A friend of mine is buy a 2004 Impreza wagon with about 25K miles on it and after the mechanical inspection at the dealership they told her that it had a factory defect and the pistons were too small. They will replace them for her, but I wanted to know if anyone has heard of this problem before. And if so are there any long term problems from running the wrong pistons for a year and a half. Thanks

I have never heard ANYTHING about this "pistons too small". I have heard of earler years developing piston slap. I think another opinion is in order.

If she ain't paying then fine. I think the pistons may be ovaled or may have a size defect. it happens.

They are probably speaking in gurl speak, and assuming that she wouldn't know what they were talking about if they truly described the problem. I say let them replace her shortblock with a new one, and she's a happy camper. Who cares what is really wrong. It's a free engine...