Does anyone else seem to have this problem, having to pump the clutch to get it into reverse

 

They all do that sir.

Mine is the same, sometimes have to let the clutch in and out a few times before it goes in. Heard somewhere that selecting first and the reverse may help. It was a bit better after a gearbox oil change.

 

My brother who is a Porsche Mechanic advised that it could be a new gearbox and the thing is still in the 3 year warranty period

 

as above, is probably normal. I have had 2 Imprezas, both of which were sometimes a bit reluctant to go into reverse. Put it into second first and then it should be fine. No harm in getting your dealer to have a look though.
Oh, and my Porsche does it too - can your brother get me a new gearbox?

Steve

 

If your Porsche is still under warranty then just be a difficult customer and complain it pots out of gear and they will replace

 

it's a few years too late for that! Putting it into second before reverse always work so it isnt really an issue. Something to do with synchros I believe, and is pretty common on lots of cars.

Steve

 

Still an **** .....but a small price to pay

 

Awight, I'll try second to reverse then

 

I was of the opinion that if you also have problems occasionally getting into 5th, the cause is a pin on that side of the gearbox. I believe this is a known issue.

If it is just reverse - is reverse synchromeshed?

 

I don't think reverse is synchro'd on earlier Imprezas