Forester Prodrive 2001

[V12 Migaloo]

Need a car for a few months, have been offered a Forester Turbo, circa 2001 with 70k on the clock, with leather and various bell & colvile options. Its in fairly good nick and just serviced, owned by a chap who has a 3.0 Outback and he never wanted to sell it, now its just taking up his space. How much do you reckon I should offer? Any things to look at when I'm kicking the tyres??

[Ved]

£2k if it's faultless and runs perfectly. Check the gearbox doesn't crunch and the engine oil is on the stick.

[V12 Migaloo]

Thanks for that, any other items to be aware of?

[Ved]

V12 Migaloo said:

Thanks for that, any other items to be aware of?

Check the condition of the rear shocks. They're self-leveling things (very smart) but if the rear is dropped then you're looking at £500 to replace them but you'll likely do the front and rear anyway.

had to replace the lower arms on the rear as they were shot so get under it and just have a poke around. You'll probably also get some knocking from the roll bars at that age too but that's just a way to justify some lovely Whiteline goodies too

The engine should make no knocking sounds at all and be very smooth at idle. If you do hear anything then it's knackered, and they know it. Check for any odd smoke from the rear but before anything open the bonnet and check it's stone cold.

On the road is should pull pretty well from around 3,000rpm and be very composed. As I mentioned before don't be afraid to take it beyond 6,000 and change gear. That's the only way to know if the synchromesh is still there. Mine did grind a bit but after changing the gearbox oil for some smurfs blood (seriously, google it) it's now pretty smooth and doesn't grind at all.

Aside from that just check the electrics work and there are no bits missing like the headlight washer jets and that the sunroof and heated seats all work (assuming it has them).

I'd also ask for the Prodrive certificate as thats the only way this is a genuine prodrive car and not one with just a back box on it.

Finally it'll likely be on some pretty rubbish rubber so make sure they're all up to the same PSI and check that the car doesn't drift all over the shop and that there's no odd wear on them.

Any photos of the car?

Edited by Ved on Tuesday 17th December 17:54

[V12 Migaloo]

Thank VED, The car actually has been very well looked after. The guy who owns it is nearing retirement and has always had the car serviced at B&C. It was their demonstrator and had upgrades whilst in the hands of one of the co. directors at Bell & Colvile, so I am sure its all documented.
It even has a head up display for speed and revs! Since the current owner bought a 3.0 Outback all its done is sit in his garage, but I will check over the points you mentioned today and let you see some pics.
The rubber I know for a fact are the latest Yoko's, this guy did not skimp on parts, but it does need a good clean which I'm actually rather looking forward to!
Just another piece of advice required, when does the cam shaft belt need changing and how often do these cars need servicing.? I nearly bought an Evo 9 once but was put off by the 4k service intervals.

[Ved]

This sounds like a beauty then You'll still be changing the oil every 5k on these but that's more of a precaution and Opie Oils always has discounts on the Pro-S good stuff.

[V12 Migaloo]

Just seen the car again, not as tip top as expected from an aesthetics point of view, rust on the top of the windscreen and on the bottom of the window on the rear hatch, worn driver seat... delaminated faux carbon.. I can live with those and probably make good those areas. Its a 2002 model with 79k. Had the cam belt done at 60k and was just serviced, started up fine, albeit after say half a second not totally instantaneous....is that normal? Tyres are actual Falkens. Its not actually a Prodrive, I think I must have made that up, it was actually an official UK car, but titivated by Bell & Colvile, does that actually add value? Think he wants £2.5k, I think that's too much, any thoughts out there??

[Ved]

V12 Migaloo said:

Just seen the car again, not as tip top as expected from an aesthetics point of view, rust on the top of the windscreen and on the bottom of the window on the rear hatch, worn driver seat... delaminated faux carbon.. I can live with those and probably make good those areas. Its a 2002 model with 79k. Had the cam belt done at 60k and was just serviced, started up fine, albeit after say half a second not totally instantaneous....is that normal? Tyres are actual Falkens. Its not actually a Prodrive, I think I must have made that up, it was actually an official UK car, but titivated by Bell & Colvile, does that actually add value? Think he wants £2.5k, I think that's too much, any thoughts out there??

Mine was £2800 with 103k on and was in superb condition with no rust, just a few scratches on the sides which can be sorted out. The interior was spotless and aside from the modifications it's been cheap to run.

More on mine here and here

I wouldn't offer more than £1750 tops. Lots out there, especially for £2500. Mods add no value at all.

Edited by Ved on Wednesday 18th December 16:31

[V12 Migaloo]

Thanks VED, the modifications add no value at all is what I was thinking. Going to take a proper look on Friday. will keep you posted

[V12 Migaloo]

Unfortunately, and I quite understand, the car is worth more to the vendor as a spare car then what I was willing to offer. Very fast though VED, will keep looking..