martyc

For the last two years due to saving for a wedding we have had a nissan micra (11 plate) as a cheap run about/family car. Its been a bit soul destroying, can't love it but is a reasonably cheap run about. Couple of honest facts tho- Only averages 40mpg day to day On a run (like 300 miles to my mothers) a 3.0 bmw diesel is more economical and it still only averages 40 mpg due to being out of its comfort zone on m-ways Struggle to fit a weeks shopping in the boot for a family of 3 Depreciation is a killer (if new) and would easily equal the extrarunning costs of an older, nicer well maintained car (i.e subaru). If you use creative man maths ;-) Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Hi guys I've got a 2003 wrx blob and I'm looking at putting my spare cash aside (spent 2 years saving for a wedding, finally all sorted!) for modifications on top of a further healthy amount for annual and unexpected costs. I don't plan to do any mods for the first year due to insurance, other than stock up on what I want/need for future plans. My plan thus far is: After First year- Prodrive exhaust (found this on eBay, centre pipe and rear box, 75 quid just bought oops) Y pipe (prodrive pack has one so seems to make sense?) De-cat Up-pipe Decent quality panel filter (k&n seems best choice so far?) 3 port boost solenoid maybe? Maybe better fuel pump for future-proofing Re-map Year 2- Bigger injectors (pinks?) Definitely fuel pump Definitely 3 port solenoid Bigger turbo (TD-05 maybe seems good choice for power vs budget?) Remap 2 I want it to be drivable, without a massive hit to fuel consumption off boost, and keeping the gearbox in one piece. As parts like brakes clutch etc wear I intend to upgrade. Not really into lowering etc anymore so suspension upgrades would be purely down to bushings and better shocks etc..... Does this all sound viable and sensible? Do you have any pointers or suggestions, things I have missed or need to consider? Kind regards, Marty Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Try it, nothing to lose! An exhaust is a fairly standard mod and is on the drop down list of modifications. My biggest issue was my previous vehicle history, which despite having several hot hatches nothing in the realms of impreza performance, so all companies told me the first year would be steep or just impossible for them to quote. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Standard or modified? I insured my wrx thru money supermarket and found churchill were cheapest. If modified might be best off trying one of the specialist brokers i.e flux etc but they are !Removed! expensive compared to run of the mill companies ( 300 quid more for a dump valve, wtf?!). Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Well i picked her up today... I'm blown away, amazed and in love. Had a cheeky little rolling start in her and was left giggling like a school girl! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Voted Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Were the cats hot enough to work? A lot of the stuff i see on aftermarket cats seems to be hit and miss :-( Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I had some greenstuff ebc pads which had great initial bite but seemed to destroy discs (even tho they were brand new oem). Admittedly that was several years ago so the formula has probably changed, seemed to be a common complaint at the time Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For fresh metal and paint that's a good price imo Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I'd be wary of anything less than a G, it will need money spent on it and probably had a few careless owners though they are out there for that price. Be prepared for 20mpg, and anything more you can be pleased with! Insurance can be expensive depending on age, experience and model/modifications. As it will be a classic check for rust and bad mods, slipping clutch etc etc theres plenty of buyers guides. If you go into ownership knowing its going to be more expensive than a normal saloon you shouldn't be too disappointed, expect to run it on a budget and you will be. Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I don't really see it any more of a mod than a set of speakers- it doesn't make it quicker etc, its more just there to look/sound pretty! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Hi guys, just a quick couple of q's about refitting the standard recirculation valve to my 2003 blob wrx (i pick it up may 1st). Currently its fitted with a Bailey atmos dump valve, i have ordered off ebay a 2nd hand recirc valve off a 2003 sti, is it safe to assume it will be the same as the original? is it just a case of unbolt the bailey, remove bung, fit oe recirc valve and attach vacuum line? As much as i want to keep it i can't justify the insurance premium hike from 424 standard to 698 with a dump valve! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Decided to ditch the dv for now, got a standard recirc valve off ebay to put on as i don't want to pay £300 extra on insurance just to make a bit of noise! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I look forward to enjoying driving again when I pick mine up after 2 years in an 11 plate 1.2 auto micra! Saving for a wedding (and new car, the scoob is a wedding present to myself...) for 2 years means cars have taken a back seat til now :-) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

As long as it's reasonable and I have scope for basic mods (PPP spec- probably non PPP parts tho) I'm happy :-) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi and welcome from one newb to another :-) When i was looking for mine i checked service history and record of cambelt changes, panel gaps and signs of panel replacement/ accident damage. Started from cold and listening for any untoward noises and same again after going for a drive when warm, taken for a drive make sure it boosts ok and clutch doesn't slip etc I went for the most standard model i could- mods aren't a problem but check they've been properly done and not been thrashed/neglected. Thats just what i looked for when i bought mine, im sure the experienced guys can help out a lot more :-) Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Let's hope Keith gets back to me then :-) I don't mind paying more if it future proofs against planned mods Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Its frustrating when you ask if that's the best they can do- only to get told ring back if you get a better quote! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

So does it come down in subsequent years? I intend to make the car part of the family and semi-retire it when the missus starts driving so it can be my long term pride and joy! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crazy thing is I'm 31 with a clean licence and been driving 14 years! Adrian flux were the ones who quoted £698. Will have to wait til Monday for Keith michaels. Adrian flux claim it's so high because it's the first year of ownership.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Insurance quote went from £424 for totally standard on compare the market to £698 just for declaring the bailey d/v :-O Never mind it'll have much more by the time I'm done :-) Can a moderator please combine my thread- i duplicated it d'oh! Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I only do 3 miles each way for work and i have a motorcycle for commuting and a pushbike so that's not a problem if i feel like it! Quotes have been reasonable so far for insurance.... Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I'd like to go along the lines of the PPP pack or similar. This will be my daily so it needs to be reliable and affordable to run as well as practical for the school run etc :-) Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

hi all! I'm Martin, I've just put a deposit on a 2003 blob eye uk WRX, which I collect on 1st May. It seems really nice, standard condition right down to the exhaust, only mod I can see is a Bailey d/v. It's only done 60k, has a really tidy interior so I'm really excited as I've promised myself one for the last 6 years! Actually found it when looking at a 55 plate blob in silver, but that had tacky mods, a !Removed! burn and a battery flatter than a pancake! Fortunately the missus found ours tucked up round the back, just in and it was love at 1st sight! Any advice, insurance recommendations and things to do (will have a few bits-rude not to make the most of that flat four!) would be greatly received :-)

hi all! I'm Martin, I've just put a deposit on a 2003 blob eye uk WRX, which I collect on 1st May. It seems really nice, standard condition right down to the exhaust, only mod I can see is a Bailey d/v. It's only done 60k, has a really tidy interior so I'm really excited as I've promised myself one for the last 6 years! Actually found it when looking at a 55 plate blob in silver, but that had tacky mods, a !Removed! burn and a battery flatter than a pancake! Fortunately the missus found ours tucked up round the back, just in and it was love at 1st sight! Any advice, insurance recommendations and things to do (will have a few bits-rude not to make the most of that flat four!) would be greatly received :-)