Subaru Drivers, I need your help.

Mr Windscreen · Post by **Mr Windscreen** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:43 am

I,m looking to buy an Impreza Wagon once the civic,s sold. My budget will get me an 2002 car (Bug Eye version). What should I be looking for when buying one? Is it just the usual service history etc? I,ve never had a subaru before so any advice, info would be appreciated :-D

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:37 pm

If it were me I would buy a low mileage standard or as near standard as you can, not one from "Billy bolt on" as they are more prone to blowing up!

Try and ensure it hasn't been tracked, also that it has good service history, either from Subaru or a specialist.

Otherwise its all normal stuff as far as I know.

duncan · Post by **duncan** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:59 pm

Rear shocks knocking are one of the biggest problems along with normal smoking from the exhaust on startup etc and rattley engines.

ginger ninja · Post by **ginger ninja** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:00 pm

Dont know if this may help but the Subaru breakers at Brooke just outside Norwich have a damaged hawkeye wagon for sale, and I understand it is not to badly damaged.
It may be a good investment as you would get a much newer Scooby with the 2.5 engine.
Was thinking of it myself as a project but my wife thinks I have enough already to do :x :lol:

Mr Windscreen · Post by **Mr Windscreen** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:54 pm

Any more details???

ScoobieWRX · Post by **ScoobieWRX** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:15 am

duncan wrote:Rear shocks knocking are one of the biggest problems along with normal smoking from the exhaust on startup etc and rattley engines.

I'm happy to say my shocks haven't started knocking thus far (still original shocks at 90K miles) and the original WRX engine was never smokey, even on startup. Worst thing it suffered from was a bit of piston slap and eventually a faulty (sticking pressure valve) oil pump that led to the engines demise when i pushed it really hard. Shite happens!!

I have to say an MY02 bugeye sportwagon is a worthy investment, won't cost the earth and will be reliable. Minimal safe mods mods will get it to 270-280bhp no probs. Most will have done between 60K and 80K miles if used as intended. If you find a low mileage one (sub 40K - 50K miles) don't be afraid to pay a little bit more as it will be worth it but don't get one from a dealer as you really will pay OTT money as i did, and as has been said already, FSSH.
There are plenty of nice ones around to choose from.