Hi everyone.

[Sabrau Jack]

Hi all. I am possibly looking to get my first Subaru 

Im looking at an Impreza around a 2007 the newer shape. In a 2.0L 

few questions if you don't mind. 

Is there anything I need to look out for when viewing to buy?

when do they need the timing belt changed?

What is classed as high mileage and should keep clear of over 100k?

is there many common problems with them?

 

thanks for your time

 

jack

Edited August 2, 2016 by Sabrau Jack

[ccrien]

Is that the hatchback or last of the " Hawkeyes" saloons?

sure you will it very different, for the better, than anything you've owned before.

cambelt is 60000 miles or 5 years.  (105k miles in the USA for some reason) Most folks change the idler bearings and tensioner at the same time, but water pumps usually not replaced, they allegedly last forever.    Cambelt, tensioner and idler kits are approx 140 pound from import car parts (OE quality parts) and can be changed in an hour and a half with no specialist locking tools etc required, so don't get ripped off at a garage asking a fortune.

High mileage not an issue, So long as maintenance has been carried out including gearbox and diff oils every few years, and regular engine oil and filter changes, for example I have a forester with same mechanicals as imprezas at 162k miles with no issues, and there are many subaru's out there with many more miles.

check for noisy rear wheel bearings ( tricky / expensive to replace) knock on bumps from front anti roll bar links ( easy and cheap) and corrosion on sump and front cross member below radiator, but these are easily caught and treated/ prevented before it's a problem

 also sticking brake caliper sliders, usually detectable by one wheel covered in loads of brake dust and the other side isn't, or a worn inner disc face or unevenly worn pads.   More likely to happen after a high mileage but again, easily prevented by a little maintenance

sure others will have other ideas but hope that helps a bit.

Edited August 4, 2016 by ccrien

[ScoobieFloz]

If you are after a hawkeye in a 2.0ltr you will need a JDM import as the UK model was 2.5ltr.

Although no engine is bullet proof, the 2.0 boxer is bloody strong and as ccrien says, if they are regularly serviced they just go on and on.

I would always be cautious if the car has been mapped and is pumping out 7 million BHP with just a K&N filter