Got a shot of my mates, now I want one

[southspear]

Could do with some advice. I like to think I'm fairly clued up about cars in general but I read a lot of stuff saying not to touch imports ( they blow up, cant insure em etc) I've read about the fuel issues and remaps but how much doe's this cost, what about servicing is the extra hassle worth the money you would save over a uk spec? How do you trace history and mileage and how easy are they to sell on over uk car?

Do I get the saloon? I notice wagons slightly cheaper, doe's that mean there less desirable and cheaper to insure? What about handling is there much differance, read something about tire track slightly wider on saloon. I'm 24 (4yrs no claims 3 points) with a garrage and a budget of about £8000 but I dont fancy anyhthing with much moe than 30000m on the clock any one got some info on what I can get or if I'm being realisic, some info on running costs (servicing, tyres etc) would be appreciated.

I know there must be a lot of these types of postings out there but any advice is appreciated

[colinj]

You will be lucky to get a car with under 30k within your budget imo UK or import!

Import will always be a gamble, but there is money to be saved, cheaper cars, better spec/equipped.

I went for a UK with PPP in the end after being in the same position as yourself, made sure it had stuff like FSH and loads of reciepts. I would have loved an STi or type R but end of the day im only 21 and insurance was going to be double!

Im happy with the performance of mine just now, made 245.6 BHP standard recently on the rr clocked up 85k so far and still going strong

[colinj]

Oh and as for costs, I run a UK MR2 before this and find it no more expensive on parts/servicing and ive went through replacing a few worn bits n bobs coil packs minor service, quite surprised actually thought it would have been more!. Drinks the petrol like but hey....its worth it

[southspear]

Cheers

[colinj]

No probs

If I were you id start by getting some insurance quotes, Im with Admiral - best price for me but they dont seem to like mods very much

Watch what your buying is insurable as some companies are funny with imports and modifications.

[~ ~ Cal ~~]

I pick my 1st Scooby up on Thursday and I too was worried about running costs for a while

I came to the conclusion that life's too short to worry about it . I see my car addiction as a hobby

and the running costs and that more expensive than lesser hot hatches

Here's a useful thread for an idea of costs CLICK ME

I think that big expenses come when you immediately start modding your new chariot

[wrxmania]

Aside from fuel, the running costs are certainly not that bad - tyres are dependant on wheel size and qulity and many service components are actually quite cheap after Subaru reduced the prices recently.

Other bits mind you can be pricey!!

Brian

[southspear]

Bugger thanks for the help lads, best get saving then!