Impreza R Sport

[develin]

Fancied something a little more comfortable and quieter than the van.... managed to pick this up as a spares repairs for next to nothing...

Has full dealer service history and has had everything changed systematically exactly as per recommended in the owners manual.

When I got it a few things are wrong with it:

- Paint peeling off wheels
- 02 sensor code (confirmed dead 02)
- rotted out exhaust with various leaks everywhere
- country road style Bush scratches all over front bumper
- various dents
- electric wing mirror fold in button broken
- slight play in bushings front and rear

I've had the Car for three months now and done 12k in it already... got it at 122k now done 134k! Don't usually take a punt on high mileage petrol engines but the history is the best I have ever seen, all genuine parts used in its lifetime.

I figured if it was a total shed I could fix it up and make some money since Imprezas always sell where I live even if they are ropey. Well anyway I'm really enjoying driving it around and I've even taken to using it as my mobile work vehicle, boot is big enough for my diagnostic tools, 30" tool chest three ton jack and all my impact tools and grinders plus bits and bobs/service tools etc.

Rear suspension not loving all the weight over it but I'm not hugely fussed.

First thing was first, had a stainless system fitted with sports cat and resonator back box... it still has a hesitation issue and an obscure vacuum leak which I am struggling to find plus the dead 02 sensor so in open loop it runs a bit rough and in closed loop it runs fine but a bit rich

[develin]

IAC valve was filthy and replaced 02 sensor only for it to die also so looking for the cause for that...

Stainless fitted sounds lovely but no cabin drone under normal driving conditions

[studabear]

Awesome, keep the pictures coming, I've always wanted a Subaru Impreza.

[develin]

Okay sure, more pics no problem

Well, I know the chap had a lot of trouble selling it... he patched it together enough for it to drove ok but it was obviously temporary repairs like slapping tons of gungum all over the exhaust which needed replacing... body work probably satisfactory. It's not good, it's also not bad - if it were in good nick I'd feel bad using it for work.

You can't see it so well because of the sun but the back of the car is sitting pretty low because of all my tools lol

Wheels need refurbish but came with genuine brand new Subaru brakes and pads.... which are made of cheese they are honestly terrible.

There us one dent bigger than the others with a bit of rust but it's on a door so can be replaced.

I love the toggle for the mirrors... I love being able to change view when I'm parking etc or want to see the kerb.

I believe the tape is covering where an auto fold mirror button used to be but is no longer there.

A/c didn't work when I got it but now works beautifully and just in time for the mental weather

THE WORST THING ABOUT THIS CAR AND MANY OTHER ESTATE CARS IS THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE DRINKS HOLDER!!!

She's rough but i'm loving it really lol

[valhalla]

Totally agree with you about having a project car that is not so pretty that you feel you cannot use it. I think that the ones that run well, and look good enough at a distance, are the most fun to have. You want it to be reliable, but not a trailer-queen.

[develin]

Beached the car a few times in the snow but never realised that the exhaust stayed wedged up against the rear drive shaft as you can see from the picture it rubbed off some rust for me at least.

Picked up two hangers from Halfords for 2.20 in total just to drop the exhaust a bit lower for some clearance.. still sits nicely.

Not too happy about the exhaust heat turning the boot into crispy rubber... Not a fan of doing boots in general much less a rear inside boot but oh well such is life. Also picked up some suspension play while I was back there on the ARB bushings and drop links

Boo