Shaun666

Hi. I'm extrealmly new to the scooby world, having never owned one but, always wanting one. I currently have a m3 Evo. I love this car, however, I'm after something with a little more fun to it. I have a budget of £6k ish and have always liked the Type R v limited.

Here goes the q's,

What version? Reliability. Engine, drivetrain etc. ? Mpg? Can they be used everyday? Repair costs? What to look out for when viewing?

And most importantly....fun/grinfactor?

Thanks in advance. Quality forum people!!!

Shaun.

shep_UKSpec

iTrader: (3)

Can't answer the tech questions but defo 110% grin factor!!!

Ginola

iTrader: (25)

can defently be used every day, drive my 98sti back and forth to west coast of wales every 2 weeks and collect the other half from work on a regular bassis without a problem, 25/30k + a year, just budget for regular oil changes if you use it this much.
23mpg average with some quick and some slow stuffs.

You cant really beat grin factor for the £

a v3/v4 type R with low millage will be tasty

99greenwagon

iTrader: (39)

unless you get unlucky like me!
the type r is awesome tho.

Shaun666

Thanks for your input. Is there any reason I should look for a v3/4, as opposed to a later one?

Shaun.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

In my opinion, early cars are more fun. They feel lighter an more nimble on the road.
However, if your planning on using your car as a every day car and are going to be doing many miles then I would opt for a newage car. They are a bit more refined.

Ginola

iTrader: (25)

v3 had really agressive cams , v4 almost as agressive produced a little more torque but has revised(updated) interior ,.. v5/v6 sensative maf sensors..prone to failure, but re-designed front ends (bumbers and so on) look nice :O

As posted above if your doing alot of miles tho a newage would be more comfortable but not as much grin factor In my opinion having driven both.

a 3 door type R or RA would be my choice if i had 6k going (will be a hunt to find a nice one) I would put up with the lack of refinement cant really compare 1170kg at 276bhp vs 1410kg at 280.. no real comparision if your out for factor

Shaun666

That's a great help. I'm not going to be doing masses of miles so will be looking for a earlier one, livelier the better. Are there any thongs, other than low mileage I should look for when bying?

Shaun.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Low milage isn't a major concern, just make sure it's been maintained properly. Regular services etc. The STI has a pretty strong engine as standard so providing it's not running big power it should be sound. Just listen for any knocks especially on cold start up.

If you find one advertised that you like then post it up here and I'm sure SN opinions will follow.

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

A few thoughts

Buy from an enthusiast
Buy on condition, condition, condition
Jap Classic Sti the biggest Grin factor
Either unmodified. Or modified, with alot of thought put into it with proof of a remap by someone that knows what they are doing.
V3/4 have weaker gearbox casing - so go for an unmodified one.
Or make sure a modified one has a code starting with TY754.

Rust - Key areas to check. check rear arches, Shine a light up past the rear number plate - often the rear crossmember that holds on the number plate lights is rotten.
Check the boot for rust, under the space saver.

Markfey

iTrader: (7)

Find a specialist in your area and give him a call! As soon as you get it, take it straight to him for an oild change and service.

Most people have problems after buying there first scoob as they take it to their mechanic who thinks he knows what he's doing, and doesn't.

Where are you based? I'm sure we'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Shaun666

This is all great info. Thank you.

I'm based in Hampshire. If my budget could be up'ed, would a freshly imported v5/6 be a better car to have?

Shaun.

Markfey

iTrader: (7)

V5/6 Sti? Yes, 100 times better.

My second scooby was a uk 2000 classic. It was an awesome car and i love it



Servicing wise subaru4you are your closest place. Not the cheapest but very good. If you're willing to travel a little bit further and save some cash PM FB Tuning.

Hope this helps

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

A nice unmodified V4 type R is a very nice starting point.
You'll probably struggle to find a completely standard car but things like exhaust, filter are fine.
As said above, as soon as you buy one get it to a specialist. Have it serviced and run on the dyno to check fueling etc. So many Imprezas are modified with bits and bobs an never get set up properly.
Don't worry too much about V3/V4 boxes. They are weaker but are more than capable of 350BHP, I'm running 382 through my standard box and so far so good. Just listen for crunches through the gears.
Remember it's a buyers market at the minute so don't pay over the odds for an average car, take your time, look at a few and buy with your head not your heart.
Good luck.

Shaun666

Cheers guys. I'm just about to start the process of selling my m3. So will be locked on to all car sales websites. Any places advisable other than the obvious ones, auto., Piston, etc. Are there any creditable import specialists?

Shaun.

Markfey

iTrader: (7)

Here!

Post the link!

People are always ditching their scoobies for M3's. Only to come grovelling back after a few months

Shaun666

No link yet. I dropped an alloy of this morning to be refurbed. I want have any probs selling up it's in great condition. The car is awesome but i fancy a sprint car if you know what I mean. The M is rapid. Full miltek, decated, dave f induction, Remapped. Fbmwsh. I love my cars so take care of them like you guys. I like buying cars that enthusiasts own. Petrol heads!!!

Shaun.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Scour this site for the car you want, at least you know the owner is an enthusiast. Won't mean you won't have any problems but I would prefer to buy a car from here.

PM me with details of your M3, I wouldn't swap my classic for one but I could be interested in it to go with the rest of my cars.

Shaun666

Are there any other type r owners that could share on there experiences.

Come on guys and girls, sell the scooby name to me I'm like 80% there now!!! :-)

Shaun.

scooby_ben_ds

Heya i am looking for somewhere to go in the south east to get my scooby serviced, any ideas guys?

cheers

Ben

stu turbo 98

iTrader: (6)

welcome aboard the good ship scoobynet Shaun,i cant advise on any good importers or which car you should buy but stay well away from Keighlys and wrc sales(import car dealers)their proper wrong uns






























)

stuart148

iTrader: (12)

iv had a v4 sti type r , then a v5 sti type r , now got a p1
all good cars ,
my p1 is just having a rebuild tho due to me wanting more power
;-) , could be for sale for the right price ;-)

stu

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

V5/6 have the stronger box in and have all the facelift bits.
But the weaker MAF. So if you find one running MAF less with a ECU upgrade that is a good plan.

P1 - Look for one that has had a engine rebuild and a good map from a respected builder and mapper. Or a remap from pretty well much day 1.

The Stu P1 above with the right build and running in map could be a good bet.

Shaun666

Yeah right a p1 would be nice but more $. What sort of money are we talking. Pm if you like!

donny andi

iTrader: (3)

Plenty of p1's at your money if you look about

stuart148

iTrader: (12)

this is the spec of mine


engine mods :

vf35 turbo
fmic
apexi air filter
alloy rad
v9 nitrided crank
eagle rods
acl comp race bearings / big and little
up rated oil pump
new oil modine
baffled sump
walbro fuel pump
turbo back exhaust . no cats
heads skimmed
seats cut
new tappets
new timming belt kit
remapped by jgm to 352bhp

supention mods:

front whiteline anti roll bar
front whiteline drop links
whiteline anti lift kit
rear whiteline anti roll bar
rear whiteline drop links
alloy wish bones
fully polly bushed (every thing ) even exhaust mounts
sti front strut brace
cusco h brace
sti pink supention , ajustible

stu

Shaun666

Top spec P1.......£££££££££. Lol

Shaun.

Ginola

iTrader: (25)

Yea speak to Richard at FB tuning on here or ring /leave him a message, you will not find anyone better to look after your subaru.




FB Tuning

scooby_ben_ds

Is FB tuning London bound, cause i live closer to canterbury, so looking for somewhere maybe closer to home buddy, but i have heard some amazing things about this FB tuning, so i may well go for it

Ginola

iTrader: (25)

He is in Princes Risborough Just north of High Wycombe, to give u an idea i travel up from Brighton, wich is roughly 80miles each way , its worth it you wont be disapointed and its peace of mind letting Richard work on your car + if you enjoy your scoob its a good oportunity to burn some petrol and do a backroads route too and from )

Dave.