WRX300 (3-month review)
20 October 2005, 04:12 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by ZippyLane
Spoke to I.M this morning and as you've all said it looks as if it's standard.. I rang the company in Malta who exported it and they said the same.. Motorpoint still claim they were told it was 260.. awaiting a call from them as we speak..
20 October 2005, 05:43 PM
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Hi Rich
Had our WRX300 for 4 months now and 5000 miles on the clock. Have had her in to the dealers twice since buying new: once for the 1000 mile service and once for a warning light on the dashboard which was sorted, no problem.
Don't have any rattles in the cabin (yet) and the engine is running very nicely. She does get better with every passing 1000 miles and is a HUGE pleasure to drive. The sentiments on this and other forums about the breathtaking performance of the car do not in any way live up to reality: after a decent blast my adrenalin is running by the bucket-full! The only mod is an alpine single DIN CD changer and decent 6" speakers in the front doors.
The only negatives are that me and the present Mrs F both want to drive and I've become a bit **** about the washing and polishing / keeping it clean on the inside bit! I don't resent the cost of the juice and enjoy every minute on ownership. I particularly like the community feel of scoob ownership ie the waves. Top Car.
Andy
Had our WRX300 for 4 months now and 5000 miles on the clock. Have had her in to the dealers twice since buying new: once for the 1000 mile service and once for a warning light on the dashboard which was sorted, no problem.
Don't have any rattles in the cabin (yet) and the engine is running very nicely. She does get better with every passing 1000 miles and is a HUGE pleasure to drive. The sentiments on this and other forums about the breathtaking performance of the car do not in any way live up to reality: after a decent blast my adrenalin is running by the bucket-full! The only mod is an alpine single DIN CD changer and decent 6" speakers in the front doors.
The only negatives are that me and the present Mrs F both want to drive and I've become a bit **** about the washing and polishing / keeping it clean on the inside bit! I don't resent the cost of the juice and enjoy every minute on ownership. I particularly like the community feel of scoob ownership ie the waves. Top Car.
Andy
20 October 2005, 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by ZippyLane
Spoke to I.M this morning and as you've all said it looks as if it's standard.. I rang the company in Malta who exported it and they said the same.. Motorpoint still claim they were told it was 260.. awaiting a call from them as we speak..
This afternoon, I spoke to Motorpoint at Liverpool to enquire about the price of their new Scoobies, and the guy I spoke to said that they (Motorpoint), could do a re-map, on an STi, for about £600, which would give another 40bhp ?
I didn`t ask him any further about this, as something else came up in conversation, but it may be worth asking to see if this is what they mean when they said they thought yours was putting out 260.
Good luck.
20 October 2005, 05:58 PM
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Collecting my wrx300 tomorrow,didnt know the ppp had to be fitted after first 1000 miles, is this right or is the dealer having a laugh? please can someone let me know as im really disappointed!
20 October 2005, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by sid the snake
Collecting my wrx300 tomorrow,didnt know the ppp had to be fitted after first 1000 miles, is this right or is the dealer having a laugh? please can someone let me know as im really disappointed!
20 October 2005, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by andyfish
Hi Rich
Had our WRX300 for 4 months now and 5000 miles on the clock. Have had her in to the dealers twice since buying new: once for the 1000 mile service and once for a warning light on the dashboard which was sorted, no problem.
Don't have any rattles in the cabin (yet) and the engine is running very nicely. She does get better with every passing 1000 miles and is a HUGE pleasure to drive. The sentiments on this and other forums about the breathtaking performance of the car do not in any way live up to reality: after a decent blast my adrenalin is running by the bucket-full! The only mod is an alpine single DIN CD changer and decent 6" speakers in the front doors.
The only negatives are that me and the present Mrs F both want to drive and I've become a bit **** about the washing and polishing / keeping it clean on the inside bit! I don't resent the cost of the juice and enjoy every minute on ownership. I particularly like the community feel of scoob ownership ie the waves. Top Car.
Andy
Had our WRX300 for 4 months now and 5000 miles on the clock. Have had her in to the dealers twice since buying new: once for the 1000 mile service and once for a warning light on the dashboard which was sorted, no problem.
Don't have any rattles in the cabin (yet) and the engine is running very nicely. She does get better with every passing 1000 miles and is a HUGE pleasure to drive. The sentiments on this and other forums about the breathtaking performance of the car do not in any way live up to reality: after a decent blast my adrenalin is running by the bucket-full! The only mod is an alpine single DIN CD changer and decent 6" speakers in the front doors.
The only negatives are that me and the present Mrs F both want to drive and I've become a bit **** about the washing and polishing / keeping it clean on the inside bit! I don't resent the cost of the juice and enjoy every minute on ownership. I particularly like the community feel of scoob ownership ie the waves. Top Car.
Andy
The rattle issue is just me being extremely pedantic. In fact it is the odd little creak or click that comes and goes. Most people wouldn't even notice them... nice picture by the way - looks clean!!!
Last edited by KG386; 20 October 2005 at 06:12 PM.
20 October 2005, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by sid the snake
Collecting my wrx300 tomorrow,didnt know the ppp had to be fitted after first 1000 miles, is this right or is the dealer having a laugh? please can someone let me know as im really disappointed!
20 October 2005, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by C2forWRX
Its personal preferance. there is no reason why they wouldnt fir it straight away for you other than lazy. people like to sometimes run the car in for the 1000 miles before making the mods. it up to you. after 1000 better i think as you arent sposed to boot it unitl after 1000 miles has passed anyway so something for ya to look forward to
It does not matter one hoot if you get it now or after 1000 miles.
My local delear Gatwick Subaru Group have the TOP guys working on the cars and they would know if this was wrong. One of the guys there is going to Japan after winning the Subaru guy mechanic of the year, well came second but he is going for a full tour of Subaru Japan styleeeee!
20 October 2005, 06:42 PM
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I have opened her up to max 4000 revs about 7/8 times in the last week. It is IMPOSSIBLE to not go beyond 3000 revs for the 1st 1000 miles.
Not long now before I can here the full rip of the beast of plenty.
Windows are being tinted tomorrow morning.
Not long now before I can here the full rip of the beast of plenty.
Windows are being tinted tomorrow morning.
20 October 2005, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by C2forWRX
Its personal preferance. there is no reason why they wouldnt fir it straight away for you other than lazy. people like to sometimes run the car in for the 1000 miles before making the mods. it up to you. after 1000 better i think as you arent sposed to boot it unitl after 1000 miles has passed anyway so something for ya to look forward to
20 October 2005, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by KG386
Still reckon this should be done before delivery. The WRX300 is recognised by insurers as a standard car. Personally, I wouldn't want the 'modification' done after delivery for this reason alone.
21 October 2005, 01:23 PM
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I agree too - PPP is considered standard on a WRX300 as far as I know and I thought it automatically came with it when new. However, my dealer did mention to me that some people choose to buy the WRX300 without the PPP (why??) and this is why it is fitted afterwards by the dealer once it has been delivered to them, but still before you collect it. I know mine wasn't fitted until the day I collected it (they had to wait for the ECU to come back from Prodrive first).
Can't believe I managed to get through all of yesterday without exceeding 3000 revs (well, maybe 3200). It felt like I was really denying the car when it was just getting going. Ah well, best to be on the safe side for now, while it's so new, I suppose.
And thanks for the Trackstar info, Rich - I know I have the tracker fitted so I'll give them a call.
Can't believe I managed to get through all of yesterday without exceeding 3000 revs (well, maybe 3200). It felt like I was really denying the car when it was just getting going. Ah well, best to be on the safe side for now, while it's so new, I suppose.
And thanks for the Trackstar info, Rich - I know I have the tracker fitted so I'll give them a call.
24 October 2005, 04:53 PM
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Nice review KG386, I nodded right upto the bit where you said you are getting 30mpg - are you sure you're not (inadvertantly) squeezing an extra gallon fraction into the tank and (blissfully ignorantly) using the alleged 13.2 gallon tank size to devise a false economy to persuade the better half it’s still a good buy (only kidding, end of my mpg debate).
I've had my WRX300 for a whole 2 months now with the clock just tipping 2k, so very much a newbie still. I’m very happy with my little purchase and I think the wife secretly likes it to, but I think my father-in-law is a bit annoyed as he is a diesel man. Although the mothers-in-law both thought it was to noisy for a petrol car and therefore had to be a diesel - I've never let on !!!
I must be honest and admit that I've been driving very carefully what with:
1) It still being relatively new car with stiction all over.
2) I’m probably a a crap driver in contrast with my confidence.
3) The more sobering fact that I have a new born baby in a rear-facing seat (I don't think a babies neck can withstand 4.8 second launches, never mind the clutch, gearbox, wallet ensemble)
Positives:
1) Yes I could have got something faster, smoother, grippier blah blah blah, but it makes ME smile everytime I drive it, so who cares about the rest of the options.
2) Burble.
3) The wee boys at the side of the road staring as you burble by.
4) The Scooby Wave when returned (some people are rude you know).
Negatives:
1) The door seal falls out when I get out the car in the garage (shoulder brushes it on exit).
2) Stereo and speakers really are crap, but at least its got the PPP sub-woofer hanging out the back. (I’ll figure out a way to wire it into the stereo).
3) Shame it doesn’t have 300 braked horses to match the badge - roll on 3 years … the aftermarket scene looks ripe.
So, you've got one, I've got one, where are the other 298? If you ever find out, make up and issue 300 sequentially numbered bumper stickers and create a WRX300 ScoobSpotter club.
One day mine will be clean enough to take its picture, but I’m sure everyone would rather see a dirty WRX300 being used … better than hiding in a garage.
I've had my WRX300 for a whole 2 months now with the clock just tipping 2k, so very much a newbie still. I’m very happy with my little purchase and I think the wife secretly likes it to, but I think my father-in-law is a bit annoyed as he is a diesel man. Although the mothers-in-law both thought it was to noisy for a petrol car and therefore had to be a diesel - I've never let on !!!
I must be honest and admit that I've been driving very carefully what with:
1) It still being relatively new car with stiction all over.
2) I’m probably a a crap driver in contrast with my confidence.
3) The more sobering fact that I have a new born baby in a rear-facing seat (I don't think a babies neck can withstand 4.8 second launches, never mind the clutch, gearbox, wallet ensemble)
Positives:
1) Yes I could have got something faster, smoother, grippier blah blah blah, but it makes ME smile everytime I drive it, so who cares about the rest of the options.
2) Burble.
3) The wee boys at the side of the road staring as you burble by.
4) The Scooby Wave when returned (some people are rude you know).
Negatives:
1) The door seal falls out when I get out the car in the garage (shoulder brushes it on exit).
2) Stereo and speakers really are crap, but at least its got the PPP sub-woofer hanging out the back. (I’ll figure out a way to wire it into the stereo).
3) Shame it doesn’t have 300 braked horses to match the badge - roll on 3 years … the aftermarket scene looks ripe.
So, you've got one, I've got one, where are the other 298? If you ever find out, make up and issue 300 sequentially numbered bumper stickers and create a WRX300 ScoobSpotter club.
One day mine will be clean enough to take its picture, but I’m sure everyone would rather see a dirty WRX300 being used … better than hiding in a garage.
_edit%20(Medium).jpg)
22 December 2005, 03:41 PM
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Zippy i wouldn't bother about ppp
Its an import so you have no warranty, get an aftermarket exhuat and ecu maybe a boost control and the same if not more gains are to be had over the PPP anyway 
Its an import so you have no warranty, get an aftermarket exhuat and ecu maybe a boost control and the same if not more gains are to be had over the PPP anyway
22 December 2005, 03:50 PM
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I did the same - changed to an impreza from a 325i and had similar misgivings at first - mainly on quality. However, I soon forgot about these issues after driving the Subaru - and who lives in the boot anyway.
22 December 2005, 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by scoobynewbie1
I've got one too...Sevenoaks area... so that's only 297 to go. !!
Any more of us around..??
Rich
Any more of us around..??
Rich
First post btw.
22 December 2005, 09:56 PM
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When i was looking around for a WRX a few months ago, found EU import forsale, (2004). Asked local dealer about PPP, and was told they could supply me with with similer car, and fit PPP for £800 and would cover the warranty, but this could have been because they wanted to sell me a car.
An EU import is same as UK spec car, and if a Subaru main dealer is willing to sell me one, then im sure they will cover any warranty issues, if they carry out mods.
An EU import is same as UK spec car, and if a Subaru main dealer is willing to sell me one, then im sure they will cover any warranty issues, if they carry out mods.
22 December 2005, 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by alloy
Zippy i wouldn't bother about ppp Its an import so you have no warranty, get an aftermarket exhuat and ecu maybe a boost control and the same if not more gains are to be had over the PPP anyway
Its an import so you have no warranty, get an aftermarket exhuat and ecu maybe a boost control and the same if not more gains are to be had over the PPP anyway http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=468761
06 January 2006, 01:49 PM
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So here we are, new year - still have the same rapidly depreciating WRX300 and now in desperate need of a diesel due to circumstances and mileage.
If anyone who read this thread wants an 05 plate WRX300, 10500 miles, at a ridiculously low price, PM me and let me know what u prepared to pay!
If anyone who read this thread wants an 05 plate WRX300, 10500 miles, at a ridiculously low price, PM me and let me know what u prepared to pay!
06 January 2006, 08:33 PM
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As Patkin says (as he has a SWRT import....) it is just a WRX with limited edition seats and high rear spoiler etc... so is 225bhp...and maybe satnav.
A WRX300 is the same.....a WRX with limited edition seats, NO high rear spoiler etc but WITH PPP, but no satnav, but tracker as standard with a years subs.
As has been said in countless threads started by us WRX300 owners, there is a debate about the whole PPP issue 'as standard'. But as far as I am concerned (and as far as IM and Subaru UK are) it is a genuine model, and the insurers recognise it as such.
In fact the only reason I bought a WRX300 was because of this. I would have preferred a Silver WRX SL (With free PPP), but insurance was double...even with A1 and so on.....
Any european warranty is void if you add PPP. This is only OK with Subaru UK.....
A WRX300 is the same.....a WRX with limited edition seats, NO high rear spoiler etc but WITH PPP, but no satnav, but tracker as standard with a years subs.
As has been said in countless threads started by us WRX300 owners, there is a debate about the whole PPP issue 'as standard'. But as far as I am concerned (and as far as IM and Subaru UK are) it is a genuine model, and the insurers recognise it as such.
In fact the only reason I bought a WRX300 was because of this. I would have preferred a Silver WRX SL (With free PPP), but insurance was double...even with A1 and so on.....
Any european warranty is void if you add PPP. This is only OK with Subaru UK.....
Last edited by Marky9074; 06 January 2006 at 08:42 PM.
06 January 2006, 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by pj748r
06 January 2006, 08:40 PM
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With regards to the review!
Happy with mine. Disgruntled at the dealer who left off the blower pipes after fitting PPP and I drove all the way home like it. Also wasnt impressed by the fact that the weights on the wheels were clip on rather than stick ons. So I had to get all the wheels rebalanced and touched up.....
Cabin is OK, sometimes a creak, but only every now and again. Always seems capable and ready to go, but when you want to go it doesnt seem that panty wetting fast (am I allowed to say that?), though I did have a Barretts Motosport prepared P1 before......
I am considering getting a Forrester STI. I just like the idea of it....
Happy with mine. Disgruntled at the dealer who left off the blower pipes after fitting PPP and I drove all the way home like it. Also wasnt impressed by the fact that the weights on the wheels were clip on rather than stick ons. So I had to get all the wheels rebalanced and touched up.....
Cabin is OK, sometimes a creak, but only every now and again. Always seems capable and ready to go, but when you want to go it doesnt seem that panty wetting fast (am I allowed to say that?), though I did have a Barretts Motosport prepared P1 before......
I am considering getting a Forrester STI. I just like the idea of it....
06 January 2006, 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by sid the snake
Collecting my wrx300 tomorrow,didnt know the ppp had to be fitted after first 1000 miles, is this right or is the dealer having a laugh? please can someone let me know as im really disappointed!
Make sure everything is put back together correctly...
07 January 2006, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by dexter
Nice review mate, and similar conclusions to myself, although mine is a MY05 WRX with PPP.
Whatever you do though, don`t go and try an STi, as you may well feel you bought the wrong Scooby.
Whatever you do though, don`t go and try an STi, as you may well feel you bought the wrong Scooby.
whys that m8? is there a big difference?
07 January 2006, 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by KG386
WRX300 (3-month review) – hopefully of interest to somebody!!
It was a difficult decision to consider buying an Impreza having spent a few content years as BMW 3-series owner, the latest being a 3-year-old e46 325i saloon, which I had owned since almost new. I felt like a change and with performance a major factor in all my car making decisions, it was hard not to be seduced by the lure of a special edition Impreza WRX with PPP.
In 20 years I had never considered a Japanese car but from within the plush confines of my 3-series I always had an undeclared admiration for the Impreza, perhaps harking back to my first real performance car, an XR3i in the mid 80s. The WRX300 was obviously been marketed in way that appealed to me, as I found myself frequently visiting subaru.co.uk in the daytime and my local dealer under cover of night to try and decide whether I could imagine owning this bright blue, gold wheeled, spoilered machine.
Anyway, having sought necessary clearance from my nearest and dearest, I had a test drive in a demonstrator and was sold on its intoxicating performance and handling. For me, the WRX300 package was not only much cheaper than an STi, but also more acceptable as day-to-day transport.
The car was clearly not built as solidly as a BMW, but seemed put together well enough and the whole feel of the car was just what I had been looking for. Insurance was duly sorted out through my existing insurers, Tesco, and by agreeing a larger excess, I managed to keep the premium at £430 p.a.
I bought a pre-registered car for £19,000 (some £2,500 off the list price), delivered with 30 miles on the clock and with strict instructions to keep the action modest until the first service at 1000 miles. Unfortunately, Subaru ownership did not have an auspicious start. The service department had neglected to tighten one of the battery leads and a total loss of power on day two resulted in me abandoned in the middle of nowhere, alarm screaming and needing Subaru Recovery in record time.
I used the dealer’s apology and offer of goodwill to get a lower grill fitted for free at the first service. By now, after a slight delay, I also had the Tracker Safe Speed system warning me of speed cameras, all adding to the feeling that I was in a high-tec and somehow slightly mischievous motor.
Soon after, I also got the dealer to fit the Prodrive Springs, all-inclusive for £470. These made a subtle but noticeable improvement to the ride and dialled out the poorly damped feel of the standard springs. The car also looked much better sitting slightly lower. A switch of insurance companies was also necessary as Tesco suddenly wanted to drop me following a 25mm drop in my car and several years of custom.
The car has now covered 2500 miles and still feels great to drive - every time. I find using the power only occasionally means it is always a pleasant surprise when used to its full potential. An average 30-mpg is quite easy to achieve. Dealer service has been cheerily competent rather than slick and efficient but that is okay.
There have been a few disappointments. The car has a noticeable defect in one door, which has been independently confirmed as a ‘factory repair’ prior to export and about which nothing can be done, short of a replacement and resprayed door – no thanks!! Build quality, a minor issue at purchase has been more of an irritation. In a meticulous search to cure a few creaks, I have discovered how easy it would be to dismantle the entire cabin without the need for a screwdriver.
The car has its flaws and occasionally I still think about the rationale behind this purchase but whilst I respected the BMW in a fairly distant way, there is an emotional attachment with the Impreza that I can’t define and it is an experience I am excited about continuing.
It was a difficult decision to consider buying an Impreza having spent a few content years as BMW 3-series owner, the latest being a 3-year-old e46 325i saloon, which I had owned since almost new. I felt like a change and with performance a major factor in all my car making decisions, it was hard not to be seduced by the lure of a special edition Impreza WRX with PPP.
In 20 years I had never considered a Japanese car but from within the plush confines of my 3-series I always had an undeclared admiration for the Impreza, perhaps harking back to my first real performance car, an XR3i in the mid 80s. The WRX300 was obviously been marketed in way that appealed to me, as I found myself frequently visiting subaru.co.uk in the daytime and my local dealer under cover of night to try and decide whether I could imagine owning this bright blue, gold wheeled, spoilered machine.
Anyway, having sought necessary clearance from my nearest and dearest, I had a test drive in a demonstrator and was sold on its intoxicating performance and handling. For me, the WRX300 package was not only much cheaper than an STi, but also more acceptable as day-to-day transport.
The car was clearly not built as solidly as a BMW, but seemed put together well enough and the whole feel of the car was just what I had been looking for. Insurance was duly sorted out through my existing insurers, Tesco, and by agreeing a larger excess, I managed to keep the premium at £430 p.a.
I bought a pre-registered car for £19,000 (some £2,500 off the list price), delivered with 30 miles on the clock and with strict instructions to keep the action modest until the first service at 1000 miles. Unfortunately, Subaru ownership did not have an auspicious start. The service department had neglected to tighten one of the battery leads and a total loss of power on day two resulted in me abandoned in the middle of nowhere, alarm screaming and needing Subaru Recovery in record time.
I used the dealer’s apology and offer of goodwill to get a lower grill fitted for free at the first service. By now, after a slight delay, I also had the Tracker Safe Speed system warning me of speed cameras, all adding to the feeling that I was in a high-tec and somehow slightly mischievous motor.
Soon after, I also got the dealer to fit the Prodrive Springs, all-inclusive for £470. These made a subtle but noticeable improvement to the ride and dialled out the poorly damped feel of the standard springs. The car also looked much better sitting slightly lower. A switch of insurance companies was also necessary as Tesco suddenly wanted to drop me following a 25mm drop in my car and several years of custom.
The car has now covered 2500 miles and still feels great to drive - every time. I find using the power only occasionally means it is always a pleasant surprise when used to its full potential. An average 30-mpg is quite easy to achieve. Dealer service has been cheerily competent rather than slick and efficient but that is okay.
There have been a few disappointments. The car has a noticeable defect in one door, which has been independently confirmed as a ‘factory repair’ prior to export and about which nothing can be done, short of a replacement and resprayed door – no thanks!! Build quality, a minor issue at purchase has been more of an irritation. In a meticulous search to cure a few creaks, I have discovered how easy it would be to dismantle the entire cabin without the need for a screwdriver.
The car has its flaws and occasionally I still think about the rationale behind this purchase but whilst I respected the BMW in a fairly distant way, there is an emotional attachment with the Impreza that I can’t define and it is an experience I am excited about continuing.
cant fault mine but then again ive never owned a beemer.
07 January 2006, 11:15 PM
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I was told the PPP is no longer fitted before since Prodrive require that the vehicle be registered first and will only ship out then- so if your vehicle was pre-registered then the dealer would have the ability to put the PPP on - if not then you could either get the dealer to fit it before you collect or after the 1000mile run in period. This was to stop dealers selling it to 'folks who are not allowed to buy it' ( whoever they maybe!)
(Agree the stereo is just the crappest ever but I guess they must figure we either spend £500 (manufacturers oem price naturally) on a reasonably kick **** piece of kit and pass that cost ( plus a bit of profit) on to the customer adding maybe £700+VAT to the purchase price or put in a piece of sh*t and let them buy their own!)
However - It is an amazing car
(Agree the stereo is just the crappest ever but I guess they must figure we either spend £500 (manufacturers oem price naturally) on a reasonably kick **** piece of kit and pass that cost ( plus a bit of profit) on to the customer adding maybe £700+VAT to the purchase price or put in a piece of sh*t and let them buy their own!)
However - It is an amazing car
Last edited by flynnstudio; 07 January 2006 at 11:26 PM.
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