I am off to look at a couple of Imprezas tomorrow and need some advice about what I really need to look for and any questions that i ought to be asking.

Has any body had any dealings with Turbocentre in Cuffley, Herts?

 

I take it you are looking for Scooby specific advice but I'll include my list of generic car buying checks which I have accumulated over the years - mainly from buying dogs..and learning lessons!

Car Questions for buyer pre visit:-

1. Mileage?
2. How long owned?
3. Number of Owners?
4. Any accidents?
5. Condition of bodywork – Has there been any spraywork?
6. Condition of interior?
7. Condition of tyres?
8. Has the car got full service history?
9. What are the service intervals?
10. Is it all Main Dealer history?
11. When was it last serviced?
12. Has it undergone any significant mechanical work?
13. When was the cambelt changed / due
14. Does it burn or use oil/water?
15. Tax and MOT?
16. Where abouts are you?

Things to Check:-

1. Service book – Main Dealer stamps / Changes of Location / Equal time spacing
2. Engine / Chassis number with Logbook / MOTs / Service Book
3. Oil Filler cap / Dipstick and Radiator expansion tank for emulsion
4. Check for fluid leaks under engine and gearbox
5. Check exhaust for signs of corrosion
6. Behind sills for signs of welding
7. Check all panel gaps are even, check side to side.
8. Behind rubbers for signs of paintwork
9. Tyre Condition
10. Spare Wheel present and inflated
11. Check operation of electrics – inc elec aerial if fitted
12. Check Air Con operates and heater gives out warm air when car warm
13. Check carpets for dampness
14. Look under back seat for broken glass / welding
15. Check spare keys and operation of all locks inc boot
16. Check red key if required
17. Stereo Code present in documentation
18. Check roof condition for signs of rolling
19. Check window stamps for original / registration stamps.
20. Paintwork – wing nuts / bonnet nuts / behind rubbers / Reflections for filler
21. Run magnet along to check for filler
22. Suspension Turrets for repair work / stripped nuts
23. Windscreen for chips and cracks
24. Locking Wheel Nut Present
25. Road test – Check clutch slippage (high gear low speed)
26. Road test – Full operation of brakes from speed not holding steering wheel – judder / pull
27. Road test – Move car on full steering lock both sides – listen for clunking CV joints
28. Road test – Check all gears engage smoothly including reverse
29. Road test – Listen for suspension ‘clonks’ / engine misfires / excessive wind noise

Not sure if this helps?

Anyone who can add to this...please let me know so I can amend mine