I'm considering a change from the Golf after summer (I wanted an Impreza before the Golf but couldn't afford one - got a pay rise now!).

Probably looking to spend between £7k & £8k...

Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should be looking for in this price bracket? UK car's have lower insurance?? WRX's have more toys?

Also, what should I be looking for in terms of faults/good or bad points?

All advice welcome!

Cheers
Mike

 

 

Have you read the FAQ on the SIDC (http://www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm) site?. This is a good place to start.
Cheers.
Ian.

 

The FAQ is good as it tells you the import specs and Uk specials.

Check out autotrader.co.uk to get an idea on prices.

All classic WRX and STI are grey imports. UK cars upto and including MY98 are 208bhp and 215bhp MY99 on. The imports have better standard spec (except the early type RA which were stripped out racers essentially). If you go for an import make sure you get it checked that its not stolen. Local Subaru dealer should be able to help but this is all they are suppose to do import wise. Make sure it has a FSH every 6 months or 7,500 miles whichever is the sooner. Try and get one as standard as possible and watch for the old sales patter "its a 1995 and has 320bhp". If it has 320bhp then its been seriously messed with and should be left alone unless there are bills from a reputable tuner. Try and get as much history as you can, for example I have a copy of all the import paperwork for mine which I can hand to the next owner, not that important but gives a bit more security and confidence.

Hate to say this but IMHO for 7-8K IMHO you are better of finding a UK version as there are less risks involved.

Cheers

ChrisP

[Edited by chrisp - 6/26/2002 1:44:01 PM]

 

I'm told there are plenty for sale, so you can afford to be choosy. Don't buy the first one you see, unless it is exactly what you want!

As for insurance, I was told by every ins. co. that I spoke to that a Jap import would be much more expensive (like 50% more ) to insure. (I'm under 25, so I can't be too choosy with ins. cos. as some won't touch me.) Try the insurance forum here for more on this.

The Jap imports do have more toys than the UK editions, and there are plenty of Jap models to choose from. www.22b.com lists these and describes the major differences.

 

Buy an Evo II, std 260 PS and grip scooby drivers can only dream of at that money (no offense).
Good example will set you back about 7-8k.
Mind you Insurance won't be cheap, but just think of all those sheep carriers you'll see off.
(I think gonna get some sh*t for this).

 

Look at the insurance issue carefully. It is not just on price but turn around time for repairs. Basically if you have a Jap import Subaru UK will not help in parts or repairs, which means using a third party repairer. There are very few that specialise in Scoobys, and they can only source the parts directly from Japan. This means at least 6 weeks shipping time assuming that all parts are available and delivered undamaged. Any problems and you are looking at another 6 weeks again. All this time you will be driving a splendid 900cc Nova until the car is repaired again.
My advice is to buy a UK spec, do a few Mods and enjoy. I have a MY98 and have never thought "Hmmmm this cars a bit slow!"

 

Sqwint,

Never waited six weeks for any part for my import all the time i've owned it. Most Jap parts have UK equivalents, those that don't you can almost always get from decent breakers like A1.

Don't let spares be the reason you don't get an import.

 

be very careful,squint.i tried to offer some advice on buying a used subaru import.......all i got in return,was a torrent of vile abuse....for simply expressing my own opinion.

 

MFR,

Good job nobody's started a "torrent of vile abuse" then, isn't it?

 

Thanks for the warnings guys, but that advice came directly from an insurer who is a friend. I am not saying that Uk is better than Japan , cause I would love an STI, just that from and Insurers point of view the high insurance is due to the delays in repairing. This may well be down to inexperience by the repairer, but I thought it was a valid consideration. I went for a UK spec for an easier life and cheaper insurance. Personally would miss my scoob if it was out of action for any long period of time, and enjoy driving it every day.
PS the only flames I want to see in response to my impartial advice are from my exhaust!
Grin!

 

Have I opened a can of worms here????

 

telboy,no disrepect was intended at you sir.