bugeye/blobeye wagon and saloon differences - just cosmetic?
Discussion
Thinking about going back to a bigger wagon again, i love my 182 but do miss the practicality of an estate.
I've taken a bit of an interest in bug/blobeye wagon's lately and have had a bit of a lookaround, search, etc but not found out loads of info.
I can see that cosmetically they are different (obviously the wagon has a hatch ) and the lack of the wide arches (why did Subaru not put the wide arches on the wagon?) - but are there any mechanical differences?Suspension, engine/turbo, general spec? With the wider arches of the saloon, do they have a wider track?
I'm talking WRX's, I gather STI wagon's are quite rare. I do prefer the look of the saloon in terms of it's stance/wider arches, but I do like estates, plus they are a little more subtle. Not only that, I've switched away from large estates and miss the load carrying ability.
On a side note, is a £3-4k budget for a bug or blob wagon fairly reasonable? Looks to be looking around on PH or AT.Any info/advice appreciated
I've taken a bit of an interest in bug/blobeye wagon's lately and have had a bit of a lookaround, search, etc but not found out loads of info.
I can see that cosmetically they are different (obviously the wagon has a hatch ) and the lack of the wide arches (why did Subaru not put the wide arches on the wagon?) - but are there any mechanical differences?Suspension, engine/turbo, general spec? With the wider arches of the saloon, do they have a wider track?
I'm talking WRX's, I gather STI wagon's are quite rare. I do prefer the look of the saloon in terms of it's stance/wider arches, but I do like estates, plus they are a little more subtle. Not only that, I've switched away from large estates and miss the load carrying ability.
On a side note, is a £3-4k budget for a bug or blob wagon fairly reasonable? Looks to be looking around on PH or AT.Any info/advice appreciated
You'll pick up a 2002 Bugeye wagon for £3K-£4K in very reasonable condition and without sky high mileage although don't let mileage put you off if condition is mint. Regularly serviced these engines will do galactic mileage without any trouble.
Mechanically they are no different from the 4dr cars. You're right about wings and arches not being flared like the 4dr cars, it is a shame because wagons look awesome when they've been done.
There is nothing to stop you taking the wings and front end from a 4dr and transplanting them onto yours. As for the rear end, that will take some professional bodywork to make it look like the 4dr cars.
The bugeyes have a great character and just look the best of the newage cars, just my opinion though. I'm biased because i have one.
Power upgrading is very inexpensive and will net you 50-60 extra ponies and 70-80+lbft torque over standard for first stage mods. Makes a huge difference. Upgrade just your pads for better braking and you're good to go.
Buy one and enjoy
Mechanically they are no different from the 4dr cars. You're right about wings and arches not being flared like the 4dr cars, it is a shame because wagons look awesome when they've been done.
There is nothing to stop you taking the wings and front end from a 4dr and transplanting them onto yours. As for the rear end, that will take some professional bodywork to make it look like the 4dr cars.
The bugeyes have a great character and just look the best of the newage cars, just my opinion though. I'm biased because i have one.
Power upgrading is very inexpensive and will net you 50-60 extra ponies and 70-80+lbft torque over standard for first stage mods. Makes a huge difference. Upgrade just your pads for better braking and you're good to go.
Buy one and enjoy
Virtually the same Car!
Again it comes down to Preferance of looks. I've had a Saloon WRX, now a Wagon, and in my opinon, the Wagon looks way better. Only realised that many years ago not long after i had already bought the saloon, then wished i had went with the wagon, and now knowing it would have been the right course of action for me.
I would not say they are impossible to find, but i suppose its a case of finding a good one.
I was damm lucky, never considered another Subaru, but having my Elise SC for weekend use and track work, the WRX seemed a good daily runner, especially for our crap summers.
I picked up a totally minted 2005 red wagon with 38k and full scoob history with big service done, for 5k. Best bargain i've had in 15 years.
Its a car i hope to hang onto, still drives like new, engine is sweet and the road handling is still top notch. Thought it would be starting to sag now, but still as tight as i remember my Saloon being all those years ago.
Probably more Saloons to choose from which might get you a better deal, but i suppose if your willing to wait for the right wagon, then it will be more than worth it.
I am keeping mine standard at the Mo, got a prodrive backbox to go on then i'll wait on the rest of the Zorst rotting then i might go for a system and map.
Again it comes down to Preferance of looks. I've had a Saloon WRX, now a Wagon, and in my opinon, the Wagon looks way better. Only realised that many years ago not long after i had already bought the saloon, then wished i had went with the wagon, and now knowing it would have been the right course of action for me.
I would not say they are impossible to find, but i suppose its a case of finding a good one.
I was damm lucky, never considered another Subaru, but having my Elise SC for weekend use and track work, the WRX seemed a good daily runner, especially for our crap summers.
I picked up a totally minted 2005 red wagon with 38k and full scoob history with big service done, for 5k. Best bargain i've had in 15 years.
Its a car i hope to hang onto, still drives like new, engine is sweet and the road handling is still top notch. Thought it would be starting to sag now, but still as tight as i remember my Saloon being all those years ago.
Probably more Saloons to choose from which might get you a better deal, but i suppose if your willing to wait for the right wagon, then it will be more than worth it.
I am keeping mine standard at the Mo, got a prodrive backbox to go on then i'll wait on the rest of the Zorst rotting then i might go for a system and map.
The wagon has a narrower track - same as the classic cars if my memory is correct. Still attached to mine after almost 2 years. Not much available that ticks so many boxes in terms of year round performance and practicality. Attracts much less attention than the saloon as well.
I'd also consider a Forester.
I'd also consider a Forester.
Wagons do have a narrower track but that's easily remedied by running wheels with a lower offset 35-45 instead of 50-55 (newage) and roll your arches, or fit spacers and roll your arches.
Personally i'd run lower offset wheels as spacers tend to overstress your wheel bearings if you go a bit too wide but ultimately it's about whatever floats your boat and cost. Spacers are cheaper than new wheels.
10mm either side should make quite a difference to the handling and stick to 215/45/17 tyres. I fitted 225's and found there was some noticeable extra flex in the tyre wall compared to the 215's and i didn't feel there was any extra grip to be had. If there was i didn't notice.
Personally i'd run lower offset wheels as spacers tend to overstress your wheel bearings if you go a bit too wide but ultimately it's about whatever floats your boat and cost. Spacers are cheaper than new wheels.
10mm either side should make quite a difference to the handling and stick to 215/45/17 tyres. I fitted 225's and found there was some noticeable extra flex in the tyre wall compared to the 215's and i didn't feel there was any extra grip to be had. If there was i didn't notice.
Thanks for the replies chaps - glad I posted on here, as I've had zero replies over on Scoobynet.
I did think the track would be narrower, otherwise the wheels would look lost on the saloon assuming they are same offset.
Likeiwse, I think the wagon looks great with the saloon front wings, but if you space the front wheels (spacers or lower offset) can you get the rears to match without having to pull the arches? I think it looks a little odd to have a wider stance front than rear.
It does seem like I'd have more choice with a saloon, but I still think the practicality of the wagon will win. I like to go away camping, MTBing, dump runs, DIY, etc and am really missing my 850's in that respect. As a side though, do the saloon WRX's have split/fold rear seats?
I've seen a few wagons around me that look good, although the prices vary enough to make me a little wary of the cheaper ones.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Subaru-Impreza-2-0-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-SUBARU-IMPREZA-TURB...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-Subaru-Impreza-2-0-...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3930407.htm
I quite like the look of the first silver one, although maybe a bit cheap? The second one looks good as well, but I'd rather not mess a private seller around until I have the money in my pocket. I'd want to sell my 182 first, but really need to look at a few first to be sure. I might get an idea of PX value from a dealer, but realise I'll probably get a better deal selling mine first.
Is it ~50k for a clutch on one of these? Same for cambelt interval (or 5 years)? Is the clutch a DIY job, or too much without a ramp?
Who would be best to go to for a remap, anyone local ish to Suffolk/Essex? I'm sure they are quick in standard trim, but probably no quicker than my 182 once on the move.
I did think the track would be narrower, otherwise the wheels would look lost on the saloon assuming they are same offset.
Likeiwse, I think the wagon looks great with the saloon front wings, but if you space the front wheels (spacers or lower offset) can you get the rears to match without having to pull the arches? I think it looks a little odd to have a wider stance front than rear.
It does seem like I'd have more choice with a saloon, but I still think the practicality of the wagon will win. I like to go away camping, MTBing, dump runs, DIY, etc and am really missing my 850's in that respect. As a side though, do the saloon WRX's have split/fold rear seats?
I've seen a few wagons around me that look good, although the prices vary enough to make me a little wary of the cheaper ones.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Subaru-Impreza-2-0-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-SUBARU-IMPREZA-TURB...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-Subaru-Impreza-2-0-...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3930407.htm
I quite like the look of the first silver one, although maybe a bit cheap? The second one looks good as well, but I'd rather not mess a private seller around until I have the money in my pocket. I'd want to sell my 182 first, but really need to look at a few first to be sure. I might get an idea of PX value from a dealer, but realise I'll probably get a better deal selling mine first.
Is it ~50k for a clutch on one of these? Same for cambelt interval (or 5 years)? Is the clutch a DIY job, or too much without a ramp?
Who would be best to go to for a remap, anyone local ish to Suffolk/Essex? I'm sure they are quick in standard trim, but probably no quicker than my 182 once on the move.
I watched the guy at Extreme do my clutch. IMO its no DIY jobbie 
took hours and definitely needs a ramp.
That first one looks good, and has full leather would be nice too (my STi had full leather and makes a lot of difference to the otherwise low rent interior).
Makes me want to chop my s
tty Mondeo in 
took hours and definitely needs a ramp.That first one looks good, and has full leather would be nice too (my STi had full leather and makes a lot of difference to the otherwise low rent interior).
Makes me want to chop my s
tty Mondeo in Edited by paulmoonraker on Sunday 10th June 10:38
Edited by paulmoonraker on Sunday 10th June 10:39
I keep looking at the first one, it's not too far away, so might have a look.
At that sort of mileage, are there any obvious worries other than clutch & cambelt?
Just had an insurance quote, not too bad, but more than my Clio. I think I pay about £400 on the clio, Impreza coming out at £580 from Admiral, although we have a multicar policy so would be a bit cheaper.
At that sort of mileage, are there any obvious worries other than clutch & cambelt?
Just had an insurance quote, not too bad, but more than my Clio. I think I pay about £400 on the clio, Impreza coming out at £580 from Admiral, although we have a multicar policy so would be a bit cheaper.
Its a lot of Car for the money mate. WRX for under 3k. Defo consider, set some cash aside for repairs.
My Clutch is on 40k now, i am assuming its still the standard one, but the bite is quite high, and i reckon it wont be before long that i need to have it done.
I was in Subaru Eaglesham in Scotland and thought i'd get a price for Supply and Fit Clutch. Nearly dropped when they said i would get some pennies change out of 1K.
Needless to say, Subaru won't be replacing my Clutch!!
My Clutch is on 40k now, i am assuming its still the standard one, but the bite is quite high, and i reckon it wont be before long that i need to have it done.
I was in Subaru Eaglesham in Scotland and thought i'd get a price for Supply and Fit Clutch. Nearly dropped when they said i would get some pennies change out of 1K.
Needless to say, Subaru won't be replacing my Clutch!!
I'm not surprised you'll pay more than a clio for insurance, scoobs are generally a Grp 20.
Clutches can last over 100k miles if treated with respect but 50K-60K miles is OK baring in mind clutches do work very hard more often than not.
Clutch is no probs to do DIY. Propshaft and two front driveshafts to undo, unbolt the box and a couple of other bits and out it slides.
So long as you can get a hand to lift the gearbox out if you're on your back it's fine, otherwise hire a hydraulic two poster ramp like at Ramp & Wrench in Coventry and a hydraulic gerarbox lift and you can easy do it on your own.
PaulMoonraker doesn't do scooby DIY due to his extremely soft hands and manicured nails. He drives a porker these days so he wouldn't dare scuff his Armani driving gloves and loafers.
Clutches can last over 100k miles if treated with respect but 50K-60K miles is OK baring in mind clutches do work very hard more often than not.
Clutch is no probs to do DIY. Propshaft and two front driveshafts to undo, unbolt the box and a couple of other bits and out it slides.
So long as you can get a hand to lift the gearbox out if you're on your back it's fine, otherwise hire a hydraulic two poster ramp like at Ramp & Wrench in Coventry and a hydraulic gerarbox lift and you can easy do it on your own.
PaulMoonraker doesn't do scooby DIY due to his extremely soft hands and manicured nails. He drives a porker these days so he wouldn't dare scuff his Armani driving gloves and loafers.
If you want a clutch that's going to last and last and take abuse you need to get a decent twin plate clutch. It really is the only way.
It may be expensive as an initial financial hit but in the long run it will probably pay for itself 2 or 3 times over because that's how many times it will outlast a normal clutch with abuse.
It may be expensive as an initial financial hit but in the long run it will probably pay for itself 2 or 3 times over because that's how many times it will outlast a normal clutch with abuse.
Haha - OK, mixed opinions. I'll generally do as much work on my cars as possible, very rare for me to use a garage other than MOT, so I'd probably have a go if I had too, unless a specialist would do it for reasonable money.
Anyway, I contacted the seller of the silver blobeye wagon (1st one). Looked at his site, small family run business, I asked him about the history & whether clutch/cambelt had been done.
He said that the car only has a replacement service book, with two entries last year (5k ago) covering discs & pads, pollen filter & new turbo. It's a two owner car, and he says it does look & drive like a well loved car, but has no bills to guarantee history. Would Subaru look into previous history if available? I know when I got my Clio there were a couple of questions over some service entries, and Renault happily disclosed what was done, including receipts minus the previous owners personal details.
He said the clutch has no slip, but being very critical it has a little judder with slow manoeuvres.
He said he could possible have the cambelt done within asking price.
Again, I'm not too worried about doing the cambelt myself, unless it's a ballache?
Unless I'll be able to track history?
He said he'd take my Clio in part exchange but asked what I thought it was worth, bearing in mind he'd usually offer book trade value. I don't know what that is for my Clio, I'd guess at not a lot, but if he'd do a straight swap I'd be interested. I was going to advertise it for £3250 ono, so would be a good deal all round.
That's if I can track any history. I've had enough cars now to tell good from bad, but I still like to see routine service evidence.
If I can find the time next week I might go to take a look.
Anyway, I contacted the seller of the silver blobeye wagon (1st one). Looked at his site, small family run business, I asked him about the history & whether clutch/cambelt had been done.
He said that the car only has a replacement service book, with two entries last year (5k ago) covering discs & pads, pollen filter & new turbo. It's a two owner car, and he says it does look & drive like a well loved car, but has no bills to guarantee history. Would Subaru look into previous history if available? I know when I got my Clio there were a couple of questions over some service entries, and Renault happily disclosed what was done, including receipts minus the previous owners personal details.
He said the clutch has no slip, but being very critical it has a little judder with slow manoeuvres.
He said he could possible have the cambelt done within asking price.
Again, I'm not too worried about doing the cambelt myself, unless it's a ballache?
Unless I'll be able to track history?
He said he'd take my Clio in part exchange but asked what I thought it was worth, bearing in mind he'd usually offer book trade value. I don't know what that is for my Clio, I'd guess at not a lot, but if he'd do a straight swap I'd be interested. I was going to advertise it for £3250 ono, so would be a good deal all round.
That's if I can track any history. I've had enough cars now to tell good from bad, but I still like to see routine service evidence.
If I can find the time next week I might go to take a look.
There was a few differences between Blob and bug eyes.
I seem to remember at the time other than the obvious facelift.
The later cars had slightly better MPG, and I mean slightly by about 1-2mpg.
Cant remember if it was 5bhp more too at 225 instead of 220.
Also the clocks are different. The blobeye has a rev counter in the centre, bug eye's have a speedo.
Later blob eyes had a facelift interior with soft touch heater controls.
Ideally the one to get is a facelifted blob eye, with the newer interior and lower road tax than the later hawkeye cars, which are now £460 a year
I seem to remember at the time other than the obvious facelift.
The later cars had slightly better MPG, and I mean slightly by about 1-2mpg.
Cant remember if it was 5bhp more too at 225 instead of 220.
Also the clocks are different. The blobeye has a rev counter in the centre, bug eye's have a speedo.
Later blob eyes had a facelift interior with soft touch heater controls.
Ideally the one to get is a facelifted blob eye, with the newer interior and lower road tax than the later hawkeye cars, which are now £460 a year
All I'd say is I'd consider travelling further for one with FSH, lower miles, 1-2 owners, etc. Ideally private sale so you can get a good idea of the cars past (with history to back it up). If you buy a lemon with one of these it could cost you a fortune, and there's much more to potentially go wrong than with the Clio - if there's any doubt walk away.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by mmcd87 on Sunday 10th June 18:24
If it's a standard car there should be no reason why it doesn't have a full service history, with most of it done by the dealer.
When you start getting into modified scoobs it's more likely services have been done by a specialist but still look for full service history, and i don't know of many scoobs that don't have a decent wedge of receipts, especially modified cars.
That silver one sounds a bit too patchy on history/receipts to me. I would wait. There are plenty of good ones around with FSH, low mileage, receipts, and great condition. Keep looking for the right one till it comes along.
You'll know it's the right one because it will be rich in history/receipts, mint condition, low mileage, right price, and once you've driven it you'll just know it's the right one.
When you start getting into modified scoobs it's more likely services have been done by a specialist but still look for full service history, and i don't know of many scoobs that don't have a decent wedge of receipts, especially modified cars.
That silver one sounds a bit too patchy on history/receipts to me. I would wait. There are plenty of good ones around with FSH, low mileage, receipts, and great condition. Keep looking for the right one till it comes along.
You'll know it's the right one because it will be rich in history/receipts, mint condition, low mileage, right price, and once you've driven it you'll just know it's the right one.
Yeah, you're both right - for some reason I was getting a good feeling from the car, 'looked' in good nick, 2 owners, standard, 110k but not too worried about that. But no, I wouldn't usually buy a car without history, unless an import.
I've put the feelers out to a local Subaru dealer to see if they have any records, but I'll probably leave it.
Missus seemed impressed anyway, so probably worth me just getting the 182 advertised, after a test drive, just to make sure of course
I've put the feelers out to a local Subaru dealer to see if they have any records, but I'll probably leave it.
Missus seemed impressed anyway, so probably worth me just getting the 182 advertised, after a test drive, just to make sure of course
Hi Andy
When you do get one and need some work done locally, I'd recommend Tim Farmer at Subbus. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Subbus/1226496578470... He used to work for Zen Performance but is now mobile. Really good guy and know's his stuff. Oh and his prices aren't silly.
Mark
When you do get one and need some work done locally, I'd recommend Tim Farmer at Subbus. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Subbus/1226496578470... He used to work for Zen Performance but is now mobile. Really good guy and know's his stuff. Oh and his prices aren't silly.
Mark
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