ScoobydoobyDave

going to look at a MY98 tomorrow, when I got my MY94 it was from a friend who I trust so there was little need to check anything over.... but having never met the guy I would like to give the car a good look!!

The Spec is as follows: 41k (Pending 45k Service ), Leather Interior, AirCon, 10 Months Tax, 11 MoT.

My friend who works for subaru checked the warrenty out and it has had the engine rebuilt on the 13/3/01 as it melted the head gasket (suspected thermostat prob) - does this sound ok? it was done at 27,596 Miles sold to current owner 3k+ miles later.

I know im paranoid, but just wanted people's views!

Also what sort of price should I expect to pay for this fine machine?! and anything in particular I should look out for?!

(Sorry for the length)

Cheers
Dave

Neil Smalley

Check it's had the piston slap sorted. If it has'nt don't get it. It's very expensive to put right.

http://www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm#3.14

ScoobydoobyDave

it's not listed as being done on the warrenty, but they may have done it when they rebuilt it??

Neil Smalley

Check with your mate(can't you take him with you?) Even though it's had a new engine it still may not have had the short engine block fitted. Also the car would have needed to be run in again.

ScoobydoobyDave

He's working unfortunatly, I need to speak to the previous owner really! see what he knows! I know it came from Liecster originally!

ScoobydoobyDave

Can any one confirm that this prob does NOT affect all 98's? as I understand it Neil yours hasnt had it? (I have zee contacts) and it's not that much of a problem just some tappet style noise for the first 30 seconds or so?

Dave.

Neil Smalley

I have'nt got a MY98. The SIDC FAQ says that MY98 is susceptible to it. You may be lucky maybe not. It can(eventually) cause serious engine failure if not fixed. Try posting in drivetrain for more detailed info.

E.g
http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...threadid=65775
http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/threa...threadid=63842

Personally I would get it checked over properly before parting with cash(piston slap or not) Is There no way you can put it off until your mate is'nt at work/you have time to get more info?

It's a buyers market at the moment, so make sure you get the right one.


[Edited by Neil Smalley - 1/21/2002 7:28:00 PM]

ScoobydoobyDave

Cheers for the help Neil, i'll just ask the Guy he's been tottally honest with me so far, so I cant see why he'd start lying now, for example I asked if there was any accident history before I HPi'd it and he mentioned that he had a small shunt wich required a new bumper and headlight thats something not even mentioned on the HPi!

Ive had a listen to the piston slap MP3 now so fingers crossed, but if any one other than me and Neil wanna reply to this post with some usefull info re buying a MY98 please do!

Dave.

DJB

I have a MY98 and have had the piston slap fixed. I was really unsure whether to have it fixed or not but decided that since it was under warranty, I might as well. There is no evidence that piston slap causes engine failures in Imprezas as far as I am aware. I know that it theoretically can but I also know from dealer anecdotes that some cars with this known problem have done over 100 000 miles without trouble. I believe that the MY98s are better than later version. The Phase 2 engines (MY99 and MY00) seem to perform less well in many cases. The brakes get a bad press but in my opinion are ok for road use (60-0 in 2.6 secs in Autocar in 1998 - not many cars can beat that).

D.

ScoobydoobyDave

do the 98 have the 4 pot of the 2 pot brakes?

Cheers
Dave

ScoobydoobyDave

Ignore the Brakes question i just read the Faq

ScoobydoobyDave

BTT anyone got anything else to check before I see the car today at 3pm ish??

Cheers
Dave

SPJ

For what it's worth, I've had two MY98s.The first a Sport, which had to have piston slap sorted at about 15-20K,(had that car from new) and now a Turbo which so far has not shown any significant signs of the dreaded slap.(i bought it @ 17K, and it hadn't already been done.It's now done 33K)

It seems like as someone said, you may get it, you may not.Thing is that if the car is out of warranty, it'll be an expensive job to fix.Having said that, as I know this is a recognised problem by IM, would they rectify any car showing these signs even if out of warranty? Might be worth checking just in case.


Steve

BenScoobWannabe

Who are IM

Thanks

Ben

IanW

IM - International Motors (Subaru)

Ian

NENO

When checking for piston slap make sure the car is properly cold by which I mean not used in a couple of hours at least. In most cases when they heat up they stop doing it.

Not sure I agree with Neil about the expense of piston slap remedy, (it's all subjective I suppose) Scooby Sport can fit a new piston, which entails removing the engine, for about £600 - mine is being done at the moment. It ain't cheap that's for sure...

Good luck and get your mate to go on your second visit!