BoddahChris

Well ive just sold my Impreza GX Sport as ive decided to go for something with a bit more power, i want to go and look at an car advertised on here..

Its a 1996 WRX import..

Can anyone offer some advice in what to look out for, never owned a turbo or an import so need some help!

Cheers.

Spivscooby

iTrader: (1)

Wheel arch rust they rot from inside out.

Blue and Gold

iTrader: (1)

Where about is the car your looking at?

JonnyA

iTrader: (1)

Make sure the speedo conversion and fog light have been done properly. Have a good listen for any 'moaning' bearing-type noises from the turbo. Decent underseal is a must.

Also obvious things like a decent gear change action (not porridge), a smooth tick-over when warm with no 'hunting' and a clutch that doesn't bite at the very top of the travel. Checking around the underside of the engine and transmission for oil leaks with a torch is sensible. Try all the windows too and check the spare wheel recess for water ingress.

zippy!

iTrader: (1)

Main problem to watch out for is knocking bottom ends and headgasket failure both expensive and big jobs as said rusting rear arches are common and check the clutch and gearbox

BoddahChris

well its advertised here under 'classic wrx 406 silver' or some thing like that, i cant post a link at the min as i'm on a work computer.

I'm gonna try and verify the mileage, as i think its inaccurate, but even if i cant i may take a gamble purely based on the condition of the car and engine, its clearly low mileage, and better than anything else around.

but having said that i need to drive the car and get a proper feel for the car as looks can be decieving!

i need to make a check list of things to be looking out for, cheers for the all the help!

anyone else have any opinions on the car?

Spivscooby

iTrader: (1)

From the ad the car looks spot on nice clean car as long as you check over bits that have been said for that price i dont see as you can go wrong

RICHARD J

iTrader: (4)

The best advice I could give you is to buy a newage STI.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Great advice if you want a fat boring car that needs at least 400bhp to be even close to fun.
If your after a drivers car that will make your adrenalin pump even in standard trim then stick with a classic

RICHARD J

iTrader: (4)

Totally agree with you there. I believe we both drive V3 STIs both running well over 400BHP & I love mine, but most classics are well past there best & have lots of hidden faults unless the owner has spent a small fortune on it, but those cars rarely come up for sale. I know what Iv spent on mine to keep it in great condition & I can't afford to sell it as I'd lose a fortune. The point I was making is that a newage would be a much safer buy & less likely to be a money pit. A newage STI is far cheaper to tune than a classic & is what I'd be buying if I had to replace mine. A good classic can put a huge grin on your face though.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

don't pull any punches mate, have to agree we are a dying breed.

classics are where it's at. tochka.

ps. thats croatian for full stop.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Have to agree with you there chap. Newages do make sense for most people. No doubt I'll end up with one but to keep me happy it would need to be pretty special.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Markfey

iTrader: (7)

Matty you do a great job of looking after us classic owners, V4's are sooo much better than V3's

My advice to the buyer would be..... If you are concerned, see if the seller would be willing to meet you at a local specialist. Pay them for an hours labour and get them to go over the car. That way you'll know what's working way, what may need attention soon and what's knackered.

averyp2

iTrader: (25)

Shame the car isnt close as i would have offered to help look over with you (I am 5 mins from Cov).

If you do get it, take it to Mark (TDRacing) in Warwick as im sure he'll be happy to have a look over for you and give you a heads up on any potential issues.

That said the advert and pics look good to be fair, at that price it appears a good deal.

Paul