1997 Subaru

I have for sale this 1997 Subaru Legacy Twin Turbo GTB. This originally came to me as a part exchange (I deal in Mazda MX5s) but I've really enjoyed using this for the last few weeks. It was imported in 2009 so its spent most of its life on the salt-free roads in Japan which means it has an excellent rust-free body. The spec of these cars is quite something with the famous EJ20 260bhp boxer engine fitted with twin sequential turbos, automatic transmission and permanent four wheel drive. This one also has Bilstein suspension and a limited slip differential. What it all adds up to in reality is a car that can cover any journey, on any road and in any conditions with complete ease while travelling as fast you want.

This example has been meticulously maintained with regular servicing and oil changes. The last two owners were real enthusiasts and there is a pile of receipts to prove what work has been carried out. For example, the timing belt was replaced at 53700 miles, along with new transmission fluid, new front and rear diff oil etc. The car has now covered around 76000 miles and this is backed up by detailed service records, old MOT certificates and Japanese import paperwork. Its had a number of subtle upgrades such as the fitting of silicone vacuum hoses, an uprated earthing kit, the Nutty Stuff Punch primary turbo mod (turbo spools up longer and quicker) and slightly larger bore cat back exhaust system. For extra safety, it has a HKS turbo timer that can be programmed to various intervals.

As you can see, its finished in Pure White with a dark cloth interior and its fitted with aftermarket 18" alloy wheels. Inside it has electric windows, electric mirrors (these are heated too), an electric aerial, twin electric sunroofs, power steering, air conditioning and a Momo steering wheel. The interior is nice and clean and tidy though there is small rip in the base of the driver's seat and few minor marks on the dashboard. Its fitted with a Sony BT2700 stereo with CD player and aux jack which sounds excellent.

Bodywork is good: there are no dents or bad scratches (just the odd stone chip here and there) and no rust anywhere. The alloys have the odd scuff and a touch of lacquer lifting but the car really does look very good. Tyres are all new-ish and have plenty of tread.

Mechanically its very good indeed thanks to proper maintenance. Its ultra-reliable, always starts instantly and ticks over perfectly with superb and discreet Subaru rumble from its exhaust. Out on the road, it drives beautifully with no rattles, no creaks and no odd suspension or wheel bearing noises. The auto 'box changes gear smoothly and the engine holds it temperature perfectly in all conditions and uses no oil or water. Performance takes some getting used to thanks to the sequential turbo set up. The first turbo starts at around 1500 rpm giving reasonable performance but at around 4000rpm, the second turbo kicks in and acceleration goes from 'quite quick' to 'stupidly fast'. It just pulls like a train but always feels safe and stable on the road. In fact I think its handling is even more impressive than its performance. Thanks to the four-wheel drive, it hangs on forever and just goes wherever you point it, with no drama. Grip is immense and its just brilliant on a twisty country road.

I have a thick pile of old receipts and old MOT certificates as well as two keys ad two alarm fobs. I should mention that it has a Viper alarm/immobiliser along with remote central locking. Its MOT'd until June but I'll include 12 months MOT. A HPI check shows that its free from previous accident damage, outstanding finance etc. So this is a superior example of a performance car that has been properly maintained and that drives as it should and needs no obvious money spending on it. I'm looking for £1995 though I'd consider an interesting part exchange.