Best time to buy is probably after Christmas, maybe someone will be stupid or desperate enough to let go of a car for a price that meets his criteria.

 

I've not read the whole thread, but I've read the op's post with a description of what he is looking for.
So, your put of by a few scuffs and dents. Are we talking the little car parking dings? (If your going to be using it as a daily driver, your going to get loads of these, imprezas aren't exactly made of the thickest of metal).
You do realise this sort of thing can be rectified for not a lot of money. When I took my bike for an mot earlier this year there was a guy on the forecourt fixing some of these minor dings. I had a chat with him and he said he would go around our car for £100 plus vat.

Just something to bare in mind if it helps your budget at all.

 

no, im waiting for a car to pop up within my requirements and budget like I keep saying.

 

I didn't know how cheap it would be to do all of a car,worth keeping in mind.

 

Yes carnut, it isn't expensive, a lot of cars that garages take in part ex have parking dings all over them. They just pay someone a one'r to go round the car, then mark it up a grand or so.

I wouldn't be quite so picky.

 

I agree, I can over look the odd small pin dent as its cheap enough to get them out.. I start getting picky if the dent has chipped the painwork or the scratches/marks arnt superficial. if I can tell they will polish out then I may consider the car.