I'm trying to do a deal online with a garage that has a 2007 WRX hatch (new shape) and if all goes well travel 250 miles at the weekend to have a drive.
I've had 3 WRX Imprezas in the past (classic, bugeye, blobeye) but the newer 1 is a 2.5 so will it be a lot different to drive?
I've got insurance quotes for less than £400 which is great, i know the tax is £400ish, what is the mpg around town like? (previous cars i've had - VXR, ST, etc have been around 23mpg so i'm expecting similar?)
Are there any common problems to watch out for? anything to avoid?
The car has done 20k so i'm hoping it's sound, what services should it have had by now? are they 1 a year still or are they variable servicing?

 

very roughly the same MPG as what you've quoted to be honest.
they give hardly any trouble in all honesty.

make sure the recall has been done for the turbo oil feed pipe support bracket other wise they crack and leak. also look for signs of the rear brake pads sticking in the caliper carrier on the inside edge

 

The recall should still be available if it hasn't been done wont it?
How do i check the sticking pads? pull handbrake on slightly when driving and see if it frees itself?

Thanks

 

The recalls are always available if it hasnt been done

just look at the condition of the rear discs if there all scored and look rusty then the chances are they are sticking. Pulling the handbrake on will have no effect as that operates inside the disc with brake shoes

 

shoes????? blimey it's a 2007my not a 1970my - didn't know cars above 1200cc still used shoes

 

still uses a rear caliper and pads for the normal brakes.

handbrake shoes are inside of the rear brake disc assy, BMW have run this system for years and still do from what I know. Subaru have used the same setup for as long as I can remember.

as they say if it works dont try and mend it lol

 

Ah - now i see, i know about the BMW set-up where the shoes fall apart, didn't know Subaru used the set-up.
Nothing else that goes wrong then?
Looking at some pics tonight the WRX and STI seem to use different panels as the STI has flared arches prefer that look but not the car prices -

 

No theres nothing else to go wrong with them to be honest, They were a cracking buy for being trouble free.

sti is a wide body and various other differences, 6spd dccd gearbox, 2.5 sti engine 300bhp, brembo brakes.

 

Standard WRX hatches now going for £7-8k. Remap and exhaust will give 265 bhp with 310 lbs ft which at 1395Kg, will scare the pants off the heavier Sti.