Happy New Year folks.
I'm on the lookout for a Scooby, and am after some advice. I'm looking for something around £6K, but there seems to be a dazzling array of models, and I don't know which are the lower power ones, and the difference in performance between those and the higher power (import?) models, and if it's worth getting the more insurance friendly rather than the tasty imported beasts. TBH, I know my budget isn't that great, so would I be better off waiting til I've got more money?
Also, are the running costs outrageous?
If the search police are out, I had a quick mooch, but on 56k my computater takes ages to open threads, and also 'cos I wanted to say hello.
Cheers
Mitch

Mitch welcome and this link might answer 95% of your intial question on models and type etc. This is where I started and an excellent starting point.

www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm

You'll learn loads from resources like this.

The imported cars come with usage constraints over and above increased insurance costs, fuel differences between the UK and Japan being the main one. Either a remap to run safely on our fuel, or feeding it on Optimax plus a good octane booster is the answer.

As far as the insurance costs are concerned, only your broker can answer that one. If you are a married father in your 50's with a pristine record for the last 30 years, the world's your oyster. If you're a teenager with a claim, points, acne and a baseball cap, you may be better off with a non-turbocharged car, unless you fancy a premium likely to cost as much as your allotted budget for the car.

These questions are somewhat interconnected, along also with the insurance one. What's the point of spending £6K on a car if you've got nothing left to insure, service and put petrol in the thing?

Running costs aren't the lowest, as you'd expect with a turbocharged, four wheel drive, high powered sports saloon. Imprezas on standard ECU's are known for having relatively poor fuel economy for their power output, although exactly how far you'll go on a gallon depends on what you get, what sort of mileage you do, and how heavy your right foot is.

Maintenance costs can be quite high in the price range you're considering if you get one that needs a cambelt change, or other major service soonish, although you'll save a bit if you DIY, or go to an independent Subaru specialist instead of a main dealer.

Not sure if this helps but I have just bought my first scooby, it's a 99 Uk 2 litre turbo and I've got the insurance fully comp for £520 and the car is plenty quick enough. I think I'd be right in saying just go out and test drive as many as you can and the people on here can tell you anything you need to look out for.

Guys-thanks very much for your help.
Ozzy-how old are you? I'm 35, married, 8 years NCB and living in Cambridgeshire, so I'm hoping insurance won't be too much of a drama, but I'm not sure which models attract the mega premium.
Greasemonkey-cheers for your time. We don't do mega miles so MPG isn't a major problem, and I'm a squaddy mechanic, so will do most (except electronic) work myself. Is it possible to get a manual for working on it? Servicing, belts etc should be fine.Also, don't pull punches. Is 6K not enough for a decent example? Insurance, fuel etc are a given, so aren't included in my budget.
Are the early ones all imports? If so, the only ones I can afford will be more to insure, won't they? What are the ones if any, to avoid?
Chrisp-I had a quick look at the faq's but haven't read it all. I'll do so, but there's a lot there and I guess I was being impatient.
Again, thanks very much.
Mitch.

I read the FAQS over and over while I was on the hunt for mine,invaluable.I was aiming at the 6k mark and did not know whether to go for an import or uk car, when I started looking for insurance it became clear it had to be a UK car or a very rough (cheap) import in my circumstances the insurance was double for an import ( age 30 10yncd Merseyside garaged low mileage) I tried over 30 ins companies.I started to look for a uk car for about 6k but after looking at a few and learning more about the cars I stretched to a 99 car for £8250.From 98 onwards the cars have improved brakes, interior and imo looks. My car has highish miles (95k) hence the price but it was 1 owner, motorway miles and extensive history with receipts.I dont do many miles and intend to keep the car so the miles dont worry me.I would stretch your budget if you can which ever model you choose I think an extra grand will keep you away from the rougher cars.

Mitch ,I'd second the SIDC FAQ page , also try these other sites for a bit of extra info ....and good luck
Scoobynet FAQ
more info
IWOC

Dave

Cheers Dave.
I went to Littleknocks to get my current car's bumpers repaired today, and everyone there owns a scooby :D.
I got some good advice there whilst getting my car sprayed up, and even the guy with the engine out following a blow up was so enthusiastic about the cars, it's hard not to be impressed.
I was also taken out for a short blast around the country roads, and now I just HAVE to have one! A great bunch of lads, top job and thoroughly recommended.

If you live in Cambs, you could do a lot worse than look at the Scoob at Offord Motor Co. in Offord D'arcy.

http://www.offord.com/sales.asp

Scroll to about halfway down and there's a silver MY00 Scoob. I used to own it. Scroll a bit further and there's a black '98 TVR Cerbera that I PX'd it for.

Very nice. How much did they give you for it?

Well the receipt says £6k against a £19.5k Cerbera. But the Cerb was stickered up at £20.5k, so you could argue I got £7k for it.

just bought a scoob and found cheapest insurance by far was at
www.confused.com
or you could try tesco
hope that helps
tim

Picked up a uk '96 turbo wagon two weeks ago, £5500. Payed £960 fully comp insurance, 28yr old female, 4yrs no claims, live in Essex and have two other people on insurance.
Just a quick point, you mentioned that you are HMforces (i think!)
my insurance went up by £60 when i told them my partner was HMforces. When i put in his job on the internet quote it wouldnt accept HMforces, fibbed and put something else in so i could get a quote, so when i phoned them they put the quote up. They said HMforces was a greater risk!