Impreza WRX Advice needed

[chrisk]

Hi All

I'm very tempted to get a 3-4 year old 5-door wrx and I need some advice on what to look out for....

Am I right to be looking for cars with less than 40k on the clock or shouldn't I be unduly worried?? There don't seem to be any high-mileage cars on the market - have they all blown up before reaching 100k or is the engine bomb-proof!!? Is the clutch strong and approx how much is it to replace?

Are there any usual things I should be looking out for??

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[stevieb]

I think with all cars as long as you have a full service record and the car is well maintained with recipts invoices etc you should be ok.

My 04 WRX is on 55k miles, and has been maintained by the main dealer and nothing has gone wrong so far. The cost of some services can be quite alot upto £500 main dealer price for a major but £140 for interim 10k or 20k service. the big ones are at 30k intervals and 50k intervals

The cost of a cluth replacement will be in the region of £800 which includes skimming the flywheel or a recon-flywheel.

Tyres can be had for £70 fitted each for a good make.

Gearbox should be good for some abuse as long as you do not give it to much abuse from cold.

Steve

[MrFlibbles]

I bought my '02 plate WRX with 102k on it!

I flogged it at just shy of 110k.

Mine had been a motorway hack all its life, so quite "easy" miles.

The interior was immaculate and very well screwed together - very solid and no rattles.

The only problem I had during ownsership was an sensor of some kind.

That said, I wouldnt fancy one that had been thrashed by numerous boy racers for 100k, but if looked after, they'll be fine.

[Geoff82]

My 01 Impreza has 103000 miles and is still on original engine, turbo, clutch and gearbox with nor signs so far of any excess wear. Only problem i've had in 30000 miles is a faulty MAF sensor which is a known wek point on Imprezas of that age.

[WindsorRob]

I'm in the same boat - waying up a 5dr 2003ish Impreza. Reading the posts here, a couple of questions spring to mind :

1) What is it about the 30k and 50k services that make them the big ones ? Any cambelt replacement ?

2) Why on earth does the clutch cost £800 to replace ? Why does the flywheel need to be skimmed ?

Also - any views on the saleability of the 5dr Vs the saloon - better ? Worse ? Spec / colour dependant ?

Any info much appreciated.

[markCSC]

WindsorRob said:

I'm in the same boat - waying up a 5dr 2003ish Impreza. Reading the posts here, a couple of questions spring to mind :

1) What is it about the 30k and 50k services that make them the big ones ? Any cambelt replacement ?

2) Why on earth does the clutch cost £800 to replace ? Why does the flywheel need to be skimmed ?

Also - any views on the saleability of the 5dr Vs the saloon - better ? Worse ? Spec / colour dependant ?

Any info much appreciated.

1) Yes cambelt is a bugger to replace. Normally happens about 50-60k
2) That's what a main dealer will charge. An independant will be a lot less. £450 for mine but my flywheel was ok. If it is scored it may have to be skimmed.

Most people seem to want the 4 door as it looks like the rally car therfore blue is a popular colour. Can't go wrong with silver either.

Personally I think the 5 door is a better car and a more subtle. But then I have a forester!! :-)

[stevieb]

30k is all fluids changed Gearbox, diff, engine, brake, clutch, radiotor oils fluids changed.

50k is a major one again with a cam belt! i had my one replace for £300 inc MOt at a main Dealer in Surrey so prices are not to bad.


I am still on my original clutch/flywheel and as long as you dont do many harsh starts from teh lights then should last for a long time unless you are moding your car! The 800 was main dealer prices for a worst case job on the clutch including replacement of all moving parts. But common costs are £500. I know someone with a 350z who has gone through 2 clutchs and 1 flywheel in 30000 miles! ata cost of £600 to £1000 a go!

Steve