Hello all. I live in Utah where we have some gnarly winters. I currently own a Veloster Turbo so it's a slow front wheel drive car, but I got a good deal on it. I'd really like to know some things to look out for when buying used. I know theres posts on here that I will read as well. I'd really like a WRX of the current body style. Something like a a 2015, but realistically I'm thinking I'd be with the 2011 through 2014 style. I'm 19, 20 in June here, so my insurance is going to charge me about $175. I'd like to keep payments around $300 a month. I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. Things to look for as far as wear and tear, signs of hard driving, signs that the vehicle was highly modified, how reliable will a higher milage WRX would be, just general things that I'm sure is already on here. I appreciate your responses!
Questions about buying.
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You have powder snow; therefore, you don't have "gnarly" winters. See what wet lake-effect snow is like, and then you can use that term. That said...
If you're serious about a used WRX / STI, make sure you get a proper third-party inspection from a shop that's familiar with modified Subarus; these are notoriously modified, then parted-out and sold as "stock" when the owner is done with them. Make sure the inspection includes both compression / leakdown tests to tell the health of the motor. These tests aren't cheap ($300 or so, depending on labor rate), so work into the arrangement that the buyer will pay for the tests if it fails, otherwise it's your bill. If the owner has nothing to hide, then it shouldn't be a problem; if they're worried it may fail (at which point, you'd be looking at a new motor), they may deny that clause. I would not buy a used vehicle without that stipulation in there.
Honestly, if you're that young, just drive what you have until you have a better paying job and have more flexible income. I bought my STI when I was 20, and while I could afford it easily, there are things that I missed out on because of the car payment and increased insurance costs. Assuming you're not accomplishing a "bucket list" item, you'll have years ahead of you to have a fun car. Enjoy being a "kid" as long as you can.
If you're serious about a used WRX / STI, make sure you get a proper third-party inspection from a shop that's familiar with modified Subarus; these are notoriously modified, then parted-out and sold as "stock" when the owner is done with them. Make sure the inspection includes both compression / leakdown tests to tell the health of the motor. These tests aren't cheap ($300 or so, depending on labor rate), so work into the arrangement that the buyer will pay for the tests if it fails, otherwise it's your bill. If the owner has nothing to hide, then it shouldn't be a problem; if they're worried it may fail (at which point, you'd be looking at a new motor), they may deny that clause. I would not buy a used vehicle without that stipulation in there.
Honestly, if you're that young, just drive what you have until you have a better paying job and have more flexible income. I bought my STI when I was 20, and while I could afford it easily, there are things that I missed out on because of the car payment and increased insurance costs. Assuming you're not accomplishing a "bucket list" item, you'll have years ahead of you to have a fun car. Enjoy being a "kid" as long as you can.
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