Fonzey

iTrader: (5)

Hello guys, hopefully I've got some movement selling my old car so will be looking at serious test drives of some Blobeye STI's later this week.

I'm looking for a 55' plate Widebody STI, not too fussed about modifications but I don't want a 400bhp monster for insurance reasons! Tasteful and refrained is how I'd like to describe the degree of modifications, standard is fine too.

Is there a checklist of things I should be looking for in or around the car, and whilst on a test drive?

Is there a mileage threshold I should try to keep below? I'll only be doing about 100miles a week in whatever car I buy so I won't be stacking the mileage up particularly fast.

Many ad's that I've viewed reference the last cambelt change - what's the recommended interval on this, and are there any other maintenance jobs that I should ask about?

Cheers for any help in advance.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

one thing i didnt notice until a few weeks after buying my blob was rust spots around the rubber boot seal,lift the boot up and check the area around the rubber seal

Chrisdane

As I'm sure you are aware, they are fantastic cars but not indestructible. Their reputation for reliability can mean that routine maintainance is skimped plus you are looking at a performance car that has been 'used' by someone else for 7 years so I would suggest you check all servicing has been done as per the published Subaru schedules.

Cambelt replacement is @60,000miles (but to be on the safe side I have mine done sooner). Although not mentioned in the schedule, I also replace all the followers, pulleys, tensioners and the water pump at the same time cos if any of them fail they strip the cambelt and you have big expensive engine failure :-((
60k is also the time to repalce the spark plugs.

Other thing to check is gearbox and diff oil changes have been done.

Rear shocks will prob be sticking and drivers window switch about to fail...

But find a good one and enjoy your grins :-)

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

was it owned by jimmyinrugby...........

Fonzey

iTrader: (5)

Thanks guys, other than the presumed inside joke from TubbyTommy ( :P ) there's some good hints.

I'll give the boot a good scan over, does the carpet come up freely?

I'll be sure to have a good look through the service documents, if the cambelt "extra's" have not been done - how much would I be looking at for a Subaru specialist to sort for me? Same goes for the GB/Diff Oil.

That should give me bartering power if nothing else.

Also, can anybody recommend a Subaru specialist in the North/East Yorkshire area that I should get friendly with?

ScoobySteve69

iTrader: (13)

I was told 40k for the cambelt.

cobra_mark

Had mine done at 45k or 6 years

JDM_333

most ads I've seen say cambelt change at 40 / 45k.

when I buy mine it will go straight in for a major service / checkover just for piece of mind including gearbox oil etc as above

kent-scooby

F**k taking it to a garage much more rewarding doing services your self saves a shed load of money in the long run plus it keeps you away from the misses and kids

nyscooby

iTrader: (12)

which area you in? loads of quality care available in the NE....

JDM_333

lol! that's a good shout!

Fonzey

iTrader: (5)

About 20mins from York.

I don't think I'll be working on the car myself, otherwise you'll be seeing threads titled:

"How to clean oil from my driveway"

and

"Is this turbo supposed to be on the floor?"

and the all time favorite...

"Why do I have more bolts left than when I started?"

nyscooby

iTrader: (12)

AS PERFORMANCE. CO DURHAM
AS MOTORS CHESTER LE STREET
JOHN PYE CO DURHAM

just a few.

Fonzey

iTrader: (5)

Durham is 75miles away, not quite as local as I was hoping!

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

also check for leaks on the steering rack around the gearbox on it,mine is leaking slightly with 94k on it

classic Subaru Si

Yes, and you can half your resale
Value too at the same time