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WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 10:27 am
by rockethouse
Hey guys,
On the lookout for an Auto Liberty wagon for around the $10k mark.
Have noticed and seen both the Gen3 and Gen4 for similar prices so wondering if it's better to get a Gen4 or not?
Can people post their opinions and pros / cons for each Gen??
Sorry for the real novice question but couldn't find anything from searching
Cheers!
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 11:05 am
by Robbks
Gen4 is a far superior car mate.
better chassis, better engines, more space, better built and finished
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 12:03 pm
by rockethouse
More expensive to repair?
I have the option of buying a 3GEN locally (SA) with a 3 year warranty for $10k, or buy a 4GEN interstate and get it shipped over with no warranty.... pretty much the same car / km's etc... just a year different...
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 3:18 pm
by Robbks
much of a muchness.
Subies are like Lego, most parts fit everything.
Gen4 is a better car
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 3:23 pm
by SH30RB
The Gen 4's are much more refined than the Gen 3's were
Plus, there are still a lot more Gen 4 owners on this forum than Gen 3's
So if something goes wrong and its model specific, you might have a better chance of fixing it
WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Wed Dec 18, 2013 5:56 pm
by ndlibgt
I'm biased obviously but if comparing apples with apples it's hands down gen 4.
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 7:49 am
by dja
Ive owned a few gen1/2/3/4's and the gen4 is the best built and finished.
And the last good looking lib in my opinion.
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 8:01 am
by RX25SE
I have one of each.
As mentioned, the GenIV is more refined than the GenIII.
However, I feel the GenIII has a better steering feel and has a more responsive chassis; possibly due to being slightly smaller and lighter plus I find the seats in the GenIII more supportive when driving 'in a sporty fashion'. Other than that the GenIV has it all over the Gen III, as you would expect with a newer model.
With you budget you may have two ways to go, a revision D/E (last of the model) GenIII that is low Kms and mint condition with a bit of cash in your pocket or an early series GenIV witha few more Kms on it.
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 8:29 am
by Robbks
RX25SE wrote:I have one of each.
As mentioned, the GenIV is more refined than the GenIII.
However, I feel the GenIII has a better steering feel and has a more responsive chassis; possibly due to being slightly smaller and lighter plus I find the seats in the GenIII more supportive when driving
My gen3 is the RX Special edition sedan with upgraded inverted KYB's and better springs
Still doesn;t handle anywhere near as well as my Gen4 SPecB even before i put in the tunedBy STi BIllies and pink springs
It's all in the wheel alignment. Gen4 has 3' more caster, which gives massive gains in cornering and front end rip if it's aligned properly
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:47 am
by rockethouse
So for $10k I would be better off getting a Gen4 with slightly more KM's (high 100s) over a Gen3 with low 100 KMS...?
Anyhow I've decided to buy a super old 1992 Gen1? to keep me on the road whilst I save up a few more $$ to get a nicer Gen4...
Thanks for the advice and info!
Cheers
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:55 am
by Robbks
God idea,
for $12-15k you can get a SpecB gen4, either GT or 3.0
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:57 am
by RX25SE
Robbks wrote: My gen3 is the RX Special edition sedan with upgraded inverted KYB's and better springs
Still doesn;t handle anywhere near as well as my Gen4 SPecB even before i put in the tunedBy STi BIllies and pink springs
It's all in the wheel alignment. Gen4 has 3' more caster, which gives massive gains in cornering and front end rip if it's aligned properly
I also have a special edition RX, but i was not aware of any difference with the spring/shock combo over a 'normal' RX, as mine has the same springs (colour markings) as any other RX.
Outright corner speed would be higher in my SpecB but, to me anyway, the RX has slightly better compromise between ride and handling.
The caster would explain why a GenIV is a more relaxed higway car, but in an attempt to improve front grip/turn in in the GenIII I have increased the camber to -1.5 and run the toe at exaclty 0.
If I had to choose one...GenIV.
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:59 am
by RX25SE
rockethouse wrote:I save up a few more $$ to get a nicer Gen4...
As above, good idea.
Re: WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

Posted:
Thu Dec 19, 2013 11:01 am
by Shiv
RX25SE wrote:I have one of each.
As mentioned, the GenIV is more refined than the GenIII.
However, I feel the GenIII has a better steering feel and has a more responsive chassis; possibly due to being slightly smaller and lighter
I'd have to agree with that.
Steering feel is a lot nicer in the Gen3 and chassis feels more 'live' underneath you. Not to say the Gen4 isn't a good car, but just my observations.