Buying A Classic

[icedog13]

My current Subaru is my first; 53 plate STI UK.

I was a newbie whenI bought it (still am very much) and tried to get as much car for my money as possible as you do buying any car.

I grew up in awe of classic Subarus and always wanted one - I still prefer them to look at compared all the newage cars. Knowing then what I know now I would have went straight for a classic from a Subaru enthusiast.

So I am currently looking at buying a classic and need help with what to watch for. I don't mind some mods, but nothing crazy!

Reading various articles and forums I am starting to see info such as below 50000mls is good and anything after that should really have rebuild certs, etc. Apparently this is due to the bottom end bearing liners start to spin around this mileage??? Am I right? I am sure the article was about P1's but are they not all EJ blocks?

What's a short deck, is it something to do with the block casting? Excuse my ignorance guys!

As I said I have gathered small bits of info from various threads on various forums but no one thread in particular with a definite topic.

Help and info would be appreciated folks.

Craig.

Edited July 2, 2010 by icedog13

[ciaranrb5]

My current Subaru is my first; 53 plate STI UK.

I was a newbie whenI bought it (still am very much) and tried to get as much car for my money as possible as you do buying any car.

I grew up in awe of classic Subarus and always wanted one - I still prefer them to look at compared all the newage cars. Knowing then what I know now I would have went straight for a classic from a Subaru enthusiast.

So I am currently looking at buying a classic and need help with what to watch for. I don't mind some mods, but nothing crazy!

Reading various articles and forums I am starting to see info such as below 50000mls is good and anything after that should really have rebuild certs, etc. Apparently this is due to the bottom end bearing liners start to spin around this mileage??? Am I right? I am sure the article was about P1's but are they not all EJ blocks?

What's a short deck, is it something to do with the block casting? Excuse my ignorance guys!

As I said I have gathered small bits of info from various threads on various forums but no one thread in particular with a definite topic.

Help and info would be appreciated folks.

Craig.

Needing rebuild at 50k is crap look after in properly and it will last 4 times that.

Classics are getting old so check for rust as it is a nightmare to get rid off. Typical places are rear arches and top of the winscreen. Obviously check for accident damage.

Don't worry about block build unlesss your planning for 500bhp+

Also full service history is essential and check that it has been re-mapped if mods have been carried out

[johnnyr6]

the block your thinking of is a closed deck, found in early cars usually the ra model.

I would sy condition and how it's been looked after is more important than mileage. My car has around 110k on it, no history but is in great condition and still goes well, pulling strong.

As for buying one, Coulty's on here is an absolute bargain and although its modded more than you want i'm sure after running one for a while you'll want more so why not buy one already finished?

Johnny

[icedog13]

Thanks for your help and info guys - much appreciated!

Coultys is nice - one of a few I have had my eye on but I need to sell mine first; the market seems slow right now across all the websites!

[paul555sti]

Save your self a fortune and buy one thats already been modded as you will end up spending money modding it anyway

Probably best buying one from here or over on scoobynet for sale section, that way the car will be known in the club and you can find out the history of them.

There are lots of nice classics out there that have had a fortune spent on them over the years but there are also loads of sheds

[Ovv]

I asked this sort of question a while back when I was looking around to buy one, have a look at this post:

What to look for

As paul555sti said, there a some right dogs out there, see above post. Eventually I found one on here that had been cherished and well looked after which was very lucky. Two of the previous owners are members.

Good luck with hunt.

[jim dbm]

yes, look long and hard, i did, trawled through pistonheads and owners clubs everyday looking for the right car and found it eventually after several months of looking right here on sidc as stated above, look for condition, service history, and choice mods because trust me if its standard you will spend shed loads on it even if you swear you wont.

[RS Grant]

How much are you looking to spend on the car, since that might give us a better idea what sort of models are within your grasp??

Cheers,

Grant

[babydave112]

i have a classic that is going up for sale if u r still looking and has had no expense spared. Get in touch if u wud like to know more

dave

[Wee Jock]

have a look here http://www.svaimports.com/cars.php?make=Subaru

most of these are fresh imports from Japan, you probably wouldnt go wrong buying one from here. Look on Kent Scoobies for info on SVA imports.

They are based in Dover, if they have the right car for you then it is worth the journey. (I know of them as I used to live in Canterbury)

FYI, my classic was still running approx 400bhp with 125k miles on the clock when I sold it! (Jap Import)

Good luck with the hunt.

WJ

[icedog13]

How much are you looking to spend on the car, since that might give us a better idea what sort of models are within your grasp??

Cheers,

Grant

I would say £6000 is me maxxed oot! And I am heading towards white or black, sti, etc.

Thanks again guys for the advice and links - appreciated!

Edited July 3, 2010 by icedog13

[euan_r]

you should get a very tidy classic for that amount.

if you go straight for sti and miss wrx and uk turbos you will be happier with it for longer at the beginning without need to mod, and get a few better parts for later.

gearboxes were revised from 1999 so i personally would be looking at 1999/2000 age.

i had my last impreza for three years and recently changed for a reasonably new import due to them being a lot fresher underneath etc.

[RS Grant]

if you go straight for sti and miss wrx and uk turbos you will be happier with it for longer

......depends on the UK Turbo.

Cheers,

Grant

[Ovv]

I would say £6000 is me maxxed oot! And I am heading towards white or black, sti, etc.

Thanks again guys for the advice and links - appreciated!

RS Grants is the best bet then if you fancy a UK turbo.

[A11YKF]

have a look here http://www.svaimports.com/cars.php?make=Subaru

most of these are fresh imports from Japan, you probably wouldnt go wrong buying one from here. Look on Kent Scoobies for info on SVA imports.

They are based in Dover, if they have the right car for you then it is worth the journey. (I know of them as I used to live in Canterbury)

FYI, my classic was still running approx 400bhp with 125k miles on the clock when I sold it! (Jap Import)

Good luck with the hunt.

WJ

Some size windows that place must have! 8k for a 99 plate!

[braveheart]

If your knowlege is limited on the Classic model, keep doing what exactly what you are doing just now do your research and you find a gem there is plenty out there still.. and if you can take some with you that has experience and mechanical knowlege of the Subaru the usal ensure HPI cleared ect..looking for old MOT and sevicing details is important in my eyes and even call the garage who services it..all this information can paint a big picture for you.. hope this helps.

Chris

[icedog13]

Cheers again for all your help guys.. much appreciated.

Excuse my ignorance but does a fresh import need re-mapped to run on Uk RON fuel??

Have spied this on Pistonheads, but more details and pics here...

Type R

Price is sky high here, it is also on Ebay and the bidding starts at £5100!!!

Let me know what yous think.

Craig.

Edited July 11, 2010 by icedog13

[lewisscoob]

Dear god thats expensive! Also, it may just be the photo's/light but are the drivers door and front wing a different shade of white?