WTB Gen3 or Gen4?

[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!

[Robbks]

Gen4 is a far superior car mate.
better chassis, better engines, more space, better built and finished

[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...

[Robbks]

much of a muchness.
Subies are like Lego, most parts fit everything.
Gen4 is a better car

[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

[ndlibgt]

I'm biased obviously but if comparing apples with apples it's hands down gen 4.

[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.

[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.

[Robbks]

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

[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

[Robbks]

God idea,
for $12-15k you can get a SpecB gen4, either GT or 3.0

[RX25SE]

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.

[RX25SE]

I save up a few more $$ to get a nicer Gen4...

As above, good idea.

[Shiv]

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.