What to look out for?
Discussion
I run a 2002 bugeye WRX wagon with 103K miles on the clock fitted with a 50K miles 2003 STi lump. So far i've yes to see any evidence of rust on the wheel arches or an oil leak of any sort from the engine.
I think the above probably applies more to the early classics of which i have seen plenty with rust and their fair share of oil leaks, but i don't think i have seen a late classic 99/00 with any rust whatsoever, and i remember coming across just one with an oil leak which was from the left hand valve cover.
Late classics and even the odd early newage bugeye WRX may suffer with a little bit of piston slap but that's nothing too major to worry about.
The usual thing with scoobs.... Make sure there is plenty of paperwork for everything and anything, as few previous owners as possible, as full a service history as possible either from a main dealer, specialist indie, or a mix of both is fine, see if the owner mentions interim oil changes every 5K miles, and general condition in and out as well as how tight it drives. Don't worry too much about mileage either as well looked after cars can do galactic mileage and they generally wear it well.
Drive a few so you get a general feel for how they should drive before you take the plunge. This way if and when you ever come across a duffer you'll be able to tell very quickly what the score is and move on to the next.
I think the above probably applies more to the early classics of which i have seen plenty with rust and their fair share of oil leaks, but i don't think i have seen a late classic 99/00 with any rust whatsoever, and i remember coming across just one with an oil leak which was from the left hand valve cover.
Late classics and even the odd early newage bugeye WRX may suffer with a little bit of piston slap but that's nothing too major to worry about.
The usual thing with scoobs.... Make sure there is plenty of paperwork for everything and anything, as few previous owners as possible, as full a service history as possible either from a main dealer, specialist indie, or a mix of both is fine, see if the owner mentions interim oil changes every 5K miles, and general condition in and out as well as how tight it drives. Don't worry too much about mileage either as well looked after cars can do galactic mileage and they generally wear it well.
Drive a few so you get a general feel for how they should drive before you take the plunge. This way if and when you ever come across a duffer you'll be able to tell very quickly what the score is and move on to the next.
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