Not usually one for commenting on squeeks and noises, because I usually just turn the stereo up.... but when selecting reverse, there is one hell of a noise from what sounds like one of the diffs. Can't say that I can hear anything funny when selecting any of the forward gears. It's an MY99 and my second Sub and never heard this sort of noise before. Don't think it's a binding brake and I've checked underneath to see if there is anything wrapped round anything that it should not be (like a bit of a branch etc.). It's in for it's 7.5k service next week and will mention it. Anyone heard anything like this before?

P.S. We aint talking a slight wine, it's a "what the F@CK is that" sort of noise".

Just got the 7.5k service done and "yes" the service manager says "looks like a fault in the gear box". Bugger, just when I move away from the area and now have to get another garage to sort it. Will be a warranty item (I assume!) but it's the hassle.

Anyone out there had any gear box problems. This is a five month old MY99.

Just got the car back after 3 days in the garage. They would appear to have replaced a number of the bearings etc. in the gear box. Looks like this has sorted the problem. From the number of posts I've seem recently, it looks like the gear box is not one of the Imprezas strong points. All warranty work, so "all's well that ends well". Mind you, not impressed with the Mazda 121 loan car. Suppose I should be thankfull that I'd got wheels at all.

Just be thankful you didn't get a Vivio! http://bbs.sidc.co.uk/redface.gif