nickjdm

First of hello

Well I had me first drive in a uk sti 03 plate the other day and thought it was very nice, so it got me to thinking I might actually look into getting one. Then I remembered my friend has one he is wanting to sell so I popped round to see him and he has offered me his, details-



1997 JDM trype R version 3/4
white
62k miles
2 door
SSR alloys
Ohlin coilovers
upgraded speakers (alpine)
Tracker
New MAF
TT, Boost guage
New tyres all round

Think they are the main points, he wants £4k for it.

So my main question is do you think it is worth it, am I getting a good deal?

Also I have had a good look about but can't really see a buyers guide, is there anything specific I need to be looking out for, what are the common engine problems with this age and how reliable are they? I have always had toyota mr2 turbo's so Im fairly clued up with turbo cars but is there anything specific with this age?

Also I have heard lots of stories of these engines been quite weak and they die easy, is this the case or am I just getting the horror stories?

Sorry for all the questions but thought I would put them all in one place

Cheers Nick

gaz8503

You really need to look at the service history oil changes at correct intervals and things like cam belts. Have you seen your friend driving it? does he let it warm up and cool down as if not carbon deposits in the turbo can cause some problems. power streering pumps have a problem seeping oil so its another thing to be checked.

hope it helps i am fairly new to this myself but its all the advice i was given

Gaz

nickjdm

Yeah it has been very well looked after, always warmed up and cooled down properly. Oil has been changed regularly too. He has it parked in his garage and there are no leaks at all so pretty sure its a solid car from what I have seen.

I was more concerned about the engines been weak/unreliable or is that just due to them been looked after poorly in the early days.

Cheers for the advice though I will look into his SH and that.

nickjdm

I have just been told the bottom ends are weak and that the head gasket's go quite easy, is there any truth in this?

Also do you guys think it's 4k worth ?