Firstly a hello to everyone

Secondly. i don't own a subaru yet but i am looking at getting a new car in the next few months and one car on my short list is a 53/04 plate STI type UK ppp (not the bugeye version)

to help me finally decide on which car to get I was hoping that you guys could answer a few questions for me.

Firstly are there any known common problems/faults with this model to watch out for?
were there any factory recalls to look out for?
are there any realibilty issues to be aware of?
are the cams chain or belt driven? if belt what is the subaru recommend interval between changes?
what features come as standard?
what is a typical subaru full service cost?
what are the offical subaru MPG figures for this car (or should that be GPM )

thanks in advanced for your help

 

youve taken the most important decision already and disrigarded the bug eye.
take cover

 

The cars use cam belts, not sure on interval being a classic owner
Forget official mpg figures, you will get between 20 and 30 (roughly) depending on how you use your right foot
Features change between the years and the spec, look at several cars to see what you want
The rear struts on the newage cars have been known to knock and require replacement (use the search facility) Quite a few people upgrade their suspension if this happens.

 

Firstly are there any known common problems/faults with this model to watch out for? major wear on brakes clutch etc (usually someone getting rid before the mot starts)
were there any factory recalls to look out for? not that i'm aware of-subarus are generally well made
are there any realibilty issues to be aware of?not really
are the cams chain or belt driven? if belt what is the subaru recommend interval between changes?belt driven, 65k iirc
what features come as standard?the works a/c ewx4.... the list goes on!
what is a typical subaru full service cost?all depends on the millage
what are the offical subaru MPG figures for this car (or should that be GPM )dont know but "in the real world" absolute max 30mpg

 

cheers for you comments guys.

should have also asked whats the recomended life span inyears of a cam belt?

65K or ??Yrs

and what would you expect to pay at a main dealer for a cam belt change?

obviously something that need taking into account when buying a car thats 4 years old

 

the sti suspension is crap, known for failing and being replaced (often multiple times) on them

 

yup sure is

 

is it just the linkages that wear out or the dampers and springs?

Is the prodrive set up any better??

 

the dampers,

pretty much the difference between the norm and the sti ones is the solid shaft inside the piston is inverted then plastic washers used to control its slide path. the washer wear quickly, break and the piston moves around giving nocking noises, worst case the piston leaks the oil out.

tbh if your gonna get one, budget about £800 for a good suspension set up and you'll be fine and have abetter handeling car.

i've got KYB shocks and eibach lowering springs on my classic and rate them very highly so should be good on the blob eye as well

 

cheers for your help.

 

nee bother. if you wanna go mad with the suspension then theres always AST's lol

 

i don't own a subaru yet but i am looking at getting a new car in the next few months and one car on my short list is a 53/04 plate STI type UK ppp (not the bugeye version)

If your budget can stretch a little further, the 05 cars were much improved with better suspension and SpecC geometry (wider track and longer whellbase) which improved cornering and straight line stability and the awesome DCCD-A (active diff for moving power around front to back) incredible Bridgestone RE070 tyres (love 'em/hate 'em) and improve instruments (IIRC).

Firstly are there any known common problems/faults with this model to watch out for?

As mentioned above, rear struts fail and start knocking. All Scoobs have a hole in the petrol tank too

were there any factory recalls to look out for?
are there any realibilty issues to be aware of?

No and no.

are the cams chain or belt driven? if belt what is the subaru recommend interval between changes?

Belt and 50k

what features come as standard?

A big grin and an empty wallet

what is a typical subaru full service cost?

120 for 10k basic oil change to 380+ for the big 30k with all fluids and other stuff like plugs, fuel filter etc

what are the offical subaru MPG figures for this car (or should that be GPM )

low to mid teens if driven properly in the countryside, high teens to low twenties around town and high twenties on a mway run