thoughts on this subaru?

[S3_Graham]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/386790.htm

was looking at getting a P1 or an M3 but due to insurance..... looks like i will now be getting a UK turbo 2000 and spending the extra money getting up to spec. just wondered what you guys think of that one?? looks pretty tidy. but engine bay looks tatty...

[ScoobieWRX]

S3_Graham said:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/386790.htm

was looking at getting a P1 or an M3 but due to insurance..... looks like i will now be getting a UK turbo 2000 and spending the extra money getting up to spec. just wondered what you guys think of that one?? looks pretty tidy. but engine bay looks tatty...

That one looks ok and if it really is unmolested great. However, whenever i see the words 'never driven in anger' i have to laugh because i don't know anyone that buys one of these and never boots it or gives it a good thrashing once in a while. It's what they were built for and why most of us buy them. I would suggest the seller is 'pulling your plonka' when he says that and must think we are a bit dim!!

It's done 73K miles in almost 10yrs so that pretty low mileage, a fullservice history should prove that and in the photos it looks alright. But it is 10yrs old and IMHO i think it's about a £1000 over priced. Most dealers when they get a car in part-ex they usually put anything from £750 - £1500 on top of what they paid for it so i don't think i am far off.

Personally i would look for a private seller that has cherished his P & J, has a full service history and it will be as good as the dealers car and £500 - £1000 cheaper. No brainer!!

I'm sure i am right in saying that 98/99yr cars potentially could have issues with piston slap, however if it has done 73K miles with the original engine it might be fine and then again it might not. You should try and find out if it's had a re-build at any time, and if they say yes ask if the receipts for the work are all there (as they should be), if you are dead set on buying it.

Good luck

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Friday 14th March 15:49

[S3_Graham]

hmm ta. when you say piston slap.. is that a a known problem with purely those years?? would i be better buyiong a 97 or a 2000??

only reason ive been looking at garages is because i cant be arsed to go through the hassle of trying to sell my car.. was going to chop it in!

[ScoobieWRX]

Personally speaking i would go private next time.

I bought my 02 Sportwagon from a dealer and it was only 3yrs old at the time so for newer cars where you are spending a few quid it probably the best policy, but if i were going to buy a classic scooby i would go private.

As for piston slap i think it was an issue over those 2 years but if i remember rightly Subaru replaced or rebuilt customers engines as part of their warranty back then. You can tell Piston slap as it manifests itself as a light worn knocking cam type sound when cold but when properly hot you can't hear it unless it's really bad in which case i would walk away.

There is no reason why you shouldn't buy a 98/99 year car. Not everycar from these years was affected but a few were. If it's done a few miles and there is no sign of piston slap, oil leaks, engine/turbo smoke etc... then you should be absolutely OK, but insist on listening to the engine from cold/first start so you can hear anything untoward. My 02 Sportwagon suffered from piston slap but that didn't affect the everyday running of it, and in the end it was me that killed it so i am soon to be rebuilding the engine which is fine and happens sometimes.

What ever car you buy whether it's a Nissan Micra or Porsche Carrera so long as you have a full service history and main dealer or specialist garage service stamps you won't go far wrong.

[stevieb]

Graham, I know of a good classic tht is for sale around by you.. also whats your budget?

Also get onto www.Surreyscoobies.co.uk and ask any general questions on there if you nee any advice..

Steve