There are no fundamental reasons why the STi5 Type R should be more prone to this than any other - bar the fact that their shorter gearing and higher power output leads to greater levels of engine stress than the longer geared/lower powered cars.

The biggest problem with any of these cars is unknown previous histories. Former owners could have (knowingly or ignorantly) presided over damage that results in a car failing months, or years down the line.

Running Japanese cars on an incorrect grade of fuel, badly implemented modifications, poor servicing/oil changing/poor quality oil etc. etc. etc. can all seed damage that would only become critical much later on.

The moral of the story is that if you want to be as immune as possible from these sorts of problems, buy your car brand new and be absolutely fastidious about maintenance and servicing. However, if that option isn't open to you, you're going to have to accept a certain level of risk, but minimise that by asking as many questions as you can about any car you're considering buying.

mmmm, all very good points greasemonkey. I have minimised the risks as best i can in that i will be the first uk owner and the engine is as it left the factory. Fingers crossed, i can keep the lid on it.

That's about the best you can hope for. Only thing that would make it better would be full Subaru service history in Japan.

Enjoy! :)

Its got that from what i can make out,
as youl appreciate its a bugger to read though!
Cheers m8:)

Guys i have only owned this car for 4 months and it has FULL Subaru history only 33K miles on the clock (just had 55,200K service)

It has been serviced every 6 months as the milage was alwasy lower than the 7.5K recommended service intervals.