djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Hi guys,

Im looking to upgrade my car to an Impreza WRX this year, just after some general advice on what to look for/what to walk away from etc....?

My budget is gonna be about £5k - so iv been looking at the 'bug eye' model?

People keep telling me theyre quite fragile as well as being an expensive car to run....but id rather speak to people that actually own them!

Im an apprentice mechanic so general maintenance such as servicing, brakes, clutchs, cambelts, tyres etc im confident in doing myself - petrol costs and insurance arent a problem either so just wondering what else it is thats gonna cost me so much to run one?

I understand FSH is a must, what else?


Thanks for any advice and help, much appreciated.

doormatty

I Run a 05 wrx sti ppp and its running costs are not much different from when i had a classic. around 14 per gallon

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. I dont do very many miles so im not really too worried about the fuel costs tbh. Just more trying to find out if there any other hidden costs that are gonna sting me in the wallet, and what to be looking out for when buying

type-ellis

iTrader: (24)

If you are handy with spanners mate which you say you are then you shouldnt have many problems atall. They are no worse than any other car unless they are abused. Keep ontop of the serviceing and dont kill it everywhere , keep your mods safe and you are onto a winner.

daz1968

iTrader: (13)

I think 14 to the gallon is a bit low, I have had an 03wrx for the last 3 years, been very reliable, I would also say they are easier to work on than some would have you believe, I average 20mpg on my daily commute and probably about 26mpg on a run, Just look after it and don't thrash it when cold and all should be ok, Only thing I would say is make sure any car you view has had the important cam belt service done.

ScoobyRalph

Do it you will love it, i have recently purchased a blobeye WRX and its a very capable all round car, i was in a similar position to you a couple of weeks back so take a look at my thread for some handy hints -

https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...-required.html

Good luck!!

Ralph

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the replies guys. @ Scoobyralph - thanks for that i will have a read!

Does anybody know what the cambelt change intervals are?

I downloaded a PDF manual for the boxer engine over the weekend and had a bit of a browse, he cambelt doesnt actually look to bad a job - id actually say it looks easier than my current 1600 Zetec sigma engine lol.

Appreciate the replies though, keep em coming if you have any more tips

tathan

it's no different to any other car really, it looks a bit intimidating when you first open the bonnet... because of the low flat engine everything's piled on top of it lol. parts aren't too bad and there's always lots of them breaking for when you break something serious.

I'd rather have a nice classic STI than a bug WRX though

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

Your budget will buy more than a bugeye

I'd look out for a jap MY03 Blob with a few miles on the clock......comes with twin scroll and clever centre diff control.

If you are handy with a spanner then

Shaun

SunnySideUp

It's a car with an Engine ..... and pretty simple at that - agricultural in fact (and all the better for it).

Buy an unmodified car for your own safety ... and so you can tinker yourself, if that's your desire.

Bugeye's are the least desirable of all Impreza's - so cheaper than all late Classic's - therefore your money would buy a Blobeye .... or a late Classic, with some change in your pocket.

Full history is a must, as is few owners .... no need to settle for an Import these days, stick with a Type Uk for Insurance purposes and for Parts sourcing.

daz1968

iTrader: (13)

His budget is 5k, I have never seen a blob jdm sti anywhere near this price, A few high mileage blob wrx's have been near this, but a good one of either will be a bit more. I learn't my lesson a few years ago and would say buy a car with history and not a cheap car at the bottom of the market, I know there are some bargains but most are cheap for a reason.

GazTheHat

2002 WRX about circa £4k. If you're not in a rush, you might be able to sneak a 03 WRX. No way you'll get a 03 STi, never mind JDM 03 STi.

Subaru Impreza WRXs for Sale

Subaru Impreza STIs for Sale

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

sorry.......I misread how much the OP had to spend

Shaun

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

nah its cool im not after an STI as the insurance was a fair chunk more

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

so whats the cambelt intervals on them?
Also will £5k find me a nice clean bug eye?

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

TyneTeesScoobies :: View topic - 2001 White Bug Eye WRX

Bugeyes do look nice in white

Shaun

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

AAH thats is an awesome find, probs one of the nicest looking bugeyes iv seen! If that had FSH would be perfect (doesnt have mention of service history...)
Such a shame i wont be in a position to buy until the summer time

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't let a lack of dealer FSH put me off......I'd rather it be looked after after all these are 8-9 year old cars LOL

The TD04 turbo is goot for low down pull but doesn't overstress the gearbox or engine unless you redline it from lights to lights day in day out !!

If I had some spare cash I'd be tempted to buy it myself and transfer soem of my mods over to it

Shaun

marky777

Think i have fond the right thread, make me a convert. Have been tuning 4cyl nissans for 10 yrs, just sold 92 reg s13 ca18dett 340hp @flywheel. cost 20k inc paint n interior. Friends have had scoobies but have never really been into them. I have 5k for car but it won't stay standard, i want at least 400hp so am looking for a good base. WRX or STI as a starting point. It seems milage no so important with these cars as many seem to have rebuilds at low milage, so should i look for a clean car then build an engine n drop it in???????????

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

MY02 Bugeye STi (not WRX) the bargain of the decade......Internals and drivetrain good for 400 BHP with mods

Ugly as sin depending on your point of view but undeniably a cheap as chips option for 400 BHP.

Shaun

GazTheHat

Bit pricey that. Get it for under £4k and that would be maybe more worth it. There's 02/52 WRXs for under that price.

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Ill admit theyre not the best looking scoobs to have been made from a front end perspective.....those morette's for them toughen them up q bit tho!
On the subject of the morettes anyone know where they can be bought from? Havent seen any for sale on any sites iv browsed on so far