£4,000 budget - Impreza?

TerryWogan

TerryWogan

TerryWogan

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Thinking of getting rid of the 205 GTI soon and I should have about 4 grand to spend. I'm 22 now and a couple of years no claims, so insurance isn't much of a problem.

Been thinking about Imprezas because I'm after some decent performance. What should I be looking at for four grand? What model/year? If people could show me some examples from Pistonheads/wherever that would be ace! What else would you all recommend at my budget? I was also looking at Clio 172 Cups. I don't really have any particular requirements, just quick performance and excellent handling. Would rather have a couple of creature comforts - I don't want a track car if you know what I mean?

Ta :)
 
A 1999 Turbo 2000 in reasonable condition can be picked up for around that money. I have noticed recently that the classics have been going back up slowly...

One thing you must bear in mind with these is that they do cost money to run, regular servicing is a must, otherwise you'll have problems selling and if you have to skimp out on buying what it needs it isn't the car for you.

But I'm very jealous and hope you enjoy it! :) Have a look around and go for a few test drives, I know I loved the 2 that I drove, both awesome cars! :D
 
Regular servicing as in how many miles? I know they'll need a bit of fettling, but it's not an Evo if you know what I mean? I don't imagine they'd need a whole lot more servicing than any other car.
 
jonarob said:
and excellent handling
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Imprezas don't have 'excellent handling', it's merely average. What they do have is bucket-loads of grip, which makes them awesome b-road blasters and they flatter even the most average of drivers.

jonarob said:
Regular servicing as in how many miles? I know they'll need a bit of fettling, but it's not an Evo if you know what I mean? I don't imagine they'd need a whole lot more servicing than any other car.
Click to expand...

Officially servicing is every 7500 miles for the classic. Cambelt is at 45k and around £500 to change.

Beware the 90k Service, it is massive and ontop of the cambelt it includes all fluids including diff and transmisssion oil, all plugs etc. etc. You can easily pay £750 for the 90k :(
 
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TBH, theres a lot of nags about so you need to be patient. £4K will get you an MY99/00 UK Turbo with average mileage.

The MY99s have a slightly different ECU than MY00 and can be a tad quicker. 00 have colour coded mirrors and door handles.

Service history is everything. If its not tip top, walk away, theres over 1300 Imprezas for sale on pistonheads so its not like you'll struggle to find one. I serviced mine every 6 months irrespective of mileage. I paid £300 for service including belt but not plugs (they'd only done 3K)

Personally, new engines/gearbox are a immediate switch off (unless its a 97/98 which should have had an engine change under warranty) sub 70 to 80 shouldn't really have needed a new clutch if standard output - if it has ask yourself why.

Crunching at speed from 4th to 5th is a common fault that costs a few hundred to fix. Clutch judder when cold is common.

Don't be blinded by any stick on tat. Standard appearance UK turbos will start to come up in price within the next few years.
 
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/405281.htm

Something like this would suit perfectly. Nothing major to report to insurer and SNet member so hopefully well looked after.

At your age any import will cripple you insurance wise so avoid. However late WRXs have STI style dash (rev counter in the middle) and apparently slight lower gearing so will be a tad quicker. I believe they are still grp 20 to insure - UKers are 17.
 
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