As a Scoobynet lurker for a couple of years, I've just re-registered since it looks like I'm finally going to get my money back from a dealer (defective vehicle... won't say what brand or dealer).

Anyway, I've been looking at the markets again and reckon I've got about £13k to spend on something a interesting. Looking at the autotrader it looks like I can get a 1998/99 UK Impreza for that sort of money, and insurance has turned out to be a lot cheaper than I'd thought (£800 fully comp).

The two other cars I'm considering are both a bit cheaper: Nissan 200 SX and late model MR2. Since I know what a bunch of knowledgeable and impartial people you lot are, I'm interested in your thoughts, comments and experiences of any of the above cars, or any other alternatives I could consider. I've discounted the TVR Chimera because of reading about horrendous service costs, unreliability and a general lack of water tightness.

Cheers for anything in advance

Jim

PS I know you're bound to be slightly (ahem) biased towards the Scooby, but a lot of you seem to have had a wide variety of cars and experiences.

 

I have recently got a 1999 STI 5 Type R, cost £13500, got LINK ECU as well as some other mods, exhaust, air filter etc. Also had Clifford Alarm & Tracker.

This is my first ever Scoob & I am well pleased with it! I am 23 so the insurance is around £1400 but well worth it.

So I think you could probably find a decent JAP STI for that money.

 

Think I'm going to spend a weekend soon and try and get a test drive of all the cars on my list. There's a Subaru dealer near me just off the A34 and also Christopher Neil's who usually have some interesting bits of kit too.

I'll have a look for an STI too now, thanks!

Jim

 

Jimmy ! I have a MY2000 turbo for sale for that sort of money. E-mail me if interested and I will send you a photo and details of my car.

Regards !

Ricky !

 

you should get a MY98 turbo for 13k from a dealer forecourt

 

Yep it seems that MY99s and euro import MY00s are in your price range. STi's too if you can afford the insurance step up.

Otherwise you could go for an Integra Type R?
I've seen a couple (at dealers) 30k miles, MY98 for £10'500.

 

Always fancied a 200sx with a bit of tuning myself.
Could be alot of fun. Make sure you get a test-drive.
Chuck

 

Jimmy,

I'll take you for a spin in my STI if you want, its for sale for around £11K

I'm also from cheshire

Cheers
Phil.

 

Thank you all for replying to that (lots of votes of confidence for the Impreza, but didn't expect any less!).

Ricky, Clarey: think I'm going to look for a bog std Impreza turbo since I begrudge paying over £1k insurance any more. Having said that, need to see what the std one is like first (so thanks for the offers, I may take you up on them!).

Kosy: I'd forgotten the integra R and I like the idea. Will investigate that one a bit further too

Finally, Chuck: That was one of the main reasons why i shortlisted the 200 since they're cheaper to buy and there's also plenty of nice mods out there. Just longing after a Skyline R34 after being stuck in traffic the other night with one behind me: fantastic appearance and it rumbled at idle... superb. Fingers crossed for the lottery this weekend....

Cheers again everyone and I might venture out from the DIY and grandprix stuff long enough this weekend to have a look at a few cars

Jim

PS Anyone know what the Subaru dealership on the A537/A34 junction is called just outside Macc? Any comments on them.. good or bad?

 

can't go far wrong with a 200sx

thought of the new shap in japan?

250bhp 6 speed gearbox - great looks, the dogs

 

Jim

the Macc dealer is called Monks Heath motors. they are a good bunch of lads there too!

If you have no joy there give me a ring, as im in Notts and may have just the beast for you! 0115-9882955. Yes I do work for a dealer and have just bought some great used stock in! ask for either Gavin or Steve, if interested!

 

Ah, that's it: Monks Heath Motors!!! Should know really cos I work just round the corner! I'm going to pop in there tomorrow and have a look. Beech Boy - I'll try and give you a ring during the week when i've seen a few and know more precisely what I want. If you have got anything you think is suitable, could you mail me with the details (i'll enable my email address now..)

260 bhp and 6 speed sounds fun.

Thanks again for all the input. It's nice that a newbie is made to feel welcome.

Cheers
Jim