Hello people, first post go easy. Looking at getting my first Impreza and have been offered a catalunya for 3900. It's got fsh with stamps to prove, a bucketful of receipts and 78k. Its completely standard apart from 17inch wheels and is in good condition barring some wear on the drivers seat bolster and two small dents on the drivers side wing (looks like a shopping trolley incident). I was just wondering what others think and if it's not 'the one' what should i be looking at? i've got limited time and need to get a car sorted in the next week or so ideally. Cheers for any replies, Chris.

 

firstly welcome to the site mate, the price is good for the catalunya and good low mileage and lots of receipts always help. just depends what you want though, you can pick up earlier imports for halve the money with a bit more power and the rest of the money can go on modding, but you get not all the history. good luck.

 

Personally I think £3900 is too much for a Catalunya, there was never anything "special about them apart from the black paint.

There are loads of classic impreza's for sale right now, just check out Autotrader or Pistonheads.
Once you've found one you like then make sure you have a good look round it checking for all the normal problems etc.

 

I've got to agree with Marx Mcrae. Keep checking pistonheads as I've seen a few on there over the past few weeks

 

Make sure its been looked after mate, an engine build is around 3k if it goes

P.s early RA's are the best and have a stronger engine

 

Price is high for a cat, as said look more towards 3k, you can get a decent MY99/00 for 3.9k.
The only things I would suggest is get the car inspected if you have never owned one before, they can be tempremental things and its always worth putting a fair bit of cash to one side (about 6-800 quid) and get the car fully serviced with all the belts, fluids etc so you wont have any big shocks for the next 2 years (it will be just oil changes every 6 months up to then )

Have a look on PistonHeads.com :: Speed Matters for similar priced cars then do some serious bargaining

Tony

 

Just as an example, this RB5 has 87k with fssh and is 600 quid more expensive (and 2 years newer )

Subaru : 1999 SUBARU IMPREZA RB5 2.0 TURBO

Tony

 

uk cars are cheaper insurance standered 215 bhp (easly mod up to 330.........nice)

 

i wouldnt rush into buying one 'just because you need one soon'! chances are you will buy a dog!
take your time and look at a few,you will know when you see the right one!

 

Cheers for all the replies guys, as of last night i'm now the proud owner of a '95 sti import and it was definately worth the nookie ban imposed by the missus for making her drive halfway across the country to pick it up on Christmas eve. Only problem now is the jaw ache from the size of the grin on my face. Cheers to Scott on this site as well pleasure to deal with and have a good xmas!

 

Just remember these NEED 97+ ron fuel ONLY!! higher the octane the better, and invest in a KS3 (look in the group buy section )

Tony

 

I wouldn't rush into buying one.
As of last night.

Sorry guys, couldn't help laughing at the timing of the posts.

 

+1.

I'd love an RA as my next Scoob. Could pick up an STi2 RA for about £3.9k easily or a 96WRX RA for similar money.

 

Tony.......shouldn't that RB5 have grey fog covers with RB5 decals ??

Shaun

 

Nice one Chris, welcome to the club, that 555 looks immaculate.

Hope to see you at afew meets if your based in South Wales, it'll be good to see a fellow 555 owner.

Matt

 

Glad your pleased with it Chris, any plans on any mods yet

 

Snooker had Hurricane Higgins and Whirlwind White, SN has Windy Chris.

 

PIAA's?

Tony