Help...budget of £9k :)

[Hoink]

Hi all,

Thanks for reading, I apologise in advance for any typos as I'm on my iPhone at work typing this.

To cut a long story short, I've had a huge change in circumstances in the last year and have decided to buy myself a car that scratches the performance itch. For one reason or another, I had a couple of other cars which I have decided are not for me:

- R32
- Clio v6
- 330ci

This left the more practical car for me and my life, the STI. My problem isthat I have no idea what to buy From what I've read, and on my budget, I *think* that a 2.0 05 blobeye would be what I'm after. Is this right?

My budget includes a trade in, so unfortunately that means I'm buying trade (I appreciate I will pay more). Now the ultimate question...distance isn't an issue for me...does anyone know of any decent cars currently for sale which you can point me to? I've looked myself but to be honest, I'm just going off what I can see and have no idea whether or not they are any good.

Thanks for any advice, it is really appreciated.

Hoink

Edited by Hoink on Wednesday 13th June 12:49

[ScoobieWRX]

You might also want to consider 03/04 JDM STi which are generally better spec'd and IMHO more desirable.

2005 STi are nice to have also as they come with the DCCD like JDM cars but you will pay a premium.
They seem to have held their used car prices really well.

There are loads on PH classifieds and will take a little while to study in detail but well worth it.

Like with anything else the key criteria have to be:

Low Mileage - Full Service History - All Receipts for work done and services - Mint Condition - Few owners as possible. Once you've shortlisted those cars, pick up the phone and ask lots of questions before you test drive.

Some owners are very fastidious about their cars and will keep everything really well documented. It's these cars you want because you know they'll be well looked after, won't want for anything and more likely to be less used and abused although don't let that put you off because STi are there to be used!!

Niggles....Listen out for knocking rear dampers and engine knocking noises that sound possibly cammy but will be bottom end. Apart from that there's not really anything else.

With minimal engine mods you should be able to get some very decent power. Quality performance pads will sort out stopping it and Bilstein Dampers with Eibach Springs are IMHO the best suspension for crappy UK roads. Engines are pretty much bullet proof as are the gearboxes.

You know you want one

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Thursday 14th June 07:42

[paulmoonraker]

See my garage. I sold my 2005 STi which was tastefully modified for 8K (44K on the clock). It's a no brainier IMO. Apart from a JDM car, your can't beat the 2005 car in terms on reliability, revvy engine, and also it has the wider track etc found on the 2006 car.

[bonesX]

JDM every time. Twin scroll turbo, much stronger engine. Cranks are a weakness on Scooby's, not so the JDM

[Hoink]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it is very much appreciated.

To ask a very obvious, and probably silly question, how do you know whether or not the car is a JDM from the advert? Looking through AT doesn't seem to identify them (although I'm on my phone so could be missing something obvious!).

Thanks again

[paulmoonraker]

Hoink said:

Thanks for the replies everyone, it is very much appreciated.

To ask a very obvious, and probably silly question, how do you know whether or not the car is a JDM from the advert? Looking through AT doesn't seem to identify them (although I'm on my phone so could be missing something obvious!).

Thanks again

It will say. If it doesn't and you find out that it is then the owner does not know what he is doing, so don't buy it

[Hoink]

paulmoonraker said:

It will say. If it doesn't and you find out that it is then the owner does not know what he is doing, so don't buy it

Thanks, I'm pleased there are forums like this to help with my "idiots guide to buying a car"!

From looking on AutoTrader quickly, there is only the one for sale using the keyword JDM so I will just be patient.

I will post links to any cars I spot, but if anyone spots a trade one in my range please feel free to point me in the direction. I appreciate going trade is a pain but its just the situation i have to live with. I have also joined scoobynet and everyone looks helpful on there too so hopefully (between the two) I will find the car for me

[paulmoonraker]

Don't get too hung up on a JDM car. The 2005 STi UK Spec is great.

[Hoink]

Excellent, thanks. Before I purchase I will post links on PH anyway to check I'm going for a sensible one as I will no doubt get carried away

[BerksJack]

A couple of visual differences between jdm and uk cars that you may be able to spot in pics:

JDM will have a rear window wiper. Uk cars don't.
JDM have clear headlights, no crappy orange reflector. Although this can be modified on uk cars also.
03 onwards JDM cars will have the dccd controls down by the handbrake/ gear stick. Uk cars don't.
JDM cars redline at 8k

[BerksJack]

Check back to this dealer when you can, they always have some lovely cars.

http://www.hurstcars.co.uk/

[Hoink]

Thanks Two very useful posts there - and the cars in the garage linked hadn't come back on any AutoTrader searches.

I just wish I wasn't on holiday for the next two weeks so I could go and test drive a couple

[BerksJack]

Hoink said:

Thanks Two very useful posts there - and the cars in the garage linked hadn't come back on any AutoTrader searches.

I just wish I wasn't on holiday for the next two weeks so I could go and test drive a couple

Don't test drive without any cash in your pocket as once you have you will have to drive it home

[Hoink]

BerksJack said:

Don't test drive without any cash in your pocket as once you have you will have to drive it home

That's my worry, I have never not bought a car that I have taken for a test drive!

[BerksJack]

Hoink said:

That's my worry, I have never not bought a car that I have taken for a test drive!

good luck with trying to change that!