Subaru Impreza WRX 2008ish

[S100HP]

Really taken by these at the moment. This is the hatchback which replaced the saloon/estate Impreza you'd imagine.

Can't find much info about them one here. Anybody run one? What do you think? Aware tax is £550 a year bracket. What do I need to look out for?

[vxr2010]

The only thing i would say is maybe engine issues , but if previous owner went forged then it should be fine

[LFB531]

I bought an STi 330 last year and really like it. Have had both Blob and Classic wagons before but wanted to keep the 5 door bit and this was the obvious option.

It feels much more modern inevitably than the older cars, the trim is nice and it is well put together. The boot isn't big compared to a wagon but day to day its fine.

My engine was rebuilt by Subaru at 55,000 due to HG failure. It ate itself again due to a failed oil pump so is currently being rebuilt under warranty but I'm upgrading to all forged internals.

It's a very quick bit of kit (when running!) and I've enjoyed every minute. The looks are a bit Marmite but I'll certainly be keeping mine for a while. If you get to test one, stick the mode into 'sport sharp', you'll be smitten!

[Scobblelotcher]

The 2.5 engine sadly is prone to letting go. This isn’t scientific but many seem to go between 60-90k which necessitates a engine rebuild.

Other than that they use the usual consumables.

I’ve owned 3 and love them especially when making more than 330bhp as they are so capable that below that they just feel too planted.

[S100HP]

Thanks. Looking at the bottom end of the market, seems 4k gets you into one around 100k. Everything I've read states the engines are made of chocolate. Are they that bad?!

The STi is too expensive for me, but will the WRX with 230bhp be enough to keep me interested? Can't find any video reviews of the WRx (not STI) on youtube.

Edited by S100HP on Monday 25th June 17:13

[Scobblelotcher]

S100HP said:

Thanks. Looking at the bottom end of the market, seems 4k gets you into one around 100k. Everything I've read states the engines are made of chocolate. Are they that bad?!

The STi is too expensive for me, but will the WRX with 230bhp be enough to keep me interested? Can't find any video reviews of the WRx (not STI) on youtube.

Edited by S100HP on Monday 25th June 17:13

If you really want one I’d look for one that has had a rebuild not too many miles ago or is fully forged. A rebuild will cost more than 4K.......

Personally I think the lower power variants have too much traction which means they don’t feel very dynamic but it’s subjective and obviously the car will be far cheaper to run and lower maintenance.

[S100HP]

I guess the same engine issues related to the last of the Hawkeyes?

[S100HP]

Have been tempted by a Hawkeye, but would this bodywork put you off?

It's too far away to visit, so need to make a call

https://youtu.be/aLm5ev86tC4

[seiben]

That does seem unusual. I ran a hawk WRX Prodrive wagon for three years and ~60k miles and the bodywork was immaculate, despite getting covered in crud on a regular basis.

I understand that mine eventually had one of the headgaskets go at around 115k in the hands of its new owner. This usually necessitates a rebuild, which isn't cheap. Considering it had spent its whole life running the Prodrive map, including several thousand miles towing a track-car and trailer around, I don't think it did too badly.