the old codger

Happens all the time to me, especially when its wet/damp atmosphere. Just the pads sticking to the discs. Had mine 18 months and normally happens on a Monday if its been parked up at the weekend or after I've given it a wash. TOC

Morning All, Visited newish Subaru dealership in Croydon which are also Alfa and Seat franchised with a view to testing the new Cupra R. Found out they no longer sell the Seats. They had a white WRX STi in the showroom and as I know the owner of the dealership he let me have the car for an hour to test. It felt far smoother than my existing Hatch. Has there been any changes to the engine and gearbox as the gear change seemed much less notchy. Thinking about buying it with around 800miles on clock. I know they are £32K new, way over price in my opinion. Any ideas of what a fair price for it is and what I should get against it for my09 hatch with PPP and 18,000mls? Thanks TOC

Well the weather down here in Kent is pretty cold. Nowhere near our northern cousins but still getting to -7. Car is 18 months old and always starts but is very sluggish when turning over in this weather, I know the cold affects batteries but should I get it checked or is it normal to become sluggish in these low temps Cheers TOC

Not a happy bunny then Ace!! Sounds like the majority of modern cars all lights and whistles but no purpose. Saying that I have the STi hatch(modern)but well happy with it. You'll be back TOC

Morning all, Hatch 09 standard ride height. My garage drive slopes up from the road at a very steep angle. On occasion if I get the positioning wrong I catch the lip that returns under the front bumper on the ground as I manoeuvre off the drive. Is there a sacraficial strip I can attach either mechanically or chemically to prevent damage. As the bumper is plastic there is no issue with rusting and any damage is only visible if you know its there. I only have about 5mm clearance betwee the bumper lip an ground when I get it right so a splitter of some kind is not really suitable. Otherwise I will just have to move. Cheers TOC

Asked my insurance company about a genuine screen and they said it was strong possibility I would have to pay the difference between cost for my replacement windscreen and the cost of the genuine screen

Still awaiting a response from Prodrive. If I hear anything I will advise

Thanks for the response guys. Guess it may come down to cost between the two options for the wheels, although don't mind paying the dosh for a good Job. Checked the internal finish on my Prodrive exhaust tails. It is definitely an applied finish. Sent an email to Prodrive for clarification but although I know its been read no response yet. A colleague of mine with a similat age hatch had the same problem of the finish peeling off. So choice is to remove the finish completely to leave a SS self finish or to prepare and apply a matt black finish such as high temp hammerite. Any thoughts?

Agree the PPP is a one size fits all map but not sure what the major issues are. It depends on personal preference. The PPP gives you the comfort of being warranty friendly, the custom map gives you a lot more freedom with how you wish the car to be set up, but check warranty issues and be choosy about who does the re-map. TOC

Well my first foray into Subaru was the Standard STi but should really have gone for the 330s. However having said that I had the PPP fitted about 6 monts after getting the car and it transformed it into a much bettter and enjoyable drive. Much better power delivery across the range and much smoother. Of course it doesn't have all the toys of the 330s but not having had them can't say they are really missed. I also like how it is rather understated compared to the trad scoobys. Not really into the big spoilers but that is a personal choice. The DCCD is fantastic with the option of auto or manual settings and I like the Si drive system, Sports sharp is massively responsive but juicy, run mine normally in Sports. Having the hatch option is great as far as carrying capacity and convenience is concerned. From the above you're probably thinking its a bit dull, something a number of members of the forum allude to. It has not been well received by the majority. My view is go and drive it, put it through its paces and see what it can do. I think you'll be surprised. Definitely get either the 330s or if the standard get one with PPP as this makes the drive so much better. TOC

Thanks for the replies guys. I shall obviously check but positive the finish on the inside surface of the prodrive tailpipe ends that I have are finished in a matt black and were when I had them fitted some 6 months or so ago. Will report back unless I have been committed. Any thoughts about powder coating or painting of the wheels Thanks TOC

Morning all, A couple of issues I'd like peoples views on; 1. I would like to change the colour of my wheels to either gunmetal or anthracite from the standard silver. However not sure which is the best option, Powder Coated or Painted. 2. The black finish on the inside of one of my Prodrive tailpipes is starting to come away, only in very small areas. A colleague of mine had this issue and as far as I can ascertain Prodrive would not cover it under the warranty. Should I give Prodrive a try or can I prepare the surfaces my self and apply something like matt black hammerite or similar? All views/advice welcome The vehicle is 09 hatch STi in dark charcoal grey Thanks TOC

Think it's the same guy I read about. Would be just my luck have that done then it rained. TOC

Just been scanning through google news and found article about guy in Derbyshire who charges up to £7200 for a complete detail. Doesn't seem to recommend doing more than I do when detailing mine. The company is called Elite Detailing and has just opened another set up in Worcester. Maybe I should set up in Kent, one of those a month and I would be well set. Mind you it does say he works up to 250 hours on each car and they are Astons, McLarens's etc, wouldn't want to scratch one of those. TOC

Thanks guys, Problem sorted. Was issue with trying to access through work computer. Kept getting error message. Access fine from home. TOC