[mike_on_the_mike]

So after the lovely guys at Gatwick Valet Parking blew the engine on my GC8 turbo, I've been looking to get that burble back in my life.

Currently looking at a 2008 WRX STI hatch with 90k on the clock however it's had 3 engines in it's relatively short life! Apparently the first one developed bottom end knocking so was replaced under warranty, then the replacement also had issues so was replaced again under warranty. That was back in jan 2018 and it's done 10k miles since then.

Should I be worried? If there are no funny noises now, no signs of issues, should the previous 2 engines concern me? I feel they should but then the latest engine is a new one from Subaru and as long as it's been treated well (I would wrap it in cotton wool if I'd already blown 2 previous engines) then it shouldn't be an issue? I know the EJ25 engines suffer from ringland failure. Is there any way to check for that on a test drive? I know you can do compression tests, keep an eye on the oil over a long period of time but anything on a 30 minute inspection drive? Is it so common? The videos I see on youtube would have me think 90% of them are failing! Any idea on the estimated cost on pulling the engine and replacing the pistons if a problem is found?

Anything else specific to look for on the '08 WRX STI hatches? Startup rattle, ongoing rattle, blue smoke.. Anything else?

Thanks for any advice!
Mike.