what can or should i get..
27 April 2002, 11:26 AM
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I have £8k maybe £9k at a push to purchase my first scooby with....what should I be able to get for that and any other tips about buying eg; import or uk car etc etc.....your help will be greatly appreciated.
Martin
Martin
27 April 2002, 12:33 PM
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Hi Martin, welcome to the club 
The best guide I know of, and the one I always recommend, is the Auto Trader web site. A quick search on there should soon show you what you should be able to get for your money. There are plenty of '96 and '97 cars to choose from that are within your budget.
Another must-read is the SIDC FAQ, which gives loads of essential background info about the car and the various changes that were made over its history. The 97 car has better seats than the 96, but if you can stretch to a 98 model, you'll get a much better interior which I think is worthwhile. More importantly, the 97 and later cars have a revised engine with a smaller turbo - the earlier cars have more turbo lag but make up for it with a bigger surge of acceleration when it does get up to speed. Later cars, which I personally prefer, are a bit more progressive, but some people miss the firm shove in the back that you get from the earlier, bigger turbo.
Another option you could consider is a Japanese import WRX or STI car - these are considerably more powerful, but do really need remapping to run on the lower quality fuel that's available over here. You'll also find that Subaru dealers over here won't touch them, but there are a number of excellent independent specialists that will be happy to provide parts and servicing.
My advice - and you'll find as many opinions on the subject as Scoobynet has readers - would be to go for a UK-supplied car, as late a model as possible, and unmodified (if you can find one!). That's the safest option, although if you find cars with any of the Prodrive accessory packs fitted then consider them a bonus. As far as other mods go, air filters and exhaust back-boxes are safe enough, and any cosmetic changes are for you to decide on with your own eyes. I'd tend to avoid any other mods unless you know what you're looking for.
One can of worms that you should open sooner rather than later is insurance - a basic Scooby is group 17. You don't mention your age or NCB, but as a rule it seems to only be drivers 30+ with good driving records that manage to insure any Scooby for much under £1k. If your budget is tight, get the quote before you get the car. A modified or imported car will only make it more expensive.
Other than that, the usual advice about buying any used car applies - get an HPI check done, and a professional inspection is well worthwhile. As I mentioned to Molds in another thread, Scoobies are tough but can be expensive to put right if major components fail, and they do tend to bump into things from time to time. A professional inspection should spot either.
Pre-99 cars came with a pretty basic security system - replace it with a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser immediately if it hasn't already been done. Budget £300-400 for this. Any other security devices are always worthwhile.
Good luck!
Andy.
The best guide I know of, and the one I always recommend, is the Auto Trader web site. A quick search on there should soon show you what you should be able to get for your money. There are plenty of '96 and '97 cars to choose from that are within your budget.
Another must-read is the SIDC FAQ, which gives loads of essential background info about the car and the various changes that were made over its history. The 97 car has better seats than the 96, but if you can stretch to a 98 model, you'll get a much better interior which I think is worthwhile. More importantly, the 97 and later cars have a revised engine with a smaller turbo - the earlier cars have more turbo lag but make up for it with a bigger surge of acceleration when it does get up to speed. Later cars, which I personally prefer, are a bit more progressive, but some people miss the firm shove in the back that you get from the earlier, bigger turbo.
Another option you could consider is a Japanese import WRX or STI car - these are considerably more powerful, but do really need remapping to run on the lower quality fuel that's available over here. You'll also find that Subaru dealers over here won't touch them, but there are a number of excellent independent specialists that will be happy to provide parts and servicing.
My advice - and you'll find as many opinions on the subject as Scoobynet has readers - would be to go for a UK-supplied car, as late a model as possible, and unmodified (if you can find one!). That's the safest option, although if you find cars with any of the Prodrive accessory packs fitted then consider them a bonus. As far as other mods go, air filters and exhaust back-boxes are safe enough, and any cosmetic changes are for you to decide on with your own eyes. I'd tend to avoid any other mods unless you know what you're looking for.
One can of worms that you should open sooner rather than later is insurance - a basic Scooby is group 17. You don't mention your age or NCB, but as a rule it seems to only be drivers 30+ with good driving records that manage to insure any Scooby for much under £1k. If your budget is tight, get the quote before you get the car. A modified or imported car will only make it more expensive.
Other than that, the usual advice about buying any used car applies - get an HPI check done, and a professional inspection is well worthwhile. As I mentioned to Molds in another thread, Scoobies are tough but can be expensive to put right if major components fail, and they do tend to bump into things from time to time. A professional inspection should spot either.
Pre-99 cars came with a pretty basic security system - replace it with a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser immediately if it hasn't already been done. Budget £300-400 for this. Any other security devices are always worthwhile.
Good luck!
Andy.
27 April 2002, 02:52 PM
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thanks andy...
fortunatly or (not!!!!) I am in that age bracket, with 3 yrs ncb and a garage so i am hoping for a reasonable rate of insurance (i live in hope!!) Ive been paying over £1000 for a ren 19 16v which is group 15 (why?) but moving to Kent has lowered that so hopefully around that figure shouldnt be to hard to swallow....
fortunatly or (not!!!!) I am in that age bracket, with 3 yrs ncb and a garage so i am hoping for a reasonable rate of insurance (i live in hope!!) Ive been paying over £1000 for a ren 19 16v which is group 15 (why?) but moving to Kent has lowered that so hopefully around that figure shouldnt be to hard to swallow....
27 April 2002, 03:16 PM
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dont be put off by crazy ins quotes, its worth every penny when you get out on them twisty bits!!!
had mine (wrx) for 3 months and the smile still hasn`t gone from my face.
much better driving car than my old cossie.
had mine (wrx) for 3 months and the smile still hasn`t gone from my face.
much better driving car than my old cossie.
27 April 2002, 03:27 PM
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agreed as above
try adrian flux for ins quotes mine was £1100 last yr and gone to them for £680!!
by the way i have an STi2 for sale at present mail me for details if your intrested
best of luck mate
regards
andy
try adrian flux for ins quotes mine was £1100 last yr and gone to them for £680!!
by the way i have an STi2 for sale at present mail me for details if your intrested
best of luck mate
regards
andy
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