Buying my second Impreza - opinions please
19 July 2020, 11:08 AM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Buying my second Impreza - opinions please
I am currently looking at Subaru Impreza STI UK 2003 PPP pack 301bhp - advertised for £8800
The engine is standard from the factory, so hasn't been messed around with, has a full-service history. 73k on the clock
Had two timing belt changes, the last being in 2015 @ 57k
Clutch was changed in 2013 @ 53k
Bodywork is okay, looks clean apart from a little bit of bubbling on the rear arch. I certainly want another Impreza after selling my version 2 around 5 months ago.
The engine is standard from the factory, so hasn't been messed around with, has a full-service history. 73k on the clock
Had two timing belt changes, the last being in 2015 @ 57k
Clutch was changed in 2013 @ 53k
Bodywork is okay, looks clean apart from a little bit of bubbling on the rear arch. I certainly want another Impreza after selling my version 2 around 5 months ago.
19 July 2020, 11:22 AM
#3
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
19 July 2020, 11:22 AM
#4
Scooby Regular
I am currently looking at Subaru Impreza STI UK 2003 PPP pack 301bhp - advertised for £8800
The engine is standard from the factory, so hasn't been messed around with, has a full-service history. 73k on the clock
Had two timing belt changes, the last being in 2015 @ 57k
Clutch was changed in 2013 @ 53k
Bodywork is okay, looks clean apart from a little bit of bubbling on the rear arch. I certainly want another Impreza after selling my version 2 around 5 months ago.
The engine is standard from the factory, so hasn't been messed around with, has a full-service history. 73k on the clock
Had two timing belt changes, the last being in 2015 @ 57k
Clutch was changed in 2013 @ 53k
Bodywork is okay, looks clean apart from a little bit of bubbling on the rear arch. I certainly want another Impreza after selling my version 2 around 5 months ago.
Check those rear arches closely. Check behind them above the rear wheels with a mirror if you have to, then get inside the boot linings on both sides to make sure you can't see to the ground / tarmac. Not sure how bad Blobs do this, but Classics rot from the inside out - so if you can see bubbles...you could also see an expensive underlying turret rebuild etc. Lots on here and all over the internet about rotting rear arch issues on older models and what could be going on. Best to know before deciding to buy or walk away. Take a good reliable bright LED torch with you.
19 July 2020, 01:35 PM
#6
Seems decent price in current climate ......especially if can get towards 8k
19 July 2020, 02:07 PM
#7
As Hawkeye said, surely everyone now knows by now that Impreza rear arches rot from the inside out so that 'little bit of bubbling' on the outside is almost certainly just the tip of the iceberg.
Plenty of blobs and even some hawks now have thoroughly rotten arches and possibly also suspension turrets.
Plenty of blobs and even some hawks now have thoroughly rotten arches and possibly also suspension turrets.
Trending Topics
19 July 2020, 02:09 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Just wondering what the official recommendation is.
The following users liked this post:
19 July 2020, 02:29 PM
#11
And I'll say again, I don't know why anyone would make a discretionary purchase of a fun/weekend car right now, demand appears to be massively outstripping supply and prices appear to be higher than ever, mainly due to pent up demand from lockdown and Sunak spunking free money to anyone and everyone.
The economic landscape could be looking very different in 6-9 months time once reality sets in.
The economic landscape could be looking very different in 6-9 months time once reality sets in.
The following users liked this post:
19 July 2020, 02:50 PM
#12
And I'll say again, I don't know why anyone would make a discretionary purchase of a fun/weekend car right now, demand appears to be massively outstripping supply and prices appear to be higher than ever, mainly due to pent up demand from lockdown and Sunak spunking free money to anyone and everyone.
The economic landscape could be looking very different in 6-9 months time once reality sets in.
The economic landscape could be looking very different in 6-9 months time once reality sets in.
Cars a generally more expensive in summertime
19 July 2020, 03:24 PM
#14
But I suppose you've highlighted the bigger problem we have these days with everyone wanting everything and wanting it NOW!... Regardless of the financial sense or whether they can actually afford it.
The following users liked this post:
19 July 2020, 05:48 PM
#15
It's mid July, they'll be lucky if they get 6 weekends before the Autumn weather sets in and current prices and demand are far in excess of the usual summer increases due to the circumstances I've already mentioned.
But I suppose you've highlighted the bigger problem we have these days with everyone wanting everything and wanting it NOW!... Regardless of the financial sense or whether they can actually afford it.
But I suppose you've highlighted the bigger problem we have these days with everyone wanting everything and wanting it NOW!... Regardless of the financial sense or whether they can actually afford it.
what if you have the disposable income and want it now?
supply and demand......
19 July 2020, 06:25 PM
#16
Certainly not judging people by my own finances, that would be very unfair and dismissive of me.
The fact is he's basically come on here asking if the car he's seen represents reasonable value for money so it doesn't exactly sound like he is in a 'money no object' situation, personally from the description I don't think it's a great buy at that price under any circumstances but certainly not in the current extraordinary circumstances and especially not in terms of how things could look in the not too distant future with regards to supply, demand and prices.
The fact is he's basically come on here asking if the car he's seen represents reasonable value for money so it doesn't exactly sound like he is in a 'money no object' situation, personally from the description I don't think it's a great buy at that price under any circumstances but certainly not in the current extraordinary circumstances and especially not in terms of how things could look in the not too distant future with regards to supply, demand and prices.
19 July 2020, 07:02 PM
#17
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Certainly not judging people by my own finances, that would be very unfair and dismissive of me.
The fact is he's basically come on here asking if the car he's seen represents reasonable value for money so it doesn't exactly sound like he is in a 'money no object' situation, personally from the description I don't think it's a great buy at that price under any circumstances but certainly not in the current extraordinary circumstances and especially not in terms of how things could look in the not too distant future with regards to supply, demand and prices.
The fact is he's basically come on here asking if the car he's seen represents reasonable value for money so it doesn't exactly sound like he is in a 'money no object' situation, personally from the description I don't think it's a great buy at that price under any circumstances but certainly not in the current extraordinary circumstances and especially not in terms of how things could look in the not too distant future with regards to supply, demand and prices.
Price reflects other factors such as the overall condition of the car, year, mileage, what kind of service history the car has, and so on ...
Back to your original argument, if I understood correctly, you are saying that demand is currently higher than supply, and prices are inflated?
19 July 2020, 07:29 PM
#18
I am just looking at the moment, I do have a budget in mind, prices are all over the place irrespective of supply and demand.
Price reflects other factors such as the overall condition of the car, year, mileage, what kind of service history the car has, and so on ...
Back to your original argument, if I understood correctly, you are saying that demand is currently higher than supply, and prices are inflated?
Price reflects other factors such as the overall condition of the car, year, mileage, what kind of service history the car has, and so on ...
Back to your original argument, if I understood correctly, you are saying that demand is currently higher than supply, and prices are inflated?
the prices are not representative of the condition.
I dont really have a budget as such but am just after the right car.
I'm yet to view one that is in what I'd consider excellent condition.
a big thing for me is tyres, if the owner puts budget tyres on a car it tells you everything about the upkeep of the rest of it.
I viewed a jdm spec c with landsail tyres on....ffs
20 July 2020, 04:29 PM
#19
I know traders might have a vested interest in ''talking up'' the used car market but I am inclined to believe them at the moment when I hear of lack of stock, high auction prices being achieved, traders buying stock from private sellers adverts etc
It makes sense for that to be the case right now with 4 months of pent up demand, people with spare cash unable to spend it on other things such as holidays and Sunak spunking free money around like there's no tomorrow.
The economic impact of covid hasn't even began to take effect yet in terms of job losses, reduced hours, reduced pay, reduced lending.
20 July 2020, 06:19 PM
#20
That certainly appears to be the case right now from reading elsewhere.
I know traders might have a vested interest in ''talking up'' the used car market but I am inclined to believe them at the moment when I hear of lack of stock, high auction prices being achieved, traders buying stock from private sellers adverts etc
It makes sense for that to be the case right now with 4 months of pent up demand, people with spare cash unable to spend it on other things such as holidays and Sunak spunking free money around like there's no tomorrow.
The economic impact of covid hasn't even began to take effect yet in terms of job losses, reduced hours, reduced pay, reduced lending.
I know traders might have a vested interest in ''talking up'' the used car market but I am inclined to believe them at the moment when I hear of lack of stock, high auction prices being achieved, traders buying stock from private sellers adverts etc
It makes sense for that to be the case right now with 4 months of pent up demand, people with spare cash unable to spend it on other things such as holidays and Sunak spunking free money around like there's no tomorrow.
The economic impact of covid hasn't even began to take effect yet in terms of job losses, reduced hours, reduced pay, reduced lending.
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
20 July 2020, 06:33 PM
#21
Jesus you do go on....you have no idea of other peoples financial situation, not everybody is skint or borrowing money for everything they buy.
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
I remember a guy on here ages ago who held off buying property for years as he was convinced an almighty crash was coming. Never happened.
20 July 2020, 09:38 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Jesus you do go on....you have no idea of other peoples financial situation, not everybody is skint or borrowing money for everything they buy.
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
Also, I was looking for months before covid-19, when I bought my version 2 ... and totally agree: "there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale"
I will keep looking, and hopefully one will pop up that is right for me.
Thanks for all the input guys, you've all been helpful.
21 July 2020, 06:30 AM
#23
Jesus you do go on....you have no idea of other peoples financial situation, not everybody is skint or borrowing money for everything they buy.
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
If you have the money and want something buy it, you might be dead tommorow.
As I'm looking for another impreza I can tell you there is no shortage of cars for sale, what there is though is a shortage of good cars for sale
The OP asked me to further comment on my assertion that the current used car market is inflated as a result of covid, this all I did.
I'm not sure why you're in such strong disagreement with me, you yourself have commented on the number of 'tatty and overpriced' Imprezas out there which I certainly don't disagree with, all I'm saying is that right now you can also throw in what appears to be post covid pent up demand outstripping supply and pushing prices of all cars up even further.
21 July 2020, 09:27 AM
#24
car prices are up.... a look on 2.0 L WRX or STI on autotrader under 100k miles
All WRX saloons over £5k
STI over 10k
doubt many will pay that tho
All WRX saloons over £5k
STI over 10k
doubt many will pay that tho
Last edited by Andycat; 21 July 2020 at 10:53 AM.
21 July 2020, 11:33 AM
#25
I'm convinced people are plucking prices out the air.
How on earth you think your rusty dented 2004 impreza is worth 10k is beyond me
Last edited by ej20boy; 21 July 2020 at 11:36 AM.
21 July 2020, 01:05 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
The following users liked this post:
21 July 2020, 02:47 PM
#28
theres a uk 04 STi on amazing low miles think 38k only......... a deposit been left its £14000.....
21 July 2020, 02:52 PM
#30