New guy. Hoping to purchase within a week or two. Need insight

[Proper282]

Hey guys. I'm looking to get into an 02-05 wrx as soon as I can find a worthy one. But my concern is the mileage and wear/tear on cars of these years. Are there any issues, quirks, or tell-tale signs I need to look for?

I have found a few in my area that "look" to be in pretty decent shape. Some are in the +100k mile club. But until I actually go look I know nothing of how they perform. Also I have seen a few "salvage" title vehicles. Most of which look to be as straight as any others on the market. Are these ones I should stay clear of completely?

This car is going to replace my DD and it will see 100 miles a day(90% of which is freeway). So I want to get the best deal for the best car possible.

Thanks for any input. And if any of you guys know of a good WRX for sale in the SoCal area throw me a bone please lol...

[srm1285]

try to stay away from an 02 wrx.....weak second gear so if u miss shift you ll probably strip the gear

[yamaha_rider619]

Disagree. Dont stay away from the 02 for that reason! If you want to slam your gears, then get a 6 speed, which comes in the sti. They say 02-03 have "glass transmissions" but as long as you know how to drive a stick without forcing/slamming gears, you will be fine.

Look for a unmolested wrx for many different reasons. You dont want someone elses headache with a modified car. Post what you find and we will give our opinions about it.

[SD_GR]

Do not buy a car without a smog certificate. Do not buy a car without a service history and authentic Subaru parts. See the how-to sticky threads.

[GarrettKoonsman]

I wouldn't buy a salvage title car.

[hachetman13]

#1 check the coolant anything but green I'd walk
#2 have a mechanic look it ove 35-40$ vs hundreds in repairs he'l save you if he catches it before you buy

[Proper282]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to go take a look @ this 04 w/AT sometime this week.
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX
Seems as though the unmolested market isn't very broad in my area lol! Should I worry much about the mileage? My TSX has higher and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it ANYWHERE.

I am also a certified mechanic(diesel primarily) and will be looking all potential purchases over very carefully. Just wondering if there are any common issues I should be aware of. Subaru's are a brand I have not had the pleasure of tinkering with...... Yet!

Thanks again

[GarrettKoonsman]

Are you sure you want an automatic?

[Proper282]

I wasn't looking for an auto. But it's not an idea I'm completely against. I have been looking at a few of each. Seems like every WRB sedan in my area is an auto lol!

Sent from my Galaxy S

[EJ257]

Something to consider: A/T will be more difficult to sell, and have a lower resale value as a comparable M/T car.

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[2002SubieWRX]

From everything I've read, the autos make the WRX (a decently quick car from the factory) a bit of a slug.

The 02-05 WRXs all came with a catted uppipe that should be replaced ASAP if not already done.

My '02 WRX transmission has over 151k miles and still works great, aside from the to-be-expected noises of a transmission with that many miles.

These cars are notorious for pin-sized coolant leaks. If you smell coolant after its warmed up, either have the dealership replace the radiator, thermostat and hoses or demand $500 be taken off the price to pay for a new one with install. You should be able to get one for much less and do the work yourself since your are a mechanic.

If purchasing a manual transmission car, ask for any service records that document the clutch and timing belt/waterpump have been replaced. This can also be used as bargaining power.

I bought my '02 with 117,xxx miles on it and had to replace the clutch/pressure plate/flywheel/throwout bearing before owning it for a year. Wish I would have leveraged that for a $500-1,000 price adjustment.

Good luck with whatever you get! They are great cars with tons of utility (my wagon does at least) and are fun to drive.

[Proper282]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm heading down to LA tomorrow (hour and a half drive) to look at a black 02 5spd wagon. Very excited! Already looked at the carfax and it's had 2 owners with documented regular maintenance. Hope it checks out and drives as good as it sounds...

Thanks again. Hope to join the ranks of wrx owners soon!

[2002SubieWRX]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm heading down to LA tomorrow (hour and a half drive) to look at a black 02 5spd wagon. Very excited! Already looked at the carfax and it's had 2 owners with documented regular maintenance. Hope it checks out and drives as good as it sounds...

Thanks again. Hope to join the ranks of wrx owners soon!

+^ This

If you get this one, you could join the ranks of an even more elite group...The WRX Sport Wagon owners group. Haha.

[yamaha_rider619]

more elite group would be the BUGEYE crew not the sport wagon...

[2002SubieWRX]

Good call. Or even the WORLD RALLY BLUE BUGEYE SPORT WAGON Crew...HAHA