rs-ross

Hi guys,

I'm now in a position to buy an Impreza and have 7000 to spend on the actual car (insurance is budgeted for already).

I prefer the look/style of the 2 door imprezas but after a quick browse on here can see that many people mention reliability issues with classics.

Ideally I'm looking for something that will run 300bhp reliably, and wont be always needing repairs. I've seen many type r cars for under my budget, but as I'm new to Subarus don't really know what good examples should go for.

With my budget of 7k what should I be expecting for my money? I'm not ruling out the newer imprezas but as I said there's something about the 2 doors that I really like.

Any help would be much appreciated

Ross

JdcTypeR

iTrader: (19)

A well mantained type r will run 300bhp no problem mate but you'll soon be looking for more

daz1968

iTrader: (13)

why not look at a bug prodrive style sti, much more solid base for mods and should get a good one for 7k,

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Firstly you need t decide what YOU want, otherwise you'll be swamped by advice to buy the car the poster owns.
If you're set on a 2 door, your choices are Type R or P1 within your budget.There's plenty of posts regarding the pros and cons of both on here.

the hamster

iTrader: (7)

JDM Bugeye with DCCD etc?

Tidgy

you could pick up a type r for 5k and have 2k ready for rebuild if your that worried

there as reliable as they are well looked after, look after them they last

w44syf

iTrader: (2)

you can pik up a blobeye sti uk for 7k if your take your time seen few around with 50k miles on sale privously

rs-ross

Thanks for all the replies lads. To be honest I've been through the "car always off the road" stage when I used to own Escort RS turbos and Cosworths. Dont want to go through that again, although this time I will only be using the car at weekends, and occasionaly during the week.

I love the look of the 2 doors but if its easier and cheaper to have more power then the newer age versions start to get more appealing! For 7k which version could honestly roll with more power/road performance?

From what I've read it seems that getting a Type R with the engine already rebuilt (by a reputable firm) would be the best option. Is the reliability of the classics really a world apart from the newer age imprezas?

Tidgy

they are reliable, don't forget there ten year old + cars now, there alsovery easy to get mroe power from, do it in the wrong way and you will have issues, do it riught and they last.

A rebuilt engine would be ideal, decent tuner and warrentyis a must though. usual more paperwork the better, regular oil changes and decent service history is given.

ajc1988

iTrader: (2)

https://www.scoobynet.com/subaru-444...-r-338bhp.html

that falls in your price bracket and sounds like what your looking for.

Andy

the hamster

iTrader: (7)

Classic is just that, a classic. They are the rawest drive of all the Impreza and the build quality is that of the 90's rather than the newer stuff.

If you want comfort, build quality and to blend in with the crowd get a newage. If you want a drivers car, maybe get your hands dirty but have a bigger smile, get a classic.

Mr moff

iTrader: (1)

I've got a few pics of mine.Bought it 4 months ago.
It was up for £7000 but I managed to get it for £6200 in the end.
It hasn't had a rebuild but is totally standard and has been well looked after in Japan.
If you find a standard fresh import with low miles then just service it regularly,use good fuel and oils and you'll love it.
For £7000 you'll get a minter.
Here's some pics.




Danny.

Pramas

buyers market, go a bit cheaper and hold back 2k for a rebuild, u cant lose

johnlogie

iTrader: (4)

That looks mint mate

BlueBugEye

iTrader: (12)

Even though I own a bug I'd say go classic and go two door - Mine was bought as a daily drive originally so comfort was the key point, now it's a 'toy' I'd much rather be in a two door classic but have sunk too much into it to change!

dan2926

iTrader: (4)

Type R is great, but being 100% honest i have owned 8 imprezas (Including new age and mostly classics). I bought my type r which was mint and very well looked after had a genuine 60k miles on the clocks and the head gasket **** itself after about 1000 miles.
Although i havent owned one the P1 seems to be more reliable my mate had one with 100km miles still on the same engine and he didnt give it a very easy life lol. (Type r is more the drivers car tho lol)
Either way you will love it but if you want reliability i would not be looking for a subaru lol although uk cars seem to be a lot more reliable overall.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Type R with forged engine or newage STI bottom end.
Sure you'll find one for £7K.

dan2926

iTrader: (4)

+1 for that idea

trio

iTrader: (1)

Hold out for the right car mate, for your budget you should be able to get a late model classic type r, with a forged engine rebuild and other goodies, i was in two minds wether to sell my type- r wrc limited edition with forged engine, bigger turbo, brakes ect ect, which would have been close to your budget, but i just cant bring myself to sell up at the mo.

DonNedly

iTrader: (10)

you could get a blob sti with that money.

EddScott

I'd say if it was a weekender or low miles car then classic. If its daily with a few miles to do then I'd probably go new age.

I really love classics but would really only want one as a 2nd car - sadly I don't have the time for 2nd cars.

For £7K I'd probably look for the post DCCD UK car. Bound to be somone in need of a quick sale.

Flaps

iTrader: (1)

I don't get the fuss with DCCD, it's a bit of a pain in the **** for a daily driver!
Like mentioned above, decide what YOU want and go for it! That white Type R is the sort of thing i'd be after if I were you!

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Saw a type R finish on £3800 earlier on EBay. If it was actually sold or his mate bid it up I don't know, either way it was bloody cheap. Was tempted to buy it myself for that sort of money.

rs-ross

Thanks again for all the replies!

I am definitely now swaying more towards a type r thats had a rebuild and some of the mods I'd wanna do done already; ecu, exhaust,filter etc. Am I right in thinking the gear box and clutch are the main limitations to power on the classic, rather than the engine iteself?

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Personally I wouldn't want to take a standard engine over and above 350. Remember they are getting old now and more than 350 is asking too much in my opinion.
Earlier type R's had the 752 box which is well known for it's weakness, anything above 340/340 and your asking for trouble. The later cars had the 754 box which are known to be stronger but far from bullet proof. I broke a 752 box at 340 an am currently using a 754 at circa 400. How long it will last I don't know, but so far so good.
My advice to you is,
Find yourself a nice late type r (from here if poss) which has already had some money spent on the engine. Be it a forged build or newage STI short motor installed. Make sure the history is good (ie- belts changed on time, oil changed regulary etc) and generally a tidy well looked after car. I wouldn't get hung up about the gearbox to much as long as the bhp/torque levels aren't mega. Even better though is to find one with a 6 speed.