millband

At less than £10k you're looking at (I reckon):

early shape UK (208bhp)
early shape WRX (240bhp?)
early shape WRX STi (276bhp?)

All with highish miles on, although prices are coming down for newer cars now.

Steve

DAC

just sold the cossie - want a new toy.

What do I look out for when buying ?
what model 22B STi WRX - i'm lost ?
I want a UK car 250-280bhp, upto 10K

Not a muppet enquiry.
I'm 35 so can afford to buy and insure.
but dont't know the intricacies of Scooby's.

PLEASE HELP - so I dont buy a dog.

SUNDAY DRIVER

UK cars are max 215bhp in std trim unless you go for something like UKType22B or P1 which are £27k+.
If you want that kinda power(and you do) you'll have to turn Japanese + get yourself an up to '97 wrx or an up to '96 wrx sti both of which you will be able to get in good condition for 10k.

Adam M

I looked into this myself and did extensive research.

Contact me offline and I will pass on all that I have learned.

Adam M

I assume from your 10k post that you meant milage.

You need to understand why you are buying the car.

If you wnat the ultimate impreza, you have to decide if you mean, on the road, on the drag strip on the track, or for resale values.

Why must it be an english car?

because if it is you are limited to the specials which are basically special interiors and colours/stickers. Or alternatively, rb5, 22b type uk or p1.

Most would argue the p1 is the best here. I personally think it is bad value, and a jap can be bought for much less and improved way way way beyond the p1 for with the change and still have money left for insurance.

The 22B type uk is something you must know you want to buy as it will cost in the region of 38k and will probably stay there for some time. It is in my miond teh best looking of all imprezas and has much potential depending on where you want to take it. Looks wise, it has no equal among imprezas.

The RB5 is an normal uk turbo with different suspension settings, graphics and interior and is only available in grey. It has been highly recommended by every motoring journalist ever but personally I have never driven one.

The choice amongst uk cars is therefore limited. If you were to consider an import there are other questions to be answered.

With a simple yes or no, you can easily whittle down to right model, so long as you know what you want and have someone who knows the options.

eg. Do you prefer over or understeer?

Is ABS a concern of yours?

Do you intend to upgrade and want a good starting point?

If so how far do you want to go?

In general, I feel that the average driver will prefer the handling of the four door as it is less snappy and more predictable. But of course, with money you can change the handling of these cars with ease. the upgradability is almost infinite and a lot of fun.

If going for an import there is little point in choosing a wrx. For little more you can buy an sti which is upgarded from the standard wrx. Ther are then special versions of the sti, and many of them.

If I hadn't bought my 22b, the car I would have gone for is an sti v or vi type ra v limited.

These are as rare as rocking horse ****. They are based on the lightweight ra shell, habing no soundproofing and thinner glass, but with the creature comforts back in such as air con and electric windows.

Apparently they have the quick rack and rear brakes of the 22B, but this is yet to be confirmed, I was certain that all type rs had the quick rack at least but I could be wrong. This featur transforms the feel of the car and is well worth having.

Anyway, there is one for sale now in the sale section with 10k miles on it.

DAC

thanks for the replys.

I will read the info and various websites, to gain more info.
and waste no more of your time.

the trouble is you always want to buy a better car than you originally
intended.

a big thanks again.