Impreza WRX Advice?
Discussion
Hi guys - I'm getting worried about the upcomming nurburg ring trip. The MRT has never been the most reliable but over the past few weeks it's begun falling apart at the seams. As a result my attempts to replace it have stepped up a notch.
I had decided against a Subaru but I've come across an Impreza WRX which I can afford and really like the look of. It drives well and has had a recent cambelt, service and clutch. It's in my price range largely because the bodywork is a bit ropey - there are a fair few dings, scrapes and stone chips.
The three faults I could find are;
Air con works but is not very cold.
Evidence of a leak around the power steering pump.
Dripping oil from the bottom of the filter and there's signs of it on the sump (but it doesn't drip from there).
I'm pretty sure the air con needs a simple re-gas, so I'm not worried about that, but the leaks started alarm bells going.
The basic question is; do I walk away, or is there a known weakness on the Impreza that causes it to drop oil and is easy to fix (I'm thinking along the lines of the MR2 Turbo rocker-cover gaskets).
I'm not afraid of doing DIY maintenance - I've changed gearboxes etc so as long as it's not likely to be an engine-out job I'll risk it. Opinions please?
Also - is there anything else I should check? I'm viewing a couple more next week.
I had decided against a Subaru but I've come across an Impreza WRX which I can afford and really like the look of. It drives well and has had a recent cambelt, service and clutch. It's in my price range largely because the bodywork is a bit ropey - there are a fair few dings, scrapes and stone chips.
The three faults I could find are;
Air con works but is not very cold.
Evidence of a leak around the power steering pump.
Dripping oil from the bottom of the filter and there's signs of it on the sump (but it doesn't drip from there).
I'm pretty sure the air con needs a simple re-gas, so I'm not worried about that, but the leaks started alarm bells going.
The basic question is; do I walk away, or is there a known weakness on the Impreza that causes it to drop oil and is easy to fix (I'm thinking along the lines of the MR2 Turbo rocker-cover gaskets).
I'm not afraid of doing DIY maintenance - I've changed gearboxes etc so as long as it's not likely to be an engine-out job I'll risk it. Opinions please?
Also - is there anything else I should check? I'm viewing a couple more next week.
ScoobieWRX said:
My best advice is...is there a full service history with it, even if not done by an official Subaru dealer as aftermarket Subaru specialists are equally as good if not better. However...if the service history is patchy some of the servicing may have been done a cheap and dodgy garage which didn't stamp the book. If so then perhaps that is why the oil filter is leaking and i would probably give it a miss and keep looking.
Service history does admittedly have frequent holes in it. The guy does a lot of his own maintenance - he has a few off-roader Landy V8s and does all the work on those himself. I'm guessing that where the book wasn't stamped he did it himself, it seems only major services were done at Subaru. Ironically the last stamp - the one which would have lead to the leak - was done at a Subaru main dealer (he had the clutch and cambelt done with a service at the same time).
Of the Imprezas I've looked at this is by far the best. From what you guys have told me I'd be better off looking round some more (which I agree with) but the ring trip is on the 11th and I'd like to put some miles on the replacement car before attempting Germany. As neither of you think the issues with this car are likely to be fatal I think I'll go and take another look today.
Unless I spot anything else I'm going to put a deposit down, at least that way I'm finally rid of the MR2! I'm terrible for getting cold feet last minute though so don't hold your breath.
Thanks for the help guys I'll keep you posted.
Alan
Evil.soup said:
I don't really know a lot about the oil system but it doesnt sound that serious. That said, there are a lot of Imprezas out there and you may find a better one with a little more shopping around. The owners clubs, like SIDC and Scoobynet are good places to look as you can usually trace a cars history via a history check on the seller. It can reveal if the car has been thrashed or tracked, or if it has had some reliability issues.
Good advice! This is the problem with poor planning - I haven't really got time now. 
I've only got £3.5k to spend and was going to go out there this afternoon and put down a deposit but he sold it while I was at the air race.
It didn't have any modifications bar a large exhaust, dump valve and a spare set of alloys.
Time to start looking again!
It didn't have any modifications bar a large exhaust, dump valve and a spare set of alloys.
Time to start looking again!
Edited by _Al_ on Sunday 29th July 15:40
Gazboy said:
Al, you get what you pay for.
S14 200SX's are in budget aren't they? You'd get a mint mk3 Supra turbo for that, I'd imagine a nice 328i would be similarly priced.
Couldn't agree more, but let me explain my thinking.S14 200SX's are in budget aren't they? You'd get a mint mk3 Supra turbo for that, I'd imagine a nice 328i would be similarly priced.
You're right of course, buy cheap buy twice. That said, the car is purely an indulgence for me. I don't rely on it for work, shopping or socialising. It's hard to justify blowing so much money on something I simply don't need.
As the car is a hobby there's no point buying one that I don't actually desire. I've driven the MK3 Supra already so I'd like something different now, the S14 is high on my list, just not quite as high as the Impreza.
With regards to reliability - I do actually enjoy working on cars. The MR2 may have broken down more times than Britney Spears but it hasn't cost me much at all, and it's given me and my mates many happy memories of standing in a freezing cold garage swearing at things.
The running total from 2 years of ownership (not including routine servicing) is around £300 (std ECU to replace the Blitz, new coil, igniter, HTs, dizzy and a rotten chasis brace).
I'm hoping this Subaru will be better.
As usual with me it's cheap and faintly dodgy. The business man who owns it views it as a money-no-object plaything. He's only getting rid of it because he wants somewhere to put his new jetskis. It has new tyres, an engine rebuild 1,000 miles ago and a recent respray.
I forget the name of the company that rebuilt the engine, but I recognised the brand when he told me so they obviously have some form of reputation. He said they're third in the list of well regarded UK Subaru experts behind Prodrive and someone else. Auto something? Anyone care to chip in?
The guys that did the respray are a small local company but they did a cracking job.
There's no service history at all as the guys' company has a fleet of vehicles and the Subaru was just rolled in with them.
The car has an STI exhaust, 98 model interior and some alloys but is otherwise standard.
Comparing it to the blue one I was going to buy is an interesting exercise. There are no oil/PAS/other fluid leaks anywhere. The bodywork has one notable stone chip but otherwise lacks the dings/scratches dents of the blue car. The spoiler is OEM, so no extra holes or slightly mismatched colour. The silver car has no ludicrous sub-woofer and three separate amps floating around in the boot. To my suprise it's also significantly faster.
Car is supplied with tax, test and a full tank of fuel. HPI clear.
I'm hoping it's as good as it seemed on the test-drive as I'm buying it tomorrow.
MrFlibbles said:
*crosses fingers*
The Honda doesnt have a towbar so it had better be a good un!
How long are your seatbelts? The Honda doesnt have a towbar so it had better be a good un!
Cheers for the advice guys - we'll find out for sure in 8 hours time. Currently sat here with a big sack of cash feeling mildly nervous. Hoping it really is a good one!
Pile of cash is £3,050 by the way - exactly what I paid for the MRT 2 years ago.. Hope that's not an omen!
In other news, the latest misfire on the MR2 was a leak on one of the pipes to the dump valve, so nothing major after all. Still think it's high time to let her go so definitely going ahead with the Scooby.
MrFlibbles said:
Whats the plan with the MRT then?
Giving it away?
I have two plans, one involves a box of matches and three cans of petrol, the other involves some basic servicing and new gaskets to solve the leaks, then a fiscal donation to ebay.Giving it away?
Now that I've got the misfire fixed I'm not in a rush to get shot of it. If the worst happens and the scooby goes bang I'll at least still have a 30% chance of getting to the 'ring if the '2 is still available.
Right. Just got home, new car in tow (not literally!)
Bit of bad luck to start off with. On the way to collect me from the station the car took a hit to the windscreen from a reasonable sized stone. There's now a star-crack about the size of a 50p, bang in the middle. It doesn't obscure my vision so it's not a problem, just a shame.
One other annoyance - and I have no idea how I missed it yesterday - is the speedo drive. It ticks constantly, with the frequency related to the speed. I can tell my speed to within 5mph with my eyes closed. Is this a common problem? Does anyone know how I can get rid of it?
Next - occasional 'clonk' from the back of the car. Turns out the spolier is quite loose, I'm going to have to fix that asap.
Next - the dip beams. The headlights are good but the dips are set too low. I can see absolutely anything in perfect clarity, just as long as it's less than 12 feet away.
Also - the clutch bite point is very high which makes smooth shifts difficult, but it looks like the same mechanism as the MR2. If so I can adjust it in minutes.
Finally - there's only one key and one RCL fob. And the alarm 'beep' is WAY too loud.
That's about it. Everything else I either like or love.
I covered nearly 200miles in it tonight over all surfaces and road types. It's simply brilliant. Very easy to understand the reviews and the reputation.
After the MR2 it's a revalation, even before the misfire the MR2 struggled to pick up revs off boost, and then it'd run out of steam as the CT26 tailed off. Having got used to that I'd be willing to swear the Impreza was naturally aspired. Pick up is instant and it just keeps getting faster the harder you rev it.
It has tons of headroom inside, rides rough surfaces well, masks potholes and doesn't remove all my teeth over speed bumps.
And the noise...
That STI exhaust is wonderful, I ended up leaving it in 5th through 30 zones and gently stepping on the throttle with the windows down.
Overall, almost full marks. Just got to sort out that ticking noise and bolt the spoiler back on!
Oh, and does anyone know if it's legal to decat a 1994 L-plate?
Bit of bad luck to start off with. On the way to collect me from the station the car took a hit to the windscreen from a reasonable sized stone. There's now a star-crack about the size of a 50p, bang in the middle. It doesn't obscure my vision so it's not a problem, just a shame.
One other annoyance - and I have no idea how I missed it yesterday - is the speedo drive. It ticks constantly, with the frequency related to the speed. I can tell my speed to within 5mph with my eyes closed. Is this a common problem? Does anyone know how I can get rid of it?
Next - occasional 'clonk' from the back of the car. Turns out the spolier is quite loose, I'm going to have to fix that asap.
Next - the dip beams. The headlights are good but the dips are set too low. I can see absolutely anything in perfect clarity, just as long as it's less than 12 feet away.
Also - the clutch bite point is very high which makes smooth shifts difficult, but it looks like the same mechanism as the MR2. If so I can adjust it in minutes.
Finally - there's only one key and one RCL fob. And the alarm 'beep' is WAY too loud.
That's about it. Everything else I either like or love.
I covered nearly 200miles in it tonight over all surfaces and road types. It's simply brilliant. Very easy to understand the reviews and the reputation.
After the MR2 it's a revalation, even before the misfire the MR2 struggled to pick up revs off boost, and then it'd run out of steam as the CT26 tailed off. Having got used to that I'd be willing to swear the Impreza was naturally aspired. Pick up is instant and it just keeps getting faster the harder you rev it.
It has tons of headroom inside, rides rough surfaces well, masks potholes and doesn't remove all my teeth over speed bumps.
And the noise...
That STI exhaust is wonderful, I ended up leaving it in 5th through 30 zones and gently stepping on the throttle with the windows down.Overall, almost full marks. Just got to sort out that ticking noise and bolt the spoiler back on!
Oh, and does anyone know if it's legal to decat a 1994 L-plate?
MrFlibbles said:
Great news Al!
Let me know the reg ASAP and I'll get the ferry booking changed. Less than 2 weeks to go!
I still won't feel comfortable till I've put a few hundred more miles on it - just seems too good to be true. I'm taking it on a short jog up to Cumbria next week for some 'reliability proving' i.e. - mountain road entertainment and hopefully a demonstration of its' wet weather abilities.
Damn - I must be a scooby freak now. How many people wish it will rain on their holidays?
I'll text the reg through in a sec.
Something has to be done about that speedo though. 1,100 miles to the Nurburg Ring with it going DDDDRRRRRRRRRR... I'll go mad!
Edited by _Al_ on Tuesday 31st July 08:36
I've stumbled accross someone at work who has owned a lot of Subarus. He thinks he has a K&N induction kit lying around spare at home (never fitted). He's also suggested I invest in a set of drilled/grooved disks from a company called "sideauto" which is owned by the guy that founded SIDC. Any opinions on that lot?
There must be a silent speedo kit available as the blue Impreza was converted to mph and it was silent, anyone able to suggest anything? Failing that is there any way to remove the speed limiter without converting to MPH? The MR2 was in kph and I actually preferred it (it was fun watching passengers trying to climb out as we ascended past what was actually 60mph).
The clutch on this WRX and on the blue one bite in exactly the same place and both sellers claimed they were fitted less than 1,000miles ago so I doubt it's worn out. Come to think of it the one I drove before the blue one was very high as well. Maybe I'm just used to clutch pedals that sulk around in the carpet? I'll go and have a look for any adjustment on it now and report back later.
ScoobyWRX, if you don't already have a pm you will soon!
I'll have to talk to the insurance people about the stone chip - I've only had it insured 12 hours, do you think they'll cover it?
I had such a bad day at work today - just could not concentrate for wanting to get back to this car!
There must be a silent speedo kit available as the blue Impreza was converted to mph and it was silent, anyone able to suggest anything? Failing that is there any way to remove the speed limiter without converting to MPH? The MR2 was in kph and I actually preferred it (it was fun watching passengers trying to climb out as we ascended past what was actually 60mph).
The clutch on this WRX and on the blue one bite in exactly the same place and both sellers claimed they were fitted less than 1,000miles ago so I doubt it's worn out. Come to think of it the one I drove before the blue one was very high as well. Maybe I'm just used to clutch pedals that sulk around in the carpet? I'll go and have a look for any adjustment on it now and report back later.
ScoobyWRX, if you don't already have a pm you will soon!
I'll have to talk to the insurance people about the stone chip - I've only had it insured 12 hours, do you think they'll cover it?
I had such a bad day at work today - just could not concentrate for wanting to get back to this car!
Edited by _Al_ on Tuesday 31st July 18:18
No problem Francis - thanks for the offer and the info.
E.S - I've spent AGES on there practicing, and I've actually (just to raise the 'sad' stakes even higher) bought a Silver WRX 5-door and stuck black wheels on it. Haven't run it yet as I was too keen to get out to the real thing.
Right. Quick note. I thought I loved this car yesterday, but the situation has changed.
The seller kindly supplied it to me with a full tank of fuel. I think it was from Sainsburys. I'm 90% sure it was diesel.
Tonight I exhausted that stuff (it could have been toothpaste actually) and stuck some V-power in there.
Hmm, now that I think about it, the last tank may have been cement. Anyway, I digress...
Now I know what true love means. It was already faster than other Imprezas I've driven, but with the V-power in there it is simply devastating. The difference is more pronounced than it was between my MRT at 0.5 bar boost on a stock filter and 1 bar boost on the apexi.
I spent half the night shaking my head in disbelief and the other half giggling like an idiot.
I thought this car was faster than the MR2 in 1st-3rd gear. It's actually miles faster in any gear. There's simply no contest.
Can't wait to see what it can do on the rollers.
E.S - I've spent AGES on there practicing, and I've actually (just to raise the 'sad' stakes even higher) bought a Silver WRX 5-door and stuck black wheels on it. Haven't run it yet as I was too keen to get out to the real thing.
Right. Quick note. I thought I loved this car yesterday, but the situation has changed.
The seller kindly supplied it to me with a full tank of fuel. I think it was from Sainsburys. I'm 90% sure it was diesel.
Tonight I exhausted that stuff (it could have been toothpaste actually) and stuck some V-power in there.
Hmm, now that I think about it, the last tank may have been cement. Anyway, I digress...
Now I know what true love means. It was already faster than other Imprezas I've driven, but with the V-power in there it is simply devastating. The difference is more pronounced than it was between my MRT at 0.5 bar boost on a stock filter and 1 bar boost on the apexi.
I spent half the night shaking my head in disbelief and the other half giggling like an idiot.
I thought this car was faster than the MR2 in 1st-3rd gear. It's actually miles faster in any gear. There's simply no contest.
Can't wait to see what it can do on the rollers.
Edited by _Al_ on Wednesday 1st August 01:05
ScoobieWRX said:
If you have a Tesco nearby that sells super 99RON, use that instead of the Vmax. Not only has it been proven to be better than Vmax but it's cheaper too. I only use Tesco if i can help it, nothing else will do!!
Serious? Better performance? I knew it is higher octane and cheaper but I didn't realise it was faster. This should be interesting!I was heading for a Tesco this evening (it's my local and it's all I feed the MR2) but I was 9 miles away and the gauge was pointing at empty. I bottled it and settled for the Shell. 3ppl more expensive.
Turns out there was still 15 litres of the old stuff in there. You live and learn eh?
Interesting read!
So what power is the 1994 JDM WRX meant to be making? I saw the post saying that 92-93 cars make 240 and 95 onwards make 280, but where's mine?
Do the standard JDM WRXs have light weight bonnet and boot? Mine are (from memory) identical to my mates' RA.
I've now covered 420 miles in it, I'm getting 29mpg, using no oil and have only spotted one additional problem. The passenger side door speaker power clip has snapped and the speaker keeps cutting out over bumps.
Gutted.
So what power is the 1994 JDM WRX meant to be making? I saw the post saying that 92-93 cars make 240 and 95 onwards make 280, but where's mine?
Do the standard JDM WRXs have light weight bonnet and boot? Mine are (from memory) identical to my mates' RA.
I've now covered 420 miles in it, I'm getting 29mpg, using no oil and have only spotted one additional problem. The passenger side door speaker power clip has snapped and the speaker keeps cutting out over bumps.
Gutted.
Ok, according to the chassis number mine is an MY93 WRX not a 1994. Nevermind.
Quick question - any disadvantages to a redstuff pad as opposed to a green or standard pad? It's not one of those that takes ages to warm up is it? The trip to the ring is something of a one-off. The rest of the time the car will mostly be dealing with motorways and traffic jams.
Next question - where is the best place to get a spare key? I've only got one and it'd be 'inconvenient' to loose it in Germany..
Third question - how do I adjust the lights?? They're pointing so low it's dangerous driving towards oncomming traffic at night, but I can't see any way to raise them.
Final question - do all Imprezas have an anodised blue brace around the brake cylinder or is it an extra? Same question regarding a cold air feed directly from the bonnet vent to the turbo (my mates RA has one of those as well).
The 29mpg scared me - I thought it was running lean or something. Then I had a bit of a revalation. Basically I'm stupid.
I'd been spending all my time looking out of the windows (obviously) so I was paying no attention to the rev counter. I'd been shifting by ear. I thought that the dump valve was quiet, but dismissed it as the soundproofing being better than the '2.
It turns out I was shifting gear at around 3,500rpm - not realising that I wasn't even properly on boost.
In my defence the Impreza is a LOT louder than the MR2.
That's why I didn't post till so late last night. As soon as I realised what I was doing wrong and started using the boost I was obsessed. I simply couldn't stop driving it. I thought it was fast already!
What this says about the poor MR2 I don't know. 200bhp is all well and good, but just like the 300bhp GT4 I test-drove the power just seems to get lost somewhere. None of the brakes are seized on and I know the bearings are good so I'm not sure what's happening. All I know is when I try and push the MR2 it takes all my strength, but I can push the Impreza easily with one hand.
In any case, I'm sure the next mpg figure will be right back where it's supposed to be.
Single Figures.
Quick question - any disadvantages to a redstuff pad as opposed to a green or standard pad? It's not one of those that takes ages to warm up is it? The trip to the ring is something of a one-off. The rest of the time the car will mostly be dealing with motorways and traffic jams.
Next question - where is the best place to get a spare key? I've only got one and it'd be 'inconvenient' to loose it in Germany..
Third question - how do I adjust the lights?? They're pointing so low it's dangerous driving towards oncomming traffic at night, but I can't see any way to raise them.
Final question - do all Imprezas have an anodised blue brace around the brake cylinder or is it an extra? Same question regarding a cold air feed directly from the bonnet vent to the turbo (my mates RA has one of those as well).
The 29mpg scared me - I thought it was running lean or something. Then I had a bit of a revalation. Basically I'm stupid.
I'd been spending all my time looking out of the windows (obviously) so I was paying no attention to the rev counter. I'd been shifting by ear. I thought that the dump valve was quiet, but dismissed it as the soundproofing being better than the '2.
It turns out I was shifting gear at around 3,500rpm - not realising that I wasn't even properly on boost.
In my defence the Impreza is a LOT louder than the MR2.
That's why I didn't post till so late last night. As soon as I realised what I was doing wrong and started using the boost I was obsessed. I simply couldn't stop driving it. I thought it was fast already!
What this says about the poor MR2 I don't know. 200bhp is all well and good, but just like the 300bhp GT4 I test-drove the power just seems to get lost somewhere. None of the brakes are seized on and I know the bearings are good so I'm not sure what's happening. All I know is when I try and push the MR2 it takes all my strength, but I can push the Impreza easily with one hand.
In any case, I'm sure the next mpg figure will be right back where it's supposed to be.
Single Figures.
Edited by _Al_ on Thursday 2nd August 17:41
Thanks Francis,
I'm ordering a full set of redstuff now.
Would you guys mind taking a look at the questions I edited into my previous post? I didn't expect there to be answers so quickly...
How do you tell if your key needs internal gubbins? Here's a pic of mine.
I'm ordering a full set of redstuff now.
Would you guys mind taking a look at the questions I edited into my previous post? I didn't expect there to be answers so quickly...
How do you tell if your key needs internal gubbins? Here's a pic of mine.
Edited by _Al_ on Thursday 2nd August 17:58
Edited by _Al_ on Thursday 2nd August 18:19
markCSC said:
Hello
If your WRX is meant to be putting out 240 BHP it will in reality be about 220bhp. My Forester S/tb (same engine as the WRX) is meant to be putting out 260BHP (without the exhaust and air filter it has on it)but returned 233bhp on the rolling road.
It is something to do with how the Japanese measure horse power and the fact that they have 100 ron fuel.
At the end of the day I'm happy with the power it makes whatever figure it is.
Enjoy!!
Mark
What fuel were you running on and which rolling road was it?If your WRX is meant to be putting out 240 BHP it will in reality be about 220bhp. My Forester S/tb (same engine as the WRX) is meant to be putting out 260BHP (without the exhaust and air filter it has on it)but returned 233bhp on the rolling road.
It is something to do with how the Japanese measure horse power and the fact that they have 100 ron fuel.
At the end of the day I'm happy with the power it makes whatever figure it is.
Enjoy!!
Mark
To be honest mine has more than enough power. I can't cope with what it has at the minute never mind what it could have if I were to tune it.
Oh, and yes - it really is this dirty... I'd probably increase the power/weight ratio if I washed it.
And a very short video...
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/alanwmrt/?act...
Edited by _Al_ on Thursday 2nd August 18:14
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff