Hi guys, my friends dads selling a 1998 Impreza WRX STI and i'm extremely interested, however i'm not 100% on the gearbox. It seems to have a fair bit of play when in neutral and doesnt seem to like to go into 1st?? Just wondering if anyone knows if this is normal or a sign to steer clear?

 

The cars standard except an apexi decat exhaust, turbo timer, coilovers and gauges.

 

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

Josh

Hi Josh welcome to the forums 

It might just need an oil change of the gearbox if it's not been serviced for awhile hole car might need a good service. But what happens over time the gears box oil gets bit's of crap and metal in there could be that or the worse case synchromesh. Then it's cheaper to get a 2nd hand refurbished gearbox fitted. Unless you are good with car's. :) But I would take the risk myself 1st is a strange gear to go before one of the others.

Wotcha and welcome Josh

Sometimes my bug was a little bit of a pain to go in first but it never caused me an issue when driving, as said its probably seen a few launches so could just be a worn syncro.

Thanks for the replies people :) How much you rekon then if it was the worst and needed a refurbed box fitted? Will change the oil and hope that sorts it

I would try some of this with the oil change

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORTE-DIFF-AND-GEAR-TREATMENT-NEW-125ML-GEARBOX-/251342602851?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a852fc263

Could risk a 2nd hand gearbox be cheaper but again run the risk of it being as bad or worse. But I think a refub box is just over £1K so not cheap then fitting. might be able to get it cheaper but would need to shop about. But I would still try the oil and treatment :D