After a number of years away from ownership, I'm thinking of buying a classic Impreza, probably a post 1996/1997 facelift model.

I'm just trying to get an idea of values and wondered if anyone has any opinions. I am only really interested in a UK non-modded example, although I appreciate I'm unlikely to find one with an OE exhaust.

It seems that £2,000 is a realistic price ceiling, but have seen some nice examples closer to £3,000.

What does the community believe is realistic and is a £3,000 price tag for a good example a reasonable pric to pay?
Thanks
IanF

 

Hi there,

UK un-modded examples are relatively rare, but they do pop up from time to time.

A completely standard blue wagon with 56K on went recently for around £3K so your budget is spot on.

Finding the car will be your issue. The biggest problem with UK cars in particular now is rotten rear arches. What may be a little bit of bubbling could (but may not) be a whole world of pain when you start removing the rust as the inner arches, turrets etc. may be corroded. he best bet is to get the boot lining out and look down the arch wells and see if there is any corrosion there. This is easy in the left side as the flap that hides the jack allows you at least some access.

Have seen standard cars pop up on here, but also on Auto Trader as they are being sold by people who aren't enthusiasts, they have just had the car in the family for years for instance.

 

Thanks F1 for the helpful response. Search is well under now.
IanF

 

Im in much the same situation and 2~3k is a good budget. As f1 rightly says, check check check and check again. Im on a second viewing tomorrow and will be digging deep before I drop them my deposit. Good luck with your quest

 

3k should get you a very nice un modded example of that age.

I paid more for mine but its a late Year 2000 car with genuine 47k on it and totally standard without a spot of rust. i had to search for a while and had wanted posts on lots of forums before the right car turned up, but they are out there! Good luck with the search

something like this?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...86wn?logcode=p

 

burt
The car in the link you posted has sold now.

Sounds like you have a very nice example. Have you had any unserseal or rust prevention treatments done on your car? Do you drive it all year round?

Thanks
IanF

 

They don't normally hang about too long now with low miles and very little mods.

Mine had been undersealed before i bought it and i've just had it freshly undersealed again today, arches etc all like new lucky enough.

I have it insured for 2000 miles a year and i only really drive it at weekends.
I can drive it anytime but at this time of year its only out on dry days and very rarely, but will see more miles out in the better weather