Possible new owner
 

Hi, sorry if this is in the wrong place. I have been thinking about buying a Impreza for quite a while and like the interior of the 2007 on model. the only thing putting me off is the amount of posts on various forums about ringland failure, I would appreciate any advice offered and any where I should/shouldn't buy from in the North west area.

Hiya mate,

The piston ringland failure is mainly isolated to the 2.5L engine which is what came fitted in the +07 model, the interior is identical to to the 05 model but the headlights and front end is different on these models, your best option is if you want the 07 model is to get a JDM car(japanese domestic market) otherwise know as an import, these have the 2.0L engine and with it being a JDM car are an all together better car IMO

Gaz.

It depends on if you want to modify your new car or not, the 2.5 isnt the best engine in the world but if you get one thats been rebuilt with proper pistons then they are normally ok, but it depends on your budget, what sort of cash do you have at your disposal?

Tony:)

Hi Gaz, thanks for quick reply. I don't think I was to clear in original post it's the hatch model I'm thinking about and that is the 2.5 I believe. I've read that Subaru recalled them for a ecu flash, do you know if this solved the problems or not.

Hi Tony, I was thinking upto £10kish if bought through a dealer and I guess most dealers wouldn't know if the engine has been rebuilt.

The 2.5 is inherently weak compared to the 2ltr, too much movement, pistons that suck (the engine wasnt designed to really go into the impreza, see that the forester STI only run 265ps on this same unit!), it really has pushed the limit, especially if its tuned.
Most will be ok on the base tune, even slightly modified, some dont have issues and some do, but its fairly easy to have the pistons upgraded and better bolts/hg's fitted as pre emptive maintenance.

Tony:)

I guess its a bit of a gamble, I like they body shape of the 2006 cars its just the inside of the hatch I prefer with steering wheel controls. might have to have a look at some earlier type uk's, should they be reliable? I'm hoping to trade my seat Bocanegra so slightly different cars.

There are a few in your bracket, its worth travelling for a good one ;)

A few examples.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3556607.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3583226.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3576358.htm

Tony:)

Thanks Tony