On the lookout for a Subaru Impreza WRX

[Spudgun]

I'm on the lookout for a Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo 4 door saloon.

I can't afford new, but I'm after something '98 or later.

At 23, I know I'm going to get hammered by the insurance company, but I'm prepared for that. In the long run I believe it's worth it.

Does anyone know of any tips/pitfalls I should look out for when deciding on my dream car?

[garcon]

www.sidc.co.uk

www.scoobynet.co.uk

Personally, I'd go for UK spec Turbo rather than import WRX - the amount you'll save on insurance and the fact you can service it at a Subaru dealer more than outweighs the theoretical performance advantage of the WRX/STi.

(I say theoretical because unless you're used to 280bhp and/or intend to go on lots of trackdays, you really won't know the difference ).

I'd go for the 99my if you can - slightly better performance, much better brakes, better headlights - you can identify the 99my by its slightly revised front end.

Steer clear of heavy performance mods - they'll kill your insurance (and your engine and/or turbo if not done right).

When you've got it, join SIDC (Subaru Impreza Drivers Club), for meets, advice, discounts, new friends! etc etc.

[garcon]

Oh, and put a proper Tracker/Trackstar on it... it might still go walkies, but it should help your insurance.

[Spudgun]

Thanks for the tips garcon.

So just say I was looking in my local Auto Trader, would a car that doesn't have the 'WRX' name bolted on the end be a UK spec?

Or is there a surefire way of knowing the difference between a UK car and an import?

[garcon]

For 1998-2000 model years (i.e. the last of the 'old shape'), a UK spec should be identified as a 'Subaru Impreza Turbo', and because of the differences in spec/value etc will probably say "UK spec" or "genuine UK car" somewhere in the ad.

Anything that age that's a WRX and/or STi is an import. If it's a Jap import, that means more power, but alot more pain.

There are alot of European imports on the market too. Though these were pretty much UK spec, they were 2 to 3 grand cheaper new, and that will be reflected in their used value (both to you and when you come to sell). Check if your local Scooby dealer is Euro friendly or not for servicing - apparently it varies!

Check the V5 and/or manual to find out the car's origin (I think sidc's faq lists relevant chassis numbers too). One way to be sure - anything on the forecourt of a Scooby dealer will be genuine UK. And expensive .

[Wrex]

Spud, I just sold my 98 WRX *holding back the tears*


Great model, never ever had a problem with it, but mine was very well maintained. I heard that gearboxes can be a problem, and as garcon mentioned - be careful of the mods.

Good luck mate - you will be very pleased with your purchase

[Spudgun]

Thanks guys, the pointers are very much appreciated!

I've got more of an insight now through those links. The UK spec would be a good choice for me.

I'm not so interested in eeking out more bhp, I just love the look of the car and the sound of that boxer engine. Besides I'll probably terrifiy myself compared to what I'm used to at the moment.

I did a couple of online quotes based on a '98 Turbo with a value of £7,500 which seems to be the going rate in Auto Trader and yes, it was 4 figures which I was expecting, but that's no problem.

All I need to do is find a car that will last me 5 years.

[Squeaker]

Have a look on www.scoobynet.co.uk there is always someone selling their scoob and usually for sensible prices or you can get some good advice on who to speak to.

As for Insurance try Schofields Tel: 0113 250 0377 as they are the UK Insurer for Subaru and they pretty much always do a good price.

[woodyracing]

what are the bad points about a buying an imported WRX ?
or other Japanese import for that matter ?

am I right in thinking the glass and headlights are different to UK spec ? (they were on my mates CRX)

[Truckosaurus]

The glass and headlights might be slightly different, but you should be able to swap in UK-spec items if/when you have a breakage.

The only down side of owning an import will be the possibility of higher insurance and finding somewhere to service it.

With access to the internet, you should be able to locate parts and specialists with a bit of effort.