martyc

The 2.5 seems to have a weak spot causing head gasket failure, however that's not to say that all cars suffer with it. You'll always get problem cars on forums, because people go to forums when they have problems! I've never been in an accord type r so it's difficult for me to compare interior space etc. Imprezas are plenty big enough if you have no more than 2 kids, mines been a daily commuter, shopping car and toy all in one for the last year, and has been no trouble and a pleasure to drive! Only bought 2nd car recently as I felt guilty using the scoob for tool lugging duties, although my Impreza does feel almost frantic in comparison! I'm sure someone will be able to answer the more specific forester/ legacy questions shortly. Oh and welcome!! Sent from the moon using telepathy

Recirc pros: tends to run better unless mapped. Silent (if you like that kind of thing) Vta pros and cons: makes noise but can cause running issues Sent from the moon using telepathy

Nice looking motor :-) Would be great to see an na with some non wrx/sti mods, would definitely make it stand out! Sent from the moon using telepathy

Looks stunning :-) I agree with Jay, excellent choice for a family car :-) Sent from the moon using telepathy

Depends on cost, if it's got no other faults then it may be worth keeping if you still have a need for it. You could spend 1k+ buying something to replace it only to find out it's a right nail Sent from the moon using telepathy

A universal dump valve will need an adaptor to fit, best get one designed for the Impreza. Be careful as some people have running issues after fitting a dump valve. If you look at the downpipe off the turbo and it has a casing around it, it will be the catalyst. If it is just a smooth or wrapped pipe it will be a decat. Keep a look out on eBay, as fog light covers come up on there, or the owners forums. Welcome, Good luck and enjoy :) Sent from the moon using telepathy

I forgot how lucky I was to own an Impreza wrx until I drove something else. Every journey in a scooby is exciting, raw almost, feeling the boost build to drag you along with the exhaust note going from a burble to a howl until you go for the next gear and it happens all over again..... Nearly as orgasmic as s*x. But I drive the scoob more often.

My daily driver! Not bad for £200! Sent from the moon using telepathy

I'm always dubious over sealants because they tend to mask problems rather than fix them Sent from the moon using telepathy

Failed mot, needs new caliper (seized piston), drop link (already knew that and it's with them to be fitted) and brake fluid leak from caliper banjo :-( won't get it back til Monday. Fortunately my dad has saved the day by selling me his car! Sent from the moon using telepathy

Mot this morning, just hope all's ok! Sent from the moon using telepathy

Sounds like something breaking down when warm, what wiring is being replaced? Sent from the moon using telepathy

It will need a map, and if you're changing the engine it'll be a waste of money if you melt it.... Sent from the moon using telepathy

Poor connection/earth? Sent from the moon using telepathy

Super, it's cheaper than replacing the Pistons Sent from the moon using telepathy

Managed to put the scoob on a limited mileage multicar policy as I've just bought a top spec Toyota Avensis for daily drive duties (it's like a poor mans Lexus!) which I pick up next week, both cars, fully comp mods declared 600 quid. Which is 3 times what I paid for the Toyota lol Sent from the moon using telepathy

An sti is quicker and more powerful and focused, a wrx is tamer and makes a nice daily drive, I haven't had an sti (Impreza) so it's hard for me to compare. A pro drive wrx is pretty much on par with a a standard sti, but essentially it's just a remap and exhaust with an uprated intercooler hose. An sti has a bigger turbo, injectors and a stronger 6 speed box etc and more scope for power 'out of the box', a wrx needs bigger turbo and injectors over 285bhp ish and definitely to break the 300 barrier. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I've just put a shell helix 5w-40 in from opies, seems great stuff Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Took my car to the garage to fit new cv boots, give it an oil and filter. Apparently one of the drop links on the front arb has collapsed (would explain the body roll). Also bought a daily so the scoob can be loved and enjoyed rather than be a work hack. Stayed jap tho ;-) Sent from the moon using telepathy

Wash it, polish it, caress her curves and admire her beauty. I half expected mine to cost me an arm and a !Removed! but fuel costs aside ( which aren't even horrific at 30mpg) she's wanted nothing but wear and tear stuff (tyres, oil & filters, now needs cv boots being done tomorrow). And it's done all its depreciation and may even soon start rising in value. It's a sensible all weather car with a naughty side.

That's a wrx. Sti's have bigger brakes, sti seats with blue inlays, a larger intercooler, slightly lower ride height, a different spoiler (although that is the sti spoiler) and a few other trick bits. Cambelt is a must every 4 years, or 40000 miles, regular oil and filter changes (I try stick with every 5k), check for smoke, clutch wear, engine knock (seems to be fairly common and requires a rebuild), piston slap when cold is common but not really an engine killer. Other than that check the consumables, brakes can seize, I like to look at the tyres, the brand gives a lot away about the owner, if he buys cheap rubber he probably skimps elsewhere (and has lots of kids [emoji16]). Suspension knocks can be anything from drop links (made out of cheese) to bushes, top mounts or shocks. Mileage doesn't really count, buy on condition and service history. Modification wise, just look for quality parts not eBay specials like poorly fitting exhausts or induction kits. Good luck and enjoy :) Sent from the moon using telepathy

Looks stunning, bug eyes get better with age :-) Sent from the moon using telepathy

Afaik imprezas are either fwd or awd, no mentions of rwd unless modified. Otherwise they'd be a !Removed! drift contender Sent from the moon using telepathy

I love a good bug eye :-) Sent from the moon using telepathy

Keep looking and you will find a turbo but that really is bottom end money, so either expect to spend to put it right or save more in the first place. Which mondeo is it you have, the 170bhp, 200bhp or st 220? You will notice a difference in power delivery, and probably not much of a difference in fuel economy (my sisters st220 didn't even average 20mpg, but her driving explained a lot of it) . I wouldn't recommend buying a non turbo for the sake of it unless you genuinely want one. It's a bit like buying a focus 1.6 because you can't afford the RS, it won't feel the same and you won't get the pops, bangs, exhaust warble and boost that make it what it is. Don't get me wrong I'm not an elitist but buying an na because you can't get your hands on a turbo would probably leave you disappointed. Hence why I waited 9! Years to own one Sent from the moon using telepathy