The SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI BUYERS GUIDE | All Common Problems Reviewed

[@istiklalcaddesi]

Problems you will encounter might be very costly on Wrx s. My recommendation is 100% get it compression tested and well checked *if possible subaru specialist mechanic* Yes you do check prior, let the car run for at least 10 mins to see the smoke, check oil level before even starting the engine, you ll be surprised to find a very low oil levels on some. Steering have issues, cylinders do lose compression, head gasgets, o2 sensors, wheel hubs, 6speed gear crunches, clutch issues/needs changing...

[@puch2728]

Thank you. Now I know what to look for on those old subarus

[@boostedhawkeye2827]

My 1 tip for buying a WRX would be to check the overflow tank when you first see a car and then after a good test ride also check to make sure the system isn't over pressurising I bought a Subaru with a internal head gasket leak the only sign was it pushing coolant out the overflow at high boost it ran perfect still otherwise. When I took it apart it had no thermostat in the car which was a major red flag but no one would be able to find that out before buying

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks very much for the comment, a great wee extra check!

[@ThatCatCasey]

You’re doing gods work with this comment, we all appreciate you!

[@magnumllama400]

Which overflow tank

[@magnumllama400]

And what to check in the tank

[@omenchild631]

Funny enough I cut my thermostat out to reduce the pressure on my radiator after it cracked. Thermostat was siezed closed.

[@LordStorm-h8m]

Brilliant video there mate 😎👍 I owned a 2006 WRX Hawkeye, a few years ago. Some of the things to look out for in this video when test driving, my car developed during ownership, especially a hesitant delay in power between 3rd to 4th, which I never knew what it was? Also developed a clunk sound, when the car was put into right hand lock and reversed?, didn’t know what that was either?. I was glad to have found this video though, great work 😎👍

[@EquazR]

Thanks for the 2.5 engine advice! Looking at blob eyes for my next whip :)

[@dominichughes5485]

Made me laugh saying check for coolant leaks while pointing to the windscreen washer bottle 🤣

[@cleggydadon]

i had one of these when i was 22 it lasted 30 days until it developed *rod knock* i was gutted but iv had my dream car it was fun. make sure you put oil in it.

[@senseicorey9979]

I bought one when I was 23 and still have it 18 years later

[@PerformanceLifestyles]

Nice Scooby and a great, helpful video 👌

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks for the visit

[@theogulland6007]

Good effort for the video but this far from covers all the impreza cars and their problems / benefits. For starters, 2.5L gasket issues, JDM, classic / modern / versions of hatch etc. Also naming changes over the years (which catches people out on autotrader). My recommendation is to take any used impreza to a local indy subaru garage. They should know the subtle variations over the years that the car has evolved. Lots of incremental changes. In particular the engine variables. Nice presentation though.

[@skelly.v]

Wonderful video 👍🏽

[@CTR_Dan]

Bro this was so helpful. Tysm 🙌

[@ScottishCarClan]

My pleasure Daniel!

[@rjaymurphy]

1998 impreza is the one

[@Nursewill1]

Hey! Just came across your channel because the obvious. I’ve been looking for a 2003 WRX bug eye “US” but debating if I should buy it. It has a few mods, reg paid for, just needs smog. But these codes pop up. P0301 cyl 1 misfire detected PO304 cyl 4 misfire detected PFFFE PFFFF Person is asking 6K lowest ask, 138K, clean title They say that friend inspected vehicle and says injectors need to be “serviced” Please advise! I will be looking at the car this weekend 😅

[@402car_kid4]

I thought the 2004/05 usdm blob eye had 2.5? Ej257 no? Also Hawkeyes were 06/07 aren’t they?

[@shadiali4452]

Was wondering what are the different performance packs and specs? Thanks

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Well my one has the Prodrive PP fitted from new which takes the standard power of 260 to 315whp and great sound from the Prodrive backbox/tailpipe unit.

[@jiangbeipan5082]

what do u think of v7 sti bro？ about to get one

[@jackmccann2627]

How much should I be looking to pay for a good condition and no problem car? I'm not sure if it should be around 10k or 20k

[@DmytroSemchuk]

any car...

[@strizzle1029]

I'm looking at an 08 WRX the guy did a lift kit with Forester struts what kind of issues should I look for in this

[@LawrenceTimme]

Sounds awful mate, hope you didn't buy it. 😂

[@Against-Modern-Errors]

What do you think of the 2007 gb270 .. iconic ?

[@ScottishCarClan]

Very nice indeed but really rare weren't they?

[@dacoda6668]

Buy one stock and do not redline it!

[@JamieDownes11]

Honestly, how does this video have less than 1000 views? The quality is better than *ahem* certain car youtubers with 10 times your sub count. Keep up the great work man!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks Jamie that means an awful lot for you to say! Hopefully one day we'll be one of the big guys!

[@liveuser8527]

​@@ScottishCarClanwill this allow me to outrun police?

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

Subaru,s are generally excellent cars. They just need looking after like most cars.Never a problem with any of mine.

[@senseicorey9979]

If you take care of them and drive them like a sane person, they are fantastic

[@sk8ingkickers]

Tips from an WRX owner since new (2005). Most blobeye and bugwye WRX and STi’s had a suspension clunk from the OEM rear struts when the car weight shifted when you pulled up / pulled off. Dealers would swap the OEM struts asked under warranty (mine did). Rumour at the time was that the strut angles were too tight. All part of it’s character. Another thing is that the diffs would whine at 62mph. Some dealers would change diffs, others shrugged their shoulders. Again, all part of the charm. Mine still clunks and whines 16 years on. However if it’s clunking and whining at all speeds, it’s probably gubbed 😉

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment. I love hearing of owners who've hung onto their cars long term - 16 years is great!

[@TayTheGodFather]

What does gubbed mean?

[@sk8ingkickers]

Sorry@@TayTheGodFather , gubbed is a Scottish phrase often used to describe a heavy defeat in sport, or in this case “ma car is gubbed” meaning broken beyond all conceivable repaiir!

[@richardkitaresku4517]

my diff whines when deceleration from 3 and second is this normal ?

[@sk8ingkickers]

Sure it’s not just the gearbox? Diff whine is relatively quiet compared to changing down through the gears.@@richardkitaresku4517

[@alexiacob3724]

Goodluck finding a seller allowing all this, to be honest, have the receipts and sell for a good price 😂

[@JesseePDX]

I just bought a 2003 WRX never owned a subaru. I bought it wrecked at a auction sigh unseen. I want to learn to drive manual so I figured this would be great. 122k $3800USD. + 400$ worth of bumper and rear hatch. Another $300 valve cover gaskets, fluids, filters, misc...the car is bone stock with a tape-deck and stock wheels. From the looks of it the owner cared about this car. I have all the paperwork it was purchased new in California. So excited to start my Subaru journey. Thanks for the video

[@arcaneaesthetics5367]

is it still running?

[@JesseePDX]

@@arcaneaesthetics5367 it was an amazing car but I moved onto other projects...the guy that bought it still messages me and tells me how much he enjoys driving it...

[@arcaneaesthetics5367]

@@JesseePDX I was told those engines don’t last more than 100k miles when looking into getting one, glad you got more

[@JesseePDX]

@@arcaneaesthetics5367 its a difficult answer...the non turbo has more issues with headgaskets but the 2.0 is better for headgaskts then the 2.5 L....ive seen them here with 235K they do last if headgaskets are done with waterpump and belts

[@supermanbatman493]

I’d also check the boot floor for rust or Accednt damage and the inner arches for rust as if the boot rubber fails water can get in and rot the car I’ve had over 40 subarus and that’s one of my first places I check for rust. Another thing to check is make sure on start up u can’t here any knocks from the engine or that can be a very heavy bill on the buyer. Other than small issues these cars are brilliant

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks for commenting. Great tips!

[@michaelerrington9368]

Hi what do you reckon of the 2007 hawkeye?

[@MrChunkymunky1988]

What are the tuning differences between the 2.5 hawkeye and 2.0 blobeye? Love the look of the hawkeye but are they really unreliable? Love the sound of a subaru burble and I'm looking into getting one soon

[@ilias43]

head gasket issues..

[@LawrenceTimme]

2.5l has every problem know to man. Chocolate pistons, head gaskets, warped block, ring failure. They are just crap. If it's done a load of miles though it probably fine. They tend to go between 40-80k miles. Sometimes less if the owner is a Muppet and like to do skids and rev battles in the maccys car park. The 2.0l can have some of the same issues, but its got thicker walls and forged pistons from the factory. Much much better chance of it staying together. My 2004 wr1 had over 140k miles on it and my current 2005 sti widetrack had over 100k on as well.

[@JackosJingles]

My 2007 Hawkeye WRX STI spun a bearing I put it down to the previous owner, I never ran it low on oil and I don't thrash it. it has 94000ish on the clock. It now has Cosworth pistons, ACL race bearings a new crank, uprated oil pump and a coolant flow modification fitted. I love it because my neighbours hate it. With only 300 miles since the rebuild I'm running it it but will still get it to motorway speeds fairly quickly whilst I'm restricting it to 3,000mph, although most of that was down back roads

[@Fleasnoop]

Can you do a video on how to fill the 2.0 blobeye with coolant and not get airlocks? It's a nightmare

[@ScottishCarClan]

Let me see what I can do ScoobyRoo!

[@keheaven]

@scoobyroo check out the end of this video, from 14:50 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJfNeGd4eM6Hirs you need to buy one of the funnel kits off ebay.

[@JulieMikalson]

People have been knocking on my door since the 1990's asking if i want to sell the blue one in my driveway. No one talked money or wrote a tentative bid, they just write a phone number and first name, which my housemate probably just threw away. The time has come to gather info on it to assist his family with the Sale. It has been parked since before the pandemic. One owner, VERY low miles. Needs cleanup, paint, detailing. So fun to ride in during ice and slush storms when everyone else was afraid to be out on the road.

[@OneOfThePetes]

I like the video, very informative! However, I absolutely cringed at your pluralising "Subaru" with an apostrophe.

[@nicozimmermann8672]

i´m currently looking for a subie impreza as my family car. miss and i want kids and this is my best compromise for a 4door. thank you for you review it helps alot. sadly in my country those things are sold not under 17k€ so wish me luck that i find one in around 2 years.

[@almighty.ke4x995]

Subaru impreza...... family car? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LawrenceTimme]

@@almighty.ke4x995 I has isofix on the rear seat for child seats and a decent size boot. It's pretty good for that really.

[@mockemperor953]

Bro the quality of this video is amazing for you only having 6.5k subs This is one of the most impressive videos I've seen on the level of some of the KZbinrs with over a mill who do similar stuff if not better You got a sub tho from the accent alone too lol

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate this comment. Oh ... and we're at 7k subs now ;-) cheers!

[@legogg8790]

I have a blob eye and it’s 2.5 Idk why you said its 2.0

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great video as always, really useful guide for someone looking to buy a imprezza.

[@ingchinprasert5264]

I’m an 18 who’s looking to buy this type of car! Any tips on finding good ones?

[@aexiy]

Spend over 10k for a good sti.

[@Against-Modern-Errors]

@@aexiy what year sti would you recommend m

[@deadeyeduncanfromkotor7836]

Buy it on Forza

[@deadeyeduncanfromkotor7836]

Buy it on Forza

[@stevebromley8545]

Great video i watched this to make sure there was nothing i missed when i bought my 3rd wrx one thing i would add to look out for would be crank seal leaks had this one my 1st and 3rd wrx

[@onryokai_6065]

What about the 1992-2000 style Impreza?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

I was thinking that, but over here (UK) at least, they are ridiculously expensive (upwards of £30k)

[@ASavage819]

Very helpful tips…thank you!

[@GoldCardHunt]

Hello I recently bought a 2005 Subaru Impreza automatic 2.5 And have a loud noise when turning on and turning the steering wheel on a cold start after around 7mins it goes away. What can it be and should I fix it asap?

[@BrianJannikos]

Hi iv got a 05 wrx and iv got a key fob issue was working fine half hour later it wouldn’t open new battery in the key month earlier! Central locking won’t open can open it with the key but the alarm goes off got the codes won’t work as the alarm is going off the dash lights up but not even a click , it bumps off and the alarm still goes off? Please can you help as no one knows what’s happened thanks

[@leslie7872]

what wheels are those? ive never seen them before and they look great on this wrx

[@RandomTacklez]

They look like JR3s to me

[@soundslikeaplan841]

Honestly I love the Wrx's but, I just brought a forester xt! Man so awesome, same engine, but it's such a sleeper. And the xt's are cheaper as well

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Loving my one, 2006 facelift, a few minor mods, slightly tatty but it's my daily driver.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

...but I now also have a WRX STI Prodrive

[@darkflies3985]

Thanks so much, great vid man! About to buy a WR1 can't wait!

[@LawrenceTimme]

Awesome. Do you get it in the end?

[@willk3807]

👍 thank you for your effort. I'm subscribing because 1.65k subs isn't enough for this level of content. Cheers Edited because I wanted to give you some advice. Fact: America is a huge car market. Fact: Americas associate the word clan with...well..the KKK So I suggest changing the name to Scottish Car Club or something. Good luck with that

[@ScottishCarClan]

Such a kind comment I really appreciate you taking the time. Unfortunately you aren't the first to mention 'Clan' as having different connotations in the USA! Something we'll sort out shortly.

[@LawrenceTimme]

Scottish were using the word clan before America was even invented. What a dumb comment.

[@willk3807]

@@LawrenceTimme and you don't "invent" a country. Genius...

[@LawrenceTimme]

@@willk3807 of course you do. Its isnt just magically there. It needs a person or people to define the boarders.

[@JackosJingles]

Corrosion? £300 of welding on the offside rear along the sill etc. EJ 257 inherent issues £3.5K rebuild on my Hawkeye after it spun a bearing...

[@cyberoperator9889]

Guys help!!! Buying 2004 wrx sti stage 2 395whp Buying for $10k has 180k miles on body and 15k miles on engine and tranny. please tell me what to look for. Good or bad

[@sk8ingkickers]

I commented on here about a year ago - here is a year on update from a long term owner from new. If you drive or source one from a location that grits roads in winter or has sea spray in the air, get the wheel arch liners off and check for undercoat and rust. My car, now 17 years old, got £3,000 of welding repairs over the winter ahead of a likely MOT fail this year. If you are considering one around 15 years old, get it professionally inspected. It’s an expensive and custom repair job.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Sorry to hear this but thanks for coming back to the video. Such a shame that Japanese cars struggle so badly in our damp climates ☹️

[@sk8ingkickers]

Yeah @@ScottishCarClan, I’d be really cautious about buying an old one that hasn’t been inspected throughly. I don’t mind as I’ve had it since new and it’s fully restored. A visit from the rust worm isn’t unusual on older imports as they often got a cursory underseal on import to comply. When I bought mine from a main dealer, a popular discount car dealer was selling STi’s and Evo’s from Cyprus with no rust protection at all and heavy discounts.

[@9975483]

My 2005 has a 2.5 tho

[@sw4rml0gic]

Do you know what wheels are on that? It looks great :)

[@veasnayem598]

First things first I went with the iag aos v3 ss, gdt cooling mod, koyo radiator, upper/lower radiator hoses (grimmspeed), perrin turbo inlet and

[@Dc-gl7yn]

I have an 05 Wrx completely stock and my rpms shoot up to 1500 after 15 minutes of sitting at temperature and they stay at 1500 or even rise up a bit more but I turn the car off once this happens

[@ScottishCarClan]

I'm not totally sure I understand, is this only on cold start that the revs are rising?

[@sk8ingkickers]

Sounds high. Is there anything else running? Lights? Aircon? My 2005 idles at around 700rpm with everything off. When the fan kicks in, the revs jump a bit but only to 900rpm or so.

[@lukemansin7268]

I am looking at the 2004 Subaru and the guy told me the transmission was broken the car does no look in to good of a shape from a very basic look the cars wheels looks to be flat the rims don’t look to be stock (more like some Toyota rip offs) the car doesn’t look like it runs but the owner still wants it for 6k of course I won’t be paying much for it but should I buy it at all

[@mcraftphotography3302]

Hi there, How about exactly this impreza...is it worth buying? Thanks

[@ScottishCarClan]

It certainly all seemed in lovely, cared for shape and certainly the drive by shots that the owner done for us it sounded very healthy. I'd need to drive it before making a definitive decision however! I wonder if i could convince the owner! Thanks for the comment.

[@tzume7292]

Looking for a subaru impreza wrx sti 2004/2005 LHD in good condition.anyone selling one?

[@sweitzer1755]

Here’s some advice ok before I start I’m looking for a Subaru and I like the wrxs and I respect them but if the 2.5 is tinkered by some kid in his garage and doesn’t know what they’re doing it will blow

[@Davey25]

I need you when i go and buy cars, don't know what you would charge but it would be worth it😂👍🏼

[@jamesmcmahon6793]

Hi Mate I have Subaru impreza wrx sti 2003 ...I am having a problem with my turbo and water and oil dials they are all stuck the same when I drive it .but when I first turn the car on they all move .then they all go the same place and stick like that is there a way I can reset the dials

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've always loved these but the running cost put me off

[@tomop5603]

There's 2 common problems with subies and it's both of the head gaskets

[@joeyjr4006]

A compression test should ALL WAYS BE DONE FRIST

[@GrantBattle-w2m]

I just find that slot of em were none turbo models none sti,s converted

[@tommygtr3571]

Head gasket problems???

[@theogulland6007]

I know haha This vid massively over simplifies this car Also no mention of classic or hatch etc

[@rickysport156]

Anyone have any knowledge about the 1.6 impreza? I'm thinking of getting a EJ16 Impreza from 2004. However i plan on making it into a project car later on. Anyone has some tips for tis engine?

[@LawrenceTimme]

Gutless. When you are done just sell it and get a WRX then and sti. Pointless spending money on a 1.6 na car.

[@miguelmendoza2698]

What kinda rear diffuser is that ?? Thank you In advance

[@yvngkingz294]

I want to buy a 2004 wrx but the owner say is takes longer for it to start he said it needs a tune for engenition timing because he put an ej 205 in it what do you think? Is it a major problem?

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! Proceed with caution would be our advice. Why wouldn't he/she have the correct tune for the ej?

[@Salyjey]

Really love the culture this beautiful car spreads

[@retromechanic2238]

Random question, your garage floor tiles - what is the thickness? I’m thinking of tiling my garage floor 😁 thank you!

[@ScottishCarClan]

I will try to find this out for you 😂 any questions about cars… I can answer right away. You’ve stumped me on the floor tiles though.

[@retromechanic2238]

@@ScottishCarClan appreciate it! I saw a floor jack and that made me even more curious if they can be jacked up on!

[@ScottishCarClan]

@@retromechanic2238 definitely. We have a full 2 post car lift on those tiles 😁

[@akashanuragi5602]

depth analysis subaru 22b STI - - -- --- -

[@ericleeautotechkirimi3237]

Good work,

[@mr2nut123]

Buyers guide: just buy one.

[@MrTaterTot1823]

05 sti is a 2.5 liter engine✌🏽

[@jakerigby5935]

Top quality content

[@ScottishCarClan]

Cheers Jake

[@laurenmckenzie4666]

Videos keep getting better!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Glad you like them!

[@johnjennings9693]

Thanks for that I have a wrx sti it originally came from Scotland it is 16years old now I've renewed a few parts its a, blob eye still a lovely car plenty bumpy,roads down here southern Ireland thanks for that

[@anthonywike8042]

i found one with 5500 asking price. check her out?

[@ScottishCarClan]

For sure Anthony! Just be sure to check and double check all the points highlighted! Good luck.

[@ryanritchie1509]

You missed the 2 classic Impreza models 🙄🤦t

[@ScottishCarClan]

Sorry Ryan! Maybe we’ll do a video on the classics in the future

[@elliotlindstrom6259]

What’s the name of those rims?

[@gbmrqzz0]

DREAM CAR!

[@ScottishCarClan]

:D

[@brianwambua9461]

Nice❤

[@vincenthanna2162]

What a great vid

[@Advancingbeing]

Thank you bro dope vide0💯🏎

[@ScottishCarClan]

No problem 👍

[@classifiedcalli1731]

First :35 seconds in i hear/see an HKS ssqv and realize this is a super unreliable source 🤣🤣

[@ScottishCarClan]

Unfortunately as it isn't our car we can't decide what mods are on there :-(

[@Against-Modern-Errors]

So is the 2005 a blob eye or hawk eye?

[@ScottishCarClan]

Blob :-)

[@DaveCheshire]

@@ScottishCarClan I have a 2005 haweye STI JDM

[@ericleeautotechkirimi3237]

Nice review, eye opener.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks!

[@alexm9078]

Thas is a soohbaru impretza!!