Hi all,

After years of drooling over Scoobs, I'm finally buying one. Wasn't intending to get one just yet, but a 97 R reg with 42,000 on the clock came up for £6k (bodywork needs some attention hence the price). I've put down a deposit, so subject to a second test drive and an AA inspection, it's mine.

It was rush hour before, so couldn't really drive it properly. Going back for a 2nd drive tomorrow and was just wondering if there's anything in particular anyone can think of that I should look for, other than the usual basics?

Cheers

 

Look for the Subaru,yes deffo look for the Subaru or you may buy something you dont want......

Sorry cant give any advice coz I bought a bugeye,so I know nottink...

HPI check it,thats a good start.....

Good luck Yoza

 

make sure 'check engine light'is working,they have been known to 'fall out'

 

SIDC faq good 4 generall stuff & main areas 4 concern on various vintage scoobs. Erm off the top of me head make sure u get 2 start from cold 2 test for piston slap etc. Erm all da basics of car buying like smoke from exhaust, bouncing on corners 2 test shocks i guess & generally as long as HUOOOOOOOOOOOOOGE smile then it & the turbo r workin
Si (& his MY97 R plate, i fink i've increased their desirability n all )

 

also if it's due it's 45k service it's the big cambelt boyo which'll cost a monkey or so depending on where u go
Si

 

suppose AA check will cover all basics & then sum thou although i must confess if i woz buying again i'd b tempted 2 take it 2 a specialist, nowt against AA & i've had no trubble but just my forts
Si

 

DProger....Is it the one down near Shoreham by any chance?
What bodywork attention does it need?

 

Hmmmm. This is what I looked out for ....

a) Make sure any clutch judder goes away after a few miles or when the engine is properly warmed up. (MY97 may have escaped this problem)

b) Make sure any turbo hesitation at 3K revs goes away after the engine is properly warmed up.

c) Piston slap. Listen for an over 'chattery' engine when cold. (MY97 may have escaped this problem)

d) FSH. Check the book and make sure it's been done at the stated intervals. Dealer FSH is a plus IMHO.

e) Make sure the 'Brigt' button works. One day you might need it

f) Check brake and tyre condition. Both can be expensive on a Scoob.

g) HPI as 'DProdger' says.

h) If the bodywork is a bit tatty then make sure the panel mounts and any seals look OK. Don't be too put of by knocks and dents on a Scoob ... the panels are made of bacofoil after all! (Midland Impreza will paint and fit a new front wing for £190 + VAT)


I'm sure there's more 'look out for' points on the engine, but not being that technical I don't know.

Enjoy the test drive ... it could be the start of something that will cost you a fortune and give you hours of pleasure ;-)

J.

 

A salesman who talks the whole way through the test drive in an attempt to hide the faults of the car hoping you wont notice them if he talks bo11ox for 1/2 hour!!

 

Wouldn't expect this from a Subaru dealer though!!

 

Flyboy-F33 - it's in Hillingdon, so doubt we're talking about the same one. It needs the left sill re-fitted, one of the clips on the bumper has broken, some little stone chips, nothing major. It's had a whack up the **** which has been repaired, but the boot seems fine, panel gaps are ok etc so I reckon the bumper took the impact. It aint perfect, but for £6k with 42k on the clock aint complaining :-)

Everyone else - cheers for the advice, it's must appreciated. I shall let you know whether I'm driving it on Monday.

BTW - anyone want to buy a V6 Vauxhall Calibra and get rid of their Scoob????? ;-)