So I just bought my first Subaru, a 2006 Impreza sedan 2.5 with 105k. I've had a lot of car issues this year and I want to make this car rock solid as a dd. I can do some of the work myself but I'm looking for a good shop to do the other work, I live in South Minneapolis so any shops in the metro you folks can suggest helps. The work I plan to have done: -Head gasket (if the shop finds a leak, a shop I took it to already suggested I just replace it, not sure about this yet because I'm not made of money) -Timing belt & water pump -Spark plugs -Tranny flush (I've done some research and I'm not sure about a flush or change) -Change diff fluid -Coolant flush -Brake fluid flush -New tires -Theres a heat shield rattle the previous shop said they could reweld it, a buddy advised I just have it taken off Work I'm going to do: -Rotors and pads -New strut mounts (taking the cheap garbage strut brace off) -sway bar bearings and end links -Drive belts Other notes: -Throwout bearing is whistling a bit, previous owner said the clutch was replaced but this seems to show otherwise. -Looking for a shift boot -Its got a bit of rust I want to take care of so any suggestions for a body shop are appreciated as well. -Previous owner also said it takes premium, nothing I've read backs that up. I still have a ton to learn about doing my own work so looking for suggestions, advice, and links for more info on any of this.
Hello and welcome to Subaru ownership! Do you have any maintenance history on the car at all to go off of?
Thank you! Honestly, and I'm ashamed to say it, but I don't. Spring semester was my first back to school in five years, I had two transmissions go in separate cars and I had to buy quick unfortunately, so this was my good middle ground between price and miles. The previous owner has proven they didn't care for it properly so I'm just planning on being as thorough as possible.
+1 for JM Auto. Great guys, all Subaru enthusiasts, and extremely knowledgeable. I've been to a handful of "Subaru specialists" in the metro, and have been very disappointed. If I can't do the work myself, JM is the only shop that will touch my car.
I don't believe the standard 2.5i should require premium fuel... You wouldn't flush a manual transmission. Just change the gear oil. I would take the water pump off that list. OE pumps rarely fail. Changing them preventatively is a waste of money, IMHO.
I have been told this in the past by driftin240 aka Brian at Morries Minnetonka as well. The last t-belt change we left the pump alone. Still holding up just fine!
+2 for no premium fuel. The turbo models and performance engines are the ones that would require >89 octane. Look on the inside of your fuel door. It will tell you what octane to run.
I'd be more than happy to do timing belt and components. Fo FREE! you buy the parts and I will do the labor!
