Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Been a member since 2006 I think it's time I bought my 1st Impreza.

The car in question is a 2005 05 plate STi Type UK with 30k on the clock and I'm viewing it tomorrow morning.

My question to you lot is what to look out for when buying private? Know problems with this model/age etc? All cars have their niggles and known faults so any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

tiny gsy

print yourself off a copy of this mate: Subaru Impreza - Buying Checklist

At least that way you`ll have something to go through to make sure you check everything

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Rear shocks are a known issue, watch for uneven tyre wear, brake discs are expensive so check these are ok, you may have to fork out later as they are wear and tear, check for white or blue smoke on start up, white water vapour is normal though.

Tony

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the link, very handy to take with me

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Tony.

I know a couple of my previous cars have had issues with uneven tyre wear (insides wearing faster).

Check for lips on discs and or warping?

It's just been serviced (30k service) which is a bonus so tyre/brakes wear will also be indicated on the service paperwork.

I don't want to be seeing any blue smoke I could do without replacing the turbo.

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Where in the engine bay the chassis number stamped?

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

back left hand side, firewall.

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Top man

Mifo

iTrader: (10)

get an aa car check.
They check literally everything and they even go for a drive in it themselves.
They then send you a full report of their findings.
What I did was give the seller £150 deposit, then got it checked properly by the AA before going through with the sale. They found a couple of minor faults and so I got the seller to knock some money off.

Definatly worth it .

Red_WRX_Paul

judging by your username youre 25? forget it mate! insurance...
and the right to drive a fast car.leave it,dont de-value the car for those of us who have earned the right to own them

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

I viewed the car today...

Stunning example

Looks like I'm going to have blow away the cobwebs and open my wallet.

tiny gsy

Glad to hear it mate I hope all the information you were given helped you to check it out

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

Only bad points were slight lip on the discs and the road tax runs out at the end of the month apart from that it's in better condition and much newer cars.

Just need to sell my Focus and break the news to my insurance company now.

tiny gsy

thats good to hear mate

Probein

If you view it and you think you're likely to buy it, I'd definitely advise having an RAC 166 point check done. They will find things wrong with it, but don't be put off by what they say, they just have to tell you absolutely -everything- that could possibly be wrong with it, as they give you a years warranty on the evaluation (if something goes wrong which they didn't pick up, repairs are paid for). But it's just really good for picking up any major faults.

hrness

mate got the AA to do his got an advisory on gearbox, turned out to be a major fault, they shelled out 1.5 k i think for repair.

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

I'll be doing this if I plan on buying.

The seller had it serviced this month and even ran it through a MOT. Neither Subaru or the garaged noticed any problems but I'd still like an independant inspection by the RAC et al.