pflowers

Looking to change my blob WRX wagon after Christmas, was looking at bug or blob sti's but I've now found myself looking at classics.

I've never owned or driven a classic but have an itch to do so.

I don't want to mod, I just want a very tidy ltd edition such as a P1, RB5, type r etc.

It's not a daily driver, more a weekend toy so running costs are not an issue. I'm also 44 so insurance no problem.

I read horror stories of rust and blown up engines but is it possible to find an immaculate unmolested classic?

Has anyone else gone from newage to classic?

Any advice or suggestions for me?

Oh my budget is £5-6k

RA Dunk

For a weekend toy you don't want to modify it would have to be a STI Type RA or Type R, those two cars are immense fun as standard, the P1 is only a watered down Type R anyway and the RB5 is only a UK 2000 with a different badge.

Bring someone with you who knows these things inside out before you buy, then get a specialist to check it again and map it.

jaygsi

iTrader: (46)

For a weekend car newage no good will be alot more refined, p1 id says

L.J.F

iTrader: (31)

5-6k would not get you a decent P1 so rule that one out and as already said the RB5 is only a uk2000 with all the extras, just like uk 300 is a glorified uk wrx.

I personally would go for classic shape car if it's only going to be used as a toy. There is plenty well spec'd cars about at the moment going for a decent price so take your time and grab a bargain.

pflowers

Thanks everyone, yes i pretty much ruled out a p1 as it looks like a tidy one is going to be upwards of £8k.

I thought a rb5 was based on an sti so little point in that, thanks again.

What's the difference between a type r and type ra?

328isport

iTrader: (6)

I'm sure someone will come along with a much more detailed answer, but as far as I know Type R's are 3 door only and really up there as the ultimate classic in terms of stock cars, RA or race applied are usually a certain spec car, ie. STi, but made lighter and with a few other improvements, pretty sure all RA's are saloons? Might be wrong though :-)

Your budget should get you in a very nice type R, so that would be my choice

ant1973

I own a P1 and use it just for weekends, standard model.
The classics are the best in my eyes, but due its age a bit of tlc will be needed for your labour of love.
And yes you would need 7.5k + for a good one.
Choose wisely and speak to lots if people.
There are some good specialists I have seen and spoken to, Scoobyclinic in chesterfield and Pole Position in willenhall midlands.
Good luck and keep us posted

markb5888

I was looking for a classic a few months ago. My budget was not as high as yours. But i did struggle to find a good classic with no rust ect... So eventually found myself a really nice 2001 bugeye. And i have to say "im more than happy with it" i have owned 3 classic but love my newage now :-)

Ashp1989

iTrader: (1)

Yes the type ra is the saloon, but is lighter than the type r? Some come without a/c and power windows which are the more "raw" type ra's, some ra's do come with ac and power windows as an extra from the factory. I think anyways. Never owned a newage so can't comment. I'm on my first scooby which is a v5 type r and it's really fun.

328isport

iTrader: (6)

OP, maybe also be worth checking the thread I've just started about an RB5 I found on ebay in the general area, could be a option for you as you could make it pristine with the money you have left over and shouldn't lose money on it

pflowers

Yes I saw that rb5, bit put off by the rust coming through as we all know it will be far worse underneath. Do you think that's a forged engine as it doesn't say?

328isport

iTrader: (6)

Yea you'd need to know what make of pistons etc were used, but given the cost of the engine build I'd I've thought it may well be forged rather than standard pistons put back in, I'd expect the block is the original open one, not that this seems to be an issue. Nice thing is APi seem pretty helpful when it comes to their builds so may well have some further info on it/and the car.

Regarding the rust yep a photo of the inside would be needed, which is dead easy because of the side it's on, have a look at my post on the bottom of this thread to see what you'd need. If it looks like mine I wouldn't worry as should be an easy repair, if it carries on down the seem or across the actual arch then that's when it's probably best to walk away!

https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...ch-repair.html

RA Dunk

Apart from two doors very little. If you go for the RA get the STi, it's got more toys, roof vent, DCCD, intercooler spray, more power etc etc

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Late sti ra gets my vote. You'll pick up a lovely one with your budget too.

leeds_182

iTrader: (2)

I went from wide track blob to this v2 sti;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64737603@N06/11238259426/http://www.flickr.com/photos/64737603@N06/11238259426/]IMG_5236[/url, on Flickr

Both are great cars but I love how raw the classic is.