2004 WRX Sti buying advice required

[leeroberts919]

After years of yearning and dreaming of owning my own Impreza I have finally decided to the the plunge and get one (rather the wife has said I can...lol).

I have owned some pretty powerful cars in the past (Seat Leon Cupra R and Vectra 3.2 GSi) but this is the first time I am going to go for a top end but affordably realistic sports car.

Can anyone give me some advice on what I should look out for when viewing some cars. Basically I don't really know a lot on Impreza problems and want to know as much as I can as I don't want to get a dud car.

I have heard that Impreza's go through brakes and tyres a lot regardless of how you drive it, but my biggest worry is that they go through clutches a lot too. Can anyone tell me if this is true.

Also what are the servicing schedules for an Sti.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[2002pete]

Hi, welcome to .org



Hope the links help.

Link: 1 Friendly Advice Needed

Link: 2 Subaru Impreza - Buying Checklist

Link: 3 Subaru suggested maintenance schedules

[dynamix]

I had a leon turbo and vectra gsi before my first impreza.

I bought a bug eye sti and ..

- the tyres lasted 20,000 (proper geometry set up helps prolong them)
- the clutch did all the way to 70,000 until i sold the car
- brakes were ok and lasted about the same as the tyres.

[rikimaru]

Originally Posted by dynamix

- the tyres lasted 20,000 (proper geometry set up helps prolong them)
- the clutch did all the way to 70,000 until i sold the car
- brakes were ok and lasted about the same as the tyres.

As above really.

Still on the original Subaru clutch after 90,000 miles which is pretty astonishing really .

[shambles]

Just reading your post above Dynamix. was wondering about correct settings for an 03 wrx. I've heard and got a copy of the so called 'prodrive' setings but wonder are these for a classic or do they cover all scoobys - blob eye and all?

[dynamix]

The main thing is to get all the settings even side to side. Most geometry places have a huge margin for error so stand with them and say how precise you want them - ie precise !!

Prodrive settings will be fine for your year.

[shambles]

thanks dynamix - have a mate who sets up rally cars. Know he will do a good job!