So I'm thinking about buying a WRX, should I?

**thebanker** · 11-15-2012 10:45 AM

Hi guys! I'm a new member and have been doing some research on getting a WRX. I currently drive a VW GLI (MK5, DSG) and while it is a lot of fun as a daily driver, I really need something with AWD capability for taking safe winter trips to the mountains with my wife and friends. That's my official story, at least.

The unofficial story is: I really like the WRX and would love to carve up the canyons here in socal.

I'm looking for a lightly used 2011+ WRX. I really like the 3rd generation the best, especially the mid-cycle refresh with the tuned up engine and facelifted sheet metal. FWIW, I don't plan on doing a lot of modding when I get it (at least for a few years), and the STI seems to be out of my price range of $25k. I realize some of the 2nd gen Impreza WRX STI's can be had for cheap, but I don't want a used car w/ high mileage, or any Impreza with a giant wing spoiler (personal preferences).

Anyway, I'll be out searching this forum for useful threads, and educating myself on the things I need to be mindful of while shopping for a used WRX. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Mikey

**jlinnell98** · 11-15-2012 12:39 PM

I would personally shoot an e-mail out to some Subaru dealers within a few hundred miles, you might be able to get a 2013 base WRX for under or around $25K, you'd have an extra few years on the warranty and have only a few miles on the car. The price doesn't drop much when buying used, you might end up paying about the same price and there's a chance it wasn't treated the best (Plus interest on a new car might be lower). I got my '10 base for $23,981 in Chicago (flew there, drove home) and I see the '10's going for $21K + now. Most cars I would buy used, but probably not a WRX (unless I was going for 08 or older). Good luck & welcome.

**michaelwfox** · 11-15-2012 12:47 PM

I agree with the buying new thing. You can probably order a '13 still and pay maybe $1-2k more. With the lower interest offers on new cars you might end up paying less anyway.

**rubitosubi** · 11-15-2012 01:02 PM

Yes I agree, I am in the same position. In my search I have found that there is no cost savings in buying a late model wrx over a new one. Also with these little rice rockets, you just don't know how they've been treated.

**Mikie13** · 11-15-2012 01:40 PM

yes.

**thebanker** · 11-15-2012 01:48 PM

All the WRX's I've seen at the dealer run $27k-30k, I assume because of options packages, which are nice to have. And yes, with pre-owned WRX's, you really don't know how they've been treated.

Are there any inherent issues with the Stink-Eye that I need to watch out for? I'm still going to be looking at used cars if the price is right.

**CZDeaver** · 11-15-2012 02:05 PM

Invoice price on a new 2013 is $24,400ish if i remember right... If you can wait 2-3 months for the car to be ordered thats a great price, then you can throw some add-ins that you want and you saved money...

But if you have to get one ASAP that used then you pay to play either way... That rymed... Unintentional

**thebanker** · 11-15-2012 02:27 PM

In all likelihood, I'll be waiting 2-3 months anyway. At this point, selling the VW is Job One.

I scanned through some stickies in the Car Purchasing forum, lots of good info there, and some other info that is very WRX specific, in relation to various recalls and service bulletins performed on the Subies.

**christiangordon** · 11-15-2012 03:15 PM

Not brand new but very close
Subaru : Impreza WRX Limited in Subaru | eBay Motors

**rage-wrx** · 11-15-2012 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by christiangordon

Not brand new but very close
Subaru : Impreza WRX Limited in Subaru | eBay Motors

It has a salvage title & no warranty. Stay away like Herpes.

**michaelwfox** · 11-15-2012 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by rage-wrx

It has a salvage title & no warranty. Stay away like Herpes.

Don't even touch it with someone else's "member"

**christiangordon** · 11-15-2012 03:39 PM

Good catch. Didn't even read it in full

**thebanker** · 11-15-2012 03:51 PM

Yeah no salvage title cars!

I'm going to take my time w/ this purchase. Like I said, selling the VW is my first priority, which shouldn't be hard in Socal, girls love Jettas (though I'd prefer if mine went to a true enthusiast, but meh, money's money).

My wife is currently interviewing for a new job, so I'm waiting until all the details are finalized with that. If she makes more money than she does now, I'll be getting a 2011 or a new one. If she has to take a small pay cut, I might be looking for an older Subie, like a hawkeye or blobeye.