How has the garage deduced that? Have they actually stripped the engine at this point and actually know a ring has gone, or are they working on the basis of a compression test in which three check out fine with one coming up very low?

If this is a deduction made without stripping, the likelihood is that when they take it to pieces they'll find that the problem is actually a broken piston (preventing the rings sealing properly) rather than the rings, themselves failing.

In addition, if it was just worn rings, you wouldn't hear the "clattery" noise you've previously reported. I'm a bit surprised to hear you come back with this "diagnosis" on the basis of that.

As such, if it hasn't already been stripped, I feel your assumption will prove to be moot - and that when the engine actually comes apart, you will find that the damage proves to be more serious than you have been led to believe, and so, no, on that basis, I doubt it will prove to be as simple as replacing the rings and sticking it back together. Whether it proves to need a "full" rebuild depends on your definition of full, but given the symptoms you've reported, it would not be surprising.

Whatever the problem proves to be, the other important job you need to do is work out why it happened. If, for example, it was overboost/spiking, underfuelling or, anything other than simple wear, you need to identify and sort it or the same thing will happen again.

 

no they haven't stripped it but on the other hand i don't know how they have located the piston ring that's broken without actually seeing it. I wish i never bought the car now if this is of things to come, especially as the dealer i bought it from is starting to be awkward

 

he will be awkward sale off goods act is on your side he has no choice either to repair or refund the engine as splitpin says needs stripping

 

I've just been reading up on the SOGA and i think that is going to be the next step, as i've asked him directly about payment for repair and started on the goodwill gesture for payment towards the final bill

 

it definatley needs stripping down and a reputable engine builder doin the work or it might happen again theyve got to be rebuilt right not some backstreet outfit he should foot the whole bill approx 3k api david is the builder highley recommended on here

 

can you just get a short block rebuild? how much are they, there's a bloke in Plymouth but it was too late to contact him

 

Dodd, a side point maybe: You said earlier that the dealer's second nominated garage has given you this piston ring explanation. Does this mean that there's an opinion from the first place?

Looking up your rights/entitlements here is certainly a good move. I would also consider getting a respected Impreza specialist like API to do any further examination/rebuilding. If the current "nominated" place have diagnosed this as a piston ring, without stripping it, then they're probably not the sort of place I would want doing the work.

 

ring api engines there based inwarickshire and have a chat with david he knows the engines from bk to front and will advise you friendly guy he has loads off praises on here he will pick the car up for you

 

The first place did the same no dismantling (probably as i'm not paying) They have said either piston or bottom end and looking at a rebuild.

 

don't know if this is a road you want to go down pal, but andy at scooby teknix in fleet wood (01253871188) ask for andy has a reasonalbly low milage complete WRX engine that is for sale for arround the £1000 mark thats still in the car and can be heard running. Ive no idea on warranties they offer etc etc. ive had stuff off them in the past and it's always been ok with a good service, as i know that scooby teknix repution can vary on personal opinion.
Im currently in rebuild stages as ive got big end failure and as said previously builds can be expensive but always best to use a reputable builder as this will save you money in the long run and should also give you peace of mind. If cash is an issue and given that your car isn't heavily moddified or whatever then a replacement engine isn't the ideal option but its an option that will see your car back on the road for less than a rebuild.
Good look mate, keep us posted.

 

I think you are still within the date [ 30 days I believe ] to reject the car as not fit for purpose and get all your money back from the dealer.

That's what I'd do send it back with the full force of the law behind you. I doubt you'll ever get over the experience with this car and it's better gone.

Good Luck, call if I can help at all David APi

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Double post ******** system

 

Interesting. That first garage's opinion is probably more trustworthy than the second lot. Who suggested taking it to the second place, by the way? The dealer?

Either way, can't fault the suggestion above to reject the car without any further delay, you have more than enough evidence that the car is not fit for purpose. Don't let it put you off the marque though - if you want one, likelihood is that the next will be top banana.

 

Where can i find details on the law for rejecting the car, is this all under 'SOGA'?

 

yes

 

Whoops - was about to say something that's already been said!