Hi all, I'm thinking of buying a turbo 2000 [before year 2000], and apart from piston slap, which to me is quite a dig put off, subarus seem to have quite a lot of running problems.

Is it just me reading alot of horror stories, or are these tempremental beasts to run. I come from an audi background, which normally means jumping in and driving off, with little thought of anything going wrong from one year to the next[with 130,000 and still as tight as day one].

I still really love the idea of woning one, btu is it practical as an only car using it every day, and can I expect to run it over 130,000 without needeing the piston replcaed [at the very least] from badly worn pistons and engine bores.

Cheers,
Andy

 

as well as my bloody typing problems!
Excuse my tired fingers!

 

'honesty' ...there don't use it all at once

 

Where did you get that idea? If all you do is read forums like this, all you'll normally hear about are the people who have problems. The thousands of happy, contented, reliable Subaru owners don't tend ot come here and say so.

Largely. Don't forget also that if you read here a lot, you'll read about a lot of people using the cars outside their design parameters - whether it be by dodgy modifications, running Japanese spec cars on too low an octane rating of fuel, whatever.

You're talking about a car that has won the Top Gear/JD Power survey. Typical respondent of those surveys is probably somewhere around the clueless but well-meaning numpty level. If they're not having major problems, it's probably safe to assume the cars are fundamentally reliable.

Quit having nightmares...

 

best bet would to be get an official uk car that has had the extra 2 years warranty extended by the previous owner. And get the car properly examined for bad repairs and a general report.

Imprezas are generally ok if looked after, you are right about the piston slap problem though. If you want extra reliability, be wary of mods and of course if the engine has been replaced by subaru due to piston slap, you would not really have to mind about piston slap again. This is all of course for maximum reliability.

Generally if the car does develop a fault, depending if service schedules have been conducted and no mods you will have any fault rectified under a subaru warranty.

 

Try doing a search on here for "highest mileage" or similar, & see how many have done high & v.high mileages, both with & without mods. Don't forget that any forum for any brand of car will have more people with problems than without, as there's little point to starting a thread telling everyone how fault free your car is! (Although someone had a go last week!)
For your information, I've got a MY00 Turbo with 20k on the clock. Only probs I've had are a new clutch & flywheel under warranty (cold engine = clutch judder, "they all do that mate", but worth trying for if you have the warranty), and the drivers door lock goes "clack" when unlocking (to be sorted at next service). Apart from that, totally reliable. Just make sure you do the background work before you buy, & get a decent warranty to be on the safe side.

 

I have just bought mine which is a MY00 which because it has a phase 2 engine doesn't have the same piston slap worries(correct me if i'm wrong)If i let the bad post put me off i would still be driving round in a 10 year old Mondeo people just post if they have a problem you don't get thousands of posts saying my engine ,turbo etc havn't blown up today just buy one you won't regret it
Dave

 

yeah, I think you're right.
If I can find one that's engine has no knocks or rattles with a decent mileage, I think it's got to be done.

 

As of TODAY

71K miles
MY99 UK PPP

2K TRACK miles (at least )
Numerous 0-60s & 1/4 miles

A "few" handling related mods... ( )

I've owned from new

Other than a couple of cosmetic warranty items, I've had NSF wheel bearing replaced &...

Thats it

Original clutch, can't say disks/pads (upgraded) but otherwise all transmission, g/box, engine, bearings, bushes other than rear ARB, are completely as purchased from Subaru UK

As a guide, springs, shocks, brakes, hoses, ARB bushes & rear drop links have been upgraded.

 

There are not many 2.0ltr cars out there, that you can get a comfortably 250+bhp and drive enthusiasticly for 3years without having to put it apon the scrapheap These cars are designed to be driven with gusto and Warranty'd for 3 years Try buying a 4 whell drive 250+bhp Peugot

Sadly ... the User/car interface.. the owner can cause problems By using wrong fuel/no booster (JDM) or poor/bad maintaince. Yes as said there has been some Subaru issues clutch judder and piston slap issues. Many UK's were under Warrenty so ask for Service history wouldn't buy a Scoob without it , personally.

Get someone who owns a Scoob or a Scoob mechanic to give you help you'll need it with a honest unbiased view of the car, otherwise your heart will overule your brain and you could end up buying an obviuos dog IMHO

Enjoy the Scoob and best of luck

Tony

 

Last scoob had 123k miles and only replaced rocker covers, cam angle sensor and radiator! Most relaible car i had ever driven up to that point! (Owned for 4 yrs too!)

 

Mine doesnt

MY98 and i would defo have another one.

 

I've got a 1999 uk turbo ,and an Audi estate (the Labradour wagon)and they are both very reliable . The Scooby needs to be serviced more often which is a pain and is not quite as well put together , but oh what fun !
go on get one !
Dave

 

Puff,

That mileage and how you've used it and *still* on the original clutch? Hmmmmm.

 

andee

I have a MY95 UK Turbo and it has done 170,000 miles and still going strong

Buy one you'll never regret it

 

I have a MY98 and she is a beauty, can't see myself going away from my car for quite a while yet
Cheers
Colin

 

MY93 WRX (jap import) 76,000 recorded miles, de-cat and induction kit, driven reasonably hard and in 18 months of ownership have had to replace the following:

front and rear brake pads
battery
usual sevice items (oil, filter etc.)
rear anti-roll bar bushes
header tank

For a 10 year old car, thats pretty good going considering I do 2000 miles a month.

 

if u buy a scooby and drive itlike a granny, then high possibility that nothing will go wrong. but hey, u wouldnt consider a scoob if that's how u plan to use it.

my view that it's the drivers mentality and driving style. service regularly and track days shouldnt create much risk other than wear and tear (brakes clutch etc)

but drive like an id*ot revving up to red and keeping it there on m-ways chasing the likes of porkers etc etc will require new engine very soon.

before any one flames me, i've owned 3 scoobs and blown twice due to the above (expensive lesson learnt). dozen track days and no problems what so ever. hey, at least i own up to my past mupetty driving style.

now in old man's car, CLK. but once in a scoob, u'll never forget the addictive boxer note. i still miss and enjoy the note every time a scoob passes me.

 

andee,

Have had a MY99 Turbo for nearly a year, and do about 2000 miles a month, to and from work etc. Only costs, apart from plenty of petrol (get about 27 mpg) are:

Insurance £550
MOT £35
Puncture £90
Small service £140

I reckon that the small service interval is probably the main problem. My 60000 mile service in a couple of months is going to include replacement of front disks and pads etc.

I may get rid of mine in the not too far distant future, cos I'm divorced with two teenage kids, but it's a joy to own. I'll never look back and say "if only".

As far as changing from a scoob is concerned, what else do you get? I want something quick but more refined and economical, and that isn't going to cost so much in servicing. Golf 1.8T?

 

You should buy a car with a Subaru history including all old MOT's. Meticulous owners keep all bills from servicing and any other spares bought.
Go and see a number of vehicles and then buy a low milage example from a recognised source. If you hunt hard enough you'll eventually find a beauty (I did). A well looked after car will be relatively easy to spot. Get it HPI checked (a main dealer will have done this already)
Mine has minor mod's (Stainless Exh, Short Shift, ITG Air Filter) and I'd recommend you stick to this or better still totally standard. Top Gear website has a valation tool powered by Glass's (the only guide worth bothering with). Ignore Parkers or any other.
They're great cars and very rarely go wrong when serviced properly and generally looked after

 

92,000 miles, chipped and modded, runs like a steam train. Just make sure you Service it properly, dont rag it from cold, let it cool down, etc ,etc and it should be ok. I think its just the luck of the draw sometimes, either ya get a goodun or a dog!

Good Luck

 

thanks you lot, you've put my mind at rest a bit and have confirmed what my heart is saying.

Now the real task begins of finding a minter!

Andy

 

Andy.
Don't forget Get someone who owns a Scoob or a Scoob mechanic to give you help buying it you'll need it he will give you a honest unbiased view of the car or your heart will overule your brain and you could end up buying an obviuos dog IMHO

Tony

 

Excellent advice, couldn't agree more.

 

Im on my 3rd one now.

1X MAF sensor
1X Lambda sensor
1X Clutch
1X Radiator hose (£10)

Thats in 3 years and one of them had 120k on it.

MB