09 GT limited or 06 Spec B

[natemj]

Hey guys, amateur hour!

 

I know both these cars are priceless now. But spec B!!!!!!!! Anyway, I'm confused on either. I'm a stock kinda guy. Enjoy my sleepers with what they have to offer and like taking my time before any mods. the spec B is bone stock with about 80K miles on it. the 09 GT has about 70k miles on it with a cobb stage 2 tune. I need something fun to daily through the highway to work so that I'm excited to drive to and from work everyday haha. I'd also like a nice road trip kinda car.

 

The 09 GT's SI drive interests me with practicality but the spec B is more suited for road trips I've heard because of their suspension. Both are priced at 12.5K. I need to know what's the better option here. Going to test drive both later today but I'm sure I'm going to be confused even then. Let me know if there's anything else I need to look out for when checking the car.

 

Thanks in advance guys! Please bear with the noobness.

[ttnio]

Welcome!

 

I would buy both. You're an enthusiast.

 

If buying one, I'd go for the '09

[fox212]

I'd go '09 GT. Pre '07 Spec B's don't interest me much because no 6 speed.

[natemj]

Yes, but the 09 GT is a 5 speed too right

[MilesA]

Yes, but the 09 GT is a 5 speed too right

I think the idea is that there was really nothing all that compelling about the USDM Spec B until they added the 6-speed and the Torsen rear diff in the last few years. It's a nice package, but the suspension you would probably end up upgrading anyway given the age and miles.

 

The '09 might be a better choice because it is newer. 10K miles between the cars is not much difference. If you want something similar to the Spec B suspension on the '09, you could install new Bilstein B6 shocks and STI Pink springs plus Spec B top hats. Aluminum control arms are available used or aftermarket if you wanted.

 

For any turbo Subaru, make sure you have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done to include compression/leakdown test. We'd rather not have you come back in a few weeks saying your engine blew up on the way home. Unfortunately, that sort of thing can happen.

[fox212]

I think the idea is that there was really nothing all that compelling about the USDM Spec B until they added the 6-speed and the Torsen rear diff in the last few years. It's a nice package, but the suspension you would probably end up upgrading anyway given the age and miles.

 

The '09 might be a better choice because it is newer. 10K miles between the cars is not much difference. If you want something similar to the Spec B suspension on the '09, you could install new Bilstein B6 shocks and STI Pink springs plus Spec B top hats. Aluminum control arms are available used or aftermarket if you wanted.

 

For any turbo Subaru, make sure you have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done to include compression/leakdown test. We'd rather not have you come back in a few weeks saying your engine blew up on the way home. Unfortunately, that sort of thing can happen.

 

+1, my thoughts exactly. Good advice too on the compression and leakdown check.

[GEE-OTTO]

If MPG is a thing you care about I wouldnt get either. They do well enough for commuting but not very in stop n go traffic + youll have to run 91/93 OCT (on OEM Tune)\ the COBB Stg 2 LGT has been modified somewhat as it should have a Downpipe and possible a premium panel filter maybe more. Check under the hood and with the owner to see how extensively it has been modified, people like to sell problems

 

I wouldnt consider the older one unless the price was so low it doesnt affect your finances if it were to blow up and EJ255s dont age well.

 

If the 09 mod history checks out do a comp and leakdown test like suggested, then inspect the brakes, bushings, all those rubber hoses around and on the engine etc. While the big risk is a bad shortblock or turbo the nickel and dime issues can add up quickly is left alone.