Looking at a T reg Impreza Turbo.
Discussion
Hi folks,
Not used PH for donkeys.
I currently drive a MK1 Leon Cupra R but I have an itch that i'm sorely tempted to scratch. I've had it ever since I found a green Impreza Turbo in the classifieds.
Has anyone ever owned or currently own one? What are they like to live with? It'll be a 2nd car for me so won't be doing that big a mileage.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Not used PH for donkeys.
I currently drive a MK1 Leon Cupra R but I have an itch that i'm sorely tempted to scratch. I've had it ever since I found a green Impreza Turbo in the classifieds.
Has anyone ever owned or currently own one? What are they like to live with? It'll be a 2nd car for me so won't be doing that big a mileage.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
T reg would make it a "classic". Still plenty of new spares, cheap to service if you DIY it, cheap to maintain but juicy. If it's got a decent history , the cambelt has been done at the right intervals , check for rust (I think they suffered around the filler cap and front chassis) and general condition then it will serve you well as a second car.
Loads of s/h spares still as well. I've got an 04 blobeye which is great, fast and fun on A & B roads and well behaved enough to live with in town as well. Suffers with road noise, the stereo is crap and the interior basic but the seats are comfy and the ride slightly harsh but not awful.
If you feel like spending some cash, grab another set of std wheels of ebay or scoobynet and chuck some winter tyres on them for the appropriate season and it'll be ideal to toss about in and will handle the bad conditions with ease.
Check for service history as mentioned, sticking calipers (the mild steel pistons rust and sieze - get a kit from Godspeed),problems known are notchy 1st and 2nd gear from cold, rattles from cold, Boost sensors and MAFS.
Member Teknopug on here is quite knowledgeable and helped me out with a few questions I had when I got mine, Scoobynet is also a good place to look for advice and "How to" guides. If you get a decent one then you'll be chuffed at the good value you've got. If you get a dog you'll be cursing the day you bought it.
Loads of s/h spares still as well. I've got an 04 blobeye which is great, fast and fun on A & B roads and well behaved enough to live with in town as well. Suffers with road noise, the stereo is crap and the interior basic but the seats are comfy and the ride slightly harsh but not awful.
If you feel like spending some cash, grab another set of std wheels of ebay or scoobynet and chuck some winter tyres on them for the appropriate season and it'll be ideal to toss about in and will handle the bad conditions with ease.
Check for service history as mentioned, sticking calipers (the mild steel pistons rust and sieze - get a kit from Godspeed),problems known are notchy 1st and 2nd gear from cold, rattles from cold, Boost sensors and MAFS.
Member Teknopug on here is quite knowledgeable and helped me out with a few questions I had when I got mine, Scoobynet is also a good place to look for advice and "How to" guides. If you get a decent one then you'll be chuffed at the good value you've got. If you get a dog you'll be cursing the day you bought it.
Subaru's need a lot of general maintenance to keep them sweet, this includes gearbox and diff oil changes every 2 years and 6 monthly engine oil changes, though if only doing a few k a year, can probably be missed.
Spark plugs can take time to change and at the cars age I would go for a full belt kit which isnt cheap.
As stated, rear arches rusr from the inside, when you see the bubbles then that is already an inch worth of metal gone due to the double skin (hence they had a body service which pumped wax into these area's but most owners gave up on these as they thought it was a waste of time).
Check for rust around the front and rear windscreens, behind the bumpers also and check for accident damage.
Spark plugs can take time to change and at the cars age I would go for a full belt kit which isnt cheap.
As stated, rear arches rusr from the inside, when you see the bubbles then that is already an inch worth of metal gone due to the double skin (hence they had a body service which pumped wax into these area's but most owners gave up on these as they thought it was a waste of time).
Check for rust around the front and rear windscreens, behind the bumpers also and check for accident damage.
MarkR26 said:
Thanks.
Don't suppose you know of any reliable links or info for service schedule especially belts etc? I never fully trust a simple Google search, they can be a bit too general.
I have a 1999 RB5 and cambelts are at 45K and 90K. As already mentioned, rear arches are prone to rust (had mine done twice) also side sills and where rear struts are (check inside boot). Still a quick car and handles brilliantly. Can eat tyres if you do lots of hard cornering. Seats very comfortable and great fun to drive. Also still thought by many as the best looking Impreza. Becoming a rare sight on the roads in recent times. Had mine about 15 years and still love it.Don't suppose you know of any reliable links or info for service schedule especially belts etc? I never fully trust a simple Google search, they can be a bit too general.
Edited by MarkR26 on Tuesday 21st March 06:34
I've had my '99 Impreza for 2 years and had no real issues at all. Brake Caliper was binding so replaced that, and new front discs. And lots of visits to the petrol station (18mpg on average) but other than that it's been rock solid. It's a second car that I use in the winter and it still makes me smile every time I drive it.
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