Gibney

Hi All,

I recently sold my Elise and 330d in favour of something that could do the job of both cars in one package! On Monday, after a bit of searching through various classified ads, I picked up an 06 WRX PPP wagon. I got it from a garage in Kent which meant I had a three-hour drive to get used to my new car.

This is where the trouble starts! After a couple of hours driving, I noticed the temperature gauge had shot right up. I stopped immediately and called the AA. They found all the coolant had escaped somewhere, so they refilled it, and followed me for about five miles to see if the problem reoccurred, which it didn't. I continued my drive only for the same thing to happen half an hour later.

I eventually got the car recovered to my local Subaru dealer (TH White) who have diagnosed a suspected head gasket failure pending further investigation. Some of this cost is covered by the warranty, and I have agreed to go halves on the remainder of the cost with the garage the car was purchased from.

My questions are:
- How much would you reasonably expect the repair to cost?
- Are there any specific gaskets I should be requesting?
- Is this a common fault?

I'm off to the garage later this afternoon to pick up a courtesy car, so any help on this subject will be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to get it back now, the two hours I spent driving it were fantastic. I can see why so many of you are so enthusiastic about these cars!

Thanks in advance,

Will

wrx fifer

iTrader: (34)

welcome will

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

This thread may help you choose a local specialist (I wouldn't necessarily leave it with TH Whites - will cost the earth probably).

Scooby specialists in Gloucestershire?

...Then enquire from there.


Most specialists/tuners will do both HGs from around >£1k (and that includes everything inc. decent MLS HGs - usually OEM STi ones)

Gibney

Thanks for that thread link. It's a bit too late now as the car is already with TH White, however I'm sure that list will come in very useful in the future.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Have you instructed them to BEGIN work on it though?

If not, you don't have to feel pressured in leaving it with them to do the job...

Gibney

I instructed them to start stripping it down to diagnose the problem. Also, it will be very difficult/expensive to get the car transported now the AA have already recovered it to a garage. I suppose I could always 'break down' again just outside TH Whites

ScoobySteve69

iTrader: (13)

That`s what you get buying from dodgy Southerners Hope you get it sorted mate

zayd

iTrader: (1)

This is why I never buy cars from traders. I just don't trust them enough. Did the trader certify that the car has had a safety inspection and do you have this in writing.

Gibney

You see I feel much more comfortable knowing there is an established trader to go back to with any problems as well as a 12 month warranty. I think I did get written safety inspection. Surely this would not be the case when buying privately?

zayd

iTrader: (1)

Remember, that a trader will never be selling you a car unless he was making a good profit on it. I know this because, two of my brothers are traders! When they buy cars, guess what, they only buy from private sellers. That's where the real bargains lurk, and as long as you know how to inspect a potential purchase, you'll be in the money.

I'm really sorry that you've had this unfortunate incident and a bitter experience of what should have been an enjoyable change of car marque.

Also be wary of these warranties, as they don't cover everything, especially if not buying from a main dealer. I will stick my head on a pole and say that most traders will be unfaithful with all the facts when selling a car.

blackhawk56

iTrader: (1)

mate exactly same thing happend when i bought my hawkeye from liverpool get cosworth or cometic gaskets mate and use subaru specailists recommended by members here you wont go wrong cost me 700 to fix it and its a very common problem with subarus make sure its done proper ie heads skimmed

Gibney

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'm going to be charged a bit over the top. Is it a problem that reoccurs due to an inherent design flaw as per the Rover K-Series, or is it likely to be OK once fixed so long as I get the better gasket?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

WRX gaskets are made of a fibrous-like material. They seal well, but are easier to fracture under boost.

The STi - or indeed Cometic, Cosworth, etc - MLS types are much more robust.

MLS = multi layer steel: as the name suggests there are multiple thin layers (3 or more) of steel sandwiched together, that comprise the gasket.

Another thing that can cause failure is running stupid amounts of boost. The heads can literally lift away(!) from the gasket in extreme cases.

Primeiro

Hi Gibney

If at anytime you require advice or services feel free to contact me, I am a new to scoobynet aswell.

Hope it all goes well.

Kind regards


Stephen.