Uk 2000 turbo prices

[drgoatboy]

So I have a sudden urge to buy a 2000 turbo (gc8).
Longed for once since my brother had one as a company car in the late 90s and I was so jealous.

Sadly I saw them slip into obscurity and the hands of many who neglected them and they totally fell of my radar. But a few weeks back I saw a near standard immaculate example out on the road and I was completely smitten again!

I know I shouldn't been I have been looking around and prices are all over the place from £3k to £20k.
Unmolested examples seem to be £10k+ but it seems ok examples come up for less. £20k cars seem to hang around forever which suggests to me they are way over priced by the usual dealers chancing their luck.

Can anyone advise what is a sensible price?
Also why are they all for sale in the north!!!

[TEKNOPUG]

They are the least desirable of all WRX/STi. Rot is a major issue - anything more than minor cosmetic, walk away.

If you just want a sporty Impreza, buy a newage or an older Jap import. With the classics it's all about condition as parts are harder and more expensive to get hold off. Hence asking prices are all over the shop as everyone thinks their car is a future classic and worth stupid money because 22bs cost half a mill.....I wouldn't pay as much as £10k for one but sounds like you want one a lot more than me

Edited by TEKNOPUG on Wednesday 1st February 16:47

[drgoatboy]

TEKNOPUG said:

They are the least desirable of all WRX/STi. Rot is a major issue - anything more than minor cosmetic, walk away.

If you just want a sporty Impreza, buy a newage or an older Jap import. With the classics it's all about condition as parts are harder and more expensive to get hold off. Hence asking prices are all over the shop as everyone thinks their car is a future classic and worth stupid money because 22bs cost half a mill.....I wouldn't pay as much as £10k for one but sounds like you want one a lot more than me

Edited by TEKNOPUG on Wednesday 1st February 16:47

Thanks for replying, think it's a gc8 or nothing really. It's just my fav shape, I don't need the extra power of a WRX/sti if I'm honest, and I don't know why a UK car appeals more than an import. I know that doesn't make sense...

Is £10k a serious target? Seems sensible

[sam.rog]

Uk cars will be rotten unless meticulously cared for. The rust protection was never brilliant when new.
If you can see rust on the outside arches then the inner arches will be absolutely rotten out.

Mechanically the engine is ok as long as it hasn’t been messed around with. But at 100k miles id start budgeting for a refresh. The 5 speed gearbox are generally ok on standard power.

Interior is basic but reliable.

Genuine subaru parts can be expensive and difficult to find on the classics.

Personally I’d be looking for a nice straight import. Rust proofing the underside, map for uk fuel and enjoy it as subaru intended.

Also a jdm sti is so much more than just extra power compared to a UK2000

[TEKNOPUG]

drgoatboy said:

TEKNOPUG said:

They are the least desirable of all WRX/STi. Rot is a major issue - anything more than minor cosmetic, walk away.

If you just want a sporty Impreza, buy a newage or an older Jap import. With the classics it's all about condition as parts are harder and more expensive to get hold off. Hence asking prices are all over the shop as everyone thinks their car is a future classic and worth stupid money because 22bs cost half a mill.....I wouldn't pay as much as £10k for one but sounds like you want one a lot more than me

Edited by TEKNOPUG on Wednesday 1st February 16:47

Thanks for replying, think it's a gc8 or nothing really. It's just my fav shape, I don't need the extra power of a WRX/sti if I'm honest, and I don't know why a UK car appeals more than an import. I know that doesn't make sense...

Is £10k a serious target? Seems sensible

In that case I'd just look for the best condition GC8 within budget, regardless of model. The mechanicals are straightforward to maintain and refresh (providing the engine isn't cooked), it's the bodywork (structural) that's key. You're get better deals on ebay or Facebook than dealers who all seem to think they can flip cars for 50% extra just by washing them....need to know what you are looking at though.

[drgoatboy]

Thanks Sam, tekno,
Some good food for thought, I'll just keep my eyes peeled to see if anything comes up local I guess and keep a look out for rust.

Anyone have thoughts on pricing for rear arch repairs? Would guess at £500 a side but don't know if it's a lot more serious because of fuel tanks etc.

[drgoatboy]

Was watching a restored and relatively standard car on ebay. Went for £7.5k

[Hodge4ever]

drgoatboy said:

Thanks Sam, tekno,
Some good food for thought, I'll just keep my eyes peeled to see if anything comes up local I guess and keep a look out for rust.

Anyone have thoughts on pricing for rear arch repairs? Would guess at £500 a side but don't know if it's a lot more serious because of fuel tanks etc.

It depends on where in the country you are and the quality of the place you take it, but that is a good budget imo. I had both rears (inner and outer) and the bonnet done for £1000 at my local accident repair place. That didn't include the the cost of the parts.

As people have said, the bodywork is notorious for rot so that would be where I would be spending most of the time checking when buying. I have had mine for 14 years and by far the biggest bills for me (apart from fuel) are keeping on top of the rust.