Buying a classic - what to look for ?

[Alhadad]

Hi folks,
Im pretty new to the forum, only signed up last week but had been lurking about for a while, so this is kinda officially my 1st post.

Im not a Subaru owner yet but hope to be within the next few weeks or so. Ive been looking into getting a classic for a 2nd car, kinda a weekend toy as I already have a dull focus for a daily drive. I viewed one last night with the following spec :

 
1993 Wrx Import, 56000 miles, ( 91000km) rust free with a few extra toys such as a full TSL Motorsport stainles steel decat exhaust, a Blitz turbo timer, pillar mounted boost gauge, STI panel filter, NGK Irridium plugs. Servicing was done by the owner, and overall the car was clean and tidy.  It did have a rather large scratch on the boot and the paint on the rear spoiler was flaking slightly, all really minor faults imho.

Guy was looking for £2750 for it, tax was away to expire as was the MOT.  Considering its age and mileage I thought it was a bargain.

Basically I would like to hear your opinions, and also what I should look out for in the way of major problems buying a classic this age.  I can only really afford a classic as my price range only stretches as far as £3.5k - the joys of being a mature student.

 

Cheers

Chris 

 

 

 

 

[dipsy]

Some of Dundee lot on here use GG auto's 01382 77277 maybe they could look the car over for you don't know what he would charge just a idea

[AlanG]

The only *real* change from std is the exhaust which wil give you problems when you go to MOT the car cause it's about to run out, so you'll need to sort that. You'll need to refit a cat to pass though not 100% sure cause it's an old car and an import. Find out what fuel it has been run on as well i.e. has it been tuned to accept UK fuels.

Personally i'd be wary of the car having an MOT about to run out but that may change having seen and driven the car.

I only say that cause you've got a tight budget. Nothing worse than buying a "pup" and finding you have to spend more money than you have to get it roadworthy. Have you got insurance costs yet?

[jodie typeRA]

you should be ok with no cat ..93 car will not get a cat test(any scoobs import upto 1995 dont get cat test)  but will still get a emissions test..........but as alan says  just be carful buddy iff its running out off MOT and road tax......doya know anyone  that hase a scoob????  thake them with you for an other look  or get the AA/RAC to check it out.......

good luck mate hope all goes good and you get your car [Y]

oh and welcome to SIDC

[wagonwheels]

Ill do you a deal with my scoob.If you can stretch to £3500 then you can take it away.300bhp+ reliable uk car with fsh and they are alot cheaper to insure [] Details are in" for sale/wanted " section. under 300bhp wagon. Need cash for impending house move [:'(]

[Alhadad]

Cheers for replying folks.

 

Unfortunately I dont know anybody with a Impreza, I know a few guys who kinda know about these things but aint mechanics.  The guy has offered to MOT, pushing the cost up to £3k - hard decision, do I pay and extra £250 for a MOT which only actual costs £45 or whatever it is nowadays, or risk it and end up having to use the money to get it repaired?  Insurance wise, Im sorted - the joys of being in my late 20's.

The car comes with the original exhaust as well, so I have that to fall back on if there was a cat test.
 

 Also I know I would have to change timings belts etc, as that hasnt been done yet, so thats more expense, sounds like Im talking myself out of it already.

Wagon aint my style mate, thanks for the offer though.

 

Chris


 

[z1000]

Well i would reckon if he's trying to add on £250 for the mot he knows there's something wrong with it so i'd be looking for a full mot within the asking price.

Theres plenty out there for sub £3500 so don't just take the first one that comes along and if he doesn't want to mot it ask urself why ?

Steve

[Alhadad]

Im thinking Im gonna pass on this one, like you said Steve there are plenty out there, in fact I just spotted another with slightly more mileage but better condition with the same extras for just over 3k.

Waiting on reply from the owner regarding service history etc.  Any owners in Dundee, send me a PM I would like to word.

 

Chris