Friend of mine just asked me advice on the above question. He basically has £15-16k to spend and has found a 2004 WRX for about £16-£17 but fancies a P1. I've done a quick search on Auto Trader and there's 6 P1's within 100 miles of Notts for under £16k. I told him to go for P1 and if he insisted on a newage then to get a second hand newage STI for about £16k. Anyone else agree/diagree/have any other ideas?!

 

You'd need to spend more for a really good p1. The really good un's are going for about 18k-19k. A very good bugeye STi is do-able for under 17K, esp a JDM car, but budget for servicing and insurance etc...

Best.

 

In fact, someone on here has a great JDM bugeye Sti going for about 14k IIRC

Bain, where are you? :-)

 

You can put an offer in for my P1 - Due up soon and not even looking for 14k !!!

 

get a 1999 sti type r or if you can the wrc one cheaper then a P1.

 

I have to agree! Type-R's RULE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have seen quite a few P1 recently under 14k so I think 18-19k is well over priced, good condition or not.

 

My P1 will be going up for sale next week if your mate's interested. 30k miles, FSSH, VGC inside and out, TAX/MOT till Sept 05, warranty till Sept 06, cambelt changed at 27k, completely standard. Looking for £16,999 ono for quick sale (house move).

 

Depends on what you (he) wants. The 04WRX will be a gentler proposition, much easier to live with on day to day basis as an only car, particularly if you're doing lots of long journeys. Generally softer, quieter, etc. Still handles and goes pretty well. The P1 will be noticeably quicker, more nimble, and a lot rawer. STi7 is less raw and heavier than the P1, slower in standard form, kind of a half way house.

If he's thinking of Jap imports, check insurance first, as there's a relatively small number of firms taking on new business for performance Jap imports these days, can be pricey

 

I'll pass this on to him mate, thanks.

 

Yeh I agree. I have an STI7 myself so will offer to take him out in that, but as hes a 'friend of a friend' I'm not sure how he stands on insurance and running costs. I'll pass on everything everyones said in this thread. Thanks all.

Simon

 

I was in the same boat a few months ago, had done a trackday in an sti7 and found it worse than my MY99PPP (slower, heavier and much, much uglier). Test drove a P1 and was blown away, plus they are the best looking scoob by far and you can get one with a warranty, dealer servicing etc (compared to a type r). I paid 16500 for mine with upgraded brakes, scoobysport exhaust and a few suspension mods to kill understeer. Had done 35000 miles but was in mint nick, the AA inspector even said so.