Hi everyone just wanting some advice, having never owned a Subaru before, I'm looking at a x reg UK 200 final edition impreza, looks very clean (not viewed yet), done 79k 12 Subaru stamps, described as immaculate, no rust etc,I was just wondering what I should be looking for or if I would be better going for a newer wrx model(I think the older ones look better), any info would be appreciated, the car is advertised on Ebay if anYone would care to look at gpspecialist Garage its in, thanks a lot,Neil

 

Put a link up then we can look at if for you

 

I can't for some reason off my phone but it in gp specialist cars in bury :-)

 

If you're planning on spending near 4k you can get a proper Impreza.

It's about 2k over price

 

Yeah I did think it was dear, but trading my mondeo in and he was giving me a decent px.what's a decent impreza by the way?

 

Proper,sorry :-)

 

Can I ask why you are selling your Mondeo and going for an Impreza ?
- it might help us to give you our views on what you could consider.

4 dr / 5dr hatch ? How many motorway miles do you do ? Are you going to spend money on it once you have it or keep as-is ? etc

 

Well I've had type r civics,I had a 2011 vrs fabia(problem after problem), I'm now in a situation to go back to something a bit more Sporty, I've always fancied a Subaru, plus I want four doors too, as I said I know this one looks slightly over priced but I'm only parting with around 2k, my mondeo is only a 2005 tdci so I think its not too bad?....

 

Rust is the main problem. Rear arches, right up inside the rear suspension towers above the springs and the sills. Check the maintenance on it, part the engine , oil changes, cambelt change etc. this goes for any of the models really,

 

Seems to have been well looked after, 12 stamps and cambelt changed when needed,I suppose it'll be hard to spot Rust underneath.

 

Nowt wrong with classics.except for the rust as mentioned.
Plus, of course, they were underpowered compared to an STi/WRX import, and the Japs removed the folding mirrors, tailgate wash-wipe, decent stereo, decent seats, decent gearbox, DCCD, decent brakes, colour coding, decent spoiler etc etc before selling them to us for £7000 more than the better cars sold in Japan

But back in those days, that was your choice: UK car or risk a grey import

Here's the link: http://www.gpspecialistvehicles.co.u...01504303064957

Looks tidy, non standard exhaust, non-standard wheels, cr@p tyres , and a photoshopped instrument cluster as it shows the fuel gauge above empty......just

Go and drive it, see what you think.

 

It looks about 4 different shades of silver in those pics

 

As much has id like an Sti they a bit pricey for me

 

I agree it's a bit expensive. I know you say you are only paying £2000 but you are also trading in your car which must be worth far more then £2000 or the dealer wouldn't be doing it. I personally would give it a miss unless he is willing to drop the price.

As for rust do a search on impreza rear arch rust. Read up on it and know what to check for. It might look ok but most is out of sight.

 

Price isn't too bad as it's from a dealer, is relatively low mileage and has a FSH!
The key is whether it has rust in the rear arches/turrets etc. Chances are it may well have so inspect it really carefully (I would get a body shop to check it over - remove boot linings, side skirts etc.).

If it's rust free then it's a good buy, but budget some money in for keeping it rust free

 

If it's rust free and straight then it is a fair price. Unmolested classics are getting rare. I think the wheels are the standard ones just resprayed.
Check the clutch doesn't slip and all gears engage smoothly.
Also check for overboosting underload - can be a pain to resolve.

 

Correct 16" 6 spokes.

I would put some 17" on if it were me!

 

The spokes looked a bit thin to me...certainly different to those on my 98 car when i got it, and they were 16's too......but with the useless 2-pot brakes and single pot rears.

 

They changed the wheels for the 2000 MY. They are definitely the original wheels painted anthracite or some such!

 

Why is an STI more, this one is same price as one your looking at

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUBARU-IMP...3D171784691127

 

Agreed - the original design. Personal preference I know, but I never liked these wheels for the same reason compared with the 99MY / V5 because they looked a bit weak (as above).


I'd still say that its about £1000 over its value, even allowing for a generous dealer margin to be able to offer you a great 'value to swap'. Can't blame the dealer for trying though.