Simon*

I am looking to buy a scooby in the summer but cant afford a very new one is it worth getting say a P reg with as low a miles as I can find, say 40-50 thousand miles, or will I be looking at spending money on fixing it or are they reliable?

tiggers

Well I'm sure others will reply, but this is what I would do in your position. Either look for a P reg UK model with as low a mileage as possible and preferably one owner, full service history. When you view it see how the owner treats the car, if he thrashes it when cold or switches it straight off as soon as he stops then I would walk away. If you find one that has been cared for you won't regret it, but watch out for any mods as they will hike your insurance in a lot of cases.

Alternatively find a good 1995/1996/1997 import WRX which could well be cheaper than any similar aged UK model and spend the money you save on the extra insurance. However try to find out as much history as possible with any import and always employ my one golden rule:-

'If you've any doubts at all walk away'

Happy hunting,

tiggers

scooby_si

U dont say wot yer budget is but it does seem 2 b best 2 buy a MY97 or newer if at all possible because of the improvements made. I no it obviously preferable 2 get a low milage un but as long as it aint been tampered with too much, aka modified or chipped, then u shouldnt have 2 many troubles as they r renouned for having long lives I went 4 a 68k MY97 which so far i dont regret as aint had no probs with the mechanical aspects & as a totally standard spec the insurance was far less painful even if i am now tempted 2 tart up a few bits
Good luck then chap.
Si