lox

Hi im in the middle of choosing a used subaru sti import. One iv seen has about 60,000 on the clock and from the first uk owner.

I dont know if there is a stick thread if so show me the way.

My questions are

What do i need to look out for when buying a used subaru?
like what are going to be the first things to ware?
Is there anything typical that goes wrong with them?
What questions can i or should i ask before viewing?

Thanks hope you guys can help

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

Welcome - should be a thread on this somewhere but I can't remember where...

Basically make sure you do the normal used car checks - HPI, logbook, MOT, tax, VIN plates etc. etc. As for specifics for these cars, the test drive is a good indicator of what condition the car is in. When you go out for a test drive, see if they warm the car up before giving it the beans - gives you an idea of how its been driven, always best to warm these cars up before driving them hard. Ask what fuel they've been using (should be 99 RON i.e. Shell V Power, etc) as imports don't like normal UK fuel. Check if it has been modified, and if so has it been re-mapped (some need replacement ECU for this which is expensive) and who by. Check receipts for recent cam belt service, oil change etc. They like frequent oil changes - do a search on here for more detail on oil change procedure. Also worth noting - some of the import STI cars were prone to a bit of piston slap (slight knocking / ticking) when cold - this is actually normal as the forged pistons are fractionally smaller when cold and are the 'correct' size when warmed up a bit. Listen to the engine for knocking / other noises when its warmed up, check for smoke on hard acceleration, etc.

Thats probably enough to start with if you have details of the car in question i.e. specific model year etc that could help narrow it down a bit - also could help check it its genuine sti or wrx with sti parts

PS 60k miles is nothing to worry about if its been looked after - mine's well over that now

lox

Ok good stuff. my bad about the dumb questions, i just need to be educated.

It a 98 version 4, Import grade is 4 and seems very clean.

The 1 im looking at has wrx graphics in the centre of the boot lid?
its got a turbo timer, boost and temp gauges and exhaust, nothing major.

how can i tell the difference between a wrx with sti bits and a original sti?

iv also heard alot about warping clutches and gear box problems? how can i test this?

isetta

iTrader: (3)

Best bet is to look up the vin at SUBARU IMPREZA TYPE RA - Identify models otherwise sti has logo on seats + steering wheel, different rear lights, red top intake, intercooler + more

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

my 98 sti engine bay.



never heard of warping clutches,the big WRX sticker on the boot maybe a sticker that is found on the Type R.

Perhaps a link to the actual car you're looking at may help

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

Mine's a V4 Sti import as well, has WRX on the bootlid with subaru technica international in small writing underneath...

Engine bay pic above is a big help - STI V4 cars should have:

Digital odometer / white dials, rev counter in the centre with 7800rpm (or thereabouts) red line
Red inlet manifold as in pic above
Coil pack in centre of inlet manifold
4 pot front brakes
Front strut brace
rear lights should be red / clear (the only ones that look good on a classic!)
likely to have no front fog lights, only covers - however some models did have front fogs fitted as a factory option so cant really tell from that alone

Wouldn't worry too much about those listed mods; turbo timer not really required on these cars tbh, exhaust mods are common find out if its a full decat system.

As above, link / pics?

Cheers

lox

got 2 pics

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Well it has a STI tmic and strut brace also has a HKS dump valve,an earthing kit and a Zero sports slam panel and a one of those stupid mini scoops.

Best bet though is to ask the seller for the Applied Model code

Brett_555_Sti

iTrader: (18)

The headlights and corner lights have also been upgraded to crystal's.

It should have a intercooler water sprayer aswell.

Try and view it from cold, listen for knocks/ticks in the engine and whether it smokes at all at anytime.

I definitely does look like a genuine version 4 STI.

brockalightus

iTrader: (2)

take some-1 with you that know what there lookin for.. simples

stinger_sweaty

not all classic sti's have i/c water spray, im pretty sure that the type r and type ra had these, but on the 4 dr sti's pretty sure it was a option.

lox

which is most important? above or below

Thing is the guy is coming down to me, so will be warm when he gets here
and i dont have any 1 that knows subaru's. so i need to go in at it with as much info as i can from you guys. is there not a sticky thread on how to buy a used subaru, if not it would be cool if you guys could do that!

Brett_555_Sti

iTrader: (18)

It does, on closer inspection I can see the blue filler cap/water bottle infront of the airbox.

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

If you're looking at my piccy ,it's a Type R i just posted it as it is a 98 STI

stinger_sweaty

my 4 door sti dont have i/c water spray, only models i have seen them on are the type r's, ra's and p1's. Classics that is

D4VEW557

my sti doesnt have it however one i looked at getting before did and it wasnt a type r or ra and certainly not a p1. in fact it was a shed hence i didnt get it

get the vin number it will tell you if its an sti or not.

mine also has the customary ticking noise of the v3 onward sti's can only be heard just as the revs are picked up and goes of after a few minutes

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

Both - sort of. Mine was more advising that if you do hear slight ticking / tapping when its cold, that could be normal for these engines, Brett555's advice is sound though - being able to check the engine from cold is best if possible and it defo shouldn't blow smoke.

Agree with you on a sticky for this tho, will investigate tomorrow...

Brett_555_Sti

iTrader: (18)

Yes I did look at the wrong pic, my apologies to everone as to being incorrect, my v2 & v3 STI's and a mates V4 STI, (not type r or ra's) had I/C water spray, I must just have been lucky to have had these fitted.

Brett_555_Sti

iTrader: (18)

Back on track.

Always view the car in daylight!

-If its wet, try drying it off, so you can see the bodywork properly.
-Look for different shades/colours of paint between body panels.
-Lift the boot mat and look for ripples in the boot floor(possible rear end damage)
-Look for paint overspray.
-Check whether the mileage on the MOT's all follow on from eachother.
-That the stamped chassis number on the bulk head above the brake master cylinder matches the one on the chassis plate on the left hand shock turret for imports, right hand shock turret on a uk model.
-The condition of the brake discs, there should not be a major lip on the outer edge or bad scoring on the face.
-Remove the oil filler cap, it should just have a brown residue on the underneath, if there is a white milky/creamy substance then there is a chance head gaskets are blown.
-That all the electrics work ie: elec mirrors, windscreen wipers...
-Try check the shocks to see if they are leaking.
-General trim and interior condition, are there burns or rips, are all the trim clips present.
-Clutch for shuddering/slipping, do the pull the hand brake up test.
-Engine for oil leaks and loud ticking/knocking noises.
-Get someone to rev it up and check for smoke from the exhaust, no smoke is good but blue or white smoke is a no no.
-Once the engine is hot listen for a bubbling sound or steaming at the water overflow bottle behind the left hand headlight, if it is bubbling or steaming this means the cooling system is over pressurising.
-The only really bad place for rust "I think" is the rear wheel arches and the bottom of the front wings where they meet the side skirts.

There is more but I'll leave it at that

lox

Dude tell me the more please.....................

thanks guys for that info so far, i found out that its an sti from this code "GC8E4ED", the just above info is just normal for car buying in general, like smoking exhaust etc. i wont be able to check the car cold, so what can i look/listen for when hot?

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

E GC8E4ED 280 WRX STi4 4 door, so this one your looking at is basically a 4 door saloon, will have the electric ariel in the rear quarter panel, these can rust so check around there carefully

As for the i/c water spray on classics, the car(s) you normally find them fitted to is the STI type R and RA models, this is because they have no ABS, as if you have ABS you cant fit the I/C spray reservoir in there.
Looking at a car warm isnt really an option either, it hides far too many things especially cold start up knocking which can go away when warm (and piston slap), so if its possible to go around and see the car when its cold, then do so, otherwise an inspection would be appropriate (plus these cars need the highest octane fuel available to them, 97+ or even better shell v power, if they have put unleaded in then walk away).

Tony

lox

Sorry for the repeat of questions, but im confused. piston slap and knocking on cold start up is it normal, something to be careful about.

what could this indicate?^

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

It can indicate that the big end bearing is on its way out, hence why its always best to hear the car from cold

Tony