Trying to swat up.. confused

[Scoticus]

I am looking at buying an Impreza after christmas, obviously I have been looking on ebay/autotrader/Ph to see what I can get for my money.
Looking at the current prices I can afford to buy a Bugeye or a cheap blobeye both WRX but not STI (in most cases)

Personally Id rather buy a bugeye given how much I have to spend.. buy old = better looked after/better spec?

Anyway, at the start of the week I had my first drive in an Impreza and OH MY GOD! it was unbelievably good!
the car in question was a 2001 (bugeye) WRX UK300
this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-Y-Subaru-Impreza-2-...

Now, what is the difference between this spec and an WRX?
as far as I can see there isnt any difference.
the above car as you can see has had some work done, front mount intercooler and a single box prodrive exhaust but other then that it seems fairly standard, what am I missing?

the reason for me asking is fairly simple, I love the way that one drives, the sound and the way it rockets its self up the road when the turbo is up and singing. I just dont want to get my hopes up and expect them all to be like that.

With my car (when i get it) I will be doing some work to it, front mount, exhaust etc if it hasnt already been done.

Thanks in advance for your help, as much information as possible would be good

I have no connection with the car in the above link, just using it to show what I have driven.

[stonefish]

Hi mate It looks like a nice motor, But i would be very worried about the mileage.. 113000miles its ready to go POP in my opinion. My blobeye Wrx lasted to 86000miles and then the dreaded Knock Knock who's there?? yyour crank thats how.. nice £2550 bill.. My car was mapped and had all the usual rubbish that we do to them..
But back to the car in question It looks lowered -Front mount so its probably been down that route of mapping.. Just go though all the paper work and if its been to a specialists phone them and ask about the car.. But i still worry about the mileage..
Ive just sold my Blobeye for £4500 It looked like the Sti had new clutch, new bottom end rebuild, brakes all round and brand new tyres ad08..
Just trying to say take your time there is good cars out there.. they dont sell fast anyway not everyone can afford to run one properly.. And try and keep away from Ebay st..
Good luck hunting and you will love it

[Scoticus]

Thanks for your reply.
The car shown is really nice and has masses of service history. Sadly im not in a position to buy this side of christmas.
I took it out just to get a feel for the cars.
I was very impressed with it and will be buying one.

other then the knocking, what else do I need to be looking out for? And is the knocking to reserved to the bugeye?

What is the difference between the one shown and a WRX?
I loved the way that one drove and how quick it was. Are all WRX spec cars like that, or is the UK300 a quicker car?

sorry about all the questions, but id rather know as much as I can early in my search.

As said, I can afford a WRX but not an WRX STI

Thanks again

[embeddedbob]

Look in the boot, several I looked at had been in an accident resulting in a deformed boot. Likewise with the front metal work behind bumper. While youre under there, check the condition of the CV boots and that everything looks straight, no leaks...etc. Service history is important, make sure its not missing and use the online MOT mileage guide to verify the history you are shown. Make sure you get the engine up to temperature and that it pulls strongly. Obviously they shouldnt make any weird noises, knocks...etc so listen out. If nervous, pay for an inspection. Try and get a low mileage one, I got a 05 WRX PPP thats done under 30k for 5k (still over book price but like new condition). Good luck.

[cheesesliceking]

Changes from standard WRX to the UK300 WRX ( the FMIC wasnt included so has been done seperatly by a previous owner):

Key changes include new headlamps featuring black gloss shells with twin high-intensity Hella light units identical to the Impreza rally car. Sitting above the twin lights are small diameter circular indicators. The new Peter Stevens designed front and rear aerodynamic aids reduce high-speed lift, enhancing tyre grip and handling control. For example, at 100 mph, front lift is reduced from 35.6 lbs to 27.8 lbs while rear lift goes down from 29.6 lbs to 20.7 lbs - a reduction of 25.6 per cent. Only one colour has been specified for the UK300 - WR Blue Mica - which is also extended to the WRX’s standard deep side skirts.

The UK300 also boasts gold-coloured OZ 10-spoke alloy wheels measuring 18 ins by 7.5 ins and carrying the latest 225/40 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres - up from the standard WRX’s already generous 17 x 7 ins alloys with 215/45 tyres. Other exterior enhancements include white side indicators and white front markers.

Inside, the UK300 features blue suede-effect seats - the front being the rally-style bucket type - plus matching door inserts. The potential collector’s car also has special deep-pile carpet and boot mats plus a limited edition numbered plaque.

Not only the exterior and interior are upgraded but the engine was fitted with the Prodrive WR Sport package. The secret to the £1,600 Prodrive WR Sport performance pack option is a reprogrammed Electronic Control Unit (ECU), uprated intercooler piping and free-flow exhaust system with a large single tailpipe. Both power and torque have benefitted from the package with a power increase from 218 bhp to 245.

[Ved]

I wouldn't say the engine is a time bomb at all. Serviced on schedule and without scrimping on parts and that all important oil it'll run for a very long time. My Forester is at 115k and my tuned STI is at 86, both feeling well.

That isn't worth £5k though, more like £4000 if it's completely mint.

Edited by Ved on Monday 9th December 13:51

[RB Will]

I think I would try being a little more patient and wait for one to come up or save up for an STI.
You will have spent the same amount putting an exhaust/ intercooler/ map on a WRX anyway.
The STI will have a nicer interior and better suspension, 6 speed gearbox, more power and potential for more power with basic tuning.

The drive of the car will depend on what its had done to it. I think you may have ruined any ownership prospects of a standard WRX by driving a modded one as they will probably feel a bit sluggish now. It would be interesting to know the full spec of the one you drove. Advert says it has 215bhp, but thats standard WRX, as shown above the standard UK300 should have 245ish and this one has had further work. I dont know anybody who has put a front mount on that has not also done turbo, injectors, fuel pump, exhaust and map so as a pure finger in the air guess I would expect the one you drove to have 280-320bhp which will make your next drive in a standard car very disappointing


Happy to be corrected on all the above by someone with more knowledge though.

[Ved]

Will is right in every way. That 300 was a WRX fitted with a style kit, wheels and performance pack all by Prodrive. A cracking car but someone fitting that FMIC has either tuned it to within an inch of its life and attempted to wind it back to stock or doesn't know the first thing about why you change from a top of a front intercooler. STIs don't need these unless they're going for 400bhp so a 245ish WRX having one does't make sense one bit.

Personally I'd only be looking at a standard STI as that gives you enough ownership scope and a stronger power train right away. A blob eye STI would be £4,000 and you could get some single owner ones for that if you are patient enough.

I'd pass on that WRX but I might be able to go take a look for you if I'm up that way soon as my parents live in Nottinghamshire.

Edited by Ved on Tuesday 10th December 13:06

[Scoticus]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

To answer some questions on the above car (as best as i can)
Its a uk300
Front mount
dump valve
lowered
Prodrive exhaust
a new gear box.. sti apparently? it whined, like a straight cut box

not sure on turbo/injectors/fuel pump.
there wasnt anything in its history file about them being replaced.


Looking at the cars I think you are all right, Ill save up a little more and buy a full blown WRX STI and then set about playing with it slightly.
I thnk i hav spoiled my self by taking that car out. I should have took a standard WRX out, but hey! its made me want a car! Ill just have to wait a little longer

again, thanks for the replies, it has really helped

[RB Will]

Scoticus said:

Thanks everyone for the replies.

To answer some questions on the above car (as best as i can)
Its a uk300
Front mount
dump valve
lowered
Prodrive exhaust
a new gear box.. sti apparently? it whined, like a straight cut box

Again I'm happy to be corrected on this but think the Prodrive exhaust is standard with the 300.
I'm surprised the front mount has been done with no complimenting mods, but as you say they may be there.
Little concerned/confused about the gearbox. Not heard one whine before except for when broken. If it whined and it was fine then its probably running a PPG straight cut kit which almost makes it worth buying the car to break for parts! Can you remember if it was a 5 or 6 speed box?
Either way if its upgraded to an STi or PPG gearbox then its likely it broke the original one which should handle upto around 350bhp apparently (my P1 has been running 400ish bhp for 3 years now on the standard 5 speed box and its still hanging in there, just).Which might hint at this car being a bit of a hidden gem. Maybe get a specialist to look at it and see if they can spot the mods it could be a bargain that the dealer is unaware of.