Hi, I've just bought a 2006 WRX STi. The car has been dry stored in Spain for 3 years in a friends garage. I've just taken delivery on it, and besides the obvious tax and MOT needed, what else should I be having done to it/checked out? The car has covered only 26,000 miles so I was hoping the Cambelt would be ok? Although changing all fluids and spark plugs as well as a service is a must. Thanks!

 

Cambelt is 50k or 5 years so it will need changing IMO, fuel will be bad at a guess now so fuel filter too, check tyres and usuall service items.

 

Yeah fuel filter and fuel are being done too forgot to say. Cambelts are fairly expensive I assume :| tyres are beginning to crack and are potenzas so will be getting changed for something a bit more winter friendly too.

 

Campbelt are quite reasonable IMO my Subaru gargle quoted me 350 all on incl tensioner!

 

I'd say a new engine would cost loads more than a Cambelt mate, I'd change all the belts pretty much a big service if the tyres are cracking I'd assume the belts are of the same nature have a look at the drive belts if they look cracked and old I'd probably take it straight for a full service. Don't run the risk

Dave

 

Lol yeah I'm hearing you. I'm not usually one to skimp on anything, but my Audi needs Tax, MOT and service as we speak. And, because the STi has been out of the country for 3 years requires the same too. As well as new boots so its an expensive month for me and was trying to keep costs down. Oh well, best get it booked in somewhere for them to sort it out. I've heard Carnetix in Melton near me are about the best in the area for Impreza's?

 

As well as service, if the tyres have perished to cracking, then change all the coolant hoses as well....

 

I'd be very tempted to change the belt - I've seen this recommended for motorbikes, where they are often laid-up over the winter, as they can take a 'set' from being wrapped around the pulleys etc for an extended period but it's a risk, not a guarantee that the worst will happen.
Certainly worth trying to examine the belt closely for any sign of the rubber degrading etc.

 

When I bought my STI I think it had been stood for a while too.
With that in mind I changed:
- Fuel Filter
- Engine Oil Filter & Oil
- Gearbox and diff oil
- Coolant
- Air filter

I've also since had the cambelt, all pulleys and tensioners and all belts replaced with Gates belts.

One other thing I'm surprised nobody has mentioned - you say it was stored in Spain, but not sure if it's a Euro or a UK car so - is the car undersealed? You might want to have it Waxoil'd?

 

i have just changed my cambelt and to be honest i have changed them on golf turbos and there harder than on my scoob

 

^gixxerjoe - did you follow a guide or did it based on past experience ?

 

i have done a few cambelts before but before i do any i have a look on the net and there is 5 part vid on youtube by a guy doin it step by step just type in subaru impreza cambelt its about 45 min in total but a very good guide