Newbie looking to buy impreza but V.Confused
06 February 2004, 07:59 PM
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Newbie looking to buy impreza but V.Confused
First of all...nice forums 
I hope someon can help as I am confused as hell.
Was hoping to buy a MY96 WRX 5dr sportswagon BUT I am lead to believe that WRX of pre 99 are all imports and as such cannot find a company to insure me.
Call Liverpool & Victoria (after reading insurance forums here) and they said that they can only insure a Turbo 2000 (UK spec) and not WRX 2.0 Turbo.
I have seen and ideal car too....MY94 WRX STI 5 door sportswagon but again i guess that this must be an import and have no clue who will insure it at a reasonable price.
Have spent 20 minutes browsing the forums but can't seem to clarify which is the better choice (performance), which are UK and non UK cars and a competitive insurance company for the preferable WRX STI.
I hope someon can help as I am confused as hell.
Was hoping to buy a MY96 WRX 5dr sportswagon BUT I am lead to believe that WRX of pre 99 are all imports and as such cannot find a company to insure me.
Call Liverpool & Victoria (after reading insurance forums here) and they said that they can only insure a Turbo 2000 (UK spec) and not WRX 2.0 Turbo.
I have seen and ideal car too....MY94 WRX STI 5 door sportswagon but again i guess that this must be an import and have no clue who will insure it at a reasonable price.
Have spent 20 minutes browsing the forums but can't seem to clarify which is the better choice (performance), which are UK and non UK cars and a competitive insurance company for the preferable WRX STI.
06 February 2004, 08:10 PM
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Thank dude. I am 31 and L&V gets my thumbs up. COnfusion is over the desire for pre 99 WRX and poss WRX STI but can't seem to get clear that such cars are imports only and who will insure them competitively. L&V say they only insure UK cars.
Originally Posted by misty
welcome to the forum mate, how old are you?? L&V usually ok!!
dave
dave
06 February 2004, 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Dazzling
L&V say they only insure UK cars.
Andy
06 February 2004, 08:14 PM
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Hi Andy,
I had a 10 minute conversation with women at L&V who insisted that they don't insure WRX as they are imports.
Jeez this is a minefield. L&V site does say that they don't insure import cars.
Cheers
Dazzling
I had a 10 minute conversation with women at L&V who insisted that they don't insure WRX as they are imports.
Jeez this is a minefield. L&V site does say that they don't insure import cars.
Cheers
Dazzling
Originally Posted by SiDHEaD
They should try telling that to all the people on here with WRX's that they've given cover to!!! Try speaking to a different rep!
Andy
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06 February 2004, 08:21 PM
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Hi mate, it is pretty confusing isn't it?!
Basically, Imprezas made for the UK were known here as simply Turbo 2000's, and those intended to stay in Japan as WRX's.
So if you see a WRX on our roads, it's an imported car.
Worth noting that most imported cars need to run on Super Unleaded, anything less can damage an engine.
The benefits or a WRX over a UK car are better spec, (a/c, more electric things etc), and more importantly performance. A standard Classic (early) WRX has about 240-260bhp on tap, compared with 210-220 for the UK car.
Imports usually have aluminium bonnets and boots, and are usually in very good condition underneath, becuase the Japanese don't suffer the same snox/ice/road salt thing we see every winter.
STI's are WRX's taken from the production line and uprated. Engines are blueprinted, making them more durable and capable of handling the higher rev limit (around 8500rpm). Some have closed-deck blocks, again more durable and ready for much greater tuning potential.
STI's also benefit from alloy suspension components, strut braces, better brakes etc, and usually have an engine output in the region of 270-280bhp.
I tried LV, was told they only cover 4-door WRX's and 2-door STI's, but not my 4-door STI RA. Ended up with A-plan, who seem pretty reasonable.
Have a trawl through the Insurance pages, you'll soon find out which companies are most favourable.
For more Scooby info, go to www.sidc.co.uk, and look for the FAQ page, you'll find everything you need to know here.
Not an expert, but hope this helps!
Good luck
Mart
Basically, Imprezas made for the UK were known here as simply Turbo 2000's, and those intended to stay in Japan as WRX's.
So if you see a WRX on our roads, it's an imported car.
Worth noting that most imported cars need to run on Super Unleaded, anything less can damage an engine.
The benefits or a WRX over a UK car are better spec, (a/c, more electric things etc), and more importantly performance. A standard Classic (early) WRX has about 240-260bhp on tap, compared with 210-220 for the UK car.
Imports usually have aluminium bonnets and boots, and are usually in very good condition underneath, becuase the Japanese don't suffer the same snox/ice/road salt thing we see every winter.
STI's are WRX's taken from the production line and uprated. Engines are blueprinted, making them more durable and capable of handling the higher rev limit (around 8500rpm). Some have closed-deck blocks, again more durable and ready for much greater tuning potential.
STI's also benefit from alloy suspension components, strut braces, better brakes etc, and usually have an engine output in the region of 270-280bhp.
I tried LV, was told they only cover 4-door WRX's and 2-door STI's, but not my 4-door STI RA. Ended up with A-plan, who seem pretty reasonable.
Have a trawl through the Insurance pages, you'll soon find out which companies are most favourable.
For more Scooby info, go to www.sidc.co.uk, and look for the FAQ page, you'll find everything you need to know here.
Not an expert, but hope this helps!
Good luck
Mart
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06 February 2004, 08:42 PM
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Cheers Matt,
I think i will try to get some WRX quotes <£1000 and go for a WRX. Otherwise i will start with a Turbo 2000.
Great site and FAQ you have there.
Seems you scooby lot are a helpful friendly bunch
Dazzling
I think i will try to get some WRX quotes <£1000 and go for a WRX. Otherwise i will start with a Turbo 2000.
Great site and FAQ you have there.
Seems you scooby lot are a helpful friendly bunch
Dazzling
06 February 2004, 09:06 PM
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some useful info for ya 
Tesco (UK Insurance) 0845 3009900
Adrian Flux 0870 0777888
Privilege 0870 2435555
Auto Direct 0800 9178213
Endsleigh 0116 2551620
Dial Direct 0500 333600
Churchill 0800 200300
Barclays 0870 6001414
Axa Direct 0800 0139292
Green Light 01277 263030
Bennetts Elite (NU) 0870 5202090
Direct Line (Privilege) 0845 2468701
Tesco (UK Insurance) 0845 3009900
Adrian Flux 0870 0777888
Privilege 0870 2435555
Auto Direct 0800 9178213
Endsleigh 0116 2551620
Dial Direct 0500 333600
Churchill 0800 200300
Barclays 0870 6001414
Axa Direct 0800 0139292
Green Light 01277 263030
Bennetts Elite (NU) 0870 5202090
Direct Line (Privilege) 0845 2468701
06 February 2004, 09:58 PM
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Regarding insurance, I never found out what group my STI RA is in, but I asked one company while I was hunting round. They used 99 groups, as opposed to the normal 20, and mine fell in group 89! Oof!
All the companies I spoke to placed imported cars one group over UK cars.
Don't know exactly why, but I'm guessing they still see the Impreza, and especially the WRX, as a bit of an unknown quantity when it comes to things like paying out in the event of a claim. The truth is that Imprezas are extemely well supported in the UK, and there's plenty of specialists who can get everything you'll ever need to keep the car on the road.
Anyway, hopefully it's all becoming clearer now, and once you've driven one, you won't care how much it costs!
Mart
All the companies I spoke to placed imported cars one group over UK cars.
Don't know exactly why, but I'm guessing they still see the Impreza, and especially the WRX, as a bit of an unknown quantity when it comes to things like paying out in the event of a claim. The truth is that Imprezas are extemely well supported in the UK, and there's plenty of specialists who can get everything you'll ever need to keep the car on the road.
Anyway, hopefully it's all becoming clearer now, and once you've driven one, you won't care how much it costs!
Mart
06 February 2004, 10:09 PM
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Well....seems cheapest quote i can get for 1994 WRX STI sportswagon valued at £6000 is £1300 (although still waiting for replay from A-Plan) so i am probably gonna give it a miss for now.
Going to see a couple of UK spec 2.0 Turbo tommorrow especially since L&V have quoted £857
Might spend a few hundred quid of simple tweaks to improve the measly 214BHP
Thanks again all!
Dazzling
Going to see a couple of UK spec 2.0 Turbo tommorrow especially since L&V have quoted £857
Might spend a few hundred quid of simple tweaks to improve the measly 214BHP
Thanks again all!
Dazzling
06 February 2004, 10:47 PM
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LOL, ROFL, PMSL at Dantheman
Where did you get that ?
Laugh - I nearly wet myself when I followed does it have gold wheels > do you like them > ****
Especially as I have gold wheels and I do like them
Where did you get that ?
Laugh - I nearly wet myself when I followed does it have gold wheels > do you like them > ****
Especially as I have gold wheels and I do like them
06 February 2004, 11:03 PM
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Hi Alan,
Very inspirational. Notice all UK 2000 turbos are lacking a bit (like many without aircon). Can you offer any advice on the quickest/most subtle/most cost effective way to push a UK 2000 past 280BHP??
Cheers
Dazzling
P.S. Not even bought the car yet and already want to mod it
Very inspirational. Notice all UK 2000 turbos are lacking a bit (like many without aircon). Can you offer any advice on the quickest/most subtle/most cost effective way to push a UK 2000 past 280BHP??
Cheers
Dazzling
P.S. Not even bought the car yet and already want to mod it
Originally Posted by alanbell
Dazzling, My UK 2000 turbo is over 340 Bhp , and theres more out there with more BHP than mine , So you can take the UK Scoobs HP >> UP ??? cheers Alan.
Last edited by Dazzling; 06 February 2004 at 11:04 PM.
07 February 2004, 12:04 AM
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can u elaborate a bit?? remember i am a scobbie noobie!
Originally Posted by care3
easiest way to get a u.k over 280bhp is;-
take it oop north there rollers are shocking
take it oop north there rollers are shocking
07 February 2004, 12:14 AM
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Last edited by care3; 23 April 2004 at 11:10 PM. Reason: cos i asked wm to0 and he didnt
07 February 2004, 02:06 AM
#21
welcome my friend. i had this problem to. bought a my 98 uk spec classic automaticly saved nearly 900 quid buyin a uk than an import on insurance but im only 20! ouote £2750 under my name fully come with a company in the back of fast car( i know . not a boy racer or dreamer) i have got the car all paid for in my garage, but if i wait till next month 1st of,when im 21 , with tesco and a tracker monitor it drops to £2031 and im only a young,n . but they insist on a trker. picked i up for 400 quid all fitted. uk spec scoobs arnt as quick as inps but wit the money u save who know what u can do? tesco all the way
M444GY
M444GY
07 February 2004, 09:39 AM
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...try Kieth Michaels for an import (Tel 020 8642 7868)...found them to be the cheapest...just below...wait for it...Liverpool and Victoria!!...who were happy to quote me for a WRX!
...apparantly, one of the reasons insurance companies charge a fortune for imprezas is you can't get a full body shell should you total it!
...apparantly, one of the reasons insurance companies charge a fortune for imprezas is you can't get a full body shell should you total it!
07 February 2004, 10:02 AM
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hi guys
dont know if you guys have tried cis insurance they insured my wrx import and they regarded it as roughly the same as a uk impreza.try them guys they are good cheaper than adrian flux norwich union and tesco
dont know if you guys have tried cis insurance they insured my wrx import and they regarded it as roughly the same as a uk impreza.try them guys they are good cheaper than adrian flux norwich union and tesco
07 February 2004, 11:08 AM
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Your biggest difference between a MY96 wrx sportswagon and an MY96 uk 5 door is the turbo and a few extras (well believe it or not the power is very similar and the UK car has a BIGGER turbo than its WRX wagon counterpart ) 208bhp (95 ron fuel) v 218bhp (on 100 ron fuel).
Go for the uk 5 door
Tony
) 208bhp (95 ron fuel) v 218bhp (on 100 ron fuel).Go for the uk 5 door
Tony
07 February 2004, 11:34 AM
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Thanks for the advice Tony.
OK. narrowed it down to 2 UK 2000 turbo cars.
1998 P reg with 80000 on clock
1999V reg with 115000 on clock
both got full Subaru Service History.
Are these cars good for such mileage of can expect heaps of problems?
Gonna dash out to see a couple this aft but fear i might by on impulse!
Cheers
Dazzing
OK. narrowed it down to 2 UK 2000 turbo cars.
1998 P reg with 80000 on clock
1999V reg with 115000 on clock
both got full Subaru Service History.
Are these cars good for such mileage of can expect heaps of problems?
Gonna dash out to see a couple this aft but fear i might by on impulse!
Cheers
Dazzing
08 February 2004, 07:34 PM
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Quite funny this. 2 Years ago i bought a Boxster and it was almost an impulse choice of car i.e. 1 day out
Now its time for an older scooby sportswagon (money situation ain't so good) I am procrastinating a little!
Seen two cars today.
MY99 Turbo 2000, 115k miles (only 5000 miles on second engine), FSSH (company car). A bit shabby but would clean up. Steering felt a bit wierd (like it wanted to push left or right away from centre very easily). £6800
MY94 WRX Turbo, 78k (said MPH and miles on clock so assume its clock was changed). Imported in 2001. Automatic (my lexus is so wan't put off 2 much). Felt loads quicker than the MY 99 Turbo 2000. £4000
Tomorrow i travel from Manchester to London to see a MY98 Turbo 2000 with 80k miles. A long way to go really but at £5500 it sounds like a good deal.
First thing i notice that interiors on 96+ ar much nicer and 16 inch alloys look a lot better.
Would just go straight for a WRX sportswagon but the extra £450 a year insurance plus approx. £500 for a tracker and £100/year subscription means i am left very undecided.
Seen some stuff on ECUTEK for UK Turbo 2000. Anyone know if this can be done in the North West if i buy the MY98? Basically i want the MY98 UK 2000 turbo to have the grunt of the WRX i tested today.
Any help appreciated with my dilemma!
Dazzling
Now its time for an older scooby sportswagon (money situation ain't so good) I am procrastinating a little!
Seen two cars today.
MY99 Turbo 2000, 115k miles (only 5000 miles on second engine), FSSH (company car). A bit shabby but would clean up. Steering felt a bit wierd (like it wanted to push left or right away from centre very easily). £6800
MY94 WRX Turbo, 78k (said MPH and miles on clock so assume its clock was changed). Imported in 2001. Automatic (my lexus is so wan't put off 2 much). Felt loads quicker than the MY 99 Turbo 2000. £4000
Tomorrow i travel from Manchester to London to see a MY98 Turbo 2000 with 80k miles. A long way to go really but at £5500 it sounds like a good deal.
First thing i notice that interiors on 96+ ar much nicer and 16 inch alloys look a lot better.
Would just go straight for a WRX sportswagon but the extra £450 a year insurance plus approx. £500 for a tracker and £100/year subscription means i am left very undecided.
Seen some stuff on ECUTEK for UK Turbo 2000. Anyone know if this can be done in the North West if i buy the MY98? Basically i want the MY98 UK 2000 turbo to have the grunt of the WRX i tested today.
Any help appreciated with my dilemma!
Dazzling
Last edited by Dazzling; 08 February 2004 at 07:34 PM.
08 February 2004, 08:59 PM
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As I'm only 24 I was faced with the same problem with insurance so decided to look at a few uk models. However got talked in to test driving a sti6, after the drive it made the extra insurance seem worth it,It was a totaly different car power wise than all the uk models I tested. I had th STI and it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. I'm with tesco and the extra bonus was after I had bought it I found out it allready had a tracker on it, like a lot do apparently . Go for the STI
08 February 2004, 09:32 PM
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Cheers.
Unfortunately my budget is 6K ish and hard to find an WRX STI wagon for that, especially since i thing pre 97 interiors are at best drab
Assuming I end up with a UK 2000 turbo does anyone know of someone in the northwest that can give such a car +40BHP without spending megabucks?
Dazzling
Unfortunately my budget is 6K ish and hard to find an WRX STI wagon for that, especially since i thing pre 97 interiors are at best drab
Assuming I end up with a UK 2000 turbo does anyone know of someone in the northwest that can give such a car +40BHP without spending megabucks?
Dazzling
