Hi.
I'm completely new to this forum and looking for a bit of Scooby advice if poss.
I current own a Starlet GT Turbo & an Evo 1, but am looking at buying my first ever Scooby - a version 3 STI Type R.

These sound like fantastic drivers cars and i've searched some archives as much as time has allowed, but am still anxious that as soon as I buy one, the engine will go bang. There's some really good one's coming in from Japan at the moment, between 40K and 70K on the clock and they appear clean and unmodified - but will that make a difference? Can anything be done post-purchase to prevent engine failure?
Would it be better to buy one that's been in the UK a little while and already had the full rebuild etc?
Apologies if this is going over very old ground...

BTW: Please let me know if you have a Version 3/4 currently for sale between £5000 and £6500

Thanx.

Mark.

Starlet for sale @ £2250
Evo 1 for sale @ £2000

 

Theres going to be more and more imported over next few years as the Type Rs drop below 10 years old.

The V3s have the older dash etc and personally I'd hold on till I could afford a later dash one (but thats just me)

Possibly better off buying in the UK from here so you know a bit about its past or buy from a respected Subaru specialist who should keep you on the road and look after you (clinic maybe?)

Good luck anyway

 

Thanks for the prompt reply Edd.

Perhaps buying from here (UK) is the way to go then. I've got a lot to learn about Scooby Specialists...

Yeah, don't know what it is about the Version 3 dash - I just seem to prefer those sombre blue dials and 3-spoke Nardi wheel...

Mark.

 

Ive got a V4 Type R for sale at £6295 totally standard mechanicaly wise

 

Yes, i've looked at your ad a good few times (If it's the Silver Type R on Pistonheads) - very nice car and I only live down the road from you too...

...but I need to unload at least one of my cars first though (both are on PH's), if I can't P/X through a trader etc...

Mark.

 

Id buy a newly imported Type-R. The issues that cause engine failure start at Southampton. Ensure that you buy from an importer who bought the car in Japan; avoid rubbish from docks auctions at all costs. You need to see the auction appraisal sheet from the Japanese auction and Id advise you not to entertain anyhting below a Grade4 car, with a B interior. The authentic appraisal sheet is difficult to duplicate (and Ive never heard of a case where a dishonest vendor has tried) and itll also confirm the odometer reading. 20,000km cars arent unheard of in Japan, but neither are 200,000km cars.....

Simon (ex-expert)

 

Took delivery of my V3 STI Type R last month and they are as good as people say. Close ratio box and small turbo is the way to go.

A lot of the problem with Jap cars going bang is that they run on 100ron fuel when V-Power is only 98ron and normal fuel is 95ron. I'm running V-power and NF booster to make sure the engine runs how it should.

Getting the car mapped for UK fuel solves the problem its also worth getting a service and getting the belts and pulleys check.

Remember if importing the additional costs, shipping, duty, MOT, transportation, etc. they can mount up. If your contact Chapman81 on the SIDC website he imports good cars, gets them checked at auction to make sure the report is right and running properly.

 

Thanks for the excellent feedback guys as regards going down the imported route and then immediate aftercare.

I take it that if you got the car mapped to run 95RON, which would be sensible, that you would notice a very slight downturn in the car's overall performance?

Mark.

 

I lost 10BHP when mapped for 95. Not something you are going to feel driving the car though in my opinion.

 

Evo i have a sti type r coming in on the 27 april white version4 standard view my car .

 

Hi Keith.

We've spoken a few times mate - but looks like I'll be picking up a blue Type R Version 4 sometime next week...

...If that doesn't happen, I'll contact you regarding your white one coming in.

Thanks.

Mark.