listy Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Any one had one? I'm looking at potentially getting one as a practical yet fun car, but don't really know a lot about them. They tend to go for around £5k - £6k so don't want to jump in without any prior knowledge. Either that or a 2003 shape version. Any insight people can offer would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 We are actually looking at Impreza's for the other half at the moment as a modern alternative to a GTFour. She's looking at the 2003-2005 "blob eye shape" not to be confused with the earlier bug eye. A friend of ours has also just brought one and reports it to be fantastic. I must say, they're a nice enough place to be, sound great, handle superbly and with the PPP pack, don't go too badly either. Hannah's budget is also between £5-6k. We did initially look at the later "hawkeye" 2006-2009 shape, but found them mostly to be 2.5L, which have reportedly more engine issues and the annual VED is also notably higher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bailey Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 A quick google search should help you, there's loads of subaru forums with buying guides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitbox Junkie Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Are you keeping the supra listy? I ahve heard there fun but the ones I have been in the inertia seems to be very plastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st3ven1 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 As has been mentioned go for a facelift blobeye, it was facelifted late 2004(54 plates) through to early 2006(06 plates). A WRX with the PPP is the car to get. The facelift had several changes to the mechanicals aswell as interior changes(center console is the obvious tell). Watch for the rear suspension knocking, but most of these will probably been addressed by now. Any rust on the rear arches and I'd walk away. Other than that just the usual checks you would do on any car, fluids etc. Avoid the 2.5 hawkeye WRX, as although the engine issues are less likely on the wrx, it's not something you'd want to be potentially worrying about. Superb cars all round and very reliable when left at PPP level(265bhp). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
listy Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 That's a shame to hear about the hawkeye engine issues. I much prefer the look of those over the blobeye model before. Saying that, it would give me some extra cash to have a play with. The Supra, sadly will be going once the fuelling (or whatever it is) issue is sorted. I will be back in one again some day, but I've had Supras for 6 years and fancy a change. Plus, running two cars is a bit of a pain, so with something like an Impreza, I can ditch the daily. I've been offered a 2004 blobeye STi in Black with some performance mods, running 360 (ish) bhp with £1k my way for the Supra once the issues are sorted. Not sure on their value as I haven't checked yet, but it's tempting. Which is the better model to have? Sti or WRX? I'm sure you used to be able to get WRX Sti which was the top notch one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 WRX is the base turbo model, STi are the upgraded versions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Great cars and superb fun to drive. The single thing I would be cautious of is the engine, they don't take kindly to having bolt on mods carried out despite there being lots out there. Modding them is fine, but only when done properly. Sadly one of the biggest causes of premature bottom end failure is down to the filter not being primed during oil changes resulting in no oil pressure for a very short while on first start up. I understand that even some main dealers don't do this as its not in the procedures manual, I was told this both by an engine builder who specialises in Subaru engines and also Simon of JGM racing, both who worked on my Son's car after I blew it up and wrecked a closed deck block... The blob eyes are nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest themuttsnuts71 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 I would try avoid the WRX only model as bottom end isn't very strong and the STi versions are semi forged and have the six speed box which is slightly stronger for more power unless you find one that has been fully forged but cars are really good fun and can been tuned fairly easily depending on how deep your pockets are. I know someone with STi on a standard bottom end running well over 400bhp and have had no issues asking as it serviced regular etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abz Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Just noticed this up for sale on the forum, possibly contender? STi and also PPP. http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?329262-Subaru-Impreza-Sti-Type-UK-PPP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cered Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Neighbour has a glorious black blobeye, he does seem to spend a lot of time under the bonnet. had a nightmare with the cooling system recently and think he's had a few minor running issues. will ask him when i see him next. Noise is superb, standard exhaust but manages to rattle my windows on cold mornings.It's his daily too btw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
formatzero Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 Earlier seems better,had a shot of a mates 52 plate went well but felt a bit agricultural ! He had no major issues but had new clutch at 65k and cost him a grand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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