advice needed please
 

Hello

I've come into some money and I'm thinking of treating myself. Just got to wait a few months to get it!

I fancy a impreza STI. I'll have roughly 9-12k to spend.

I'm after some advice really, what are the main points to look out for on the STI's?

Ideally have a full service history. Doesn't have to be Main Subaru Dealer, a good independent/specialist is as good, if not better. I'd prefer one with only 1 or 2 previous owners.

Do an HPI check - a lot of crashed and stolen cars about.

Check the rear suspension doesn't knock. Can be fixed, but not something you want to have to worry about.

If the car has been modded (and many have), make sure it was done properly and sensibly. The Prodrive upgrade (PPP) is a safe upgrade, if not the best. At least you know what you've got.

Great advice there, i don't know what else to add! ;)

but do make sure your do that HPI check, this should be the first thing to do if intrested in a car!

ok many thanks.

I see many cars have uprated exhausts (straight thorugh) does that mean it would fail an MOT?

If it has no cat at all, then it is 99% likely to fail. You can fit a sports cat which gives very little power loss but is usually MoT safe. This is fitted close to the manifold so you will need to get up close to see if it has been fitted.