Impreza info

[bullitt rich]

I've been looking to change my car at some point this year and I've been looking round at various cars where insurance isn't an issue (24year old male, 4 years NCB, LS14 postcode.)

Eventually, after searching the PH Classifieds found a few Imprezas within my budget. I only have upto £5k to spend, basically what I'm hoping to get for my current car, not alot I know.

I just need to know, is there anything I should be looking out for?? I've found a fair few websites that give the usual facts and figures but could any current owners give me any info on actually owning one.

The ones I've been looking at is 2ltr turbo, 1996 to 1999.

[DocJock]

At that age you could be looking at any number of expensive problems aside from the usual consumables.

Engines are not reknowned for their longevity I'm afraid.
Shells on #3 big end are the favourite problem. The problem is worse if the engine has been modded.

Another weakness (perhaps because of the way they encourage you to drive) is front wheel bearing failure and wear in the hub carriers.

They have a large appetite for front discs/pads.

I usually caution anyone contemplating a used Impreza to budget for an engine rebuild and if it doesn't blow that's a bonus.

[Nicol@]

Or get one that has not been modded and has been well looked after and it could be problem free.

I enjoy a 98 Impreza.

[dnb]

Hmmm, after close to 50k miles in various OLD imprezas, and tuning (to excess in some cases) a significant number of pre96 cars I've not had too many problem with engines. I ran a MY96 UK car on a shoestring for 5 years before getting the STI RA. (See my profile for more details, it's reasonably complete - including vague costings for parts only as I provide the labour)

Big end problems are a concern, but only on cars that haven't been looked after. The most common thing I've found is for the MAF sensor to fail and the car run lean and pop the engine through excessive detonation... Not exactly common, but people don't go around posting "My car was fine" every day...

In other words, if they're mapped right (ie a standard unmolested import WRX or worse STi is NOT going to survive here well - it's mapped for 100RON fuel as standard) and you use the right fuel (super is the MINIMUM), you'll not have too much of a problem.

Doc Joc is right about the expense - parts can be silly expensive if you're on a budget. (eg £250 for a set of coils on a pre96 car - needed approx every 60 to 80k miles, cambelt £50 each PLUS fitting.) Brakes etc can be used up very quickly too... Not had bearing problems (yet) but I have used up several lower ball joints...

[bullitt rich]

Cool, well the one I was looking at is in PH's classifieds, its the 1996 N reg Series McRae, looks likes been looked after etc and unmolested.

I've done HPI checks on the three I've been looking at so I know they're ok from that side, just worried that I don't end up buying a 'lemon' so trying to do as much research as possible.

[chippy17]

I am not an engine/mechanical expert but I do know a few people with this age Impreza (all standard mind you) and not one of them has had any engine problems, my stepfathers car is a good example: 1997 bought new, 160k miles later all he has had to do is service it and change the clutch, still on the same turbo! Although he did have a small oil leak about 20k miles ago, but the car is still going strong.
Consumables such as brakes etc must be partly down to driving style! I have had my 99 model for a year now and the only problem has been the infamous MAF sensor, but that is only £70 plus fitting, some people change these every 3 years as routine.

[dnb]

Have a look on bbs.22b.com for some straight info on these cars. Dare I say it, there's a lot less "noise" than on Scoobynet.