johnmacdonald

Last East Anglia post appears to be three years ago. Are there any members left in east/north Herts or west/mid Essex?

If it is him, self and wife will definitely pop in to see him! John

I wonder if that is Kevin who was Welch's service manager for many years prior to going to an Alfa dealership?

As per post "Is it time to start growing up?", I'm 66 next month and not intending to grow up just yet and will keep the WRX for as long as possible. Great pity if you have to sell yours, but running costs are a problem for us all. Luckily, the WRX only covers about 4,000 a year, tax £280 and cheap insurance in our location, plus age factor of course. Also very fortunate to have the Accord iVtec which has delivered average 37mpg since bought in March 2010.

Have used Welch Group continually since 1998 and can't fault them. Current temporary premises in Great Shelford are clearly inadequate, but once established in their new purpose built facility on the busy A505 near Duxford later this year, hopefully all will be back to normal and will be reinstated as an official Subaru dealership.

WRX PPP originally had a 2.5" straight through centre pipe, but drone at certain crusing speeds was totally unacceptable. Replaced it with an Afterburner centre with small integrated performance silencer. Nice Scooby rumble, but cabin noise not much different compared with OEM huge and performance restricting resonator. John

I've used Garmin sat-navs for the past six years or so both in the UK and Europe (including the Canary Islands) and basically faultless. Should work in Scotland as well!

Will do! John

Agreed - especially, as with mine, genuine Subaru s/steel grille kit and 2" lower spoiler. Also low mounted led daytime running lights fitted below the bottom grille. Looks great (I am biased!!).

New style sticker on lower part of WRX rear screen. Just to confuse anybody,including my Honda dealer, old style sticker still on front screen of Honda Accord!!

I replaced the WRX resonator with a Scoobyworld Afterburner straight through section incorporating an integrated performane silencer. Very pleased.

I have used Welch Group on the outskirts of Cambridge since 1997. Staff very experienced and never change! Never, ever, felt overcharged or misinformed. Highly recommended.

Think I'll be OK - only have the PPP exhaust system plus resonator section replaced with a Scoobyworld sourced straight through with integrated performance silencer...

Yep, had exactly the same problem. Forge replaced the spring FOC.

I would say definitely yes! Had ours done, plus tensioner at 5 years/28,500 miles. Like tyres, materials do degrade due to age. John

You are absolutely correct! However, last main dealer service charged £46.86 for Q8 10/40 semi synthetic. Independent specialist who now services the WRX charged £52.00 for Millers CFS 10/60. As the car has low annual mileage, it's serviced once a year - extra cost for "the best" £ 0.10 per week!!! Bargain...

I guess octain booster is an option?

I have used it for the last two years - recommended by an Impreza owner who is heavily involved with it in sprint racing. Expensive, but as our WRX is involved mainly in short trips, it seemed like a good idea. At 37,000 miles, it runs perfectly and probably all in the mind, it appears to be quicker and quieter. Also have Millers Nano oils in the gearbox and diffs. Like you Graham, very fast road use where safe and possible! We love our seven year old WRX PPP and as we all know, it's no longer worth much and hence my reason for giving the old girl the best... I did refer to Millers before using their Nano tech oils and they confirmed ideal for an Impreza Turbo.

Agree that the Bentley rally stage was very good. But otherwise, usual tripe (in my opinion!!). In future will record and watch the few interesting bits...

Do you have any motor legal expenses cover that may include contractual disputes cover? Just a thought... Aso what about the legal cover included with SIDC membership?

Good decision to go for an STi - looks in excellent condition.

GB270 is an excellent alternative. However, if you were really lucky, you may be able to find a low mileage Hawkeye PPP like ours with just about every extra included to match the spec of the GB270 and at a very cheap price. Ours is in fantastic condition, 36,000 miles, and just prior to Christmas offered only £5,500 trade-in against an RB320!!

Which BBC channel is this series on please?

Happy Birthday Terry. Wishing you a much improved New Year! John

Welcome from a Hertfordshire Hawkeye owner. Strut problems well known, but also watch out for failing auxillary air pump - see separate postings... Otherwise, Hawk has been typically reliable since purchased in 2006 - but, as with others, have spent far too much money on extras!! Just couldn't resist.