Originally Posted by Gear Head

I am not saying that at all. I've just bought a nice little ford focus as a run-about, while I try and save for another classic. I've just bought a house with the wife and with a baby on the way, other priorities become more important than performace cars.

Don't get me wrong, they are fantastic cars and I would love to have one again.
I am just a little confused if running and modding is so easy for you, why only spend £1700 which, lets be honest, is the absolute bottom of the impreza market?
Why not just save a little more and get an absolute mint uk turbo, with low mileage for around £3k? I could buy one for £1500 now, but I won't due to experience.

You originally asked about engine failures, so I am giving you worsed base scenario.

-If it has been run on a 0w oil there could be issues, as this is too thin for scoobies. They seem to last better on 10w" or 15w".

- The oil pump relief valves are known to stick in the closed position, so if it is due for a cambelt change, I'd recommend getting an uprated one fitted (£100 or so)

-Obviously, if the bottom end is knocking, walk away. The cranks on these cars are quite soft and can't really be re-skimmed. Well, they can, but due to the layout of the impreza engine (boxer), the crank is the last part you get to when stripping the engine down but keep in mind the crank is around £400 alone. Thats without the gasket kit, pistons, rods, modine oil cooler, shells etc. So allow £1000 on parts alone if the engine needs to be rebuilt. Then, if you are not going to rebuild it yourself, allow 20 hours labour, which at £50 an hour, gives £1000. So there is your £2k. As said, you need deep pockets if you need an engine rebuild. API engines, a well respected subaru engine builder will take nearer to £4k off your hands, but then they do last and will take more power than standard engines with the use of uprated pistons, rods, shells etc.

-Gearboxes can also be a problem area with 2nd/3rd gear syncro's the common ones to fail. So again, allow £600-£800 for a rebuild if needed, or around £350 for a used unit which may be worse than your original.

-They need to be run on super unleaded/ BP Ultimate/ Shell V Power. If they are not, the engine may have run too lean, got hot and damage be caused to the pistons/valves.

-Ideally, get a remap (again, allow £1000 for a stand alone ecu and remap) to ensure the car is running currectly for the state of tune.

-Air flow meters are common failing points, especially on MY99/2000 cars. They again cause the engine to run lean and have been attributed to many engine failures.

-Brakes discs warp quite easily, so check for juddering/vibrations on the test drive

-Rocker cover gaskets (especially the turbo side) are prone to leaking due to being positioned right above the exhaust manifold. So after the test drive, if you smell burning oil under the bonnet, this is likely to be the problem. Not a lot of cash for the seals and gaskets, it just means losing some skin on your knuckles! (trust me, i've done it!)

I am not trying to put you off. I am giving you an honest opinion of an ex scooby owner (STI 3, 4 and MY99 UK turbo). Go into scooby ownership with your eyes open and willing to listen to advice from owners on here. It may save you a few pennies.

Originally Posted by rich666

Its my car peeps n i priced it cheap to sell due to not being able to run it any more , i had it up for £2000 n got no interest so lowered it to £1800 n still nothin apart from bein offered chavved up cars so i lowered it to £1600 to sell n id say who eva buys it will defo be gettin alot of car for a bargin , if i cud afford to run it id keep it but needs must