Noob content - advice for buying a WRX
Discussion
Good morning all. I apologise if this is all a bit vague and half formed thought, but that is because it is. I currently drive an MR2 Roadster, but due to the actions of a van with and its reluctance to leave sufficient distance to react – the back of it is now a funny shape. Insurance are currently totting up the repair, but it is borderline write off, and so whilst I wait to see if it will be repaired or not, I am totting up what to do should I be abruptly left with no car, but a cheque for its value.
I thought about a WRX last time round when shopping for a motor, and am revisiting the concept this time, and as a bit of a noob, need some advice of those more knowledgeable.
Ground rules
• £3k - £4k looks like the budget. Maaaaaybe £5k if it is a Hollywood love at first site, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet in the background type moment. But lets stick with £3-£4k for the moment
• I want as little mucked around with as possible – I like factory standard cars. Call me boring but that is who I am!
• Not toooo bothered about milage, so long as it feels like it has been really loved.
If I am not totally pie in the sky – what are typical things to look for?
• Any mechanical issues? What do I want to have been sorted when buying?
• Things to listen for on a test drive
• Rust? Where are the hot spots? Are underside mechanicals vulnerable or is it mostly body?
As I said above I am really after a boggo WRX, I have no real interest in tuning cars – I am coming from the ‘I watched these at rallys when I was growing up’ school.
Advice – or pointing in the direction of a buying guide - would be appreciated.
I thought about a WRX last time round when shopping for a motor, and am revisiting the concept this time, and as a bit of a noob, need some advice of those more knowledgeable.
Ground rules
• £3k - £4k looks like the budget. Maaaaaybe £5k if it is a Hollywood love at first site, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet in the background type moment. But lets stick with £3-£4k for the moment
• I want as little mucked around with as possible – I like factory standard cars. Call me boring but that is who I am!
• Not toooo bothered about milage, so long as it feels like it has been really loved.
- I am not bothered about bug eye or hawk eye or any other nuances of derivations. My tastes/knowledge is not nuanced enough!
If I am not totally pie in the sky – what are typical things to look for?
• Any mechanical issues? What do I want to have been sorted when buying?
• Things to listen for on a test drive
• Rust? Where are the hot spots? Are underside mechanicals vulnerable or is it mostly body?
As I said above I am really after a boggo WRX, I have no real interest in tuning cars – I am coming from the ‘I watched these at rallys when I was growing up’ school.
Advice – or pointing in the direction of a buying guide - would be appreciated.
Edited by Vocal Minority on Monday 3rd February 11:44
I would look for a blob eye (2003-2005) car with the prodrive performance pack fitted. This is a Subaru approved kit that was fitted by prodrive. It transforms the car an is easy to insure (Admiral etc recognise this as model variant).
You may struggle to get a hawkeye for that budget, at least get a decent one. I may be wrong though.
There are no real issues to worry about, however, the larger engine in the hawkeye is not as strong as the lump in the older cars. I don't think this is an issue with lower power of the WRX however...
You may struggle to get a hawkeye for that budget, at least get a decent one. I may be wrong though.
There are no real issues to worry about, however, the larger engine in the hawkeye is not as strong as the lump in the older cars. I don't think this is an issue with lower power of the WRX however...
£3-4k should easily net you a tidy, standard Blobeye WRX. But try to look out for the WRX 300 model, just that bit more horsepower.
If you're getting one that hasn't been modified then it should be pretty much bulletproof. Just look out for a full service history and make sure the cambelts have been changed around 40-50k or every 5 years.
As for rust, check usual places - wheel arches, sills etc. and check the sub frame.
That's about it really.
If you're getting one that hasn't been modified then it should be pretty much bulletproof. Just look out for a full service history and make sure the cambelts have been changed around 40-50k or every 5 years.
As for rust, check usual places - wheel arches, sills etc. and check the sub frame.
That's about it really.
Edited by mfnick on Monday 3rd February 17:54
I agree with the others, a tidy WRX will serve you really well. All you need to look for is full service history and ideally just a couple of owners. There are some real gems out there so don't worry if it takes you some time.
Out of left field though, if I had 5k to spend I would love a JDM Legacy. 280bhp, so much capability and everything the Impreza has with added stealth. TorqueGT have one in and although it's over 100k miles that's really nothing with the right services.
However, an Impreza is a brilliant car too. Just listen for any knocking sounds and don't be afraid to really rev it on the test drive.
Out of left field though, if I had 5k to spend I would love a JDM Legacy. 280bhp, so much capability and everything the Impreza has with added stealth. TorqueGT have one in and although it's over 100k miles that's really nothing with the right services.
However, an Impreza is a brilliant car too. Just listen for any knocking sounds and don't be afraid to really rev it on the test drive.
king impossible. Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff