Looking at buying my first Subaru. Any advice appreciated.
Discussion
Hi everyone.
I’ve always wanted to have an Impreza since Mr McRae first came battering and burbling past me one soggy morning in a forest behind my house!
So I am now justabout in a position to be able to afford owning one, insurance quotes are the same as what it was on my old & current Focus happily!
Unfortunately it will have to be a non turbo as insurance quotes for turbo models are seeming to be quite excessive, £750-900 as opposed to £400-500 for a 2.0l Sport model!?
Despite wanting the ‘classic Impreza’ I think I’d go for Bug Eye onwards as I’m seeing a few now in my 2k price range, quite a few with under 100k on the clock. But am still open to a classic shape, i’d rather a standard, or fairly standard one. And not a ‘boy racer’ edition with the mahossive scoops/spoilers and Monster stickers everywhere, or turbo’s running huge boost on a standard engine!!
I think I’d prefer a Saloon, but the Estate will possibly be more convenient for when I do marshalling at weekends, but not essential as I don’t sleep in the car that often or take excessive amount of gear, unless its Wales Rally GB weekend! Then the estate will need a trailer!
I haven’t seen many in my local dealers, more here on PH and on Autotrader. But I do understand that prices will be higher at dealers/garages.
So if I go private, what sort of stuff should I look out for on a used Impreza?
The usual Cambelt changes, engine knock, smoking etc.
Having never owned one I have no idea what ‘usual issues/sounds’ mean in some adverts I’m seeing?
I don’t mind the looks of Legacy’s either, but think Foresters are out as the Mrs can’t stand the look of them and she’d be driving it often too.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
I’ve added a few ads as examples of what’s available on PH & AT in my price range. Cheers
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
this ones there just for the plastidip!
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I’ve always wanted to have an Impreza since Mr McRae first came battering and burbling past me one soggy morning in a forest behind my house!
So I am now justabout in a position to be able to afford owning one, insurance quotes are the same as what it was on my old & current Focus happily!
Unfortunately it will have to be a non turbo as insurance quotes for turbo models are seeming to be quite excessive, £750-900 as opposed to £400-500 for a 2.0l Sport model!?
Despite wanting the ‘classic Impreza’ I think I’d go for Bug Eye onwards as I’m seeing a few now in my 2k price range, quite a few with under 100k on the clock. But am still open to a classic shape, i’d rather a standard, or fairly standard one. And not a ‘boy racer’ edition with the mahossive scoops/spoilers and Monster stickers everywhere, or turbo’s running huge boost on a standard engine!!
I think I’d prefer a Saloon, but the Estate will possibly be more convenient for when I do marshalling at weekends, but not essential as I don’t sleep in the car that often or take excessive amount of gear, unless its Wales Rally GB weekend! Then the estate will need a trailer!
I haven’t seen many in my local dealers, more here on PH and on Autotrader. But I do understand that prices will be higher at dealers/garages.
So if I go private, what sort of stuff should I look out for on a used Impreza?
The usual Cambelt changes, engine knock, smoking etc.
Having never owned one I have no idea what ‘usual issues/sounds’ mean in some adverts I’m seeing?
I don’t mind the looks of Legacy’s either, but think Foresters are out as the Mrs can’t stand the look of them and she’d be driving it often too.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
I’ve added a few ads as examples of what’s available on PH & AT in my price range. Cheers
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
this ones there just for the plastidip!
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
h in 2008 for £1400 and it was great!Jesus, way to piss on the guys bonfire... He's explained why he wants an N/A Impreza so how about just trying to be helpful? No wonder this places gets called pissyheads.
I'd imagine the things to look out for would be the same as the turbo Impreza except the things specifically aimed at the turbo, if you look on scoobynet (Might be one of the other UK forums) I think theres a list of things to check on there.
Good luck with looking for your car
I'd imagine the things to look out for would be the same as the turbo Impreza except the things specifically aimed at the turbo, if you look on scoobynet (Might be one of the other UK forums) I think theres a list of things to check on there.
Good luck with looking for your car
cheesesliceking said:
Jesus, way to piss on the guys bonfire... He's explained why he wants an N/A Impreza so how about just trying to be helpful? No wonder this places gets called pissyheads.
I'd imagine the things to look out for would be the same as the turbo Impreza except the things specifically aimed at the turbo, if you look on scoobynet (Might be one of the other UK forums) I think theres a list of things to check on there.
Good luck with looking for your car
thanks mate, it hadn't occurred to me to look on scoobynet! (though it really should have!!) I'll head over there and have a look around.I'd imagine the things to look out for would be the same as the turbo Impreza except the things specifically aimed at the turbo, if you look on scoobynet (Might be one of the other UK forums) I think theres a list of things to check on there.
Good luck with looking for your car
thanks others for your views/posts too.
taking it on board, I think I'll still go ahead with a search for an N/A,
1) because theres more of them for sale closer to me than there is Turbo's, and I cant really be doing with traveling for a 200mile round trip just to look at one that was OK in the pics, but turned out to be in quite different condition on personal inspection.
2) the Mrs will be a regular driver of it and isn't so keen on a turbo, she's still a nervous driver after a few non fault accidents and as much as i'd like to say 'tuff its my car, so there' that simply wont fly.
3) the price difference between buying the N/A vs the Turbo on a few quotes I have had will cover a years Tax or a cambelt change should it need it and spare change for minor mods etc.
In defence of the n/a Impreza . . . . my wife has a Bugeye, purchased while pregnant (wife, not car) to replace 1973 Beetle with something offering better occupant protection.
Had about 90,000 on the clock when purchased, now 130,000. Does everything without fuss, worst problem has been a blown rear numberplate bulb. It's not fast, it's a little thirsty, but it's reliable, practical, feels well planted, is a little bit different and there's that 4wd for keeping going in the snow. My wife really likes it . . .
Had about 90,000 on the clock when purchased, now 130,000. Does everything without fuss, worst problem has been a blown rear numberplate bulb. It's not fast, it's a little thirsty, but it's reliable, practical, feels well planted, is a little bit different and there's that 4wd for keeping going in the snow. My wife really likes it . . .
Hello mate
Feel like you have had a hard time here, I just bught my first ever impreza wrx estate, it was 4k has full service history, 60k, and i love it. Amazing car.
I think its a process of time, wait til you source the correct one, be patient. I waited 6 months and think I have got a good one, from a regnant lady who got a new volvo and sole me hers. Its amazing fast and full leather heated etc so feel luxury to.
Get the turbo version for sure the fuel economy is not that different ad you will 100% wish you had if you ever drive one. Do it be patient and keep your eyes peeled.
Feel like you have had a hard time here, I just bught my first ever impreza wrx estate, it was 4k has full service history, 60k, and i love it. Amazing car.
I think its a process of time, wait til you source the correct one, be patient. I waited 6 months and think I have got a good one, from a regnant lady who got a new volvo and sole me hers. Its amazing fast and full leather heated etc so feel luxury to.
Get the turbo version for sure the fuel economy is not that different ad you will 100% wish you had if you ever drive one. Do it be patient and keep your eyes peeled.
ok so the decision has been made that, providing my car actually sells this time! ( had no end of timewasters and stupidly low offers, and pull outs so far!! 
) an Impreza will be my new car.
i have my eye on one or two. all in the £2k or under marker.
one question i'd like to ask however is this
Classic shape or Bug eye onwards??
noticing quite a few Bug eye WRX saloon and estates popping up for 2k and under, most have over 100k on the clock tho. some have sketchy history too.
i've seen quite a few classic shape WRX Turbo UK cars available quite a few are lower mileage than the new age stuff too. but quite a few have had mods/tat chucked on it.
I'd like to find a standard one or at least gently modded, like tidy exhaust upgrade etc. basically one not chaved and raced!
i'm leaning more towards a bug eye, but would prefer a blob eye but very few in the £2k bracket, purely as there seems to be more standard/as close too standard cars available.
obviously checking cambelt and service history is something to look for. engine knocks/knocking sensor.
anything else anyone can offer for advice?
) an Impreza will be my new car.i have my eye on one or two. all in the £2k or under marker.
one question i'd like to ask however is this
Classic shape or Bug eye onwards??
noticing quite a few Bug eye WRX saloon and estates popping up for 2k and under, most have over 100k on the clock tho. some have sketchy history too.
i've seen quite a few classic shape WRX Turbo UK cars available quite a few are lower mileage than the new age stuff too. but quite a few have had mods/tat chucked on it.
I'd like to find a standard one or at least gently modded, like tidy exhaust upgrade etc. basically one not chaved and raced!
i'm leaning more towards a bug eye, but would prefer a blob eye but very few in the £2k bracket, purely as there seems to be more standard/as close too standard cars available.
obviously checking cambelt and service history is something to look for. engine knocks/knocking sensor.
anything else anyone can offer for advice?
We have an 03 Impreza GX on 101k miles and a Forester S-Turbo on 181k miles, so mileage is not really an issue provided you feel sure, or there is evidence it's been maintained. I personally would buy on condition and not worry too much about the mileage or stamps in the service book.
Our n/a is a very useable car and suits my missus perfectly. I enjoy driving it, and it's good fun to hustle down country lanes as it handles well. It's not that slow really, and I only get frustrated with it when I see an overtaking opportunity where the forester could get past but I know the GX accelerate fast enough.
With regard to checks when buying just go through all the usual checks that apply when buying any car. I don't think it's been mentioned but do check for damage to the underside as it may've been used/abused off road.
I don't know if you've looked at parts and service costs, but Subaru's are not that difficult to look after yourself if you can. There's lots of info on sites like scoobymods and plenty of videos that will show you everything from basic brake maintenance up to changing the cambelt or clutch.
Cheers
Neil
Our n/a is a very useable car and suits my missus perfectly. I enjoy driving it, and it's good fun to hustle down country lanes as it handles well. It's not that slow really, and I only get frustrated with it when I see an overtaking opportunity where the forester could get past but I know the GX accelerate fast enough.
With regard to checks when buying just go through all the usual checks that apply when buying any car. I don't think it's been mentioned but do check for damage to the underside as it may've been used/abused off road.
I don't know if you've looked at parts and service costs, but Subaru's are not that difficult to look after yourself if you can. There's lots of info on sites like scoobymods and plenty of videos that will show you everything from basic brake maintenance up to changing the cambelt or clutch.
Cheers
Neil
Thanks for the info mate.
I guess its time to go check a few out and see how they look/sound and feel I suppose!
Im not that bad with maintenance stuff, usually do the usual consumables on my cars myself. But have the bonus of the mrs cousin being a qualified mechanic so he can help out with any bigger jobs.
Just need my car to sell now so i can get serious about picking up an Impreza!
I cant believe how many timewasters and ridiculously low offers Im getting for my car when its priced so low already!
Its just pissing me off that Ive seen loads for sale in my budget and look pretty decent, but keep going! And I dont want to contact the sellers saying Im interested but have to wait for mine to go as I dont like wasting their time!
I guess its time to go check a few out and see how they look/sound and feel I suppose!
Im not that bad with maintenance stuff, usually do the usual consumables on my cars myself. But have the bonus of the mrs cousin being a qualified mechanic so he can help out with any bigger jobs.
Just need my car to sell now so i can get serious about picking up an Impreza!
I cant believe how many timewasters and ridiculously low offers Im getting for my car when its priced so low already!
Its just pissing me off that Ive seen loads for sale in my budget and look pretty decent, but keep going! And I dont want to contact the sellers saying Im interested but have to wait for mine to go as I dont like wasting their time!
Edited by TankRS on Tuesday 26th March 08:57
If you aren't absolutely set on an Impreza and don't mind an estate (and farmers waving at you) have a look at the Forester S-Turbo. It's 177bhp, for us it's the same on insurance costs as our GX, does nearly the same mpg (32 is the best I've had compared to 34 on the GX), lots of Impreza parts fit so the handling can be improved, and it has the all important turbo I think it's also a bit nicer inside with armrests on the front seats, more cubbyholes for stuff and 5 cupholders are useful. The all weather pack gives you a big sunroof, heated seats and heated wiper park area.
Ours is as happy on the motorway as it is on b-roads, and does a bit of this too..
One thing to check on an older forester is failed self-levelling suspension at the rear. If it's low at the back either the SLS has failed, or has failed and been replaced with standard shocks and the SLS springs have not been replaced at the same time. If it has non SLS shocks the saggy rear can be fixed with KYB or Impreza wagon springs.
Lots of info on forester.org if you are interested.
I think it's also a bit nicer inside with armrests on the front seats, more cubbyholes for stuff and 5 cupholders are useful. The all weather pack gives you a big sunroof, heated seats and heated wiper park area.Ours is as happy on the motorway as it is on b-roads, and does a bit of this too..
One thing to check on an older forester is failed self-levelling suspension at the rear. If it's low at the back either the SLS has failed, or has failed and been replaced with standard shocks and the SLS springs have not been replaced at the same time. If it has non SLS shocks the saggy rear can be fixed with KYB or Impreza wagon springs.
Lots of info on forester.org if you are interested.
Cheers for all the info.
I had considered a Forester, a guy in work has one so I’ve had a good poke round and a quick blast in it too. It is a very tidy motor. Just feels a little too big and estate like for me right now. Don’t really need use of it as a wagon tbh. That said there are a few wrx wagons coming up cheap so I may end up with one, just the Impreza ones appear to be much smaller than their Forester brothers.
Also the mrs hates the look of them! And swmbo has a stake in the car too and downright refused to drive it if I ended up getting one!
I won’t rule out a Forester yet tho. There are a fair few for sale locally for less than the Impreza with lower miles/better spec. If I do take the Forester route she will just have to lump it!
Again it all rests on how well my car sells!
I had considered a Forester, a guy in work has one so I’ve had a good poke round and a quick blast in it too. It is a very tidy motor. Just feels a little too big and estate like for me right now. Don’t really need use of it as a wagon tbh. That said there are a few wrx wagons coming up cheap so I may end up with one, just the Impreza ones appear to be much smaller than their Forester brothers.
Also the mrs hates the look of them! And swmbo has a stake in the car too and downright refused to drive it if I ended up getting one!
I won’t rule out a Forester yet tho. There are a fair few for sale locally for less than the Impreza with lower miles/better spec. If I do take the Forester route she will just have to lump it!
Again it all rests on how well my car sells!
So my car sold. All be it for the bottom end of my budget. But it's gone at least!
And now I have a £3k budget to pick up a nice new Subaru!
The 3k has to cover car and insurance so still aiming for around the £2-2.5k mark for a car.
Been over at scoobynet and taken on board their advice also with ones from here and a wrx is on the cards.
Need to find a few to test and see which I prefer and which drive better.
Still leaning more towards a bug wrx as its supposedly a nicer place to be than in a classic.
Again cheered for the continued advice. And I'll post up my findings when it happens!
(Now to talk myself out of the purple wrapped wagon on autotrader!)
And now I have a £3k budget to pick up a nice new Subaru!
The 3k has to cover car and insurance so still aiming for around the £2-2.5k mark for a car.
Been over at scoobynet and taken on board their advice also with ones from here and a wrx is on the cards.
Need to find a few to test and see which I prefer and which drive better.
Still leaning more towards a bug wrx as its supposedly a nicer place to be than in a classic.
Again cheered for the continued advice. And I'll post up my findings when it happens!
(Now to talk myself out of the purple wrapped wagon on autotrader!)
SystemParanoia said:
N/A Impreza's are great for 12 car rallying... as most clubs wont allow turbos as im sure you're aware
I am quite aware. And the thought very much had crossed my mind. as im sure you're aware I'm a little taken back at just how poor the fuel economy is across the Impreza range!
I mean I knew the turbos would be fairly poor when driven enthusiastically. But seeing people reporting mid to low 20's as an average, even on the N/A engines! Is slightly unnerving.
I have to do some serious calculations before deciding on the next step.
I seriously doubt my current £100 a month on fuel will last in the Impreza, especially in a wrx!
And yeah I do get that considering the mpg when buying a car like an Impreza is a fairly retarded thing, and that if I have to consider fuel economy then performance cars are a bad place to look for a new motor!
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