Greetings from South Africa

[warhead]

Hi all,

So a quick intro, I've always found myself to have a passion for cars and motorcycles, so after owning a few cars, I ended up getting a 2000 Nissan Sentra 200STI (Basically the B13 chassis - elsewhere looks like the Pulsar N14), had some work done to it, SR20VE enigne swap, SR16 cams, 63mm zorst, custom header, etc - Car pushed around 166kW (+/-224hp), rev limit @ 8200rpm (All motor/ NA).

So I started a new job and got a company car, so my Sentra was just collecting dust and I was afraid that with it standing so much, and me then climbing in and driving it hard, it was only a matter of time before something broke, so I rather decided to sell my pride and joy - saving me on insurance, etc per month for a car that I don't use.

Alas, I longed for something more exciting and ended up buying a 2006 Suzuki SV1000S motorcycle with some racetech slip on exhausts and I must say I really love owning a bike as well.

Long story short, I'm in the process of looking for a new job, and I'll have to get a car again, and I'm looking for something that is more comfortable, a bit newer and makes decent power from the factory (a highly modified car as a daily driver has it's pro's and cons, imho), so I've been looking at getting a WRX.

I was thinking something in the line of either a 2003-2006 (2.0T or 2.5T respectively), but I don't know much about the cars and common issues, etc, so I thought I'd ask the pros - I'm sure ate this stage some of you guys must think: "Why not ask the local Subaru owners?!" - I would do this if the SOCSA (Subaru Owners Club of SAfrica) forum was working, but alas it isn't at the moment, so I've come here as it looks like this is a nice forum and some decent cars on here.

I'll check for some FAQs, but will also be making a thread for some info from you guys that own Subies to get some info on common faults and things to look at when purchasing a used WRX (sadly, I can't afford a new WRX as South Africa's car market is completely f***ed - prices sky high).

Anyhow, some pics of my old faithful pride and joy Nissan:





Old stock wheels and before I fitted the 63mm zorst and custom header:





And some of my "crotch-rocket" lol:





Thanks for looking and cheers!

[warhead]

Wow... 46 views and not a single comment or welcome?!

[EJ257]

Welcome

[Sheleileigh Law]

Hello there!

[warhead]

Hahahaha... my self pity/moaning actually worked?! No wonder woman do it all the time. Just kidding ladies.

Thanks for the welcome, will be doing some more reading on your lovely forums for some more info and then make a decision.

Just for now, have any of you guys bought 2nd hand WRXs? Is there some sort of rule of thumb when buying 2nd hand or should I rather wait until I can buy new?

[Sheleileigh Law]

I prefer to buy new in general and I personally would be very careful about buying a used wrx or sit (or other muscle torque performance car) as many times people abuse them. Not always of course, but just be very careful. Do they have carfax in So Africa?

[Calvinball]

Welcome!

There are a couple stickies lying around regarding buying used wrx's/sti's:

Complete USED WRX Buying Checklist

How to Buy a Used WRX or STI

[rage-wrx]

Welcome to the forum

[Subaru-Mopar-Luv]

Welcome!

There are a couple stickies lying around regarding buying used wrx's/sti's:

Complete USED WRX Buying Checklist

How to Buy a Used WRX or STI

+1 on the used car buying thread. Helped me pick out my car!

[Mikie13]

Welcome!

So wait...is that a dished and staggered rear setup on a FWD car???

[warhead]

Welcome!

So wait...is that a dished and staggered rear setup on a FWD car???

Haha... thanks. And... Yes... I know it's not really the way to go, but I love the look of staggered sets, know it's more for RWD. But hey, what's done is done, don't own that car anymore.