Advice on a car please?
 

Hi there, apologies if this is in the wrong forum so please feel free to move to wherever appropriate.

I am after a car that will last me approx 12 months and that I can have a bit of fun in that isn't going to be completely unreliable or a money pit. I was thinking of going to look at the below. Would I be wasting my time or is this a complete lemon? I have had a company car all my life so have never bought a car before so really have no idea what to look out for in good/bad areas. I like the estate for the practicality of it too.

Many many thanks for any help anyone can offer in advance :)


Auto Trader UK - SUBARU IMPREZA TURBO 2000 4WD 5DR FULL LEATHER

Looks like a nicely cared-for classic to me. The estate/wagons are deceptively quick, and like you said, also very practical.

thanks for that. Is there anything specific I should be looking out for when testing it? Any major work that needs to have taken place prior to me buying it etc?

What sort of running costs would I be looking at too?

Thanks again for your time guys n gals :)

It should be all OK if it's had main dealer services right up to last MOT, but:
- check cambelt's been done recently (needs one every 40K miles, not a cheap job at a dealers)
- try to make sure engine is cold before you arrive when you go to see the car, and listen for knocking when you start it up (usually means major work, so best avoided)
- when you take it for a drive, listen for any clicking sounds from front wheels when you turn corners on or near full lock (would mean hubs need replacing / bearings swapping out)
- check for obvious oil/fluid seapage from bottom of cam covers, around base of power-steering reservoir, in engine bay generally, blue smoke from exhaust (all less likely on facelift classic like this one than pre-facelifts <96)

From the pics and the mileage at least, I'd say this is a goodun though, and you should easily recoup most if not all of your investment when you resell in 12 months (assuming you still want to!)

If your not used to buying cars I suggest you get some proffesional help (RAC, AA etc) coz you shouldnt be buying a car (especially a Impreza) if you know little about them :thumb:

ive got a mate coming who knows a bit about cars but thats it really.

Thanks for the advice so far. In terms of insurance do i need to declare the induction kit, suspension and intercooler mods?