Faults:

The only really known fault for my car is the rear shocks tend to knock. I was delighted when this happened, as it meant I had the perfect opportunity to fit coilovers. I replaced the standard suspension with BC Coilovers, which cost £700 new. They are superb quality, and I can set them to be softer than the original shocks. They also came with a 2 year warranty, which so far I've not had to use.

The other known problem with this car is the battery doesn't charge unless the sidelights were on (Proven fact by Subaru). It's easily solved; just imagine it as a Volvo, and drive everywhere with the sidelights on. I have also bought a new Bosch battery, which cost £130 as the original one was cheap crap.

General Comments:

Well mine's is a 2005 JDM model, which is much superior to the already great UK car. The car comes standard with Forged pistons, Forged con-rods, crossed drilled nitride crankshaft, closed deck block, twin scroll turbo. So as you may guess it was purpose built to be a tuners car; well the gearbox is known to handle 700hp+ and the engine 500+.

Mine's is slightly modified. Full Blitz Nur Spec R exhaust system, panel filter and an Andy Forrest remap to 355bhp 342lb ft.

My plans are to fit a bigger turbo, injectors, clutch and get it mapped to 400bhp.

I do all of the oil changes myself, and get the belts changed at my mate's garage. I just don't trust car dealers and the fact that they charge crazy money.

Now on the performance. It's unbelievable, the twin scroll turbo is a must have on a Subaru. UK Evo's are better than UK Subaru's, but JDM Subaru's are something else. It's a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. This is my 3rd Subaru and my last car was an Evo, I do prefer Subaru, but love Evo's as well. At Crail drag strip I recorded a whopping 12.4s at 109mph, which is very quick for a 1.4 tonne car with only 350bhp. You've really got to abuse the gearbox to get the most out of the car, as it's really close ratio'd; I needed 5th gear to finish the 1/4 mile.

They also hold their money better than the UK cars, but are a pig to insure. My only regret is that I never got one in white, but I can't have everything my way.

I've noticed that it's a lot better on the fuel than the classic shape Impreza, especially after the remap. I'd highly recommend a remap, especially from Andy F.

I'm planning on owning it for another couple of years, then I want a white Hawkeye Spec C.

Get a JDM car, you'll thank me for it later!

Faults:

Blown head gasket at 98000 kms, and no help from Subaru for repairs.

General Comments:

I've had this car for about five years, and had purchased it used from a older couple with only 12,000 Kms.

Earlier this year, my wife told me that the temp gauge had been spiking, and she was worried about it. I had a look underneath the car, and discovered that the head gaskets are leaking, and coolant is slowly dripping from the block. Brought it into the Subaru dealer, and had them look at it; the service manager confirmed that I had a leaky head gasket. The car was out of warranty for about 3 months with 97,000kms on it, so I was told to contact Subaru of Canada. A few days later, they denied my claim, even though there are countless of Subaru's with this engine that have developed blown head gaskets. I will never buy a Subaru again.