Nato

I'm currently looking at a 99 'T' Impreza Turbo 2000 Wagon local to me. It has 120,000 on the clock with full history. How long are these engines expected to go on for with proper servicing and care? Am I better off looking elsewhere for a lower mileage example, or can I be fairly comfortable buying this with a view to keeping it long term? Are there specific things I need to be looking for/asking before parting with my cash?

All help and advice gratefully received.

Thanks all.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Best place to work back from would be to, first, know your absolute max purchase budget?

Oh, and welcome boyo! lol

Nato

Looking to spend around £4000 tops, as this is how much I expect to make on the car I'm selling. This one is up for around £2600.

I should also point out that I'm only interested in a wagon as I need the boot space.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Normal, common-sense mantra is to buy the absolute best example you can possibly afford. I think £4k will get you a JDM MY98 STi Version 4 Wagon (maybe a v.5?!).

Could you afford the insurance though?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

That will have around 276bhp/260lb ft, compared to the UK 1999 Turbo 2000's 215bhp/214lb ft.

The STi has got much better hardware/features all round, etc. Looks soooo much harder too.

Nato

Not on an STi, no. I've done a few quotes on the Turbo 2000 version and it's only about 8 quid a month more than I'm currently paying, so I know I'm good for that. The extra performance from a WRX or STi would be nice, but it's not the be all and end all. Thanks for the advice though. Is there anything specific I should be looking for when viewing to buy, or is it just the standard stuff?

FB Tuning

iTrader: (30)

If it's a 99/00 model you're looking at, and you only ask one question - make sure it's...

"When did you last replace the Airflow Meter?"

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

All the common sense stuff re noises/smoke/smells etc. Does it start easily, drive away normally, accelerate smoothly, stop in a straight line, etc, etc.

After a decent run using all the boost, come to a stop, let it idle and open the bonnet - has coolant been forced out or bubbling wildly in the expansion overflow bottle by the battery on the passenger side? (a little wetness on the battery tray can be normal though). Anything more sinister and it could be an unfortunate airlock... but also could be blocked rad/knackered water pump or stat/HG faliure!/furred up block!!! If so, move on to the next!

Also check for unusual pools of oil on the block (may simply be perished breather hoses though), and around the turbo.

Make sure YOU test drive it (you can get 1-day or 1-month ins)...

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Yeah, as fb is eluding to, the mass airflow sensor (MAF) on the MY99/00 are notoriously fragile and are, as such, treated as service items - make sure it's been replaced within the last 6 months or so max. If not allow £70 in your bartering.

And make sure you replace it asap if you buy a 99/00. If unsure about it, make sure you keep off boost until it's replaced.

Nato

Is the MAF something I can replace myself on this engine or is it a garage job?

Sounds like these engines are pretty solid generally. Anything catastrophic have a habit of happening to them?

imprezahubbard

hey mate i payed 3500 for my 1998 uk turbo wagon full leather buckets mint and only had 45000 on clock best of taking time to get one with low myles

Nato

Was that a private sale or trade? I'm not ready to buy just yet as I need to sell my current car first anyway to raise funds. Will just keep my eyes open and I'm sure the right one will come up sooner or later.

Big Red T

post 11 ,keep a look out for a low mileage minter ,they are out there

imprezahubbard

it was private mate just make sure the rocker covers anit leaking and if you test drive it make sure the clutch anit sliping cause its pricy

his-n-her-scoobs

iTrader: (5)

These cars are not Volvo's or Saabs and, whilst some live a long and happy life, most don't make it past 130,000 miles without major expenditure. The engine has a habit of rattling it's big ends around then (especially if neglected) and you should save a grand for an expected rebuild sometime in the next 18 months if buying a 120,000 miler that hasn't already been rebuilt. I am not saying thay all go at that mileage (one of mine has managed 145,000 vigorous miles so far, touch wood) but a search of the forums will indicate that it is common enough and expensive enough to warn about. Especially as you are asking about long term reliability.

Check the front and rear crankshaft seals for leaks. An indicator of condition. If they are leaking then the rest of the engine is probably worn as well. The two unmodified engines I have had fail had leaking front/rear seals about 10,000 miles before big end failure. Whilst you are about it check the cam shaft covers for leaks. The drivers side tends to leak on the exhaust manifold and smoke alarmingly at junctions.

Also no one has mentioned the gearbox may develop selection problems on 2nd or 3rd, another pricey repair, about £500 plus the cost of removal/refit and you may as well fit a new clutch £100 whilst it is out. Sheared teeth on second not uncommon either, but that seems to be the luck of the draw.

The turbo will be getting old now too, although 2nd hand TD04's are only around the £80 mark including delivery.

The rads have a habit of cracking the plastic end just below the top hose, about £60/£80 plus fittng.

Have the shocks been replaced? They will be worn at this mileage. Mine passed the bounce test but I replaced them anyway, the difference was night and day. Allow £300 plus fitting.

At least with a MY99 you get the better brakes but pedal feel will be much improved with Goodridge hoses, about £60 plus fitting. You also get a mappable ECU, and the rest of the car does not give much trouble.

Living with it day to day, the headlamps are appalling, fit the best bulbs you can get. Something like Philips Xtreme. Fuel consumption around 22mpg average. Uk cars will drive 95 ron, Jap imports won't.
And, as you have already found, the UK cars are much cheaper to insure than the Jap imports.

The wife and I have an Impreza each and we know from experience that when trouble hits it may be a while before the car is back on the road again as I do the work myself (my hobby). Therefore we keep a Fiesta as a back up car so we can get on with our lives in the meantime LOL

When viewing these cars history is all important! When they are running they are fantastic. When they aren't they can be a huge drain on financial resources.

Nato

Thank you for that detailed and informative reply. Given the advice received so far I think I'll steer clear of this particular example, but will keep looking. It's by no means a foregone conclusion that it'll be a Scooby on my drive at the end of it, but I've always had a soft spot for these cars so it would make me a very happy man indeed to own one, coupled to the fact that I can compromise with my wife as it's big and roomy!

The search will continue, shall keep you posted!!