Hi guys,
Still in the hunt for an STi and I thought I had found a good one today. However, that was not the case. I'll let the ad speak for itself initially.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-03-Subaru-Impreza-2-0-WRX-STI-Type-UK-/131752101166?hash=item1ead09852e:g:qccAAOSwyjBW5rEK
So, with FSH, and checking online it having MOT until end of OCT I was reasonably pleased. Price was a little cheeky (dependent on condition), but it would be the right price if it checked out. Now on paper it looked okay from the ad.
However, got down there and met the bloke, who seemed okay at first but that quickly turned.
First and foremost, he told me (BEFORE I got down there) that the car had just had £1000 worth of Bridgestone Potenzas put on the car, as I mentioned over the phone the previous MOT stated 'tyres cracking' as an advisory, so if he's changed the tyres, great, if not, no dramas I will just put my Mike Brewer hat on.
Turned up to mateys place. Looked nice and shiny, got my attention, loved it as soon as I saw it. Checked the history/receipts and saw that the car has been looked after with full Subaru history with the cambelt being changed at 50k, but at this point, I couldn't see any tyre receipts.
Went to look at the car and straight away I noticed cracking on the outer edge of all FOUR tyres. Hmm, I said, I thought you replaced these tyres? They look cracked to me.
He said, "Yes, they were done shortly after the MOT, they come like that".
Me - But what about the date stamp on the tyres, they're 6 years old?
He says - "I'm guessing they've been sat in the warehouse for a little while"
Right, so he's told me he's replaced the tyres, but clearly hasn't as they're still cracked, and have a yearly stamp of 2010!!!!! Straight away he's lied to my face.
Moving on - the front discs have a big lip and will need doing later this year. Nevermind, again, it can be negotiated in price.
Got on to the clutch. As far as I'm aware the clutch tends to go on these between 70-85k. I asked, any receipts on the clutch at all? Nope, he said, clutch is in good condition. Right, I thought, as I headed to test drive the car.
Got in the car - Oh my god the bite point was so high it was ridiculous. The amount of times I couldn't find it was embarrassing! Can anyone comment on what a decent clutch feels like bitepoint wise? Are they at the top? The clutch didn't slip mind.. But it was definitely VERY high..Too high.
Other than that I loved it. Sounded great, boosted nicely and cornered well (although did a maximum of 35 round corners). Maybe someone's worried about their tyres.
Right, got onto prices. I sat down, said look.. I've got money with me today I can take it today, job done, but how closely can you get to 7k. Now, I know that's taking the ****. But he is as well, so why not, see what he says. He says.. "you're going to offer me 7 grand... I'm not taking a penny less than 8500".. I said so let me get this straight.. The front discs need replacing, the clutch needs doing soon, and the tyres, being 6 years old, will definitely need doing.. That's over a grands worth of stuff to sort out.. I'll give you 7750 absolute least. Still no. Proceeds to tell me the clutch doesn't need doing and the tyres have been replaced.
I sat there and thought whilst he waffled on and thought, ok, 8 grand final offer. STILL no.. I then proceeded to shake his hand and thank him for his wonderful time.
This guy was so "impersonal" with me it made me feel like he just wanted me gone and didn't care about me at all. Now, usually, if they're too personal it's annoying, however he didn't want to speak to me at all! Now I get it, I'm young and I'm trying to negotiate with someone with years of experience of deals, and he's clearly judged me for a fool and noticed I've pointed out the bad bits, but won't admit it. But I wasn't prepared to spend (lets say I bought it for 8500) around 10k in total for a car with 80k miles, when I can buy a !Removed! PPP STi widetrack for 9500 with 60k miles!
Overall, he was an absolute joke who will not sell a car treating his customers' like that. If he does, they're morons.
Just wanted to make it public in case anyone wants to view it. Basically, don't. Unless he accepts 7500.
IT has not had the tyres done. They are 5 years old.
The clutch IS going and is pretty much gone.
The front discs WILL needs replacing.
Unless he sold it to me for less than 8 I wasn't going to take it.
Thanks for reading and I hope no one gives this guy a penny.
Cheers
Jack