Tom Brearton

Hi all, just want to introduce myself as a new member and to ask some advice.
I'm looking to buy my first Impreza after driving a friends, and have potentially found the perfect car. But there are a couple of details about our in not so sure on. The advert states that's it's a red top engine - supposedly a better unit, but the intake manifold is def not red. Could this be accurate? Also, does the rest of the ad read true?
It would be just my luck to find exactly what I want only to find its a pile! Here's the link https://m.facebook.com/groups/152411...75881632641591
Thanks all!

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

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Autotweek

iTrader: (4)

Same here.

gazney101

iTrader: (5)

I can't view the link I'm not on facebook.
I've never really taken to the red top term for describing a Subaru engine as it's always been a Vauxhall thing, assuming by red top the mean sti then yes it could be an sti engine with a wrx inlet manifold on it.

Autotweek

iTrader: (4)

Early STI's didn't come with red inlet manifolds i believe.

RAF1

iTrader: (5)

Late Classics imprezas are 15/16 years old therefore it is possible that majority of the paint from the inlet manifold has flaked off.

Tom Brearton

Bugger! I've tried to add some pics as attachments.

pmcb

iTrader: (1)

I thought I had bad taste, but that thing even offends MY sensibilities...

jayallen

iTrader: (31)

WTF! Where you been hiding Phil?

pmcb

iTrader: (1)

Hiya Jay I could say I've been 'inside' for a spell (I mean, how the heck can you get 3.5 years for sheep worrying?? I didn't even know it was illegal! Honestly! That judge was a > Seriously... ).

However, that would be a lie.

Looking forward to searching out threads by you and my other mates who are on here, and seeing as my car has broken down, I better pay my subs!

agw_01

That looks like a well cared for, non abused example!



If I was you, I wouldn't touch it.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Styling by S Wonder. Engine bay by S Dali. Image by J Saville.

Tom Brearton

Well, you'll be pleased to hear that I've decided against the black one. Too much seemed wrong about the seller. Or sellers as it turned out. After I'd contacted him, he offered to pay my petrol to go and see it. I'm 300+ miles away! Shame, as I liked the whitewall tyres.
Anyway, I've found a well cared for Gravel Express for a good price. Seems like a clean car, no rust and only a decatted Fujitsubo exhaust. No knocking on cold start, no smoke, and it seems genuine. The only thing I don't like are the seats and the rubber gaiter around the gearlever. Both easily fixed.
Any thoughts on this one?

agw_01

Is that owned by a guy called Nick? I've seen on Facebook if so. Looks a nice example of a rare car.

Pictures only tell part of the story though. I take it you're a fan of the classic wagon shape?

Will this be your first car?

edit... Yeah, cheap mismatching tyres with a bit of white tip-ex are a definite no go. I'd be looking for at least 4x matching mid-range tyres on a car of that value to even consider it. Even something as simple as tyres can give a good indication as to how a car has been treated.

Tom Brearton

That's the one. Seems like a nice bloke. The mot history checks out, so it seems I'm getting a rare wagon.
I actually prefer the wagon to the saloon. The body should be stiffer, and it seems that the wagons are generally overlooked by the charity brigade. Also, I've got two growing boys, so the space is handy.
It's not my first car, but it is my first Subaru, and first 4WD. I've had (in order) a Fiat Cinquecento Sporting, 106gti, BMW 540, Honda delSol, Nissan 300ZX TT, Audi 90 20v quattro, Alfa 146 Cloverleaf, BMW 130I, TVR Chimaera 500, BMW Z3 M, Mazda MX3 and currently a Mitsubishi FTO GPX. Not bad.........

EddScott

I'll look out for the Gravel Express around Pembrokeshire

I'm in Haverfordwest.

Autotweek

iTrader: (4)

How much is he asking for it?

Tom Brearton

I'm giving £2750 which includes a new spare clutch, the STi lights,a spare decal pack and a few other bits.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Nick seems like a nice and honest bloke. The Gravel Express is genuinely a grower and should keep it's value if well maintained, keep OE and not abused.

jaygsi

iTrader: (46)

Saw a few of those last year for about £1800 mark. There was one on eBay for £1600 they don't normally sell aswell as other impreza's.

Guessing it's the 2 tone paint that puts people off.

Tom Brearton

I've just realised that as it's a wagon it's missing 20hp against the saloon. How can I remedy this? It's got a bellmouth decat, a full Fujitsubo exhaust and a panel filter.