New guy here. Have some questions regarding mileage on a 02-03 WRX.

[A Broken DSM]

Hows it going everyone? Currently I have a 97 Legacy GT and have been DYING to get into a WRX for the longest time but money has always been tight. So I figured I could sell the Legacy and drop a down payment on a 02-03 WRX and finance it.

Well I found one (2002) at a local dealer for only $6000, I wondered why the price was so low. The car is AMAZINGLY clean, inside and out. Looks like it was never modded. Only thing is, it has 180k miles on it...

Ive been hearing that the 5spd transmissions arent that strong especially in the 02-03 years, but I just wanted to confirm this? I really want a WRX but I dont want to get into something thats gonna need a new trans/motor in the near future. I want a nice reliable daily driver that I could maybe throw a turboback on and call it a day without it blowing up on me.


ANY help/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[A Broken DSM]

BTW I wasnt 100% sure if this was the right section. If not, mods can feel free to move it if theyd like

[devilfluff]

Do they have any service records? Maintenance history is more important than milage.

[A Broken DSM]

Not 100% sure, Im going to call the dealership tomorrow afternoon to ask more about it. If there are records available, is there anything specific I should look for to make sure was done? And is there anything I should look for when/if I go to test drive it?

[oguitar]

Look for signs of mods. Do your homework now so you will know where to look when you get under the hood.

As for gas mileage it all depends on how you drive. IMHO buying a WRX and getting good gas mileage is not going to happen. It is too fun to get into boost.

[devilfluff]

Not 100% sure, Im going to call the dealership tomorrow afternoon to ask more about it. If there are records available, is there anything specific I should look for to make sure was done? And is there anything I should look for when/if I go to test drive it?

Look at the stickies in the car purchasing subforum. Poly-Polyman's checklist gives an extensive list of things to look at.