New Buyer...Advice please!
28 April 2011, 02:45 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
New Buyer...Advice please!
Hi Guys/Gals,
Im in the process of negotiating a deal on a 2007 Hawkeye Wrx Sti Type uk, its gonna be my first scoob and at the ripe old age of 31 I cant wait
I have used the forum search to look for buyers guides and common faults but with not much avail, can anyone give me some links or info that I will benefit from reading up on!
TIA!
Im in the process of negotiating a deal on a 2007 Hawkeye Wrx Sti Type uk, its gonna be my first scoob and at the ripe old age of 31 I cant wait
I have used the forum search to look for buyers guides and common faults but with not much avail, can anyone give me some links or info that I will benefit from reading up on!
TIA!
28 April 2011, 03:10 PM
#2
From my own experience, double check it's a Type UK - mine was sold as such (thanks Motorpoint) but was a euro import from Malta (Subaru UK still honored the warranty but you'd rather have the real thing). The service book that came with mine told me it was from Malta, so check that over.
When you're out in the car listen for any knocking noises that happen with suspension movement up and down, they are very subtle noises, but a common problem which required me getting new suspension (used to be done on warranty).
The only other big thing that I forgot to check in the excitement of buying my hawkeye was tyre tread, and those tyres arent cheap!
No links but maybe search for suspension knocks or something you might find some threads.
I sold my hawkeye to get an M3 and regretted it ever since, you're going to love it, congratulations.
When you're out in the car listen for any knocking noises that happen with suspension movement up and down, they are very subtle noises, but a common problem which required me getting new suspension (used to be done on warranty).
The only other big thing that I forgot to check in the excitement of buying my hawkeye was tyre tread, and those tyres arent cheap!
No links but maybe search for suspension knocks or something you might find some threads.
I sold my hawkeye to get an M3 and regretted it ever since, you're going to love it, congratulations.
28 April 2011, 04:36 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
From my own experience, double check it's a Type UK - mine was sold as such (thanks Motorpoint) but was a euro import from Malta (Subaru UK still honored the warranty but you'd rather have the real thing). The service book that came with mine told me it was from Malta, so check that over.
When you're out in the car listen for any knocking noises that happen with suspension movement up and down, they are very subtle noises, but a common problem which required me getting new suspension (used to be done on warranty).
The only other big thing that I forgot to check in the excitement of buying my hawkeye was tyre tread, and those tyres arent cheap!
No links but maybe search for suspension knocks or something you might find some threads.
I sold my hawkeye to get an M3 and regretted it ever since, you're going to love it, congratulations.
When you're out in the car listen for any knocking noises that happen with suspension movement up and down, they are very subtle noises, but a common problem which required me getting new suspension (used to be done on warranty).
The only other big thing that I forgot to check in the excitement of buying my hawkeye was tyre tread, and those tyres arent cheap!
No links but maybe search for suspension knocks or something you might find some threads.
I sold my hawkeye to get an M3 and regretted it ever since, you're going to love it, congratulations.
How much are the tyres matey? Potenzas arent they?
28 April 2011, 04:46 PM
#4
Just some info you might want to know.
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
28 April 2011, 05:12 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Just some info you might want to know.
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
Ringland issues seem to be caused by not letting the engine warm up/cool down well enough or incorrect fuelling, how long does the Subaru warranty cover for mechanical faults such as this?
Cheers
29 April 2011, 06:02 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
Well subject to this, the car is going into Scoobyclinic to get thoroughly checked out before I buy, rolling roaded etc, the dealers are more then happy to oblige this and its peace of mind 
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29 April 2011, 06:36 PM
#8
Wow, thanks for the info Immy, sounds quite common the ringland issue! Can it be resolved ok with forged pistons though? luckily one of my buddies has a garage and rebuilt his own STi so itll defo go to him if it goes titty up, I should really ask for a compression test of all cylinders before I take it then.
Ringland issues seem to be caused by not letting the engine warm up/cool down well enough or incorrect fuelling, how long does the Subaru warranty cover for mechanical faults such as this?
Cheers
Ringland issues seem to be caused by not letting the engine warm up/cool down well enough or incorrect fuelling, how long does the Subaru warranty cover for mechanical faults such as this?
Cheers
29 April 2011, 06:39 PM
#9
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Ill put up the charts and details as I go along, Im going away with work for a couple of weeks and collecting the car as soon as im home depending on the clinics outcome!
Im pretty excited actually... need a toy to make up with not having a bike at the moment!
Im pretty excited actually... need a toy to make up with not having a bike at the moment!
29 April 2011, 06:49 PM
#11
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But its my hobby!... 
I just dont want to be nailing it back up the road then BOOOM!...uh ohhh!!!
29 April 2011, 06:54 PM
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Just some info you might want to know.
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
A lot of the UK 2.5l engines are prone to ringland failure and you might wantto tally in the cost of a rebuild.
A lot of the mmber on here tend to go for the JDM jap spec version with the stronger higher revving 2.0l Jap spec engine. I's also good for 450bhp+ ou of the box and has a different turbo set up. It uses a twinscroll system wth equal length header for much better spool up and great response.
Theres also the sti SPEC C which is the lightweight version homologated for rallying. This version again uses the 2.0l engine a is 70kg lighter with reinforced cros members and a 12l intercooler water tan in the boot.
Immy
29 April 2011, 08:41 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
I was just seeking a completely standard unmolested version, I dont want it running silly levels of power as it will be used as my daily driver! Its black has 19k miles, full Subaru history and one owner, valued at 14.5.
I do like the JDM spec models for all the reliability and exclusive reasons, but ive always wanted a black scoob and the black hawkeye is exactly what I want!
I hope I am not dissapointed!
I do like the JDM spec models for all the reliability and exclusive reasons, but ive always wanted a black scoob and the black hawkeye is exactly what I want!
I hope I am not dissapointed!
29 April 2011, 08:57 PM
#17
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30 April 2011, 08:58 AM
#20
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Ive only heard good reputation of these guys.I will be looking over the car myself also, I am an ex Military Mechanic so I know some of the nasties to look for.
The Garage im buying it from seems pretty thorough though, they wouldnt release the car to me any earlier due to pages of safety and servicing items they have to put the car through, thats reassuring...plus, its a garage, got some comeback if needs be.
I just hope it doesnt come to that.
30 April 2011, 11:29 AM
#21
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I too have recently bought a PPP 2006/56 with 28k miles hawkeye STI Type UK from a Subaru main dealer, full service history, for just under £14k. You've done well getting it for £14k. Most 2007 hawkeye STI Type UK's were £15k or over from dealers. It seriously goes like stink. I have been speaking to a couple of well recommended mappers and they say the 2.5l engine is rock solid as long as it is checked over (which you are doing anyway) by a specialist/mapper (so a mapping session is in order - I'm booked to have one this Monday), to ensure everything is running ok, detonation/pinking free etc, boost is safe, well looked after, ie serviced correctly, and it is good for up to 380bhp reliably (although this is right on the top limit really - 350bhp is the norm people upgrade to) with supporting mods before internal engine component mods are required (this is from the experts not me ).
The only issue I have read about is head gasket issues, but although clearly more prevelant on the 2.5l than the 2.0l, you will only hear of the bad cases, so will always appear more common than they actually are, but even so, if the worst does happen you can use it as an excuse to fit forged pistons, uprate the "ringlands" and other bits, plus fit uprated head bolts to prevent the head gasket going again, all at the same time for relatively little extra labour cost (as it is relatively easy to do on the Subaru lump when doing the head gasket compared to some other cars) and if you have a friend who can do this then thats a bonus.
You'll love your car! I do and it turns heads many places (it is a car which definitely stands out), and the speed is just addictive! Just make sure you drive it below 3500 rpm for at least 10mins before driving hard, so as to warm it up.
The stock Bridgestone RE070 Potenza (they look like semi-slicks lol on the outside) are about £120, more at other places but my local does them for that. However they are soft compound so will wear quickly and come the winter you may be better of changing to something like Vredestein Sessantas (I'm going to do this), which are a bit cheaper but highly recommended on here and other high performance cars (350z, Corvettes etc) and last double the time, and are good in dry and wet (better in wet than the RE070).
I'm still learning all the time.
Hope this all helps.
). The only issue I have read about is head gasket issues, but although clearly more prevelant on the 2.5l than the 2.0l, you will only hear of the bad cases, so will always appear more common than they actually are, but even so, if the worst does happen you can use it as an excuse to fit forged pistons, uprate the "ringlands" and other bits, plus fit uprated head bolts to prevent the head gasket going again, all at the same time for relatively little extra labour cost (as it is relatively easy to do on the Subaru lump when doing the head gasket compared to some other cars) and if you have a friend who can do this then thats a bonus.
You'll love your car! I do and it turns heads many places (it is a car which definitely stands out), and the speed is just addictive! Just make sure you drive it below 3500 rpm for at least 10mins before driving hard, so as to warm it up.
The stock Bridgestone RE070 Potenza (they look like semi-slicks lol on the outside) are about £120, more at other places but my local does them for that. However they are soft compound so will wear quickly and come the winter you may be better of changing to something like Vredestein Sessantas (I'm going to do this), which are a bit cheaper but highly recommended on here and other high performance cars (350z, Corvettes etc) and last double the time, and are good in dry and wet (better in wet than the RE070).
I'm still learning all the time.
Hope this all helps.
Last edited by matth76; 30 April 2011 at 12:25 PM.
30 April 2011, 12:16 PM
#22
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I too have recently bought a PPP 2006/56 with 28k miles hawkeye STI Type UK from a Subaru main dealer, full service history, for just under £14k. You've done well getting it for £14k. Most 2007 hawkeye STI Type UK's were £15k or over from dealers. It seriously goes like stink. I have been speaking to a couple of well recommended mappers and they say the 2.5l engine is rock solid as long as it is checked over (which you are doing anyway) by a specialist/mapper (so a mapping session is in order - I'm booked to have one this Monday), to ensure everything is running ok, detonation/pinking free etc, boost is safe, well looked after, ie serviced correctly, and it is good for up to 380bhp reliably with supporting mods before internal engine component mods are required (this is from the experts not me ).
The only issue I have read about is head gasket issues, but although clearly more prevelant on the 2.5l than the 2.0l, you will only hear of the bad cases, so will always appear more common than they actually are, but even so, if the worst does happen you can use it as an excuse to fit forged pistons, uprate the "ringlands" and other bits, plus fit uprated head bolts to prevent the head gasket going again, all at the same time for relatively little extra labour cost (as it is relatively easy to do on the Subaru lump when doing the head gasket compared to some other cars) and if you have a friend who can do this then thats a bonus.
You'll love your car! I do and it turns heads many places (it is a car which definitely stands out), and the speed is just addictive! Just make sure you drive it below 3500 rpm for at least 10mins before driving hard, so as to warm it up.
The stock Bridgestone RE070 Potenza (they look like semi-slicks lol on the outside) are about £120, more at other places but my local does them for that. However they are soft compound so will wear quickly and come the winter you may be better of changing to something like Vredestein Sessantas (I'm going to do this), which are a bit cheaper but highly recommended on here and other high performance cars (350z, Corvettes etc) and last double the time, and are good in dry and wet (better in wet than the RE070).
I'm still learning all the time.
Hope this all helps.
). The only issue I have read about is head gasket issues, but although clearly more prevelant on the 2.5l than the 2.0l, you will only hear of the bad cases, so will always appear more common than they actually are, but even so, if the worst does happen you can use it as an excuse to fit forged pistons, uprate the "ringlands" and other bits, plus fit uprated head bolts to prevent the head gasket going again, all at the same time for relatively little extra labour cost (as it is relatively easy to do on the Subaru lump when doing the head gasket compared to some other cars) and if you have a friend who can do this then thats a bonus.
You'll love your car! I do and it turns heads many places (it is a car which definitely stands out), and the speed is just addictive! Just make sure you drive it below 3500 rpm for at least 10mins before driving hard, so as to warm it up.
The stock Bridgestone RE070 Potenza (they look like semi-slicks lol on the outside) are about £120, more at other places but my local does them for that. However they are soft compound so will wear quickly and come the winter you may be better of changing to something like Vredestein Sessantas (I'm going to do this), which are a bit cheaper but highly recommended on here and other high performance cars (350z, Corvettes etc) and last double the time, and are good in dry and wet (better in wet than the RE070).
I'm still learning all the time.
Hope this all helps.
I cant wait to come back from this next trip away and pick it up, could be 10-14 days from Tues coming. Its gonna drag out knowing ive got a new toy to collect
Aye I was pretty delighted when I called up about it and the dealer gave me all the info, for the 14500 im paying its in mint nick! 19500 miles with 1 owner with FSSH, I couldnt resist! But..I need to get it to Scoobyclinic to get the nod from them. Gotta be sensible.
Looking at Andy Forrests site he claims the 2.5L engines are pretty good as long as they are well cared for, putting up the power up to Level 2 340-360 bhp with standard pistons! Although ill be quite happy getting the Level 1 290-300 bhp as it will be my daily driver...however..I get bored fast and im used to riding litre bikes so ill be craving in no time lol!
What fuel are you using mate? 95 or 99? Stealer told me it can use both but that wont be happening with me...
Thanks for the advice on tyres, im going to get some old Scoob alloys so I can put winter tyres on her, it gets deep up here...for months!
30 April 2011, 12:30 PM
#23
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I always use Tesco 99, or Shell 99 if I'm feeling very flush. Definitely never put 95 in it! 97 is the lowest I'd put in but I avoid it if I can. Plus Tesco 99 is actually cheaper than BP normal unleaded let alone their measly "97"ron super unleaded!! The lower you go the more risk there is of pinking/detonation. Plus you get a few more horses if you use 99 (not many more but it's a bonus)
Good luck with it all.
Good luck with it all.
Last edited by matth76; 30 April 2011 at 12:31 PM.
30 April 2011, 05:24 PM
#24
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I always use Tesco 99, or Shell 99 if I'm feeling very flush. Definitely never put 95 in it! 97 is the lowest I'd put in but I avoid it if I can. Plus Tesco 99 is actually cheaper than BP normal unleaded let alone their measly "97"ron super unleaded!! The lower you go the more risk there is of pinking/detonation. Plus you get a few more horses if you use 99 (not many more but it's a bonus)
Good luck with it all.
Good luck with it all.
30 April 2011, 06:08 PM
#25
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Buy it and enjoy it. Cut your Scooby teeth with it and within a few months you'll have a much more discerning eye. Whatever you buy now you'll always like something else. Untill you get to know the marque more you will benefit from the warranty.
I like loads of different types of Impreza but there is only 2 or three I want to own. I got one, that being a STI PPP.
Next is a Spec C or preferably type 25 which I WILL have.
But as I said I love loads of them.
Enjoy.
I like loads of different types of Impreza but there is only 2 or three I want to own. I got one, that being a STI PPP.
Next is a Spec C or preferably type 25 which I WILL have.
But as I said I love loads of them.
Enjoy.
30 April 2011, 06:52 PM
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Insurance, tax and fuel are the main consumables but the car more than makes up for it. Was it a Subaru dealer you bought it from or independent dealer?
30 April 2011, 07:10 PM
#27
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hi there enjoy your new motor but make sure you have a good warranty.... i bought a immaculate 2007 57 plate sti type uk with ppp running around 316 bhp last april with 2 documented services at one year old and two years old oil changes in between with 9000 miles on the clock..this was my 2nd scoob by the way so knew how to warm up and warm down etc,,,, after just 3 months of driving approx 2000 miles or so bottom end went fortunately this was covered under the warranty car was off the road for nearly 3 months whilst the dealer sourced a replacement short engine etc.. it is fixed and has been run in had oil change after approx 1000 miles on the new engine and is just to go back in for another after 5000 miles on the new engine... the car is brilliant performance is well incredible for a car with 5 seats and a boot i love it but if the engine goes again fingers crossed it doesnt will have it forged etc and remapped the tyres that mine has are dunlop sport and hold the car in the dry really well wet is good also my other scoob had potenzas on and i found that in the wet they wernt that good and always tramlined on the motorway...... anyway good luck and enjoy..... you wont be dissapointed ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garage
ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garage
Last edited by Mrfastbaz; 30 April 2011 at 07:13 PM.
30 April 2011, 08:13 PM
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hi there enjoy your new motor but make sure you have a good warranty.... i bought a immaculate 2007 57 plate sti type uk with ppp running around 316 bhp last april with 2 documented services at one year old and two years old oil changes in between with 9000 miles on the clock..this was my 2nd scoob by the way so knew how to warm up and warm down etc,,,, after just 3 months of driving approx 2000 miles or so bottom end went fortunately this was covered under the warranty car was off the road for nearly 3 months whilst the dealer sourced a replacement short engine etc.. it is fixed and has been run in had oil change after approx 1000 miles on the new engine and is just to go back in for another after 5000 miles on the new engine... the car is brilliant performance is well incredible for a car with 5 seats and a boot i love it but if the engine goes again fingers crossed it doesnt will have it forged etc and remapped the tyres that mine has are dunlop sport and hold the car in the dry really well wet is good also my other scoob had potenzas on and i found that in the wet they wernt that good and always tramlined on the motorway...... anyway good luck and enjoy..... you wont be dissapointed ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garage
ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garageWhat warranty did you have - was it a standard 12month Subaru warranty because you bought it from a main dealer? Or was it still within the 3 year manufacturer's warranty? I have the standard 12 month Subaru warranty but I am sure I received some documentation through the post saying the max claim limit was only £300
I'm getting mine remapped by Duncan at Race Dynamix on Monday to hopefully ensure I avoid what happened to you. The remap will ensure everything is safe and well within limits, checking det, fuelling, timing etc, boost, as well as safely giving more power
That's the problem with the PPP: it is just a generic map and not customised to the car, hence Im getting my PPP'd hawkeye checked out and remapped to suit my car.
Last edited by matth76; 30 April 2011 at 08:22 PM.
30 April 2011, 09:06 PM
#29
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it was the 3 year manufacturer warranty but it has run out now certainly love the car it is a beast but always have a little niggle what if with the engine goes again oh well cross that bridge
01 May 2011, 09:02 AM
#30
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hi there enjoy your new motor but make sure you have a good warranty.... i bought a immaculate 2007 57 plate sti type uk with ppp running around 316 bhp last april with 2 documented services at one year old and two years old oil changes in between with 9000 miles on the clock..this was my 2nd scoob by the way so knew how to warm up and warm down etc,,,, after just 3 months of driving approx 2000 miles or so bottom end went fortunately this was covered under the warranty car was off the road for nearly 3 months whilst the dealer sourced a replacement short engine etc.. it is fixed and has been run in had oil change after approx 1000 miles on the new engine and is just to go back in for another after 5000 miles on the new engine... the car is brilliant performance is well incredible for a car with 5 seats and a boot i love it but if the engine goes again fingers crossed it doesnt will have it forged etc and remapped the tyres that mine has are dunlop sport and hold the car in the dry really well wet is good also my other scoob had potenzas on and i found that in the wet they wernt that good and always tramlined on the motorway...... anyway good luck and enjoy..... you wont be dissapointed ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garage
ps i always use vpower and always carry a bottle of octane booster just in case i am out and about and cant find a shell garageYes I know! Bloody expensive owning a newish Impreza. 6 months was ~£250 but not sure on the exact figure for a year as my wife picked the disc up for me from post office. I assume it is around the 450 mark or higher. There is amazingly a higher tax bracket than ours which is in the 500's for a years tax.
Insurance, tax and fuel are the main consumables but the car more than makes up for it. Was it a Subaru dealer you bought it from or independent dealer?
Insurance, tax and fuel are the main consumables but the car more than makes up for it. Was it a Subaru dealer you bought it from or independent dealer?