Hi all!

Going to look at a 2.0 non turbo Impreza Rx this weekend, would be my first Subaru. It has 150k miles. Seems hard to find much on non turbo cars.

What should I be looking out for when buying? I have heard the engines are 'bulletproof' is this true as I plan on doing a lot of miles in it? I also know rust can be a bit of an issue with these?

 

Have a look at the mot history mate, that will give you some idea of how it’s been looked after, any rust issues etc...good luck mate 👍

 

Check for rust. Newages have hit that age now where a lot are showing it.

If you are planning to do a lot of miles just remember these cars are thirsty. If you don't mind spending on fuel then carry on.

 

Sadly can't go through past nct (mot equivalent) here in Ireland! Been told there no rust so here's hoping 🤞

 

Coming from an equally as thirsty car so no problem with that!

 

Rust can hide in a number of places. Get your hands up into the arch, theres a bit where it goes in further like into the turret, hard to explain. Give it a good push etc to make sure there isn't any rust there.

 

Check the rear suspension turrets really well.
On a different note, my Irish terrier cross breed is called Oisin ! He was from a rescue place in Eire.

 

Haven't heard that name before for a dog but I approve!
Thanks will do.

 

Other than rust which is the biggest problem check that the airbag has been replaced under the recall. I’d expect it to have been done by now but better to check. At that mileage I’d be expecting all the suspension bushes to be pretty worn so check if any have been replaced or budget for replacement in the near future.

 

Also check if front lower control arm recall has been done saying that.

 

Thought that was on Hawkeye models?

 

Thought it was a Hawkeye as the op titled the thread non turbo Hawkeye advice lol so thought it would come under that recall notice 🤔

 

Lol sorry i only saw RX and thought next shape.

 

There were RX Hawkeye's as well. Same as the R Sport just a different name for the newer year.

 

Well, he's Irish, little, and deer coloured!

 

Don't think I've seen a RX Hawkeye

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...02103220438113

 

So it's basically an R sport Don with different wheels on it then by the looks of it then🤔

 

They’re the same wheels as the R Sport. As I said further up, they’re the same car just different name depending on the year.

 

Oh ok, just that when i used gd ol' Google to search for an RX some of the pics had them with standard WRX rims fitted, unless there were really R sports hey🤣

 

None of them had WRX wheels fitted as standard. Probably find people fitted them afterwards because they’re cheap.

 

Yea I just put Rx as I dont know anything about them really haha. I did buy it though, no rust thankfully!

Only issue thatd worry me is a grinding kind of noise when I let off when around 3k rpm, might be normal but ive never owned one before. Ive added a video I took of it and may make a separate post later.

 

Ah thats good, hopefully all ok. Could be brakes grinding, as if the calipers haven't been replaced, at those miles might be sticking abit.

 

Can't hear it while driving, just while revving it up in neutral!

 

While standing still?

 

Loose heat shield or possibly spigot bearing.

 

Yea not moving!