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Buying a Modded 2015 WRX vs Stock Stories

1.9K views 21 replies 7 participants last post by  fa20.yanni  
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

I know there's no shortage of cautionary tales and warnings when it comes to purchasing a pre-modded WRX. From "it's been thrashed" to "run for the hills," the narratives can be pretty daunting.

But, just for once, I'm hoping to hear some positive stories.

You see, I used to echo the sentiment, swearing I'd never buy a used WRX. So, I went ahead and splurged on a brand spanking new 2021 base model for a cool $35k. Loved every rev of it. However, life had other plans, and in 2023, I had to bid farewell to my beloved ride.

Now, I'm itching for another WRX fix. Sadly, until they give the new models a facelift, I can't quite justify dropping another 35 grand.

Here's the deal, folks. I've narrowed it down to two options within my current budget (which I capped at $15k for private sellers).

First up, we've got the stock one—140k on the odometer, a few cosmetic imperfections on the body, but nothing major. Single owner, clean interior, and it's in the color I've got my heart set on. The catch? It needs some work—clutch, bearing, flywheel, belts, and pulleys. The seller's asking $11k.

Then there's the modded beast—106k on the clock, tidy interior, solid maintenance record, but it's had a few owners. Oil changes like clockwork every 3k, and it comes with paperwork detailing a professional tune. It's putting out a respectable 289whp and 330 torque, thanks to some modest modifications. Plus, the clutch and transmission feel solid, a rarity among the five cars I've test-driven. Downside? Not crazy about the color, and the steering wheel needs swapping out. Also asking $11k.

After weighing the options, I've settled on the modded one, primarily due to the thorough documentation and the impressive test drive.

So, here's the burning question—has anyone out there had a positive experience buying a pre-modded ride?
 
#3 ·
yeah i get that, but on the receipt i saw the mods were installed by the pro tuners and carfax showed oil done every 3k. But does anyone really get a wrx to drive slow and easy, I mean I know I didnt beat on mine but i did stretch her legs every now than, dont you?

IDKH, maybe ill document my experience, if i get burned than ill just rebuild the engine myself...just hoping for some not horror stories from guys who took the risk
 
#4 ·
IDKH, maybe ill document my experience, if i get burned than ill just rebuild the engine myself.
This is the answer you are looking for. Forums don't recommend avoiding modified cars by default.

The correct answer is never buy a modified car because you can't afford an unmodified one. If you can afford the cost of an engine/driveline rebuild, then you can sometimes get good deals on modified cars.

Half of wrx buyers do a redline clutch dump before the break-in is over so discussions of whether the car has been beat on are meaningless. Same for most sporty cars below 100k.
 
#5 ·
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the feedback, I did a final inspection and I noticed smoke coming out the exhaust even while driving and shifting gears and decided to pass on it...youre right, Id rather wait and buy a CPO or a new one...Id hate to soil the memory of my brand new one with zero issues for a possible trainwreck..

and yeah after seeing 5 wrxs this week, i too have come to the conclusion that trying to find one that wasnt beat on is meaningless
 
#8 ·
Yeah, I regret it, thats why i was almost so desperate to buy a used... :/
I found a pretty decent CPO 2021 base for 24k, thats my new target.
Though i heard a rumor about the new ones getting a facelift so i hope thats true because honestly there was nothing better than buying it new.
I dont care what ppl say about buying new is a bad idea, in my opinion it depends on the car
 
#7 ·
There are some rare gems hidden from responsible owners but the vast majority are people who have no idea what they are doing or take advice from other people who know nothing about subarus or tuning. From randomly slapping on parts to launching it at every green light. As long as you have the money and will to replace whatever is gonna go wrong. Also a car can be reverted back to stock after being abused for resale. You could easily clear 15k if something went wrong with either car so only you can answer what to do.
 
#12 ·
I bought my STI new because I don't trust turbo Subaru owners (from experience).

Whomever that eventually buys my STI will get a relatively unmodified, single-owner vehicle and that would be a great buy used.

For every one of me, there are 10 others that slapped BOVs and FMIC on their stock cars, raced every Corvette, CTS-V, Mustang that they could find and sold it to the next fuckboy. Rinse and repeat.
 
#13 ·
The ONLY reason I would recommend buying a heavily modified vehicle is because you plan to use it as a weekend track car and plan to rebuild anyway. Heavily modified SHOULD be cheaper than stock.

Then again, I see what people are asking for massively modified STIs on Facebook Marketplace....
 
#17 ·
Ok, Ill try that first, I called subaru in my area and they quoted me 2800 + tax for clutch replacement...Im sure i can do it myself but its so involved and im going to need to buy tools and equipment haha...

Hey, what clutch and fly wheel combo would you recommend?
I spec'd out the following, mind you for now my plan is to keep the car oem and not really mod for power:

Clutch Masters FX200 kit
Act xact streetlite flywheel
Virus Engineering pivot ball and clutch fork kit
 
#18 ·
If you are keeping it stock, stick with oem. Anything else won't work as well or last as long with stock power.

Subaru upgraded the clutch for 2018, larger than what's in your '15, plus cheaper than aftermarket stuff. Also worth replacing clutch slave cylinder & flex hose at this age.


 
#20 ·
No clue what a chase bay is. Most of the clutch piping is hard line from reservoir to master & master down firewall. Then there's a flex hose for the last bit connecting to slave. OEM is fine, you can get a cusco stainless line for 100$ but not sure if it's worth the cost.
 
#22 ·
So the kid had a nice list and receipt from shop that did the pro tune but i ended up passing on it after i noticed it kept burping smoke and even while driving. I instead went to the 2015, 1 owner (female), completely stock wrx...

I replaced the v-belt, idle pulley, inspected the tensioner...i still hear a noise, i put my ear to the alternator and suspect it could be that...or ac compressor...