'Bug eye' WRX Impreza Prodrives?

[anonymous-user]

Noticed that 2001 era Imprezas are good value these days. I'd be interested in the WRX with Prodrive (PPP) package (ecu, etc). Anyone had one? and if so what was it like?

[anonymous-user]

NateWM said:

Have you considered an Evo?

I have, but they seem to need a bit more TLC when it comes to servicing, etc. For some reason I prefer the look of the bugeyed Impreza. I'm definitely in the minority!

[anonymous-user]

CoolHands said:

well there's one example of a blow up, & I've definitely read of others. Which is pretty unusual with modern cars, I mean unheard of really these days. An engine rebuild is a high risk expense so how many (%?) do blow up?

I think the later Imprezas had a lot of engine problems. But I'm pretty certain the era I'm after is very reliable?

[anonymous-user]

rossmc88 said:

reliable and subaru engines are not 2 words that go together

just google subaru and big end failure or head gasket failure.

On the subaru forums, about every 5th post in the tech help sections are about the above, I'm not even exaggerating

A wise man once said to me when I told him I was going to buy an impreza

"I hope you like engine rebuids son"

I really wish I had listened

If an impreza engine goes bang, you are looking at 3K to fix, or 1k in parts and fix it yourself. They are cheap for a reason.

I have been down this road once and never again

That doesn't sound good at all. I've had cars in the past where I've had to get the engine rebuilt and I don't want to go down that route again! My current Alpina is 280bhp and the chances of the engine going pop are very low (in fact I've never heard of this happening at all). Maybe I need to do a bit more research as an Impreza would make a great fun weekend car and good for trackdays too. I don't drive to work so whatever I have is a weekend car. If I bought a PPP I'd keep it standard so hopefully there wouldn't be much chance of engine problems?

[anonymous-user]

What does everyone reckon to something like this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3041494.htm

[anonymous-user]

paulmoonraker said:

St John Smythe said:

What does everyone reckon to something like this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3041494.htm

Nice car with STi looks, but expensive...

What should I expect to pay for one?

[anonymous-user]

paulmoonraker said:

St John Smythe said:

paulmoonraker said:

St John Smythe said:

What does everyone reckon to something like this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3041494.htm

Nice car with STi looks, but expensive...

What should I expect to pay for one?

Actually, I take that back a bit. A quick look on auto trader shows a few newer, less miles but without the PPP for similar money. Personally, I would not pay more for the big wing (which will be aftermarket and probably leak into the boot) and PPP, but instead get a slightly newer car.

You can get a remap anytime and get 270bhp...

Ah, didn't realise the wing is aftermarket. Is it only the STIs that have the wing?

[anonymous-user]

paulmoonraker said:

St John Smythe said:

Ah, didn't realise the wing is aftermarket. Is it only the STIs that have the wing?

There was a few special edition WRX's with the wing, but the vast majority are aftermarket and hence also need to be declared on your insurance (along with those non-standard alloys too).

Ok cheers, good to know.

[anonymous-user]

Think I'm having second thoughts. I'm not too keen on driving about in a car wondering if it was about to go pop at any moment tbh.