jimber

Hello, having owned my current 2L 2005 WRX for the past 6 years I have decided to spend some money getting it tuned, maybe to stage 2 depending on the cost. Can anyone recommend a reputable mechanic in Essex to do this work? Also, I want to improve the sound system, is it the head unit that's bad or the speakers? I am not looking for mega bass just something with a bit more clarity and volume. It needs a little bodywork also, wheel rebuild and a couple of little scuffs hear and there, ideally I would like somewhere I can drop it off, they do all the work and I can pick it up in a week or so.

Thanks to everyone that's responded. I know buying any car is a gamble especially a second hand performance car however some of the horror stories on scoobienet have completely put me off buying a 2.5 boxter especially as I buy a car to keep for 5-6 years. I am defiantly in a quandary what to buy next, maybe a ralliart as they are cheap and have it modded up to 300bhp. I have also read the clutch cant handle any more than this or save a bit longer and go for an RS.

This is true Beags. Is your standard? I have heard the ecu needs to be remapped with any mods even small ones, maybe this is causing the problems!

So would mine, had a bad one a few years ago hence the scoobie. Do you know if most of the engine issues occur on modded engines only, are standard engines generally more reliable?

Its a tough decision, Maybe but and old van and a ducati.

Yep, the saloon has been the only negative about my scoobie ownership. Would like something newer now also so the criteria is AWD (4x4), hatch or estate, 300+ bhp and fun to drive. everything seems to be a compromise and nothing quite fits the bill. I can probably stretch up to £13k for the right car. How much should be factored in for an engine rebuild? £3k? I am buying to keep for the next 5-6 years so don't want it in and out of the workshop every 6 months. I was thinking the 330S could be a future classic and hold its value well.

I feared as much, I looked at an R32 the other day and it sounded great but I think its down on power. Also considered the BMW 135i but it doesn't have the AWD or a lancer ralliart but it cant be reliably tuned past 300BHP. What would you suggest?

Its a shame, I have owned 2 scoobies, the last one for 6 years and really wanted to stay a scoobie owner but I need a hatchback now and ideally more power so the 2009 330S looked like a good bet. Leaves me with a dilemma, maybe look for a 2005 2 litre wagon and have it tuned up to 300bhp or switch to Audi or VW.

What normally goes wrong? Any way the problems can be tested for prior to purchase? What should be checked?

Is this all 2.5's or did they fix the problems on newer models?

Hi, I have owned a 54 plate 2005 WRX for the past 6 years and as a whole its been really reliable. I am looking for an upgrade and have been looking at the 2008/2009 sti or the sti 300S if my budget will stretch that far. Can anyone give me some buying tips as I have heard a few negative things about the 2.5 sti boxter engine, does anyone know if the problems are being exaggerated. Is the 330s worth the extra cost?