Buying a 2001 Bugeye...

Buying a 2001 Bugeye...

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NRS

Original Poster:

22,174 posts

201 months

Monday 25th March 2013
quotequote all
Apologies if the question (has most likely) been asked a lot before.

I've been thinking about getting a 2001 WRX. Had an MX-5 before, but moving up north of the Arctic circle, so thinking I need to be a bit more practical. Since cars are so expensive over here in Norway then it needs to be an older one (plus I need some money for an apartment purchase at the same time). The reason for choosing a Subaru is that is is relatively cheap, good fun, practical in regards to space and being able to drive it in "bad" snow (I did the same with the MX-5 but after a certain point clearance becomes a big issue)!

A normal WRX would have been preferable, but I suspect it will be a bit impractical with getting skis in, so am now thinking for going for the wagon. What are the things to look for when buying? I know the 2002-2003 cars are supposed to have a bit weaker trannies, but not sure if this affects the earlier cars too?

An example of one I am looking at is this. Seems to be in good condition for the distance, and not been messed about with. And a bargin at only £17 000 or so (no typo, just the cost of cars here)!

http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/object?finnkode=3...

HonestIago

1,719 posts

186 months

Monday 25th March 2013
quotequote all
At literally a tenth of the price couldn't you travel to the UK for one?

NRS

Original Poster:

22,174 posts

201 months

Monday 25th March 2013
quotequote all
HonestIago said:
At literally a tenth of the price couldn't you travel to the UK for one?
It's import costs that are the issue. They're taxed on power, CO2 and weight. You get a discount the older the car is. Doing a quick calculation now it basically works out the same price. But it's more about the cars, rather than the cost/ importing etc, smile

cheesesliceking

1,571 posts

240 months

Wednesday 27th March 2013
quotequote all
NRS said:
It's import costs that are the issue. They're taxed on power, CO2 and weight. You get a discount the older the car is. Doing a quick calculation now it basically works out the same price. But it's more about the cars, rather than the cost/ importing etc, smile
It costs £15,000 to import a car to where you are?? mental!

the one in the add looks ok, not sure whats going on with the wheels though, they're not standard WRX wheels, dodgy aftermarket gear knob, needs the stupid rubber protection trim bits taking off the rear arches, they trap moisture up against a part thats notorious for rusting.

NRS

Original Poster:

22,174 posts

201 months

Wednesday 27th March 2013
quotequote all
cheesesliceking said:
It costs £15,000 to import a car to where you are?? mental!

the one in the add looks ok, not sure whats going on with the wheels though, they're not standard WRX wheels, dodgy aftermarket gear knob, needs the stupid rubber protection trim bits taking off the rear arches, they trap moisture up against a part thats notorious for rusting.
Jupp, welcome to Norway, land of the big taxes (but also some amazing women and scenery)!

I had noticed the wheels - it's a bit common here with people having 2 sets of wheels for summer and winter tyres. But often original ones seem to not follow the car after a while. Good to know about the problem areas for rusting. Is it the same with the sills? I avoided having any mud flaps on the MX-5 for the same reason.

Thanks for the help!

richardrsc

328 posts

135 months

Thursday 28th March 2013
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I am probably going to have nightmares now over the concept of a 10 year old wrx costing 17k.

OP you have my sincerest condolences. I thought our politicians were bad.

corvus

431 posts

152 months

Thursday 28th March 2013
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richardrsc said:
OP you have my sincerest condolences. I thought our politicians were bad.
Don't forget though that the Norwegians get higher salaries than here.

NRS

Original Poster:

22,174 posts

201 months

Sunday 31st March 2013
quotequote all
We do, although it doesn't make up for the extra price for a nice car (beer costing £7 a pint etc take care of that)!

After looking into it a bit more it's fine having a rack for skis or a bike. So I was wondering about this car, any opinions?

http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/object?finnkode=4...

cheesesliceking

1,571 posts

240 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2013
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Eek £7!
Anyhoo, that silver one looks less messed with, wheels in good condition too. not sure what the box stuck to side of passenger footwell is? but its not a standard item. I'd be more temtped with that one, dependent on history etc.

NRS

Original Poster:

22,174 posts

201 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2013
quotequote all
Yes, you need to remortage every time you have a night out! Women, lifestyle and some amazing scenery are the reasons to be here. At work you really are a person, not just a slave. Perhaps sometimes a little too much!

Thanks for the advice. The box is to warm the car up - I'm not sure on the details but it will warm up the car before you go out to it in the morning. They're quite popular over here since it's not the most pleasant to go out to a car when it's -20C!