Yes, it was terrible looking back on it and I was fortunate to get a refund (except for the full tank of V Power I'd put in). I bought it on a whim, knowing nothing about the cars, but I learned a great deal (mainly on here - thanks folks) afterwards and ended up with a real peach of a car six months later.

Another chap bought it from the same dealer later on and contacted me to find out about it. I told them the tale and he had an AA inspection done on it. They reckoned it was okay. The dealer told him the brakes were 'racing brakes and needed to warm up before they worked properly', which he was happy with.

I don't know what they did to the car to make it okay as not only the horseshoe frame but also the main front engine subframe was rotten, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was just bodged to look okay again.

As to taking the horseshoe off affecting an insurance claim, that's a very interesting point, and I'd want written confirmation from my insurers that they were happy with it before I'd do so.

Sure, sure. But not all cars have them fitted; so the assessor wouldn't know whether it ought to have one or not. Don't forget, we see far more Subarus in a month than an assessor would in a lifetime and they are not that clued up.

David