Happy New Owner - Impreza WRX Wagon

[mlatham]

Happy new owner of a 2005 Impreza WRX Wagon checking in.

I've been running a 2014 diesel 5 series for the last 3 years and wanted something more fun and not on finance. Spent a bit of time in the bargain barge thread as really fancied an old Jag, but Mrs not keen and then stipulated an estate car was a must to accommodate the (small) dog. I set myself a £5k budget and went on the hunt for something that was in good nick, suitable to handle 18k miles in the next 12 months without being hugely expensive (fuel excepted), commuting on the motorway for 50 miles a day but still a lot of fun at the weekend. I think she had a diesel Volvo or something in mind. Certainly not one of these

Saw this low mileage (67k) wagon on the trader with full service history. Spoke to the owner, sounded like it had been well looked after. Only mods are a sport backbox, K&N filter and front strut brace. Was a 3 hour drive away so didn't bother viewing beforehand, booked a one way train ticket and went to buy it last Saturday. Test drove fine. Did the deal and brought it home.

What a great car! The bodywork and interior are in really good condition, just a couple of scratches which I think a good polish will mostly lift out. Underneath looked good and rear arches free of rust. Interior was immaculate. Cam belt done at 55k, two years ago. Brakes leave a lot to be desired and I know the front calipers are prone to seizing. Got it booked into the local indie (who happen to have a Subaru trained technician working there) for a once over next week. Oil and filter change and some new pads will hopefully sort it out. It looks like it has red stuff pads fitted, but they have at least 14k miles on them and are well past their best. Indie recommended Ferodo replacements so we'll see what they're like. Rear suspension has a slight squeak, seems intermittent so will get that looked at.

Tyres will need changing soon. Thinking Goodyear Eagle F1 AS3. Anyone using them or can recommend others?

I'm going to be well acquainted with the attendants at the local Shell garage I think.

All in all, very happy with my first Subaru. It makes me smile every time I drive it

[mlatham]

It's picked up a bit of dirt this week!

Thanks for the heads up on the tyres, I'll check them out.

I tried to find a PPP car but they weren't many around and those that were had much higher mileage than I really wanted. I guess a remap will add a few horse powers and bring it a bit closer to PPP spec...something to think about in a few months maybe.

[mlatham]

Thanks both for the info and suggestions.

I've just got it back from the garage after oil change, filters, couple of new belts and new pads and a general good going over. My local Indie has been working on Subaru cars for a number of years and spent time at some main dealers and a specialist near Chester, so hopefully in safe hands.

Wallet hurting a bit now and not done tyres or wheel alignment yet.

Goes into service as my daily from Friday. It already feels very different (better!) than my 520d auto so until the honeymoon period Is over it'll stay standard I think.

[mlatham]

Stop tempting me!

Without changing any of the components (it already has K&N filter and sport backbox) what would you expect to see from a remap? How much are they and who is best to use? I'm based in Cheshire.

[mlatham]

Thanks for sharing. I do like the look of the Hawkeye wagon in silver.

Whilst researching the car, yours was the thread that made me think, yeh this 11 year old motor can stand up to being put into daily use and 17k miles PA just as well as a diesel 5 series! So you're partially to blame for me ending up with one!

[mlatham]

Love the wagon love! Today I upgraded the wipers to some Bosch aero blades. Massive difference! I also wrestled the light units out and put some Osram Nightbrealkers in for dipped and main beam. This weekend I think a clay bar and polish is in order.

[mlatham]

There was a light dusting of fresh snow on the ground as I left early this morning, which yielded an opportunity for some low speed fun

First full week of use under it's belt and the Wagon has done well. I've managed 27.8 mpg (basically 30 in my head) which is remarkable and does include a few more spirited moments. Couple of tip runs done at the weekend too, just to prove how practical it is. Definitely the most fun tip runs I've ever done!

The new Ferodo pads have really made a difference. They need to get warmed up a little, but once done, the difference to the old ones is very noticeable and it feels much better now.

Getting grief off my daughter for not being able to stream her music so might have to change the head unit. Other threads on that subject have been useful.

I gave it a good wash, clay, polish and wax last weekend and it has lifted out all the minor scratches and generally improved the look of the paint.

[mlatham]

I know, first world problems and all that. But I just want a quiet life.

[mlatham]

Ha!

A good chunk of my commute at the moment is limited to 50mph and I just tend to plod along in 5th and I don't accelerate particularly hard.

This week is looking decidedly worse however because a) the traffic has been awful and b) I got bored of being sensible.

[mlatham]

How long did you wait for the airbag recall? I had mine booked into the Subaru dealer in Knutsford and they said it would be around 2-3 weeks as the parts were in short supply. After 3 weeks, they called me and said they could no longer do Subaru warranty work and I needed to go elsewhere. Gave me the details of a dealer in Stoke. Now booked in there is an expected 3-4 week wait. Considering they tell you not to use the front passenger seat until the work is done, this seems like an excessive wait (notwithstanding the first dealer added to the delay).

In other news, I managed 30mpg from my last tank! Overall mpg in my ownership is just shy of 27.

[mlatham]

Gave it a clean yesterday and took along to cars and coffee in Chester this morning. Mine was the only wagon there. I do have to admit to having slight bonnet scoop envy when comparing to those STi's!

[mlatham]

Pics needed I think!

[mlatham]

Very nice. My Mrs is not a fan it has to be said.

Like the look of the Sagaris in the background too!

[mlatham]

I'm bimbling along OK thanks, enjoying reading the various posts.

Not a great deal to report. I need some new rear shocks, a 4 wheel alignment and probably a new throttle cable but nothing is serious enough to make me actually do anything about it! Will sort soon enough. Aircon seems to not be working so I have been having the window open instead. I've looked at changing the stereo but having no bluetooth and crap sound is not bothering me in the slightest tbh.

Got myself a dog guard and boot liner for the back and been out with the hound a few times.

So, all good really. I'm just enjoying the car for what it is.

[mlatham]

Thought I'd update the thread. Last month I finally got the airbag recall done and in the last week I've had the aircon re-gassed, new rear shocks and a new throttle cable fitted. The car is now a much more pleasant place to be and smoother to drive. To make things even better, the garage identified a leaky vacuum pipe and fixed it so I now have more boost to play with :-). I've covered around 5000 miles now since February and it's returning just over 28 mpg on average which I'm really pleased with, though it might go down a bit now I have aircon back.