hi everyone

after a disappointing moment that led to my lovely wrx wagon being parked for the last time in the trees on the beare green roundabout on the a24, the insurance cheque came through the door this morning and i am looking to buy a replacement as soon as possible.

i got the aa to do one of their advanced inspections on my last car for extra peace of mind but discovered today that they no longer do car inspections and that the company that they are promoting - dekra - will not inspect any car imported from japan. this is a problem and i'm still waiting for the call from dekra to explain why

anyway, i think i've found a replacement and it looks like a really well looked after model. my94 wrx wagon, low mileage, clean hpi check, all the documentation and receipts since import for change odo / speedo to miles, new clutch 20k miles ago, new timing belt 10k miles ago, brake pads, service history, etc, etc. its also had some good upgrades this year - decat centre & magnex oval backbox, '03 17" 5 spoke subaru alloys & upgraded suspension, face lift year front end and bonnet & '03 sti bonnet scoop.

but after recent experiences, its these last bits that worry me as i know any car that's been onto the kerb at speed needs new alloys (& shocks?) - and a new front end if any solid object helped it come to a stop. the current owner seems a good & genuine person & assures me he has only made these changes for looks / cosmetic reasons & that the car has never been in a shunt. says he's selling it as he doesn't use it enough - 8k miles since buying it off its 1 previous uk owner last year.

anyway, in the absence of the aa / dekra to hold my hand through the process, does anyone have any tips on spotting if a car has been in an accident, given we know its already got a new front on it anyway? also, is a clutch replacement at 40k miles another reason to be cautious? should i leave this one alone & look elsewhere?

thanks very much as always for all the great help & advice

marcus

 

Dont the RAC do car inspection checks? I certainly hope so, as I'm looking for another car as we speak.

 

Yep, they do. But it has to be registered and MOT'd(if applicable).

Shaun

 

Depending on where you are in the country and how much you want it , I'd suggest getting it looked over by a specialist ( in the presence of you and the current owner if possible )


Steve

 

scoobyclinic offer the same service for £25, i did that with my current car and cant praise them enough as they know their scoobs

hth

jamo

 

Have a look for overspray in the engine bay, although this will probably only be there if the front quarters were damaged, I think the 'facelifting' of older cars is a common mod though, I am currently looking at doing it myself.
Benno