What is the 'better' Impreza model to go for?
4.3k for mine a couple of years ago, including forged pistons and rods, and oil cooler install. Cause was 130C+ oil temp on an over-long trackday session, oil that had done 4k miles and one trackday already (I normally change earlier but slipped up on that occasion. Millers CFS 10w60). The cooler now ensures a ceiling of 100C and the oil is always changed after one trackday now.RX7 wrote: Actually question for the Scooby guys, what does a rebuild cost these days ?
Dan, you're potentially worrying about nothing. Impreza's one the JD Power reliability awards year after year, so fundamentally they are robust. They are not tolerant to poor quality fuel just like any other car that is mapped or calibrated to require higher octane fuel, so make sure you use the right stuff and you'll be OK 99% of the time.
If you drive the car hard you can expect that the servicing and maintenance costs will be higher than average but the thing with the cars punch and gearing is that you don't have to drive it hard to make good progress. I used to average 25mpg in my silver one, and slightly less in the red Sti. I am not known for poodling around, but I also appreciate that there is a time and a place for full throttle and good road reading and planning for overtakes, heavy braking etc negates the need to boot it everywhere (driven like that you will simply be too quick for most road and traffic conditions which will lead to you crashing or getting knicked anyway)
I know you pretty well now, and know how the excitement of researching a 'new' car can gather pace. My advice at this early stage is to do some basic research for now on the forums, and then take the opportunity for test/passenger runs when you can.
If you're looking at something for next Spring (for arguments sake) you will have had plenty of time to make an informed purchase. As for parts prices, just ring a few breakers or search on eBay, Scoobynet, SIDC, Pistonheads etc and find out on there. Experiential quotes from previous owners will be just that.........when I had my clutch done in the silver one it was
If you drive the car hard you can expect that the servicing and maintenance costs will be higher than average but the thing with the cars punch and gearing is that you don't have to drive it hard to make good progress. I used to average 25mpg in my silver one, and slightly less in the red Sti. I am not known for poodling around, but I also appreciate that there is a time and a place for full throttle and good road reading and planning for overtakes, heavy braking etc negates the need to boot it everywhere (driven like that you will simply be too quick for most road and traffic conditions which will lead to you crashing or getting knicked anyway)
I know you pretty well now, and know how the excitement of researching a 'new' car can gather pace. My advice at this early stage is to do some basic research for now on the forums, and then take the opportunity for test/passenger runs when you can.
If you're looking at something for next Spring (for arguments sake) you will have had plenty of time to make an informed purchase. As for parts prices, just ring a few breakers or search on eBay, Scoobynet, SIDC, Pistonheads etc and find out on there. Experiential quotes from previous owners will be just that.........when I had my clutch done in the silver one it was
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
The big man's right o'course, keep it sensible and you'll probably be ok. Prices are so low now, only 3k for this clean fresh import for example http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/clas ... ort/907986
Dan as Stu has already said, Don`t worry too much about the costs of any of it. You have got impreza breakers just up the road, They have fully fitted workshops if you don`t even want to get your hands dirty. Ok they are not shinney new bits but..... Impreza`s can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make them.
Thanks for the info Stu, it just sounded like the Impreza path is all doom and gloom. Guess it's just like owning any other car really, there are risks in all aspects and it does really hinge on holding out for a standard that's been looked after 
Now, one thing that has worried me and could potentially scupper my plan is the fact that they really must be run on 99RON fuel. There aren't any 99 stations around near me (certainly not within Thetford) This could present a big problem for me. What do you guys do? Is there a way that you can run it on something else? :|
Now, one thing that has worried me and could potentially scupper my plan is the fact that they really must be run on 99RON fuel. There aren't any 99 stations around near me (certainly not within Thetford) This could present a big problem for me. What do you guys do? Is there a way that you can run it on something else? :|
Hmm I never realised Thetford didnt have Shells, Tescos or BPs that had that ron. Thought it was a big enough place, am shocked mate.
Looks like the nearest is Bury or Attleborough. Guess you can use an octane booster mate ? I would have thought the car will run but just be careful about booting it.....but that kinda defeats the object
Looks like the nearest is Bury or Attleborough. Guess you can use an octane booster mate ? I would have thought the car will run but just be careful about booting it.....but that kinda defeats the object
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Gareth
Gareth
Yeah, it's a real pain in the arse. A couple years ago Tescos for 2 weeks did have the 99 momentum and then removed it! Which I thought was stupid given the fact there are a few race car builders housed here. :| I don't really fancy having to drive to Bury or Attleborough just to buy some fuel. It sucks living here.
I will let you into a little secret dan,;)
We had the same thing round here up until recently. Ol yella has spent years being run on standard 97 (it was last mapped on 97ron as well) The only time i run 99 or simular was on track etc...
On the road my knock link has never showed any det.
If you worry too much and absorb every possible problem you will never find the right car. Just go on autotrader or similar and read the owners reviews of any car you can think of and there will be people groaning how bad that car is, and how un-reliable theirs was etc. Any car or model can be a shit bag, I know you are sensible, buy a good one and enjoy it.
Look underneath whatever you find for any rot.
Test drive it and listen out for any bottom end knock
Test the gearbox out and make sure it doesn`t crunch in any gear (mostly second goes first) If it does (and the rest of the car seems what you want) use it to knock the price down as ive already said
We had the same thing round here up until recently. Ol yella has spent years being run on standard 97 (it was last mapped on 97ron as well) The only time i run 99 or simular was on track etc...
On the road my knock link has never showed any det.
If you worry too much and absorb every possible problem you will never find the right car. Just go on autotrader or similar and read the owners reviews of any car you can think of and there will be people groaning how bad that car is, and how un-reliable theirs was etc. Any car or model can be a shit bag, I know you are sensible, buy a good one and enjoy it.
Look underneath whatever you find for any rot.
Test drive it and listen out for any bottom end knock
Test the gearbox out and make sure it doesn`t crunch in any gear (mostly second goes first) If it does (and the rest of the car seems what you want) use it to knock the price down as ive already said
Well that's kind of put my mind to rest. So running around on 97 will be okay. In time then, I could have the car just mapped like yours for 97 and then I wouldn't;t have to worry about fuelling. 
I've also looked more into this knock link stuff, have you got one of these sensors on yours Russ? I presume it's a worthwhile thing to have, or should I just put a new MAF on it to put my mind at rest?
I would be 'picky' over the one to choose, it's got to be a solid car. Can't be doing with rot and the like. So I won't be rushing head first.
In time then, I could have the car just mapped like yours for 97 and then I wouldn't;t have to worry about fuelling. I've also looked more into this knock link stuff, have you got one of these sensors on yours Russ? I presume it's a worthwhile thing to have, or should I just put a new MAF on it to put my mind at rest?I would be 'picky' over the one to choose, it's got to be a solid car. Can't be doing with rot and the like. So I won't be rushing head first.