Just to let you all know about a message I had from my friendly mechanic.
While he was checking out the car (MY97 5 door) he noticed that above the fuel inlet & breather pipe was absolutely filled up with gunk. Warned me that I would need to clear it regularly with a hose (or hands) or it may start to cause probs with the bodywork. Did so that day and got about 1lb of muck.
Basically just put your hand in above the tyre at the back of the wheel arch (above the fuel tank inlet) and you'll see what he meant.
Alas
Alas

 

Alas,

I know what you mean, I had my 95 WRX up on stands at the weekend and cleaned all the arches out. The offside rear arch there is a plastic protection guard over the fuel filler pipe, this is easily removable by undoing the three screws.
Using a small brush, toothbrush is ideal, break down all the crap that builds up around there. It's a collecting device for dirt thrown up, also while your there feel inside the top sleeve of your shocks. You'll probably find loads of grit & dirt built up.

Neil

 

Cheers Neil
I'll check out the shocks tomorrow.
Alasdair