Hi all, in our search for a nice impreza brighton, we just had an '01(2.2L, 5 speed) with 125k kms on it inspected. Pretty good report overall. 200lbs comp on each cyl. They couldn't find any head gasket leakage, the valve cover gasket is leaking a little near #1 spark plug. They're a little concerned that the engine is so clean, thinking it might've been steam cleaned recently. I noticed that too, but there is a bit of dust, etc. on the engine so I think it's been a while since it was done and you'd think any oil leakage would've shown up by now. The engine oil was down slightly.

T belt will be due at 168k kms. For the amount we drive that's a few years away, but if we get the car we would consider doing it next year in case the belts are drying out.

So is there anything I should take a second look at? The body and inter are excellent, and drives well, very solid, no rattles, pulls, etc. New tires, battery and brakes. The owner spent over $1,000 on the 96 k kms service at the local subie dealership and they do have all of the repair bills which I will look at.

The rule of compression tests is not so much the actual nymbers, but the difference between the cylinders. 200 lbs is high. A compression test needs to be done with all the plugs out at once and both wet and dry, with the throttle wide open.

 

Actually better off with a clean engine, since you can see all the leaks, a dirty one can hide them.

 

nipper