minidave

a mate of mine has just bought an Impreza WRX from southampton docks for just under £2000. this has tempted me into thinking about getting one but im really unsure about getting a car with no history etc.

does anyone have any advise as to what to look for, what to avoid etc, or anyone else bought one in this way? what are the charges like to registar it in the uk etc and is there anything i'll have to do to change it from Jap spec to UK mot- worthyness?

ive spoken to a few local people and all im getting is contradicting infomation.

need help!!

cheers

34srm

rear fog light, if its over 10 years old

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

IMO best to avoid heavily modified (electronic/engine).
Having no service history doesn't mean any thing you could buy a car with service history and it could still break.
Take someone down the docks who knows what to look for there is always plenty of cars so don't be tempted by the first one you see,i've also seen how some of the dockers treat the cars when i was down there (picking up a couple of cars)they were ragging the hell out of brand new Range Rover sports (starting them up then redlining them).

minidave

is there anyone localy that would be prepared to have a look over prospective cars with me? a lot of people have said as long as bits aren't falling off and there's no leaks it should be ok, but that seams a bit vauge to me!! lol!

funkyspider

Do 'classic' JDM imports need to be remapped for UK fuel ?

I agree about modified ones, try get as near standard as possible. It may not initially look as sexy with its low level spoiler, no front lip and no big cone filter under the bonnet, but usually it will have been driven gentler, you can they add your own mods to it.

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Sure i live just down the road from Southampton i'll be willing to help.
The older jdm wrx (93/940 as far ias i can tell never ran on 100 ron fuel i've run mine on 98 now 99 ron and its fine.

minidave

thats brilliant!!! cheers! im just waiting to get shot of a couple of mini's i have for sale so ive got the space. once they've gone i'll get in touch and we'll organise going up to have a look at some.

someone's just said to go for the STI, what will this give me over a standard WRX? and can i get a decent one for the money i want to spend?

i'd rather have a tidy standard car than a hanging tweeked model!

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Your Scotts' mate (should have guessed from the name) i met you last week if you need to get in touch either pm me or ask Scott for my mobile number.
Go to Welcome to the SIDC :: The Subaru Impreza Drivers Club :: SIDC and look at their faq on all the early (classic shaped) imprezas.
Depends what your budget is as well.

minidave

yeah thats me!! this is all your fault!!!! had you have not mentioned getting one i wouldn't have started thinking!! lol!! just waiting to sell a mini ive got then wen ive got the cash i want to see what i can find. scary how my mini is going for the same price as some scoobies!! ive already checked insurance and my mot man is aware of what im doing, so all i think all that is needed is a tax disc and a uk reg?? as far as im aware??

will give you a shout wen i have the dosh and hopfully i can find something suitible?

is it true some imports need different brakes for uk mot??

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Need a fog light as well.
Don't need different brakes for mot just need better ones to stop with.the early ones came with 2 pots are they f**king atrocious but for about £400 you can get a good set of 4 pots which work a lot better but we can see what you can get for your budget.

Department for Transport - The Single Vehicle Approval Scheme
check this out as you need imports tested for compliance with UK rules

funkyspider

Just make sure 4pot brake calipers fit under your wheels, or you'll be buying new wheels too, which isn't the end of the world, but will add another hundred+ id say.