Trying to swat up.. confused

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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.

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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

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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