, a sunroof, and probably 50k- 70k miles, beause I will have approxamatly $15k to spend. I don't mind having to change the brakes every 20,000 miles, getting 19MPG on preimum gas, or having to pull my door panels to fix rattles and squeeks, but I do have other concerns. Things like electral problems, bad radios (which I have read do not play cd-r's?), guage clusters that have to be replaced, seats that have to be replaced, rear defrosters shorted to the radio antenna, and other hard to pinpoint issues really concern me. I have seen quite a few "I was driving and it just stopped running, so I had to have it towed to the dealer" issues, and I just can't afford the dealer's rates. I am a pretty apt mechanic, and am not intimidated to work on most any vehicle, I just want to make a wise choise, and your input, experienence, and opinions are very appreciated!
Thank you,
Russell
Oh by the way do any Subaru guys get the username?

 

u r a b u s = you are a bus

s u b a r u spelled backwards, phonetically. clever.

 

Hahaha, yeah I'm a nerd.

 

Where at in Cbus Ikm in grovetuckey

 

great car i havent had a any poblems so far but i have only had my car for about 4 months. Funny though cause if i didnt get the I was looking at a wrx also. not an sti.

 

From what I know (which is little) the '05's are a better car electricaly speaking and maybe a lil more power but in auto I'm not real sure? I've had my '05 6MT for 3 months now and the only thing I've had to fix is some sqeeks in the door but each door took only 10 minutes if that. I absolutly LOVE my G, buy one for sure

 

One thing to consider is that the IS300 is much smaller and cramped compared to the G sedan. If you've got kids or always have people in the backseats the IS300 isnt for you. I have spent alot of time in the 1st gen IS and owned a 2nd gen IS. I think the IS300 is quieter, smoother and has a better interior than the G, but its just seriously underpowered and cramped. Since you are coming from a turbo car ill make it easier...

IS300 = Slow
G35 = Faster

 

^ True that. My son is 3 weeks old, and with my wife and him in the back whenever we go for a drive, there's plenty of room for all of us to enjoy the ride.

 

BuckeyeG: I live in Delaware

And, yeah, I know the G is faster, and larger, and I much perfer it to the Lexus. I would like to buy an '05-'06 because of the more power, no black plastic on the body, and the interior, but I think I'll be lucky to find an '04 in my price range.

Thanks everyone for the input, and keep it coming!

 

My wife really loved the look of the IS250/350 but the interior is just too small. ONe thing I hate is to be cramped in a car, but I'm 6'1 and I like a really relaxed driving position and I still have a lot of adjustment to go back in my drivers seat!!!!

 

If you love the Subaru, how about you get a used Legacy GT Limited, you'll get about the same performance you'd get in the 2003.5 G you're looking for. Not to mention you probably get a better trade for your car at a Sub dealer than the one you're looking at to get a G. Just me two cents

 

gtbigup01: I do really like the Leggy GT, but it is going to be too expencive for me.

Anyone else out there want to try to put my concerns to rest?? I was hopeing for "I bought mine brand new, and other than......, and ....... it has been the best car I have ever owned!!"

 

Well I only bought mine a couple months ago and I have not had any problems with mine. Seats still work, radio still works. I found the old service records in the glove box and the only problem the previous owner seemed to have was with the brakes. I just started to mod and it just keeps getting better. Oh yea I have a 2004.

 

ok i'll chime in.

I bought mine brand new, and other than the gas mileage and soft paint, it has been the best car I have ever owned!!

And I truly mean that.

 

Awesome!! Keep 'em comming!!