mystery machine

That's a FANTASTIC looking hatch. Pity about the front wheel drive (JMO).

Craig mate, Were these you, or your stepson: http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtop...t&p=1248690 http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtop...t&p=1248244

I did wonder why you were posting your credit card details in the "Was It You?" section... Kidding

Certainly has more presence than the standard model which, to my eye, has about as much visual tension as a bar of soap.

Just kidding... Welcome, Steve. That's a fantastic-looking blob you have there Reckon you've chosen the right forum too. I was tipped-off about SIDC after a false start on ScoobyNet about six months ago. Happy to say that the majority of folks on here are very friendly and helpful

RUN

She's a beaut - very clean and not too molested either!

Talking Nobles - I spoke to a chap from their service dept. before I bought my Scooby (I bought mine from a different dealer). Have to say that the chap was very helpful & polite - left a good impression on me

It's heartening to hear that Nobles are keeping you right even though your car's out of warranty. Although to be honest, my guess is that on this occasion Subaru will be picking up the bill, as the choc-shocks are a very well known issue. I would much rather that Subaru were replacing the duffers with better-quality items - but my guess is that they have a stockpile of them and, as long as Subaru are paying for any replacements, that's exactly what they'll continue to fit to our motors... My WRX is on its third set of rear shocks and it hasn't even covered 30K miles. Both pairs of replacement shocks were fitted under warranty by Ian Grieve Subaru (no complaints about the dealer service so far).

That's a coupon-buster about the head gaskets, mate. I suppose at least this way you have some time to save up for the job, rather than have one of them blow unannounced, possibly causing something else to fail, car off the road, unexpected bill, etc... Hope you can still enjoy the motor in the meantime

Nae bother, Iain - I know what you mean, getting that way masel Will keep an eye out for you any time I'm in West Lothian

Absolutely, Iain - that was what I was hinting at with the price being through the engine bay, etc Did you ever post pics of your respray on here? Tam.

Aye, I can imagine the price would have been through the roof... and through the engine bay and the door shuts and the boot lid Having said that, nothing worse than lifting a car's bonnet to find a different colour scheme underneath!

Pics...?

Fair enough - I did wonder if that was the case Sounds like one to experience, if I'm ever up that direction

That looks like a fun stretch of road. I tend to seek out slightly twistier stretches than that, where I can get the hairs on my neck standing up without busting the speed limit too much Great to find a road where you can see around the bends, though - give yourself room to bring some 'dynamics' into your driving

In fairness, I don't think Tesco draft in 'Isa from the fag counter' to formulate their fuel additives But yeah, you'd certainly hope that Shell would know best about these things (esp. given the price of the stuff!).

I always use V-Power - I don't have any first-hand experience with T99, but I've heard a few stories about folks using it for a while and eventually seeing their ECU warning light come on...

I do, but mine's an import - cannae understand a word I say... "You, vewy bad ca! You no ovaboost again, oll I keel you wif bare hand!" (it isnae really an import)

Och jings... I've offended myself now Ach well, might as well go the whole hog: "Hear about the dyslexic pimp? He bought a warehouse..." Aye, I know - it's an old one! Have fun on the way up to Glenshee, mate

Just while we're talking brakes, a few folks around here report improved results with performance pads. Some suggestions here: http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=121405 I was in a rush to replace mine after I started that thread, so unfortunately I went with stock pads in the end. Would use the performance ones next time!

P.S. You been giving it pep-talks before taking it out then? "OK car, it's like this - you make sure you stick to the road when I'm hooning it around the B-roads and I'll promise not to tune the radio to BEAT 106..." (Please don't offence - just a wee joke. I know some folks can be touchy about spelling, etc - I admit that I'm far from perfect myself!).

I made my comment about about brake fade before I saw this post - interesting that you've found the same thing... Shame they had to skimp on the brakes in an otherwise fantastic car!

Impreza turbos were MADE for B-roads I drive mine (mostly) gently back and forward to work during the week, then at the weekend - if the weather is right - I like to give it a good skelping around a B-road or twelve. Always feels better on the Monday morning for it* Never had smoke from the Vera Drakes, mind... they do fade pretty quick though - don't get me started on WRX pads... * This could actually be due to "continuous ECU learning".