nixon

I'm thginking about buying a '94 legacy Sapporo auto 2.2 (later shape), with 90,000 miles on the clock. This is an import from Japan to the UK, and apparently has a higher spec than the GX. Does anyone know what I can expect in the way of toys? Anyone know the power/torque figures? The cambelt has never been changed- I assume it is now due. Anything else that should be done? Full fluid changes? plugs etc. And lastly , what sort of mileage can I expect? Will I hit the magic 30? Thanks for answers to any or all these questions. Cheers, Nick

The cause? The engine is cold and not op.erating at its best. be patient.

+1 for redstuffs. recently fitted brembo discs +redstuuf pads to my forester. only 200 miles on them but they stop better than the greens ever did, even cold. no fade either. too early to tell about disc wear. Strange though, included in the box were anti squeal shims,which are always mentioned but never seem to be included. pity they were the wrong ones. what is wrong with EBC's packers?

Ummm, have you tried measuring it?

. also when someone comes in here and is like "yeah i heard a rumor that an sti engine will fit in a 97 or so rs," it makes me think they could stand to do some searching and additional reading, to say the least. So, where would you start your research? Here's as good a place as any, no?

Thanks for your advice. I passed on this one. No sign of bubbles or oil in the coolant, or water in the oil. AWD seemed to work fine, no torque bind either. in fact, the tranny fluid was a nice rosy red, and engine oil a nice golden brown. It did, however, need new discs and pads all round, and four new tyres- there were 3 different makes, of differing tread depths on it. The "full subaru service history ended at 110000 miles, and it pulled badly to the left, which may have had something to do with the badly fitting front bumper, and welds around the front passenger strut tower! oh well, it was only 20 minutes away.not like I had to drive 300 miles to see it. Shame though, cos the engine seemed like a peach. Thanks again for your advice.

Tomorrow, i'm going to have a look at a 97 legacy estate,2.5 auto, wiyh 143000 miles on the clock. Anything I should look out for? Head gaskets i'm aware of, but what are the signs of impending doom? What is a reasonable age for an auto box to go bang? Ummmm... Anything else? It looks nice- metallic grey with all the snazz.Two owners and Dealer histoy from new. Does that make it any less likely to have issues? Appreciate any advice/comments. Cheers mateys Nixon

Check it out at www.prodrive.co.uk Sweeet!

So! What's a 4x4 then? Aside from a dismissive term for a land rovery, jeepy type gas guzzler. 4wd? AWD? depends who the marketing people are targeting.

IF it's really bad,these products will be struggling. The best way to rid your car of nasty doggy niffs is to put a bowl of frehly mown lawn clippings on the back seat. Replace regularly for a couple of weeks, and the pong will be gone! If it's still there in the spring.....

In France and Spain, petrol is about $6-$7 a gallon. Diesel is about a 1/3 the price[or was last time I bought any there]. Most of the euro manufacturers make 150 mph, sub 7 sec 0-60 diesel cars that will average 45-50 mpg! Go figu re. Europeans are highly xenophobic when it comes to cars. The French buy French,Germans buy German, etc. You don't see many japanese cars in mainland Europe. In the UK, things are a bit different. Diesel is more expensive than petrol,and we no longer have a car industry, only assembly plants for Ford, Vauxhall[GM],Nissan and Honda,and a few low volume sportscar makers. Subaru are therefore more common here, although still,there aren't many.At a guess, Imprezas outnumber all other subes 10-1,at least it sounds like that! Legacys and OBs do ,however have a VERY loyal following among the huntin' and shootin' set, going back to when the only other way to get across a muddy field was a draughty landrover. Not many Foresters around though. 'The best kept secret in motoring' according to one magazine. ' A sensible alternative to a small SUV,driven by clever people.' say CAR mag. Subes main problems here are their apalling fuel economy, and ridiculous spares prices. But, once you've bought one. you WILL buy another

Or the fronts on the backs, and vice versa? I tried this, just because...,and it felt like you describe it. worth a try...

8 sheets of 3/4" on the roof,no probs. Inside, no way.

Sounds like your throttle position sensor. At least it aint buzzin with your foot of the gas. It's normal [i hope],mine does it.

$1.80 in uk.Thats $7.50 a gallon for our american friends. Imagine that eh? That would make you pull your socks up!

I don't know about 380 horses, but it is true that subaru UK have come up with a wizard wheeze to flog more units. Subies aren't selling too well here in blighty,mainly due to very poor fuel consumption,and no real need for AWD. Acouple of years ago ,they lopped 15% off list prices-just like that! Now buyers get a free prodrive performance pack. An extra 15-20%,with all the associated brake/suspension goodies.Which would you prefer? That or 380 horses?

Have a look at the airflow sensor. Your problem sounds familiar. It can be cleaned,gently, or replacedcheaply[for subaru].It's quite a common fault on these engines, so worth a try.

So buy it,you big girly blouse.

UK spec S turbo only has 180 hp, unless it's been magic'd,but plenty of torque. Trouble is, that auto box doesn't know it, and will keep you spinning from 4-6ooo rpm. Aint life a ***************. Get the Fo, and wonder why VWs are so popular.

Buy it , you bozo. Ignore the HG issue. Subarus are still the most reliable car you can buy. It may never happen.What does the engine bay look like? Is it clean-oil leaks,escaped coolant,etc? It's not definitive but a good guide. If the car say's buy me, buy it! Don't listen to the pessimists. One is more likely to post grumbles plaudits. That's an $8000 car in the UK

All are pretty roomy inside. The forester has a smaller boot than the OB/legacy,both in length and height[with cover over],but rear legroom appears to be better.For a small car,the forester will swallow big loads,and will take an 8' ladder with ease. It's also more fun to drive,and that BIG sunroof takes the biscuit.It's also made in japan,not US,so is better built.

Everyone say DOHHHH, me included. It,s the water pump. Are subie owners born pessimists?

If it go's wrong, don't take it to a dealer. They know where the drain plugs are, and how to bleed the coolant, but subarus don't go wrong, and they're stumped.Take it to a proper mechanic. [Check his{or her} finger nails for evidence].