Type R Nobby

Because they changed jobs and got the chance of another new car. I have no idea what he got to replace it. The Scoob replaced a 325Ci BMW so he was progressing up the ladder at least It was a 56 plate so not quite a year old.

Hi Trace, have you just bought this car? I only ask because I recently sold one for a customer of ours through a car dealer in Northampton. It was a great car, just a pity it was out of my price range! Hope you enjoy it and welcome back to Scoobydom. Nobby

Well that was 'interesting'. I hope I don't bore you with this write up. It's not my intention. Having sat through a presentation at IM Group in Coleshill, SUBARU U.K's shiny new HQ, a Fantastic location, building and opportunity shared with Daihatsu and Izuzu, next was the test drive. First the 1.5 AWD and then after a buffet, the 2.0 AWD new Impreza. We were welcome to stay on late into the afternoon to try the other models in the range (no current performance models) but there was a RB320 close by. Hospitality was excellent too. Unintentionally, I think I may have offended the chaps with my constructive criticism? If I didn't care then I wouldn't have bothered with the comments. Yes the ride is extremely smooth, quiet and comfy but... even being open minded and knowing this wasn't going to me a fast car I was extremely shocked at the lack of power and pace from the 1.5! obviously 108 ps isn't enough for an AWD no matter how light it is(?) even if on paper, this matches the competition!? From their chat and the video presentation and Richard Kaye (Sky Sports -not sure what he knows about cars?) I was expecting an all new exciting trim and a fun car to drive? The interior looked a bit fresher than my 97 Type R but essentially, it was the same plastics and fabrics. I always put the interior quality of my car down to light weight, that way I can justify it. I don't really find it offensive either. The new one is fine too. It's just that they're aiming it "without appearing sexist" at the female market. "It's different to everything else, quirky and most importantly, it's AWD", for which there's no charge. The AWD as they keep reminding you, is free. As far as I remember, AWD sucks power. 11.6 to 60 isn't ideal! Infact, 5th isn't necessary and 6th doesn't exist. I can't believe the economy figures they suggest either as you're constantly swapping through the box just to keep up momentum. It was hard work. The 2.0 was better and once it was up to 60 moved o.k. but it still wasn't normal or stunning to drive? was I missing something? had I missed the point? Well, my impressions weren't unique. No one seemed to care much for the 1.5 and the 2.0 didn't seem that worthwhile either? Hmmm... there must be something to this? In my opinion, if they've changed their attack.. female market (nothing wrong with that but ladies also like STI's and Turbo saloons!?) safety and SUBAGLUE safety, then they should have changed the name? why Impreza I asked? It's not for the current buyers and it's not the same car so why not start with a new model and a new name? Afterall there are only 5,500 cars avail for the next 12 mths? They only build 650,000 cars p/a between Japan and the US. Russia is the fastest growing country of opportunity but they're crying out for the new Boxer diesel -not due out til late 2008. It comes first in the Legacy next spring. It's 150ps which like SAAB will be dealer upgradable to 170ps with a re-map. No more £1,500 PPP option. I hope that the WRX and STI are as hard core as we're used to. I can't really see this car competing in the U.K with such a'different' to the norm car based in free AWD and 'different' looks? There are a lot of cars, SEAT and even SKODA that are just as quirky but with a bit more oomph? a car that goes to 60 in 11.6 probably doesn't really need to be AWD to be safe? I do have some images -not sure how to post them if you want them? 10/10 for the transporter advert they'll be driving around. 7/10 for the drive and feel of the new car and 2/10 for imagination with the new name and for apparantly closing the door on current impreza owners. You can make your own mind up but it's not for me -yet? These comments and opinions are just that, my comments and opinions. Cheers and good luck to Subaru with the New 'Impreza'.

Hi Chaps, it's been a while since I last posted. I've been reading but sitting in the background. I'm off to a Ride and Drive day tomorrow to check out the new Impreza. Not really sure what I think of it yet. I doubt there will be any 'proper' models, just the launch models but I'll let you know what I think. I'll try and get some pics too. Must try and get to the Reading meet some time soon too. Cheers for now Nobby p.s. anyone know of a 'recomended' plumber / heating and an electrician contact in West Berks? I have a couple of jobs that i need help with thx

I had the use of a speed yellow 3.2S for a month about 2 yrs ago and was very pleasantly suprised! Not at all how i expected it to behave. Have to say, if i was in the market for such a car, i'd consider one. you'd also get a very nice 993 for the same new money tho and as they say, there's no substitute for the real thing! []

I'm very happy with my SPV too []

Hi All, am I the last person in the world to know about this site and the videos showing some seriously quick Scoobys? I have a mate with a Probe drag car, it's 10 yrs old now but is the fastest YB cosworth engine in the world. These Scoobys in what looks like road going spec are only a second slower than his Probe. They're all impressive but I know which cost more!! Enjoy.[] http://www.rigoliracing.com.au/video_page.html p.s. hope to be back at the Reading meet in the near future. []

very good.

Morning. Hope those going to Trax have a great day. I'm off out for a company 10th Birthday party! That should be laugh. Here's hoping it's hot and dry!

Hi, if you e-mail me what you need, I'll have a go at helping?? I'm not around tomorrow til evening but can try then? I have 2004 Autoroute -if that's any help? Nobby n@n-j-b.freeserve.co.uk

That is unbelievable bad luck! So gutted for ya. With regards to these on ebay etc, you can't technically import these at the moment as there's no model report so they are not exactly flooding the market. I just scraped mine in last year. Like anything, they're worth whatever someone will pay. You need as many receipts as possible to justify the fine condition of the car. Also the purchase receipt will help you and the Ins co come to an agreement. -Is there any chance of repairing it or is it very squashed? I have one of these and love it. p.s... if you have an spare 'unused' airbag ecu, I'm in desperate need for one still... Mine has a fault and can't be reset. Good luck with the settlement.

Here's another one Had mine well over a year. It's a 97 / 98 and aside from a gearbox rebuild and a split CV / Driveshaft boot it's been spot on. Such a buzz to drive I dont know what else you could get -for the same money- that could be any better to own. If it's a good un -get it.

yeah, missed it too... anyone gonna give us the basic details?? Working on the Scoob somehow got priority last night! Eugene to win! He's genuine at least and if that wins it for him rather than acting, fair play!

Very nice and a great choice of car!! I'm just in the process of changing my wheels from Gold to an anthracite colour.. on a silver R I'm hoping to see an improvement. Will get a pic up when done..

Cheers billy, I do know a good trade outlet so will call em today. Don't worry, it' not been split long and I'll not be using it til I've sorted it. Can't afford a CV joint as well!! Thanks again for the reply.

Hi, Does anyone know if front shaft boots are std across the models? My Type R has a split front boot and I obviously need to get a new one. Can I just get one from a main dealer ala P1 etc? All I wanted to do was change the oil and I find this!! -oh and a screw in a rear tyre! I've also decided I'm gonna get the rim's refurbished / painted anthracite whilst the tyres are off.. well, one so far but I can soon get the rest off. Any comments? Cheers guys.

These are great Now to get on my worse colleagues pc's and install Hour's of fun!!

Found this: Clicky to 2006 article and these: Need to reserve judgement til touched and driven I think... Can only be a matter of time...

hmm.. is it contageous? Having a sh1t time at work at the mo and it's having an affect!!! Why can't things be routine and enjoyable all the time...? Pants! It's only Weds too

One of my Directors was an apprentice and qualified with Ford. He didn't even qualify for the waiting list! He went and bought a new 911 instead. I'd love a GT -there's one in Reading / Goring for sale but it's up for £180k new. That's some mark up!! Wonder if that ones reliable? Back to reality!! Where's my Scooby keys?

1/2 hr to go

Hi M, you have a message mate. Cheers Nige

Awesome... can't think of a better looking Scooby! The detail thrown at this car is spot on. Where to next?

Has anyone else spotted the 'bandit' in the blue helmet hiding on the bridge just before Swindons J16 Exit West Bound? You'd never know he's there snapping you from behind unless like me you came off and rejoined to return at J16. O.K I know we're told that they're doing this and o.k I know the limit's 70 BUT... why aren't they in Bright Yellow or at least in a marked VAN? Are they really allowed to play sniper and nick us for doing 75 or so? Anyway all be warned, don't think all is well just because there's no Van or obvious camera in sight, these guys are sneaky unless someone can tell me otherwise? If I was around for the M4protest tomorrow, I'd be joining it but I'm out of the area. Anyone else going? I hope it's a success! Have a great weekend.

Scoobytoo, watch out on the Laguna.... we run around 200 of them. Great cars... but!!! change the oil EVERY 10k not 20 as in the svc book -now revised by Renault- and you should be o.k. The have turbo problems that Renault are struggling to sort. It's a problem unique to Laguna not the engine. Keep an eye on the i/c as they split. That's usually the first sign. Dealers quote £2k to repair but t.b.h, it can be sorted for £700ish with new parts. As I say, do the oil changes and you should be fine. Chrisp, if you want a late Focus TDCi pm or e-mail me, I may just be able to help. There's a nice one in my drive with leather etc