Make sure all the electrics work , they're quite robust but expensive to replace , also check all the trim's fine as it's not the best ever put into a car and it can get damaged easily. check under the boot lid where the spoiler is fitted ,as you can get a little rust around there , none of this should put you off , but it may help to get the price down a little !Try a search on here as I think this has been covered a few times before .
Enjoy
Dave



[Edited by IN THE STICKS - 10/3/2003 11:00:43 AM]

 

Hi Guys,

I'm going to look at a 1998 R-Reg UK Impreza Turbo 2000 this afternoon, it has full service history and 60,000 miles on the clock.

However I haven't got a clue about Impreza's, I'm just wondering if people could give me some thing to look out for?... I'll check all the obvious things, body work, clutch, gear change etc, but any help would be appreciated!

Cheers,
MAtt.

 

sidc FAQ make sure u test from cold so u can hear any potential piston slap!
Si

 

oh & has it had a very recent cambelt change as it should of from the age.
Si

 

Hi,

Make sure the engine is stone cold before you start it (open the bonnet and put your hand on it - thats what i do anyway, if its warm ive walked away from cars there and then)

Watch out for clutch judder

If you can, get someone to drive behind you to check for smoke.

Thats all i would be doing on top of the normal checks, tires, rust etc.

Simon

 

Make sure that you have a look at each service individually. See if they were on time.
My mate bought a scooby about 6 months back and the handwriting in the book was with two different pens and the same handwriting...........over 5 years. The stamps were the same garage and was obviously filled out while watching eastenders. The same coffee mug was left on it in 1997 and 2000 apparently!!!
Just have a look at the history. If that is good, it is a good indication that the rest of the car has a good chance of being straight.

Oh, and at 60,000miles it should have just been done so make sure that it is or that you get a price to do it if it isn't!

Good Luck

 

my old impreza used to smoke like a kipper when cold, once warm though the old turbo oil seal seemed to work again, watch out for that as it could be expensive. traded it in with a dealer for my legacy, when it was warm !!!

 

Don't even think about buying one until it has passed a HPI (or similar) check; plenty of Scoobies out there have had smashes...

 

clutch may only judder when car is completely cold!!!!

 

No different to buying any other car, HPI check (as said) and have it inspected.
Cheers.
Ian.

 

Ask to see all the paperwork, receipts (service and modifications), and old MOT certificates if they're available.