Couldn't help myself and check back in and read some of the posts - still tyre sizes, cooling probs and batteries and diesel consumption
nothing much changed!
As promised to those who wanted an update:
Deep snow over the peak district, ashbourne - macclesfield, and the Treg didnt even flash its traction light at me - in all fairness even i was suprised at its capability and thought I would actually get stuck. I suspect anything more and i would be having problems. It's all relative though, I dont mud plug and all i need is something to get me home whatever the weather.
Fuel consumption (5.0 V10) has been a big suprise to after reading many press/owner reviews saying how thirsty it was. 4 months in and it's not far off the old P38 diesel average 26mpg a journey on a mix of roads, not concentrating my foot on economy. Cruise control at 70 will see 28-34mpg. If you have a spirited drive then yeah....16-18 is more like it. On start when cold it will struggle to see over 15.
Expenditure -
one cracked bumper reflector £15 from VW direct
one massive consumer battery (has 2 - a starter and consumer) £125 110ah / 980CCA
(The one it replaced was the orginial VW, logos and all, from 8 years ago.)
1x M10 Triple square driver to remove the battery £30 for a set
0.5 x litre of oil in 6000 miles - £20 for 1L
Full warranty £179 for 2 years covering everything including drivetrain and transmission
1x leaking headlight washer pump - £59
1x MOT and diff oill replacement £80
1x Tax £210ish (same as P38 band)
Front brakes to do shortly...and this is where it does get expensive
2x discs £228
Front Pads - £179
Not quite the same as the P38 but the OE is Brembo.
Still puts a smile on my face to drive and a frown on the face of all the Imprezas/BMWs/Saxos i race off the line (and win). Only one that did beat me was a 335d. Still not too much of that, as the propshaft (bearing) is particuarly weak and not cheap to fix. Straight line speed isnt that great, being a diesel with power in the lower range, the imprezas would eventually win. Overtakes effortlessly however when required and the power will always get you out of trouble - or in trouble!
Good to visit again see all the regulars
and seeing the site continuing to help others as it did me. Happy RR'ing.