Classic Sti Type R - Buyers Guide?

[anonymous-user]

Hi all

Going to view a classic Impreza WRX STI Type R tomorrow, with a view to buy.

I have search for a biuers guide (even for the standard STI or WRX) but can;t find much other than "make sure the suspension is ok" or "check that it has got an engine".

Does anyone have a link to any guides, or any hints on things to check from your own ownership?

Also - the car is a fresh import, is there anything specific I should check in relation to this? Should there be any kind of import certificate or the like?

Thanks

[bazza1000]

Check all of the normal things - paintwork, panel alignment, etc.

Good tip with the classics: all out of sight paintwork ie. underbonnent area, in boot etc should be dull primer type paint if its shiny and finished like the exterior paintwork alarm bells should start to ring as chances are its been in an accident so check the front slam panel, wings, boot as a must.

Imports aren't undersealed so check everywhere for rust particularly wheel arches and underbonnet, if its a fresh import and from a good dry area of Japan then should look like a new car underneath.

Full frequent service history is a must, they are very reliable cars when looked after properly and respected.

Hope its a nice one - they are great cars!!!!

Register on the P1WOC or type R owners club forum - lots of useful information on there and buyers guides.

[bazza1000]

To clarify mileage ask to see the BIMTA certificate (should have one if from a good importer) or you can get one easily cost about £30 mileage is correct as of de-registration from Japan, and also look at the auction grade and sheet.

[RESSE]

Any use?

http://www.type-ra.co.uk/pdf/version-4-v-limited.p...

http://www.subaru-impreza.org/impreza-checklist.ht...

http://www.type-r-ra.co.uk/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=...

Edited by RESSE on Friday 7th October 14:25

[RESSE]

Some useful information here:

http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/index.php/SidcFaq/Non...

http://www.iwoc.co.uk/jpstir.html

[anonymous-user]

Thanks guys. The tick list and tips like the panel colours are exactly what I was looking for.

Quite a specific question now - all the insurers I'm talking to want the car to have a CAT1 alarm. I know the car doesn't have this, but does anyone know what they DO have as standard? I'm struggling to find anything at all about it

[RESSE]

Of the 5 Imprezas I have owned (all GC8 "classics") and none had alarms - in fact the 2 x Type RAs didn't have central locking, however, most will have Cat 1 fitted by now.

[johnnyr6]

Jap imports don't have alarms (don't need them in japan). I fitted a toad i606 (iirc) which was reasonable and has been fine for 8 years now.

Another thing, lots of type r's are quoted wrong e.g. version 5 when its a version 4 so best to check out what your buying is what its supposed to be. Not that it makes too much difference as they are all good cars. V5 onwards has a stronger gearbox better rear brakes.

If its just been imported get hold of the auction sheet, it's in japanese but you can work out if its had any crash repairs and what the mileage is and its rates the body condition and interior condition.

Johnny.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks guys.

I have got the chassis/engine code I expect the car to be noted down and where to find it. Also printed out how to work out exactly what it is from the code, if it isn't what I expect.

Also I printed out about 15 "common" auction sheets with English translations to help me try to work out what I am seeing.

If the car seems right, I am thinking of putting down a deposit, on the condition that it is returned to me if the BIMTA report does no corroborate everything I am told. Do you think this is sensible/will be acceptable? My thinking is that if they have nothing to hide the seller wont mind

[Riknos]

Nyphur said:

Thanks guys. The tick list and tips like the panel colours are exactly what I was looking for.

Quite a specific question now - all the insurers I'm talking to want the car to have a CAT1 alarm. I know the car doesn't have this, but does anyone know what they DO have as standard? I'm struggling to find anything at all about it

Slightly o/t, but when I was trying to insure my car last month, all the insurers I spoke to told me they needed a cat 2 immobiliser. When I told them I had an immobiliser, but didn't know what make and the fact it wasn't CAT registered, I kept going back to them saying I'd take out the business with them if they can overlook this fact, and in the end they adjusted the paperwork to reflect that it is not actually required. So if they want your money that bad, you might be able to get round it.