Subaru impreza wrx/sti estate help

[micron750]

Could anyone give me some indiacations to what to look for when buying a used model as i'm seriously looking to buy one for around 3 grand i'm not up to scratch on usual faults/problems as yet but any info would be very appreciated

[Nash_wrx]

Hi mate make sure you see the car when its cold,i.e the engine hasn't been started up that day.
on start up it should fire up first time, look for any smoke coming out whilst the engine is cold,
also the engine should be smooth on idle with no rattles or knocks, the engine bay should be clean, a dirty engine bay means fluid leaks at some point or just careless ownership.

let it warm up and take it for a spin, again listen out for knock coming from the suspension etc.
find a good stretch of road and give some beans, it should pill away swiftly and yet smoothly, make sure you go though all the gears, they should not crunch/grind

ask when the cambelt wast last replaced.
check all the fluid levels.
ask when it was last serviced.
inside look for any signs of leaks not common but it happens.

Imprezas are very good cars with very strong engines. It takes quite a lot of punishment for them to go wrong.

so if it seems a bit tired walk away unless you are ready to fork money out for repairs.


you can also visit http://www.scoobynet.com for further info from estate owners

Good luck with the hunt.

Edited by Nash_wrx on Friday 10th April 11:15

[micron750]

Thanks for that

[Nash_wrx]

No probs mate.
Juts picked up a 2001 wrx Prodrive
trying to remember what I checked my self.

[flatfour1]

I'd check for smokey turbo, obvious accident damage, knackered suspension, obvious misalignments on the steering firstly. Then check the seals around the windows are okay. If it was a UK car I'd insist on a full service history. then I'd take the spare wheel out of the well in the boot and make sure it wasnt sitting in a puddle of water. As long as it drives okay ( no funny noises etc) and the clutch and gear change check out it should be fine.