Scooby Advice Sought

[rustybin]

In my hunt for something that will allow the occassional track day, trip to the tip, taking dog on holiday etc. I have decided to try an find a Scooby Wagon.

I have upto £6k or so to spend so I assume I am looking at a classic at that sort of money.

Any advice as to what to look for would be appreciated in particular the difference between an import and UK car. I intend hanging on to it for a while so am not bothered from a residuals perspective and am more interested in running costs (insurance etc.) and performance.

At this money I seem to have the option of something around 1998ish and high miles or low mileage 94ish cars. What's the received wisdom as to the one to go for.

Any advice as to insurance providers would also be welcome. So far they all seem to want a tracker fitted and to charge me over £600 (I am 36 and have full no claims and park off street)

Sorry they are all rather newbie questions but I have previously mainly had italian stuff so the land of the rising sun is all new territory.

Thank in advance.

[Hanslow]

Scoob prices are on a big decline at the mo as some of the less reputable types can now afford them (approx 3k for an early '93). Unfortunately, that pushes insurance up as well

Japanese imports need to be looked after a bit more, unless remapped, require running on 98 ron plus octane booster. Not doing this can cause engine failure. Euro imports tend not to be a problem.

If you want some more advice / info, there is plenty (and lots of cars for sale too) over on <a href="http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk">http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk</a>

I used to own a year 2000 UK turbo saloon, but managed to flog it before the prices really plummeted.

How about something like this : http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=392771&page=1&pp=20&highlight=wagon

Do an advanced search for wagon in the for sale - general and for sale - cars sections and you should be able to find what you want. For UK turbos, the 1999 model was arguably the best as it was the last facelift pre the bugeye and the ECU was better than the 2000 model (that I had).

>> Edited by Hanslow on Friday 11th February 15:12

[Nicol@]

You will need to do a good shop around for insurance as it really varies per person and location.

Tesco used to be good, but their prices are rising rapidly (I am looking for quotes for myself at the moment).

It is rare for an insurance company not to ask for a tracker.

So far I have found 'Liverpool and Victoria' and Privege (sp?) good, but my current insurers elephant haven't quoted yet and I think they will beat the others.

Good luck

[Raider_]

Sold a 1999 T wagon a couple of weeks ago - 54K miles for about the price you are talking about. Was a silver Turbo 2000 wagon, UK model, FSH etc etc.

Absolutely fantastic car - loved it. Only sold it so that I could have a Chimaera !

The prices of Scoobies have taken an absolute caning over the last two years (believe me I have paid the depreciation ) The best trade in I could get from a dealer was just over 5 grand

Some of the prices they are being advertised for privately are unrealistic to say the least. The dealer I spoke to would have put mine up for 7.5K, and it was mint. I have seen 1994/5 cars advertised for this - they'll be lucky ! There are a lot of them about, and alot of people took them as company cars as they were cheap and fast. Unfortunately with the advent of company car tax related to emissions, and the introduction of the 'bug eye' and its rather rapid replacement, the residuals took a hell of a beating. Bad news for owners, but good news for buyers !

For insurance - I was with Norwich Union Direct last year - premium was under 500 quid (38, FNCB, Class 1 business, Surrey, wife with two claims) and didn't need a Tracker. Year before I was with Liverpool Victoria for about 550, and that included track day cover

So don't get suckered into buying an old or legy car - you should be able to get a 1998 or 1999 for that kind of money privately, or through a dealer for a bit more. Good news for you is that the wagon is about 500 quid cheaper than the saloon.

PM me if you want any more info

Edited coz my spelink woz rubish !

>> Edited by Raider_ on Friday 11th February 22:54

[rustybin]

Thanks for the advice guys. Should make some space on my drive this week so can now get round to filling it again and searching in earnest. I have an idea what to set my sights on now. Thanks again.

[mechsympathy]

I'm insured with Norwich Union direct with no tracker, and parked on the street.

(And I'm a bit disappointed to hear about the depreciation, I was hoping to get about £5.5k for my 97P plate with 80k miles when I sell it in the next few months Hey ho, I'm not gutted cos it is a fantastic car.)

[rustybin]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have put it into practice and am now the proud owner of a MY99. I gather it's reasonably well known in Scooby circles as it used to be a scoobynet moderators car 'Puff the Magic Wagon'. It is claimed to be putting out about 300bhp at the moment and having driven it home yesterday it certainly feels like it. Absolutley Fantastic.

Thanks again.

[Nicol@]

Hope you enjoy the car

[Hanslow]

Cool....Puff's old car is very well known

Although driven hard, he always maintained it well and added the mods to enhance it rather than just bling

Now get out there and enjoy your new motor