Repost - Sort Of.

[intergalactic]

Hi folks. I've already posted this in another part of the forum, but seeing as I'm Scottish and I don't know how often you guys & girls visit other parts of the forum I thought i'd post it here too. I apologise that this is a bit of a re-post but i'd appreciate the help as I've not had many replies.

This is what I posted:

Hi folks, I’m just a new member though I don’t own an Impreza yet but the plan is to get one. The site was recommended to me by a couple of people who still own or have had an Impreza. I've had a look around the site and it's a wealth of useful information.

What I’m looking to do is buy a WRX Wagon, probably a ‘bugeye’ as that is about as new as I can afford. The Wagon offers that bit more practicality which I’d like and the car is a potential daily driver with my girlfriend possibly driving it too. I’d prefer it to be a UK car and obviously have full service history and as low miles as possible (at least under 100k). I know it isn’t gonna be cheap for insurance and fuel etc and the bugeye isn’t the nicest looking Impreza but I’m strangely drawn to it.

As you’d expect, I’ve been looking at loads even although I’m not looking to buy for another few months. The thing is the prices vary wildly and I’m concerned about those that are in my budget. I’ve seen a few that fit the bill but are they a risky buy? My budget is £4k max and I mean max – I’d really like to spend a bit less and I’ve seen some for between £3.5k and £4k.

So that is my question – Are they too cheap for a reason or would it make a decent buy?

If it’s not worth the risk or whatever then I can at least start looking at something else and try and get Impreza’s out my head - though I really want one. Thanks in advance for your help.

The original post is here: http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=147628

Thanks again.

Edited May 8, 2010 by intergalactic

[myles]

Hello mate. I was in the market for a Bug wagon, looked at a load and found that they were in pretty poor condition. I, like you was looking towards the lower end of the Bugeye market and after a while I bought a saloon because I couldnt be bothered to look at another shed.

The good news is that you are looking at the best Impreza (!), the bugeye. Just take your time, dont jump in and MOST IMPORTANTLY take an enthusiast who knows all the questions to ask, pitfalls and dodgy areas of the car etc. He/she will be invaluable and will probably save you throwing £4k on a shed (you will see loads at that price, but there are some gems also)

Good luck, dont look to another marque, owning an Impreza is a rollercoaster ride that every driver shoud experience.

[intergalactic]

Thanks for that. I know what you mean, some are sheds, some have mega miles. Luckily two of my mates are on here and know a fair bit about them and know others who are well clued up on them so hopefully i'll be ok that way.

It's frustrating, if my budget was a little higher i'd be spoilt for choice but that's all I have to spend. Fingers crossed that when I am in a position to buy there may be a few more about and the prices will have dropped a little. If i'm lucky, i'll bag a good 'un.

[thefastone]

You know, that you dont have to get a bug eye, unless you are specifically looking for the newest car that you can afford... You can get some Classics these days and get a fair bit for your money...

I think that every car that you look at that's about that kind of age, your are going to get to see some really tired cars, but by contrast, you will get some that are really good... What your going to find is that prices vary depending on what they owner WANTS to get for them, and its not unusual for an owner to want too much because they paid a good bit more not that long ago... but prices have dropped a lot in recent years...

Also, its worth remembering before you buy, that they are not the cheapest cars to run, and just be prepared for that, You'll find that its worth it...

But I'd say look more at the classics anyways, you'll probably find that you'll get a slightly better car for the money...

[intergalactic]

I have considered a classic. I just think (and this is just my personal opinion) that they are getting on a bit, it just looks a bit dated now - especially the interior. The safety/security isn't as good either from what i've read.

You are right though, i've seen more rough looking bugeye's in my budget than decent ones. In contrast, i've also seen more nice looking classics at the same price.

A mate of mine had an excellent example which he sold a while back and he told me out of all the cars he sold, the Impreza was the hardest car to get rid of - there were loads for sale and the prices varied.

[scooby222]

there was quite a nice bug wagon o n here a couple of weeks ago for about 3.5k i think, dunblane based maybe? it was in the scottish for sale section on here seemed well looked after from the ad

i think that a good clean classic wagon is probably more expensive than a bugeye these days, clean classics are on the way up

but good luck and you wont regret it,they really are incredible things to own

[myles]

See here, a saloon not a wagon but hey........

Ebay bugeye

[intergalactic]

I'm sure i've seen that one advertised elsewhere. Good price too.

Will just need to hope something like that comes up when i'm ready to buy.

Would be really good if it wasn't too far away, though I don't mind travelling if it means getting a good one.

[paul555sti]

Nice clean looking car on scoobynet with full service history and some nice mods. Its down south but its worth traveling to find the right car.

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/private-for-sale-...wagon-look.html

Welcome to the forum

[intergalactic]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I've got a fair bit to go on now and i'll be sure to be picky when it comes time to buy.

Just keep your fingers crossed that I can get one within budget which isn't a shed.

[marko72]

Hi.

Go and test drive a few wagons, get a feel for what you are looking for if you havent done so already. Dont buy the first one you see, unless it is spot on and ticks all the boxes. Take someone who has knowledge if you can. Look for the obvious good points, service history, receipts, etc. It was the 7th Impreza that I went to view that I bought in the end. I live in Inverclyde so would like to mention that Autobahn on Roslin St have sorted me out locally for a few wee things here and there, car normally looked after by Hypertech in Bonnybridge. A few of them in there are jap car enthusiasts and have a lot of knowledge so that may give you a bit of piece of mind to have some local help. Sorted my hoses and cooling system for me. Job well done.

When you get one ill give you a wave

Edited May 11, 2010 by marko72

[jamesm]

I would just reiterate the advice above. Make sure the car has a full history. Don't necessarily go for the newest car you find, and be prepared to travel for the right one. Mine came from Rochdale!

I work in Inverclyde, but commute in my daily runner, a Corolla.

[intergalactic]

Thanks again for the words of wisdom. It's good to know there are people close by who may be able to help with issues, should they arise.

I certainly see (and hear) plenty of Subaru's driving by where I live. Keep jumping up to the window to see what it is.