MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Hi there everyone,

Although I've been a member for ages, lots of browzing and nearly bought an Imprezza a couple of years ago, I really don't know that much about them and hopefully I'm about to buy my first one, perhaps with a little bit of help from you guys .

Here's what I'm thinking about getting:

1) I've been offered a UK STi8 with 40k on the clock, totally standard and FSH in a 53plate for £7400.

2) WRX UK300 Bugeye totally standard with 80K, FSH in a 51 plate with the PPP kit for £5000 - leaving me some spare cash to do some mods and get a runaround car.

3) A Y-reg UK STi7 with 50K, FSH, standard for £5750 and would again allow me to do a coupla mods and have a runaround car.

Is mileage that big an issue with these engines? I'm really needing a bit of help in deciding to buy the newer, lower mileage car and that will be my one and only, or to go for a bugeye and get a couple of mods done, and get a cheap 2nd car so I don't rack up loads of miles on the scooby (10-12K a year)?

I'd appreciate some honest opinions guys, not just folk goading me into getting the most expensive/fastest car I can afford .

Cheers for any assistance given .

rbaz

iTrader: (1)

I would only look at the STIs the UK300 is basically a WRX and the STIs are much better spec.
The mileages shouldn’t be a problem as long as they are looked after.
STI 7 vs STI 8 is mainly down to you liking the bugs (V7) but I only liked the look of the Prodrive bugs (like mine )

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

tbh the morretti/prodrive headlamp unit would be one of the 1st things I'd change anyhow .

So, with my sort of sensible head on, I'm probably gonna lean towards the STi7 and have some spare cash to mod/getrunaround car I think?

What are the main differences in terms of spec/engine etc between the STi7 and the 03 STi8's, anyone know? I take it they're both 6-speed?

rbaz

iTrader: (1)

Yeah both 6speed.
Was somebody on here wanting to swap UK300 lights for STI V7 units.

I have read somewhere (but not 100% sure) that the V7 engine is slightly stronger than the V8 but other than the face lift that about it.

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Interesting Rbaz. I think I'll have to a bit more digging around before I fully make my mind up though.

Cheers

dunx

iTrader: (3)

They changed the front suspension slightly going to the V8 STI. And gave a whack with an ugly stick too !

LOL

dunx

P.S. V7 STI and a "rust bucket" IMHO !

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Cheers Dunx,

I do prefer the look of the STi8 over the 7 tbh, but with that comes a premium which I can put to much better use I reckon ?

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Is it worth my while just looking at cars under a certain mileage?

What sort of cut-off mileage would you consider as too high for you to buy?

I'm trying to buy either a standard model, or is something that's only got maybe an intake filter kit and a remap gonna be relatively unstressed engine-wise?

rbaz

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn’t look at a car that has an aftermarket filter fitted as it’s not needed unless seriously moded (350bhp+) and would probably be worse than STD.
Remap by a specialist would be my advice with a decat or sports cat
A well looked after well modified car with 70k on the clock would be my choice over a 50k badly looked after one.
I spent 3 months looking for mine well worth the wait

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

It depends what you want to do in terms of mods to the car.....the bugeye STi is the performance car of the decade if you want to get a 400 BHP rocket ship on the cheapest budget.. ..bullet proof drivetrain

You just have to accept it's a 7 year old car


Shaun

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

No such things as STI v7 or 8, actually none after 6's
The Y plate will be a JDM STI, probably an MY01 car, a few more goodies than the UK cars, the MY03 car will be just face lifted, but mechanically there will be very little difference (except the Jap car will have a few uprated parts).
If your going for it, then its between the JDM STI on the Y plate and the MY03 UK STI.

Tony

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Cheers for clearing that up Tony .


I think I've decided it' going to be an STi7 (MY01/02) that I'm going to buy.

If anyone has one for sale, then drop me a PM or email.


Cheers everyone for your input .


(I'll get some pics up once I get the car, but I'm willing to wait for the right on to come along )

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Just a quick update.

I've put a small refundable deposit on a 52reg WRX STi UK model, pending me viewing it in a few days.

It's got a few more miles than I was hoping for (79K), but it is a 1 owner UK model with absolutely no mods whatsoever. It comes with a Subaru Dealership FSH, tonnes of invoices and receipts for services, tyres, cambelt etc, 12 months MOT and 3 months warranty.

One tiny scratch on bumper and a small parking ding on a door and rest of bodywork is supposed to be mint. Alloys minted, as is the interior so I'm told.

Hopefully it's as sweet as I'm led to believe and I'll be having it .


Can anyone advise of things specific to Imprezas or STi7's to check or look out for when viewing/testing?

I'll report back with pics as soon as I can .

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

79 K miles not a worry as long as it's been serviced

My main concern would be if it's had a bad smash so check all the paperwork LOL

Post a link or pics

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Mine has a tiny tendency to graunch into top gear, if I'm not wide awake.

All STI rear struts will knock....

HTH

dunx

P.S. Drive it decently hard to make sure the check engine light doesn't come on.

MilleniumRacer

iTrader: (25)

Cheers Dunx. On top of that I've also been advised:

1) Check for notchiness when changing into gears whilst driving.
2) Stationary revving to check oil at exhaust.
3) Check oil level/filter element to see if it has indeed been regularly serviced.
4) Check for milky filler cap.
5) Take a pair of gloves and check the gearbox oil level.


if anyone has other checks that I should be doing then please feel free to add them on for me?

Cheers