Ensuring continued reliability of MY00 UK Turbo

[HonestIago]

I have recently decided life is too short to commute by train and thus will be sticking a fair few extra miles on my Impreza Turbo. I also now have commitments which could entail semi regular longer runs (150+ miles). I have no plans to replace or ever sell the car so am looking to make sure it's in tip top mechanical condition for years to come, and don't object to spending money accordingly. I have breakdown cover but really want to avoid it letting me down. As such I'm wondering what components are worth replacing as a matter of course on a 14yo/90k mile scoob?

In my (sub 2 year) ownership it has had:
-new timing and AC belts
-replaced gearbox/diff oils
-refurbished 4-pots on the front
-rear calipers serviced earlier this year
-replaced rusty down-pipe
-new discs/pads all round
-new shocks/springs all round
-full geometry check and adjustments
-new air flow meter each year
-oil/filter changes every 5k or less
-new battery a few months ago

It needs another oil change soon and was thinking of getting the fuel pump replaced with a new Walbro 255lph one at the same time. Anything else anyone can think of? In terms of things that could pack up and leave one stranded?

Input appreciated, thanks!

Edited by HonestIago on Monday 18th August 15:52

Edited by HonestIago on Monday 18th August 15:53

[HonestIago]

Thanks for that, any thoughts on good replacements? Is the OE radiator from Scoobyworld a good bet would you say?

[HonestIago]

Cheers RB5Bird - never knew clutches could just fail, always thought they just wore out over time.

Have booked it in next month for an oil/filter change as well as a new radiator, hoses and fuel pump. A worthwhile investment now, especially as my desire for a bigger turbo/injectors/remap next year grows ever stronger...

Jazzy Jefferson - arches are going but not as bad as some classics I've seen. I've tetrasealed them as a short term solution but longer term I fully anticipate a proper repair and respray costing ££££!

[HonestIago]

NormalWisdom said:

Well My MAF went last Friday (128k miles) so replaced that and O2 at the same time before driving back to Munich on Sunday - Symptoms as described above

When you say "went" what exactly happened?

My MAF gets changed every year as a precaution. It's never normally that bad, just very slight hesitation from time to time when on boost. It was last changed at 86k and already getting some hesitation again at 91k, getting some work done in a few weeks so will see what my specialist says about it then.

[HonestIago]

NormalWisdom said:

First-off the Engine warning light came on - This was accompanied by a lot of misfiring under throttle - Took it the the local dealer immediately (as I was about to take it on a 750-mile trip) where they did the diagnostics.

Really change it every year? That seems a bit excessive (well it does to me when I had to pay dealer to do it!)

I am led to believe that a failing maf can ruin one's engine? £105+VAT per annum for peace of mind doesn't sound too bad to me. I've had it replaced at both 81k and 86k, there was noticeable hesitation before it was changed last time.

[HonestIago]

Husaberk said:

HonestIago said:

I am led to believe that a failing maf can ruin one's engine? £105+VAT per annum for peace of mind doesn't sound too bad to me. I've had it replaced at both 81k and 86k, there was noticeable hesitation before it was changed last time.

That's my understanding also and I'd certainly have swapped the maf as you did if I encountered those symptons but for it to fail again after only 5000m it strongly suggests something else is amiss. My understanding(open to correction) is that the maf is a 'hot' wire and I wonder if your car has a wiring fault that is causing it to fail, too much/little current maybe? Another thought is your air filter/intake secure, if it's loose I can see how vibration might also cause a failure.

Thanks for that input, I did actually replace the battery quite recently so might that make a difference? Will have a word with the specialist when the car goes in for some work in a few weeks. It's getting a TD05 18G and sports cat fitted, then getting mapped early November so I want it running spot on.