Inspecting an Impreza STI PPP : what to look out for ???
Inspecting an Impreza STI PPP : what to look out for ???
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Slider@7

Original Poster:

9 posts

221 months

Wednesday 11th August 2010
quotequote all
I'm interested in an Impreza STI PPP (MY2005) and will probably go and see the bespoke car now Saturday.

It's a relatively low mileage car (around 30k miles), it's unmodified, and has got a FSSH.

I however never had one of these before, so are there any things that I need to look out for ?

How can I be sure this is a good one, without hidden problems ???

Thanks in advance !

Edited by Slider@7 on Wednesday 11th August 10:47

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

229 months

Wednesday 11th August 2010
quotequote all
A 2005 Sti with 30k and FSH should be a pretty good bet. Main things to look out for would be previous damage, brake, clutch and gearbox wear. I know the WRX's had a problem with the rear struts knocking due to early wear but the Sti has a different set up so don’t think this applies but still listen out for it. It sounds like something rolling around in the boot on corners and hitting the side of the car, talking from experience. The clutch should probably be quite heavy and tight in comparison to many other cars and the gearbox should engage all gears without noise or grinding. I have Sti Brembo brakes on mine and from new the discs and pads lasted approx 36k before needing replacement so that is probably the main area you may find issue. Check for a lip on the disc and the pad depth. It will not cripple you to replace them and it’s not a reason to walk away, but it could get you a discount. It’s probably a given, but also check the inside edge of the tyres as they can wear more in this area. My tyres last around the 10k mark so it may need new boots. Where the engine is concerned there isnt a lot to look for with this mileage as long as its been serviced regularly and pulls well without any odd noises or smoke you are probably safe.

Hope this helps mate,
Ian

Slider@7

Original Poster:

9 posts

221 months

Wednesday 11th August 2010
quotequote all
Cheers for that Ian ...


Evil.soup

4,047 posts

229 months

Friday 13th August 2010
quotequote all
I forgot to say! Even though the car has only covered 30k it still should have had a cambelt change at 5 years. Its not an easy or cheap job. It will cost around £1000 at a stealer, £600 at a specialist (a genuine quote as mine is due next year) and maybe around £300 if you know a garage you trust to do the job.

Ian

homerjay

1,249 posts

249 months

Saturday 14th August 2010
quotequote all
I had an 03 sti ppp a few years back and had the rear struts replaced under warranty. It's easy to spot, just drive down a bumpy road and listen for knocking.

Slider@7

Original Poster:

9 posts

221 months

Saturday 14th August 2010
quotequote all
Cheers for all that thumbup

Car just had a 950 pounds service including cambelt ... so lucky me biggrin

Animal

5,648 posts

292 months

Saturday 14th August 2010
quotequote all
Ask to see the certificate of fitment for the PPP. Does the car still have the Prodrive backbox (big 'P' embossed on the tip)?

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

229 months

Sunday 15th August 2010
quotequote all
Slider@7 said:
Cheers for all that thumbup

Car just had a 950 pounds service including cambelt ... so lucky me biggrin
Nice one!

Sounds like it could be good buy then. Let us know if you go for it;)

Slider@7

Original Poster:

9 posts

221 months

Sunday 15th August 2010
quotequote all
It has got the certificate for the PPP kit smile
But not sure about the Prodrive backbox (will have a look).

...

Btw, couldn't make it on Saturday, but if all goes well and the car indeed is OK, I'll collect it on Wednesday.

Can we please move fast-forward to Wednesday now biggrinbounce

JollyGrnMonster

887 posts

221 months

Tuesday 17th August 2010
quotequote all
05 sti is a great car

Have an 03 sti at the mo but changes on the 05 just enhance it further

Simon

Slider@7

Original Poster:

9 posts

221 months

Thursday 19th August 2010
quotequote all
Well, in the meanwhile the STI (PPP) sits nicely besides the Caterham in my garage smokin

Collected it today from Lincoln.
Long and exhausting day ... but well worth it.

The car really is stunning ... and it drives really well (that’s an understatement).
Very addictive stuff

Just must learn to watch the speedo a bit more since these things really do fly ... but without you having the impression of going fast. Dangerous for my driving licence cop

Edited by Slider@7 on Thursday 19th August 14:48

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

229 months

Friday 20th August 2010
quotequote all
Slider@7 said:
Well, in the meanwhile the STI (PPP) sits nicely besides the Caterham in my garage smokin

Collected it today from Lincoln.
Long and exhausting day ... but well worth it.

The car really is stunning ... and it drives really well (that’s an understatement).
Very addictive stuff

Just must learn to watch the speedo a bit more since these things really do fly ... but without you having the impression of going fast. Dangerous for my driving licence cop

Edited by Slider@7 on Thursday 19th August 14:48
Glad you got yourself a good one mate. It will just get better and better! Happy driving!!!!!biggrin