hi all

im currently driving a toyota celica gen7 but am looking to get a classic shape impreza, i want a car that will be good for day to day commuting around 70 miles a day, i only have around 3k to spend so sence tells me to buy a lowish miles uk car, but i really want an import sti, is it subaru suicide to buy such a cheap sti or are they reliable if looked after, im going to look at a couple this week so any advice will be much appreciated
cheers
stuart

 

Welcome and its just the 1 z in Impreza

Now age plays a part, a PPP'd car will be of similar power to a classic and will be newer, jdm cars will be group 20, uk cars are 17.

Tony

 

Ive just bought a uk turbo, totally standard and mint in blue mica, its a 99 uk turbo, full dealer history and came with full cream leather interior and aircon, i paid £3200 and its faultless, drives great and cheapish to insure and maintain.

 

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1951210.htm
Sort of thing your after, if your not too fussed then the wagons go for slightly less.

Tony

 

the 2 i plan on viewing are below, the sti appeals to me because it looks so original, is it a fair price?


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...85bt?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...85bt?logcode=p


Cheers Stuart

 

Hmmm tatty example of a version 2, its 275ps as well, none had 280bhp, the version 3's were the first to have 280ps (276bhp), and these need super unleaded fuel only.
The UK car is the better buy imo, better brakes and suspension, just not as powerful (better/stronger gearbox also).

Tony

 

this one looks like a bargain,

i have a 2000 uk turbo running a safe 340.3 bhp

i would go for the link tony put up

but hey its up to you

 

The only thing I would do with the above is change the oil, they dont like 5w30, its a big on a classic.

Tony

 

+1

stuart this guy knows his stuff

 

thanks for the replys, i appreciate all comments, i dont know why but the sti really appeals to me, i think i need to see it in the flesh

 

as above looks a bit rough there's loads out there just look around dont go and buy the first one you see.... think about it first not afterwards...........

 

70 miles a day? So around 350 a week to work alone.

Thats gonna cost you a bit in petrol and rack the miles up quickly.

Good luck on that one

 

Id buy a diesel tbh.
7.5k/6 month service intervals, 25 mpg if your lucky, 120+ per litre, aint cheap

Tony

 

looks a tidy car, nice find Tony.

 

Some more examples here, though you need to see them, they are better than the v2 you have up there.
You have to remember that these may not all have service history, its not advisable to buy the first one you see, that is normally a BIG mistake that costs you a few k on basic parts alone, if the engine goes (which can be common on the older engines due to the oil pumps dying) then you have another 3k to find.

Some examples

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1970387.htm

Avoid trash like this
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1986676.htm
Its a uk car, uk boot and bumper but advertised as a jdm sti.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1861525.htm
Looks like a decent example, ask for more pics, service history etc, see if the guy is on scottish scoobies and see what other members thing of this car, you will travel for the right one

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1902672.htm
Looks like another version 3, you have to speak with the owners and get more pics.


Tony

 

Cheers for all the info tony, the sti in the first link is just whatim after, do they all have that front spoiler? Also is 3k enough money to get a decent sti?

 

Import FTW.

It's just more exclusive driving a JDM model.

 

as mentioned, do you really want a subaru for long distance commuting!!??
if possible it would be best to get yourself a little diesel & then a scooby for the weekends! up to you though.

 

Once you go Jap there aint no going back

If you buy a Uk turbo you will forever get "The STI Envy" every time you pass one. It sends chill down my spine thinking back.... brrrr !

 

once again thanks for all the info guys, petrol isnt really an issue as my boss pays most of my fuel, i currently use around £60 to do the 350 miles, most of it is 70ish motorway driving, i reckon even if i only get 25mpg its only a couple of quid extra a day, i reckon its worth it!

 

Import all the way!!!!!

 

IMPORT!!!
defo worth it...
go grab one fella

 

I got a import.No problems.

 

thanks for all the helpfull replys everyone, well i ended up buying a uk car, v reg in met red, the import i drove was much quicker but didnt feel as honest as the uk car, the import sti was also registered as a GL model, which made me feel a bit uneasy, i will post a picture when i have picked it up, What is the best way to get a bit more power without resorting to noisey exhausts and dump valves? can the uk 2000 turbo be remapped?

Cheers
Stuart

 

They can be remapped but not cheap, an exhaust and downpipe with a sportscat will free up some horses, there are quieter ones out there if you do your homework, a panel filter would also help, K&N, HKS etc do one

 

Do Uk classics have better, stronger gear boxes than jdm ones??

I'm confused now.. As long as i know uk cars are not recomended to go above 300bhp, and jdm ones can cope with 320-340 ???

 

You'll need to spend at least 1500 pounds.

Change the exhaust system , make sure you get a decatted system but one that has resonators to quieten things down.
Get a 'Green cotton' panel air filter or equivalent
get a Harvey Smith Ported n polished Exhaust manifold

Then get ECUTEK software added and mapped onto your ecu by a recognised mapper who will tune the car to run with the mods above.

Remember that with no cats the car will not pass an emissions test. Keep your middle section of the exhaust and bolt back on before MOT. Get the exhaust hot first.

you should make about 280bhp and over 300ft lbs of torque

The other alternative could have been to buy an STI with the extra 1500 and get all the power and loads more extras without all the hassle.

Andrew