logic1980

Ok there is a chance I may be looking at a couple of 03 STI Blobs in the next coming weeks after yet another change of plans.

how much should i expect to pay for a good clean example with no mods and 70k miles and FSSH.

Also what should I look for when buying? common issues.

Iv also seen a 04 STI Widetrack FSH low miles for £6k sounds to good to be true? is it worth a look?

silver6933

The 03 STi (notice the small i. they used the BIG I later) were pretty bullet proof.

Most would be modded.

But for unmodded units

the cats might be blocked due to age.
Dampers might need replacing
most rubber pipes would need replacing. vaccum/Boost and coolant pipes
Look for free play in Gear lever, mostly this is due to rubbers perishing.
OEM turbos were good,
fuel pump would need replacing if it is original.
Make sure the camblet has been done. Twice at this age.
Check aircon. Condenser takes a wack from stones etc.

Even lightly modded they are solid cars. Xhorst, fuel pump and remap

logic1980

thanks for that - cambelts sounds the only expensive things there really then - rubbers and hoses go on any car with ages so nothing to worry to much about which is good news -
how much am i looking at for the fuel pump? is it best to get aftermarket uprated one?

silver6933

Yes best to get an aftermarket on, walbro is popular but there a few other you can buy.

Find a good workshop near you and go with there recommendation.

Stay away for OEM as they cost more that the aftermarket units. Easy swap btw

logic1980

ok - simple enough of a fix and not a bad price for the pump and fitting kit ( google is my friend )

So do you have a blob STi then Silver - if so how do you find owning one? all frills or any headaches

stevep360

iTrader: (20)

Just take your time and buy the best you can.

logic1980

been looking at the hawkeyes too - both Type uks - apart from the 2.5 engine and double tax is there much to call between them?

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

avoid the 2.5 engine its crap

logic1980

was there a hawkeye 2L type UK? cant check on parkers as site down -

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

no all uk hawks are 2.5 the jdm cars are still 2.0

logic1980

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

then this is either wrong engine size or not a type uk ( although not sold as one )

so the JDM 2L is better then?

logic1980

so what makes the 2.5 Crap just out of interest?

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

i seem to recall there were synchro issues on the early 6 speeders? Make sure the gear changes work OK etc.

logic1980

basically iv been told by my finance company that i can get credit on cars older than 2007 - guess they worry their collateral will be worthless before its paid off - RISK.

so im either in for a Hawk or il have to wait a year or more??!!??
if the Hawk uk's are pants and the JDM's are best im going to find it hard to get one from a dealer for sensible money and then possibly struggle to get insurance? but is the tax 270 as 2L and not 475 like the 2.5?

looks like im hijacking my own posts again - lol
Cheers Guys

urban

iTrader: (1)

Rust
Get it up on a set of ramps and get underneath it.
Subframe and ARB's

logic1980

which models tend to Rust ( older ones lol )

trying for a blob widetrack 06 plate - i think that's my favourite impreza on looks alone.

urban

iTrader: (1)

A 10 year old car is bound to have suffered underneath given the winters months we experience

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

rust isnt really an issue on newage imprezas, some early bug models had a few issues with bolt on parts underneath but as they are bolt on can be replaced.
the blob is generally ok rust wise

silver6933

Pm'ed you the mod list.

I owned my bug wrx for a long time. It is awesome to mod.

Not much went wrong with it over the years. But I babied her. Rear top mount replaced. Fuel pump on 2nd walbro.

I modded her after one year of ownership. + 50% power increase on the wheels. She ran like that for a few years until I put in the forged engine and front LSD. I still use her with the family.

Awesome solid car.

logic1980

Cheers -

Think il be out this weekend hunting down which cars are best for me - lazy driving style from daily old diesel ride and may enjoy the 2.5's extra torque - not liking the TAX being 200 quid more mind.
but i do love these blobeye'd girls

davedipster

Had my 2003 sti from new. The only issue I've had was the rear struts knocking.
The dealer replaced these twice in the 3 year warrantee, now running BC coilovers and these have been fine for 3 years without issue.
Apart from the rear suspension struts these are very solid cars.

Also as you say, cheaper to tax than later cars.

dipster.

ade_sti

iTrader: (2)

Dipster- what is ride quality like with BC compared to standard? Cheers

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

Pre 2006 hawkeyes qualify for the cheaper tax band. It's only a matter of time before the head gasket goes on it, unless its had a rebuild already using cosmetic / cosworth etc head gaskets. Go for the JDM hawk if you can.

In an ideal world, go for a blobeye JDM. Everyone knows they're the quickest lol!!!!

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

i have bcs on my sti and found they give a far better ride than the standard shocks did