Looking to do some reading about all things new age Subaru Impreza

[iain85]

As per title, can anyone point me in the right direction for finding out about common faults, inspection tips for pre-purchase and also anything you may think would be beneficial to the newly initiated Subaru fanatic?

Thanks,

[SpecB]

Not sure I've seen anything like that to be honest - there's lots of people here who know all about the pitfalls with newages!

Main things to look for in my opinion are front subframe rust (hard to see with undertray in place). Poorly done mods (e.g. Exhaust/induction changes without a remap)

[Hongkongfooi]

best thing is to come to one of our meets and talk to us all about our cars. And then go and see a few with a knowledgeable person.

Which version you looking at?

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by iain85

As per title, can anyone point me in the right direction for finding out about common faults, inspection tips for pre-purchase and also anything you may think would be beneficial to the newly initiated Subaru fanatic?

Thanks,

A lot to be gleaned on the net. Scoobynet can be a mine of useful info if you look carefully purely because of the amount of users. Sometimes if I am not sure on something I stick a question into their search bar and usually get some decent answers. Apart from that, always ask on here. There is usually someone who knows and everyone is really helpful.

[iain85]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

best thing is to come to one of our meets and talk to us all about our cars. And then go and see a few with a knowledgeable person.

Which version you looking at?

I will try and come to the next local one and gleam some knowledge. I think I'm leaning towards a low milage wrx with preferably the ppp pack as after market mods seem to cause huge insurance hikes for me. I may be interested in Craig's car on here, just waiting on hearing back re service history etc. however I'm hoping the mods won't be too detrimental to my insurance quote.

Does anyone on here get involved with track days? I have plenty of experiance on bikes but would like to get out I the scooby when it arrives and would be great if I could come along with a few of the regulars on here when she arrives. I noticed you've just done a brands hatch evening. How did everyone get on?


With regard the front sub frame rust. Would the under tray be easily removed for inspection? Specifically considering Craig's car, is the power steering pump a big job? I will try to do as much of the repairs and maintainance myself. Also the gear box issue. Should a new box be required. Mwhat sort of money are replacements?

Thanks all

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by iain85

Does anyone on here get involved with track days? I have plenty of experiance on bikes but would like to get out I the scooby when it arrives and would be great if I could come along with a few of the regulars on here when she arrives. I noticed you've just done a brands hatch evening. How did everyone get on?

There's a thread online now for a Brands Hatch evening on the 5th August - we haven't done a Brands trackday as a club for a couple of years. However, we've done a couple of Goodwood trackdays in the last 18 months, plus our annual trip to the Nurburgring

[555_Si]

I had problems with rust on my front sub frame, not a huge problem, I just got one second hand and swapped over, as parts are plentiful second hand.

Dealer prices will make you cry, I am also a Audi/VW and Jaguar owner and I am scared of Subaru dealers!

Try one of the 20 min taster sessions on the Brands night, you can get a feel for your new car (if you get it in time) and also gives you a chance to give it a bit of a shake down.

I did a couple of sessions at Goodwood to snag my car and it was well worth it, Subarus can be a bit tempermental at times, but they are big smiles for your pounds.

Just test drive any perspective car like any other car, should feel tight, clutch judder can be an issue, make sure it feels smooth when accelerating , with no jerking up the rev range.

Check service history, take a good look around body work, see if tyres are wearing even. Front brakes if an STI can be expensive for good quality discs, so check some life in them.

Check rubber intake pipe going into turbo from inlet filter/maf, these split and are a bit of a pain to replace.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by iain85

I will try and come to the next local one and gleam some knowledge. I think I'm leaning towards a low milage wrx with preferably the ppp pack as after market mods seem to cause huge insurance hikes for me. I may be interested in Craig's car on here, just waiting on hearing back re service history etc. however I'm hoping the mods won't be too detrimental to my insurance quote.

Does anyone on here get involved with track days? I have plenty of experiance on bikes but would like to get out I the scooby when it arrives and would be great if I could come along with a few of the regulars on here when she arrives. I noticed you've just done a brands hatch evening. How did everyone get on?


With regard the front sub frame rust. Would the under tray be easily removed for inspection? Specifically considering Craig's car, is the power steering pump a big job? I will try to do as much of the repairs and maintainance myself. Also the gear box issue. Should a new box be required. Mwhat sort of money are replacements?

Thanks all

It would be worth you contacting Gary Moulson (Moley on here) re insurance if you haven't already. Gary insures a large number of cars on this forum and is used to dealing with mods etc. You will find it alot easier than a high street insurer as they dont specialise.

I cant comment on exact cost of some parts as I've not had to replace those particular parts, but the good thing with these cars is that parts are widely available and alot of the time you can source good second hand parts on these forums for alot less money.

[SpecB]

Under tray is fairly easy to remove, and in fact it's not the actual subframe that rots usually the U shaped crash bar which many people actually remove totally as it is not fitted to the JDM Spec C any way and was only to improve ratings in the Euro NCAP testing.

PAS pump shouldn't be too hard as its on top of the engine! As for gearbox, a second hand WRX box shouldn't cost more than £800 a 6 speed STI box will be around £1500 to £2500 depending on specific model.

[iain85]

Thanks all, great help from everyone so far!

I will defiantly come along in August assuming I have a Subaru by then. I am also very interested in the ring trip too!

What's the general consensus on hgh mile cars. I have seen this 2004 sl which seems in good shape:-

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/...ls-2004-a.html


Should I be weary of such a high milage example?

[iain85]

Although I have to say I'd prefer a blue car

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by iain85

I have seen this 2004 sl which seems in good shape:-

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/...ls-2004-a.html

Thats Rob's car - he's a member on here. Think he still has a silver classic as well as the blob. The car is local to Sussex.

[iain85]

Ah ok, didn't t see the ad on here. What do you think,of the milage?

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by iain85

I think I'm leaning towards a low milage wrx with preferably the ppp

Personally depending if you can afford it I would go for STI rather than a WRX.

They come with better brakes and suspension as standard from the factory,

I also believe the engines are also stronger..

[iain85]

Originally Posted by BIG"E"

Personally depending if you can afford it I would go for STI rather than a WRX.

They come with better brakes and suspension as standard from the factory,

I also believe the engines are also stronger..

I see what you mean although I don't want too harsh a ride as my mrs might take it to work in the winter. I didn't realise the engines were any different apart from mapping tbh. tTanks for the heads up!

Also the Sti seems to have a massive premium over the wrx. I will see what's about but am mostly interested in getting one as close to standard engine wise as possible.

[iain85]

As a curve ball I've seen this on scooby net.

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/...n-sale-px.html

I know it's the later 2.5 engine. Does this mean it's inherently going to cause me grief or does the mapping the owner has conducted alleviate some of the problems? Could anyone advise me what is exactly wrong with the 2.5?

Cheers

[555_Si]

mine has done 140,000 on std wrx engine, just modded a couple of months ago and engine still seems to be fine, though I chose my wagon as hoprefully being standard and boring I thought it may have had an easier life.

As mentioned, if you want a bit of extra performance later, get and STI if funds allow.

you will have circa 280bhp out the box and around 330 to 350 once mapped and lightly modded, it took a lot more to get my WRX over 300bhp. You will have a bottom end and gearbox that should be good over 400bhp. WRX gearbox and engine are starting to stress at 330bhp.

I wished I started with an STI now, instead of trying to turn mine into an STI!

[iain85]

Thanks Si,

I see what your saying. Although my thinking it if I get a cheap enough one now if I'm yearning for more power I can chop it in for a Sti next year. Bearing in mind my biggest bhp car is my current Skoda 1.4 tc 180bhp I think the impreza will be impressive for me!

[SpecB]

Originally Posted by iain85

As a curve ball I've seen this on scooby net.

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/subaru-444/...n-sale-px.html

I know it's the later 2.5 engine. Does this mean it's inherently going to cause me grief or does the mapping the owner has conducted alleviate some of the problems? Could anyone advise me what is exactly wrong with the 2.5?

Cheers

This actually sounds a really good car.... If my trip on Saturday doesn't go to plan I may consider it myslelf! Powerstation know their stuff.

[iain85]

Originally Posted by BlueBugEye

This actually sounds a really good car.... If my trip on Saturday doesn't go to plan I may consider it myslelf! Powerstation know their stuff.

Ok I'll leave it to you! Let me know what you think of it. Can you tell me anything about the 2.5 engine?

[555_Si]

The thing is your 180bhp Skoda might actually feel quick as the Subaru, as the Subaru puts the power down with no fuss. I was disappointed when I got mine and thought it was down on power, it was supposed to be 215-220bhp.

I took it on the rollers and saw 239bhp! So I suggest you drive a WRX and an STI and make your own mind up. Just becareful of getting a WRX and throwing money at it like I did. I don't mind as it is virtually impossible to find a Bugeye STI wagon, and I prefer the colour of mine which wasn't an STI colour.

[iain85]

Ok thanks, it's hard to get test drives I'd imagine. There doesn't seem to be any at dealers local to me!
Does the wagon handle the same as the saloon?

[555_Si]

handles slightly different as it has a narrower track, hence why they don't have the arch extensions on the wings. Though mine now runs saloon front suspension so has the wider track on the front only. I may increase rear track later, not sure, but it handles nice now.

You are welcome to take mine for a spin, though to be honest it wouldn't compare to any standard car, so not a lot of point.

[iain85]

Ah right. Am I right in thinking only the post 04 saloons have the wide track as an option?

Very kind of you, although I will politely decline as id hate the possibility of damaging someone's pride and joy. Although when I get mine hopefully meet up on track or at a meet for a chat.

[555_Si]

the wagons were narrow track as such, saloons normal track and post 04 saloons (might just be STI's not sure) were wide track.

[iain85]

Cheers.

[SpecB]

Much that I hate to say it I have to agree with the Big E on this, I started with a 2002 bugeye WRX which I upgraded to 370 bhp on the std box and engine - extra costs over getting the same power on an sti was around £2k as I needed a turbo swap, Intercooler, injectors, better brakes which would not have been needed on an STI. Then the engine let go as the WRX is not as strong as and STI! So add in new engine & gearbox that's another £6k or so...... If I was to do it again I'd have left the WRX at 270 on the 'stage 1' kit then changed it for a widetrack blob STI!

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by BlueBugEye

Much that I hate to say it I have to agree with the Big E on this, I started with a 2002 bugeye WRX which I upgraded to 370 bhp on the std box and engine - extra costs over getting the same power on an sti was around £2k as I needed a turbo swap, Intercooler, injectors, better brakes which would not have been needed on an STI. Then the engine let go as the WRX is not as strong as and STI! So add in new engine & gearbox that's another £6k or so...... If I was to do it again I'd have left the WRX at 270 on the 'stage 1' kit then changed it for a widetrack blob STI!

Why thank you kind Sir

[ScoobyStu]

I'm not sure there are any 'major' issues with the newages tbh. I've not really had any with mine other than the radiator and a top coolant hose going but, it's 11 years old so.....

It all depends what you want from it, if you're going to leave it standard, modify it or heavily modify it although others will tell you one often leads to the other!

The only thing I know that is an issue is the stanard suspension often develops a 'knock'. But my £700 BC coilovers have done that also and I bet the standard ones last longer than 8000 miles before they start!

[Ginola]

Originally Posted by ScoobyStu

I'm not sure there are any 'major' issues with the newages tbh. I've not really had any with mine other than the radiator and a top coolant hose going but, it's 11 years old so.....

It all depends what you want from it, if you're going to leave it standard, modify it or heavily modify it although others will tell you one often leads to the other!

The only thing I know that is an issue is the stanard suspension often develops a 'knock'. But my £700 BC coilovers have done that also and I bet the standard ones last longer than 8000 miles before they start!

As Stu says, rear shocks are a common problem on new-age cars, check for "knocking" noises from the rear, and also ride might be quite "bouncy" (these can need replacing after as little as 20k miles!)
Do all the regular checks you would do with any car, check underneath, door shuts for paint, oil/fluids and service history/records. An api check is also a must of course.
Test drive anything your going to buy as others have said and make sure the car feels solid and tight.

Try to twist someones arm from here to come with you to look at any potential buys, come to a meet or two and chat to some of us

The WRX is a great car competent and compliant good all round with great handling and driving is very sure footed. The STI is a more honed and focused, and comes bundled with some nice performance orientated extras as others have stated. brakes and gearbox and strength of engine being the major plus points..

The 2.5 engines are weaker in many peoples opinion than the 2.0 engines and more prone to failure when the power is pushed up. ring land failures and bearings and so forth. Although many will last a very long time and its not say that its not a great engine, it produces quite a bit more torque than the 2.0 engine and is more driveable off boost. I have steered clear of the 2.5 myself after seeing the term "chocolate 2.5" used too many times on various Subaru forums. (I'm not dissing anyone's 2.5!!

Good luck in the search fella

[iain85]

Thanks very much for the detailed info. Il post up on here when I see one and like you say if anyone is nearby and doesn't mind taking a look with me il bring beer tokens

I did see a lovely looking 2.5 wagon 56 plate for 5k in Wales but like,you've said all the engine failures stories are scaring me off. Mapparently it had been mapped to avoid the issues but still I'm wary.

[RCS2810]

I may of missed it earlier but does it have to be a newage?

[iain85]

Yes, that's one I'm after. What you seen?

[iain85]

Ah just seen you got Craig's car! Looks a good deal that, I was going to go look at it and you must of just piped me to the post.

[RCS2810]

Yeah sorry about that but just couldnt say no hehe.

I havent seen anything but just wondered about a nice classic sti type r?

Also are you bothered about it being an sti or uk or what?

[iain85]

Don't blame ya mate, enjoy!

Well I'm open to anything really. I don't want to rush it and end up with a lemon, I will keep my eyes peeled and post up here for members opinions. Just thought new age as there newer and as a result should be easier to get parts for and also hopefully have less rust!

[RCS2810]

Pmd you..

[iain85]

Cheers, replied

[iain85]

Anyone's on here?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-m...-uk/1022848815

Might be tempted by this.. Anyone know of it? Opinions?

[Ginola]

Looks decent if the millage is legit and the service history all tally's would want to see previous MOT's and HPI check+Dvla check on previous plates history etc etc. check models all that jazz if he says it has PPP pack (Propack..) then check it has the relevant certificates and so forth.

+ of course drive and test and inspection and so on as previously mentioned.

[RCS2810]

Thought your budget was 3k? Lol

[Steve_PPP]

Sure i've seen that blue blob about before (recognise the plate) but don't think it was at a meet. If the mileage is genuine, then thats a good one to look at. Even early blobs are 10 years old now so finding one with 30,000 miles on it is tricky

[iain85]

Yeah kind of suspect that the milage is so low. My budget is 3k but not finding anything at that level I'm that interested in buying, so as a result am looking further into the savings pot : ). However doesn't mean I'm spending that much as swmbo obeyed has to be consulted first!

[iain85]

Anyone think this is still a time bomb? The mapping was the main issue with the 2.5's right?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...n-2006/1492995

[MIDLIFE]

Originally Posted by Ginola

Looks decent if the millage is legit and the service history all tally's would want to see previous MOT's and HPI check+Dvla check on previous plates history etc etc. check models all that jazz if he says it has PPP pack (Propack..) then check it has the relevant certificates and so forth.

+ of course drive and test and inspection and so on as previously mentioned.

If above checks out offer £6500.

[SpecB]

Originally Posted by iain85

Anyone think this is still a time bomb? The mapping was the main issue with the 2.5's right?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...n-2006/1492995

If you don't plan to push it any further in terms of tuning that looks a great buy

[iain85]

Originally Posted by BlueBugEye

If you don't plan to push it any further in terms of tuning that looks a great buy

That's what I'm thinking, although seems to have been for sale for awhile.

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by iain85

That's what I'm thinking, although seems to have been for sale for awhile.

Nearly £500 a year tax scares off a lot of folks when on a car for this kind of budget. If you're loaded an spending £20k+ on a car, £500 tax isn't a worry. But 10% of the cars value on tax each year would put me off unfortunately - i'd be looking for the same car but a year older to fall into the lower groups.....

[iain85]

Yeah I agree Steve' although I think that's what's stunting the price I'd imagine? In real world terms its 'only' and additional £200 a year as obviously the rip off tax for pre 2006 cars is still £270.

[Hallsy]

Stix's car looks great, and at the price he has it up for I'm surprised it hasn't sold.

When I bought my blobeye I considered a hawkeye, but the extra cost for the tax and mentions of the chocolate 2.5 pushed me back to the blob.

I thought you didn't want a wagon anyway Iain