Buying a Scooby
Discussion
All,
Help needed!
I went to look at a 52-plate Impreza WRX over the weekend: WR blue, 54,000 miles for £7,500. Belts and tensioners have been done and it was serviced only a couple of thousand miles ago. Car's very clean and drives well, no clutch judder that I noticed (which is the only Impreza problem I'm aware of).
However, the trader told me that he's selling on behalf of someone: apparently he sold the car a month ago (£7,990 - showed me the entry in his stock book to prove it and the buyer's name tallies with the V5) to someone who is splitting up with his Mrs and needs to sell it on again.
This sounds like a plausible story but as someone who's bought a pup in the past I don't want to do so again. The car's got a full service history with all the bills (inc. tyres and Tracker paperwork), so in theory it's a mint example but there's a little voice telling me to keep looking, even though I really liked the car.
Am I just being a prat
or should I do a Craig David and walk away?
Cheers, Animal
Help needed!
I went to look at a 52-plate Impreza WRX over the weekend: WR blue, 54,000 miles for £7,500. Belts and tensioners have been done and it was serviced only a couple of thousand miles ago. Car's very clean and drives well, no clutch judder that I noticed (which is the only Impreza problem I'm aware of).
However, the trader told me that he's selling on behalf of someone: apparently he sold the car a month ago (£7,990 - showed me the entry in his stock book to prove it and the buyer's name tallies with the V5) to someone who is splitting up with his Mrs and needs to sell it on again.
This sounds like a plausible story but as someone who's bought a pup in the past I don't want to do so again. The car's got a full service history with all the bills (inc. tyres and Tracker paperwork), so in theory it's a mint example but there's a little voice telling me to keep looking, even though I really liked the car.
Am I just being a prat
or should I do a Craig David and walk away?Cheers, Animal
^^^^^^^
What they said.
StevieB's 04 WRX sounds a good buy at £8K if it's immaculate, the mileage is low and hasn't been ragged.
Also....make sure it's unmodified. If it is modified then it will have been driven hard at some time, and if anyone tells you they modded their car for the crack and they have driven it lovingly are fcuking liars. Mind you Scoobs love been driven hard and as long as it's got FSSH and it drives well you're fine.
There are plenty of really good straight untouched examples about. Drive them all and keep looking.
What they said.
StevieB's 04 WRX sounds a good buy at £8K if it's immaculate, the mileage is low and hasn't been ragged.
Also....make sure it's unmodified. If it is modified then it will have been driven hard at some time, and if anyone tells you they modded their car for the crack and they have driven it lovingly are fcuking liars. Mind you Scoobs love been driven hard and as long as it's got FSSH and it drives well you're fine.
There are plenty of really good straight untouched examples about. Drive them all and keep looking.
Mine is slightly modded but has full subaru service history. not low milage averaging 15k per annum and a full dealer stamped service book. always warmed up properly and allowed to cool down for a few miles before being turned off. Only faults are stone chips on the bumper..
Only Mods are a TSL/ Hayward and scott exhaust + a Simota Panel Filter.
Still have the OEM exhaust, Or a STI exhaust or a Prodrive Exhaust. if you want something quieter.
I have been offered a Newage Sti for £10k and want that so need to get rid of the WRX so i can have the STi otherwise i would not sell..
Only Mods are a TSL/ Hayward and scott exhaust + a Simota Panel Filter.
Still have the OEM exhaust, Or a STI exhaust or a Prodrive Exhaust. if you want something quieter.
I have been offered a Newage Sti for £10k and want that so need to get rid of the WRX so i can have the STi otherwise i would not sell..
Edited by stevieb on Tuesday 27th November 23:26
Edited by stevieb on Tuesday 27th November 23:28
Apologies for the bump!
I've changed my budget a bit and am now stuck between two '04 Imprezas: an SL and an STi. My dilemma is this:
1) The SL has climate control and leather trim, and will of course be fast enough for just about any occasion, but
2) The STi will be amazing and has a 6-speed gearbox (like my Civic).
I wanted something a little less frantic and a bit more comfortable as my next car: Is the STi going to be more of the same? Also, what sort of MPG can I expect - is 25 MPG unreasonable? Lastly, do I have to run it on super unleaded?
Giving the dealer a reply today so urgent replies needed!
Cheers,
Animal
I've changed my budget a bit and am now stuck between two '04 Imprezas: an SL and an STi. My dilemma is this:
1) The SL has climate control and leather trim, and will of course be fast enough for just about any occasion, but
2) The STi will be amazing and has a 6-speed gearbox (like my Civic).
I wanted something a little less frantic and a bit more comfortable as my next car: Is the STi going to be more of the same? Also, what sort of MPG can I expect - is 25 MPG unreasonable? Lastly, do I have to run it on super unleaded?
Giving the dealer a reply today so urgent replies needed!
Cheers,
Animal
If you want out and out speed and super handling and don't mind the stiffer suspension then i would go for the STi everytime. If you modify the STi then you're in for some properly decent BHP if it's done well and you get the DCCD (driver controlled differential)as well. 
If you want everyday driveability, almost as quick as an STi and when modded properly anything up to 300 - 330bhp reliably then go for the WRX. The suspension isn't soft but it's a bit more forgiving than the the STi as standard and a bit better on fuel.
MPG - STi/15-20mpg driven normally......... WRX 18 - 25mpg driven normally. although i have had my WRX into single figures on a trackday
Now that i have had a WRX i would definately go the STi route for the 6spd box/DCCD and extra handling/power as standard. Now i am toying with the idea of popping an STi lump, box & suspension into my sportwagon. That way i get a practical super quick chariot for any kind of use
Hopefully you have driven them both and know which one you like the best. Go with your heart as the head a way down the line can sometimes make you wish you had gone with your heart. They are both thirsty but what the heck. Either way in STi or WRX guise it's an awesome and very capable bit of kit.
Good luck!!!
If you want everyday driveability, almost as quick as an STi and when modded properly anything up to 300 - 330bhp reliably then go for the WRX. The suspension isn't soft but it's a bit more forgiving than the the STi as standard and a bit better on fuel.
MPG - STi/15-20mpg driven normally......... WRX 18 - 25mpg driven normally. although i have had my WRX into single figures on a trackday
Now that i have had a WRX i would definately go the STi route for the 6spd box/DCCD and extra handling/power as standard. Now i am toying with the idea of popping an STi lump, box & suspension into my sportwagon. That way i get a practical super quick chariot for any kind of use
Hopefully you have driven them both and know which one you like the best. Go with your heart as the head a way down the line can sometimes make you wish you had gone with your heart. They are both thirsty but what the heck. Either way in STi or WRX guise it's an awesome and very capable bit of kit.
Good luck!!!
A modded WRX will come pretty close to a standard STi and on our lumpy bumpy roads the WRX would easily keep up and return a little bit more economy. Personally though the STi is the purer car and given a 6 speed box and a DCCD you have a much more capable car. Mines running 316bhp (allegedly) and combined with the DCCD is great fun. Go for the STi if you can, otherwise you'll be kicking yourself when one pulls up next to you at the lights. 
p.s. the STis have aircon and yes you will need to run it on super (preferably Tesco 99RON)
You'll be able to eat CTRs for breakfast
p.s. the STis have aircon and yes you will need to run it on super (preferably Tesco 99RON)
You'll be able to eat CTRs for breakfast
Edited by MilnerR on Monday 4th February 10:20
I bought a WRX as I wanted something with some manufacturers warranty and I couldn't justify spending the same cash on an older car. I'm not really a fan of the blob eyes either.
The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
Bungleaio said:
I bought a WRX as I wanted something with some manufacturers warranty and I couldn't justify spending the same cash on an older car. I'm not really a fan of the blob eyes either.
The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
Unfortunately the fuel guage is the same on all Scoobys. the way the tank is shaped and spread across the car underneath means the last half to quarter tank goes in a flash. Just change the backbox for a decent TSL GrpN, Hayward & Scot or Milltek 3" item with a 4" or 5" tailpipe and your Scooby will warble like a goodun!!The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
ScoobieWRX said:
Bungleaio said:
I bought a WRX as I wanted something with some manufacturers warranty and I couldn't justify spending the same cash on an older car. I'm not really a fan of the blob eyes either.
The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
Unfortunately the fuel guage is the same on all Scoobys. the way the tank is shaped and spread across the car underneath means the last half to quarter tank goes in a flash. Just change the backbox for a decent TSL GrpN, Hayward & Scot or Milltek 3" item with a 4" or 5" tailpipe and your Scooby will warble like a goodun!!The fuel doesn't last long and I'm averaging around 15-20 mpg but I do mainly city driving with a bit of twisty and motorway thrown in for good measure, I had a long trip up the motorway and it went up to 26mpg. I only ever buy standard supermarket fuel as I have never found a difference using optimax etc in my other cars, I might have an experiment with the scoob one day but it runs fine on the stuff it's getting at the moment.
I only ever use the top 3/4 of the tank as the fuel can drop rapidly if you get a bit eager to make progress so the last 1/4 may not last very long. Plus it hurts enough putting £40 in at a time.
I do feel a bit let down in the car when an STi pulls up next to me but its a great car and will pull away cleanly from just about anything if need be, a sub 6 seconds 0-60 time is definately quick in my book.
One thing that has disapointed me in the wrx is its lack of noise, it just whispers along and its easy to creep up to illegal speeds. I had a cooper S before which made a glorious noise from its supercharger and the exhaust poped and banged on the over run. To try and make it a bit noiser I have removed the intake chamber from the wheel arch and I am hopefully getting a prodrive back box this week.
The wrx is a very competant car and gets the job done well I am pleased with mine.
Have agreed a deal on the SL I tested on Saturday, going to get the ball rolling tomorrow with a view to picking it up on Sat.
Decided on the SL because I can always get a PPP if (sorry, when!) I decide I need an extra bit of poke.
Speaking of a PPP, what's the concensus - are these value for money? Is there only one pack for my type of car? I've looked at the details on the Subaru website and it looks like I'd get 260-ish BHP and 250-ish lbs/ft - is this right? Also, what would a quick shift kit cost to have fitted?
Cheers, and very excited,
Animal
Decided on the SL because I can always get a PPP if (sorry, when!) I decide I need an extra bit of poke.
Speaking of a PPP, what's the concensus - are these value for money? Is there only one pack for my type of car? I've looked at the details on the Subaru website and it looks like I'd get 260-ish BHP and 250-ish lbs/ft - is this right? Also, what would a quick shift kit cost to have fitted?
Cheers, and very excited,
Animal
Animal said:
Have agreed a deal on the SL I tested on Saturday, going to get the ball rolling tomorrow with a view to picking it up on Sat.
Decided on the SL because I can always get a PPP if (sorry, when!) I decide I need an extra bit of poke.
Speaking of a PPP, what's the concensus - are these value for money? Is there only one pack for my type of car? I've looked at the details on the Subaru website and it looks like I'd get 260-ish BHP and 250-ish lbs/ft - is this right? Also, what would a quick shift kit cost to have fitted?
Cheers, and very excited,
Animal
If you need the warranty then go for the PPP, if not go for an aftermarket remap at powerstation or similar.. you will probably get around 270-280Bhp for less money.. Decided on the SL because I can always get a PPP if (sorry, when!) I decide I need an extra bit of poke.
Speaking of a PPP, what's the concensus - are these value for money? Is there only one pack for my type of car? I've looked at the details on the Subaru website and it looks like I'd get 260-ish BHP and 250-ish lbs/ft - is this right? Also, what would a quick shift kit cost to have fitted?
Cheers, and very excited,
Animal
see http://www.powerstation.org.uk/subaru_tuning.asp
Edited by stevieb on Monday 4th February 15:11
If you aren't bothered about warranty how about the WRX 333/333 upgrade from TSL. They provide the hardware and Paul at Zen Performance does the mapping!! Awesome conversion, and all for about £2K.
PPP is fine if you want to keep the warranty intact if you are buying from a Subaru stealership, but in all honesty you will only get a 1yr warranty from the stealer as it is now out of Subaru manufacturers 3yr warranty. PPP of all the conversions IMHO is the poor cousin and bloody expensive for what you get!!
If the car is absolutely dead genuine and running really well so long as it is serviced on time there is very little if anything that will go wrong with it in the next year. Servicing doesn't have to be done by a Subaru stealership either for the warranty to stick, so long as genuine Subaru parts are used and the service is done in accordance with the manufacturers spec. There are plenty of reputable specialists around that will service it for you cheaper than the stealership.
Well done on your purchase and welcome to the club. You won't be dissapointed
PPP is fine if you want to keep the warranty intact if you are buying from a Subaru stealership, but in all honesty you will only get a 1yr warranty from the stealer as it is now out of Subaru manufacturers 3yr warranty. PPP of all the conversions IMHO is the poor cousin and bloody expensive for what you get!!
If the car is absolutely dead genuine and running really well so long as it is serviced on time there is very little if anything that will go wrong with it in the next year. Servicing doesn't have to be done by a Subaru stealership either for the warranty to stick, so long as genuine Subaru parts are used and the service is done in accordance with the manufacturers spec. There are plenty of reputable specialists around that will service it for you cheaper than the stealership.
Well done on your purchase and welcome to the club.
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