stilettoimp

Hi, does anyone recommend a diagnostic reader tool at a reasonable cost? I suddenly have the MIL light on but no obvious cause on my 2004 WRX Wagon. It follows a poor start from cold, after not being run for a few days. Engine churned but eventually fired after several turns of the key, and spluttered a little before idling smoothly. I hope to sort the problem myself if I know what the code says. Thanks for any advice

Hi, I have just changed the oil (Millers Nanodrive 10W40) and fitted a Blue type Subaru Oil filter following your recommendations! I've also ordered some new plugs and managed to extract an old one which is NGK PFR6B so I will stick to these for now. Interesting advice over the exhaust, as mine has had the centre cat removed and stainless system fitted with single box. Although it can be a bit loud, and don't get me wrong it is a lovely sound, but may get tired of it one day? Would reverting to a sports type cat be an option, do you think, or does this upset the ECU mapping? I was told that my car is roughly to PPP spec. but not actually by Prodrive. Totally new to all things Subaru - a lot to learn but it will be worth it! Regards Nigel PS. I also need to tackle front bottom balljoints which are worn - can these be sourced separately from the alloy arms? Fingers crossed......

Thanks very much - I will look through You tube guide. Incidentally, my car was originally sold new by a dealer in Croydon!

Hi Stuartie, Many thanks - very useful information. Early days with the car, so any advice is a help. Nigel

Hi, I've just bought a 2004 WRX turbo wagon and intend to maintain it myself. It's the first Subaru I've owned although I have much classic car experience but would appreciate some advice on the best parts, etc to maintain a car that is well overdue for some TLC! A service is priority No 1 so any thoughts on which synthetic oil is recommended for these engines, do I use a Subaru or other make oil filter (ie Manns) and looking into the engine bay, how on earth do you get the spark plugs out? There must be a trick - which make plugs are best for this engine? It has been chipped, up-rated. Sorry for all this, but I know other owners will have many yrs experience of these fine cars! PS. I have play in both f.wishbones bottom ball joints (alloy arms) and will need to replace the joints if possible, or the complete w/bones - any advice welcome on this too! Many thanks Its a nice rust-free car, and will also be breaking out the waxoyl inside the cavities to keep on top of it Regards Nigel

Hi, recently joined the Forum and very impressed with how easy to navigate and use - well done! I'm interested in buying a WRX Wagon to use as a fun, practical workhorse with good performance. Can anyone give me a quick guide to what to check on a used one? Probably looking at 2003 - 2006 models at my budget, and being a classic car enthusiast I don't mind some work. Are there any major pitfalls - any advice grateful. Thanks