WRX Horror Stories

[thebanker]

So I'm shopping for an 09+ WRX (non-STI). I've figured that much out. Riddle me this...

You hear a lot of WRX/STI horror stories. People blowing pistons, clutches getting burned within the first 10k miles, transmission issues, etc. I know that the 2008 WRX is one to avoid because of squishy suspension and the older WRX engine (pre-refresh).

Is there validity to these stories? What goes wrong, typically, that spurs these horrific tales? I come from the turbo VW world, so I'm not a stranger to unreliability :facepalm: but for Project WRX, I want to really "get it right" and not buy "the wrong model year" or whatever.

Comments, thoughts, stories, and angry retorts are all welcome.

[Drews]

You bought a WRX. You bought the wrong car for a project.

[thebanker]

Meaning, are the ones that go bad typically modded?

Sorry, I know I'm a subie n00b.

[Mikie13]

Find a 2010.

First off, what kind of project are you looking into? What are your goals?

The transmissions on any WRX aren't notoriously strong...and usually can handle power up to around 300whp, that is of course if you don't abuse it. Don't go launching like an idiot or slamming gears around.

2009 MY had a run of production vehicles that had some internal engine issues that would occur in the first 10k-30k miles or so. Those usually included late 2008 build date models. Many of these had the engines replaced under warranty from Subaru and are now fine. But of course, it's still possible some may still be around which haven't been replaced. And the later build date models for 2009 don't encounter the same problems.

Clutches get burned cause most people can't figure them out and a lot of people try to learn on these. For every clutch burned, there's hundreds of people that haven't had an issue.

But if you're interested in a project, as with any car, be ready to pay to play. Subarus are certainly much more reliable than almost any VW out there, simply cause we don't have electrical problems, or the older owners don't herrafrush/stance the **** out of these cars like the newbs are starting to do (why kill the handling characteristics of a car thats made to handle nicely?)...

[jimbo058]

Well, my '09 is no horror story, and has had none of the aforementioned issues. I will blame driver abuse/neglect for 99% of the problems.

"Every modder needs a helper. That's why I got a Subaru." (Sorry guys, hehe!)

[thebanker]

OK I need to clarify. Quite frankly I'm not interested in a project. I called the buying process "Project WRX" because I make up names for everything.


Now that said, I bought my VW GLI as a project, and I am just over the lowrider stance scene that VW has become. I want a fun stock car that I can do visual mods on.

Thanks for the input. I was guessing the same thing about the clutches. Probably a lot of young kids get these, and have never driven stick before...

[Mikie13]

You should be fine.

In your search though, just do your best to find a one owner, stock WRX that has a good documented maintenance history and you should be fine. If you aren't planning on doing anything huge, you'll be fine. Just take care of it like you would with any car.

[Rambo]

, and I am just over it, and the lowrider stance scene that VW has become.

Ahh... a breath of fresh air. I heartily agree with you sir!

Here's my take on online stories: They are true, but for every horror story, there are going to be hundreds of others who have never had a problem. People don't usually post on the forums: "I drove my car today, and not one eventful thing happened". For what it's worth, my car (a 2003) has been bulletproof. Keep up on regular service and maintenance intervals (as you should for any car), and Subarus will run great.

[thebanker]

Ok cool. I'll report in with the build dates of the various cars I look at for the full evaluation.

[thebanker]

I love the 03's, I wish they still made them look like that.

[RayfieldsWRX]

I love the 03's, I wish they still made them look like that.

Rep'd for that! Bugeyes ftw!

[rage-wrx]

Yeah, Bugeyes are the best.

Now rep me

[thebanker]

Don't be leeching my rep, bro!

[XRedJar]

Ahh... a breath of fresh air. I heartily agree with you sir!

Here's my take on online stories: They are true, but for every horror story, there are going to be hundreds of others who have never had a problem. People don't usually post on the forums: "I drove my car today, and not one eventful thing happened". For what it's worth, my car (a 2003) has been bulletproof. Keep up on regular service and maintenance intervals (as you should for any car), and Subarus will run great.

I drove my car today, and not one eventful thing happened.

Common sense and maint. are key to avoiding issues in most any vehicle.

[xFalleNx]

My gas pump bill is a horror story...