Impreza or hooligan alternatives - £3k
Discussion
I recently started this thread, http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... but I've decided to be mature in one sense and invest in a property so the criteria has changed slightly.
I'm still likely to end up in a 1.0l Fiesta or similar in the next 12 months so looking to retain some immatruitty by getting a hooligan machine, something fun for around £3k. Impreza is top of the list around this budget, I'd prefer an Evo but they are more expensive and running costs are higher so they're out. Something like http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/992415-turbo-2... seems like the perfect hooligan machine but are there any alternatives I'm overlooking?
I'm still likely to end up in a 1.0l Fiesta or similar in the next 12 months so looking to retain some immatruitty by getting a hooligan machine, something fun for around £3k. Impreza is top of the list around this budget, I'd prefer an Evo but they are more expensive and running costs are higher so they're out. Something like http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/992415-turbo-2... seems like the perfect hooligan machine but are there any alternatives I'm overlooking?
I wouldn't buy one that's already been modded, unless I knew the history of the car and could personally vouch for the previous owner. There's too much sub-quality work that goes on, especially with imprezas.
I got myself a blob wagon back in october for £3.5K and love it. But it's a very early 03 car, I doubt you'll get a good blobeye for 3.
If it were my money, I'd be looking for a super minty late 02 bugeye with PPP, as standard as possible and with plenty of service history.
These things are pretty pricey to keep on the road, so look for indications that the brakes have seen an overhaul, with pads in the last 10K or so. At 10 years+, also look for an indication that the gearbox and diff oils have been changed, a recent clutch is always a bonus, and make sure it's had frequent oil changes!
Above all else, a low milage car is one to look out for, as engine work on imprezas is NOT cheap. A mega hp example is likely to wear out the likes of big end bearings quicker, not to mention that the 5 speed gearbox isn't the strongest and will likely suffer.
I got myself a blob wagon back in october for £3.5K and love it. But it's a very early 03 car, I doubt you'll get a good blobeye for 3.
If it were my money, I'd be looking for a super minty late 02 bugeye with PPP, as standard as possible and with plenty of service history.
These things are pretty pricey to keep on the road, so look for indications that the brakes have seen an overhaul, with pads in the last 10K or so. At 10 years+, also look for an indication that the gearbox and diff oils have been changed, a recent clutch is always a bonus, and make sure it's had frequent oil changes!
Above all else, a low milage car is one to look out for, as engine work on imprezas is NOT cheap. A mega hp example is likely to wear out the likes of big end bearings quicker, not to mention that the 5 speed gearbox isn't the strongest and will likely suffer.
ohtari said:
I wouldn't buy one that's already been modded, unless I knew the history of the car and could personally vouch for the previous owner. There's too much sub-quality work that goes on, especially with imprezas.
I got myself a blob wagon back in october for £3.5K and love it. But it's a very early 03 car, I doubt you'll get a good blobeye for 3.
If it were my money, I'd be looking for a super minty late 02 bugeye with PPP, as standard as possible and with plenty of service history.
These things are pretty pricey to keep on the road, so look for indications that the brakes have seen an overhaul, with pads in the last 10K or so. At 10 years+, also look for an indication that the gearbox and diff oils have been changed, a recent clutch is always a bonus, and make sure it's had frequent oil changes!
Above all else, a low milage car is one to look out for, as engine work on imprezas is NOT cheap. A mega hp example is likely to wear out the likes of big end bearings quicker, not to mention that the 5 speed gearbox isn't the strongest and will likely suffer.
Thanks for the advice. The budget could be stretched for the right car if it gets me into a slightly newer model and I'd rather a standard car if possible, there just don't seem to be a lot of standard ones around.I got myself a blob wagon back in october for £3.5K and love it. But it's a very early 03 car, I doubt you'll get a good blobeye for 3.
If it were my money, I'd be looking for a super minty late 02 bugeye with PPP, as standard as possible and with plenty of service history.
These things are pretty pricey to keep on the road, so look for indications that the brakes have seen an overhaul, with pads in the last 10K or so. At 10 years+, also look for an indication that the gearbox and diff oils have been changed, a recent clutch is always a bonus, and make sure it's had frequent oil changes!
Above all else, a low milage car is one to look out for, as engine work on imprezas is NOT cheap. A mega hp example is likely to wear out the likes of big end bearings quicker, not to mention that the 5 speed gearbox isn't the strongest and will likely suffer.
Something like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-impreza-wrx-ppp-p... looks ideal if a deal could be made.
I recently picked up a 53 plate Blobeye Impreza hatch, completely standard WRX, good history, full MOT / Tax etc for £3k and am loving it so far. Perfect blend of sensible family car during the week and a bit of fun for me at weekends. PPP kit is a good option, but fairly easy and cheap to do yourself apparently. Mine has the Prodrive backbox which is a guilty pleasure - if anyone complains too much I can tell them it came with the car. Not many cars sound or go better for the money, in my opinion.
Then again, Clio Renaultsport is a lot of fun though a bit fragile, 200SX, 306 Rallye?
Then again, Clio Renaultsport is a lot of fun though a bit fragile, 200SX, 306 Rallye?
callahan said:
I recently picked up a 53 plate Blobeye Impreza hatch, completely standard WRX, good history, full MOT / Tax etc for £3k and am loving it so far. Perfect blend of sensible family car during the week and a bit of fun for me at weekends. PPP kit is a good option, but fairly easy and cheap to do yourself apparently. Mine has the Prodrive backbox which is a guilty pleasure - if anyone complains too much I can tell them it came with the car. Not many cars sound or go better for the money, in my opinion.
Then again, Clio Renaultsport is a lot of fun though a bit fragile, 200SX, 306 Rallye?
I love the noise of PPP Imprezas! Not a huge fan of Renaultsport Clios or 306/106/Saxos to be honest. Wouldn't mind a Clio Williams though.Then again, Clio Renaultsport is a lot of fun though a bit fragile, 200SX, 306 Rallye?
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