Thinking of getting a Subaru...
#1
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I've always loved them, but just recently started to really think about picking one up. I don't want a new one... I'm looking for something around 5-6k. That being said I'm okay with having to fix it up a bit. I know there are some subaru buffs on here so I figured I'd ask for a few tips.
I know the basics, but is there anything subaru specific I should look for.. good and bad.
I'd really like to get the wagon, and I found a WRX Wagon for around 6.5k with 121k miles. Does that sound reasonable for one in good mechanical order? I only just started really digging into them so I haven't really found if that is a good price. From what I could tell, based on the mileage it seems like an okay price.
But then again I don't know how long these things usually last. I'm sure it varies but are there a lot of guys driving around with 100k plus subies?
I know the basics, but is there anything subaru specific I should look for.. good and bad.
I'd really like to get the wagon, and I found a WRX Wagon for around 6.5k with 121k miles. Does that sound reasonable for one in good mechanical order? I only just started really digging into them so I haven't really found if that is a good price. From what I could tell, based on the mileage it seems like an okay price.
But then again I don't know how long these things usually last. I'm sure it varies but are there a lot of guys driving around with 100k plus subies?
#2
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check compression/leakdown. one of the biggest engine problems on these cars is blown ringlands. specifically #4. check transmission thoroughly, most importantly 3rd gear on the later ones and 1st/2nd on the earlier ones. STAY AWAY from 02 WRX's.
Don't be afraid of turbo's on their way out. Easy and cheap to replace. Obviously try to get a non modded/unmolested one. If it has an atmospheric bov tell the owner he's a ******* retard.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. Car buying FAQ for these cars can be found on NASIOC and is very thorough.
good luck
Don't be afraid of turbo's on their way out. Easy and cheap to replace. Obviously try to get a non modded/unmolested one. If it has an atmospheric bov tell the owner he's a ******* retard.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. Car buying FAQ for these cars can be found on NASIOC and is very thorough.
good luck
#4
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dont buy it off any punk looking kids or if it has any mods. subarus are the biggest car scene in mass and ive seen a bunch of them getting beat to **** on by kids with rich parents. I know one kid who went through like three transmissions in one
personally, i'd love to have a wrx or sti swapped gc8
personally, i'd love to have a wrx or sti swapped gc8
#8
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next is brakes. of all the wrx's, the 02's got the shittiest brakes. And had issues with brake lines.
next is radiator/fans. for 03 they got updated and changed a bit due to some **** ups in design.
There are other issues I just don't have the energy to get into.
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My $0.02 in the matter.
I was also in the bandwagon for either a WRX wagon or a Forester XT recently. I was almost sure that is what I wanted, until I drove a friends '04 wagon 1000 miles in one day. I got to really know the car, and realized I hated the way it drove. I hated the brakes, I hated the clutch, I hated the gear shift feel, the ride was unimpressive, the handling was unimpressive with vague steering response, just overall not a fun or flattering car. I was very underwhelmed and have since decided against Subaru. Not saying everyones experience is the same, as apparently many people like them, but to me they just don't feel right.
PS, the interior is bland, and the seats are uncomfortable. I am more comfortable driving my tiny *** car with stock seats.
I was also in the bandwagon for either a WRX wagon or a Forester XT recently. I was almost sure that is what I wanted, until I drove a friends '04 wagon 1000 miles in one day. I got to really know the car, and realized I hated the way it drove. I hated the brakes, I hated the clutch, I hated the gear shift feel, the ride was unimpressive, the handling was unimpressive with vague steering response, just overall not a fun or flattering car. I was very underwhelmed and have since decided against Subaru. Not saying everyones experience is the same, as apparently many people like them, but to me they just don't feel right.
PS, the interior is bland, and the seats are uncomfortable. I am more comfortable driving my tiny *** car with stock seats.
#11
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My $0.02 in the matter.
I was also in the bandwagon for either a WRX wagon or a Forester XT recently. I was almost sure that is what I wanted, until I drove a friends '04 wagon 1000 miles in one day. I got to really know the car, and realized I hated the way it drove. I hated the brakes, I hated the clutch, I hated the gear shift feel, the ride was unimpressive, the handling was unimpressive with bland steering input, just overall not a fun or flattering car. I was very underwhelmed and have since decided against Subaru. Not saying everyones experience is the same, as apparently many people like them, but to me they just don't feel right.
PS, the interior is bland, and the seats are uncomfortable. I am more comfortable driving my tiny *** car with stock seats.
I was also in the bandwagon for either a WRX wagon or a Forester XT recently. I was almost sure that is what I wanted, until I drove a friends '04 wagon 1000 miles in one day. I got to really know the car, and realized I hated the way it drove. I hated the brakes, I hated the clutch, I hated the gear shift feel, the ride was unimpressive, the handling was unimpressive with bland steering input, just overall not a fun or flattering car. I was very underwhelmed and have since decided against Subaru. Not saying everyones experience is the same, as apparently many people like them, but to me they just don't feel right.
PS, the interior is bland, and the seats are uncomfortable. I am more comfortable driving my tiny *** car with stock seats.
Its no miata, weighing over 1000lbs more and having a low compression h-4, so steering input is obviously number and throttle response is lazier, but the torque and traction as well as sound are great. And with VERY few choice mods it absolutely transforms itself.
Opinions are like ********, so I'm not not hating. Its definitely not for everyone.
Come to CA and I'll let you drive a few PROPERLY modded ones. I have a feeling you will change your opinion REAL quick
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#12
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I couldn't disagree more.
Its no miata, weighing over 1000lbs more and having a low compression h-4, so steering input is obviously number and throttle response is lazier, but the torque and traction as well as sound are great. And with VERY few choice mods it absolutely transforms itself.
Opinions are like ********, so I'm not not hating. Its definitely not for everyone.
Come to CA and I'll let you drive a few PROPERLY modded ones. I have a feeling you will change your opinion REAL quick![big grin](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Its no miata, weighing over 1000lbs more and having a low compression h-4, so steering input is obviously number and throttle response is lazier, but the torque and traction as well as sound are great. And with VERY few choice mods it absolutely transforms itself.
Opinions are like ********, so I'm not not hating. Its definitely not for everyone.
Come to CA and I'll let you drive a few PROPERLY modded ones. I have a feeling you will change your opinion REAL quick
![big grin](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#13
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With mods any turd can be made decent, I was referring to my opinion on the stock ones. Of course it could always be that his was abused in its 6 year life and is worn out. Either way, from what I saw it turned me off to Subaru. Maybe one day I will get a chance to drive another that I don't absolutely hate. Maybe it is just the Miata messing with my head. Everything about the WRX felt vague in comparison.
It's true. They feel like a hybrid between a sports car and a Wrangler. Recently, me and the friend put on a full 3" catless exhaust, uppipe, down pipe, accessport... some other stuff. Response has really picked up, the engine actually feels decent now.
The rest of a car? Still numb.
Disclaimer: My idea of a good family car is my modified 91 E30 318i or RX8. High bar to meet.
#14
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A miata is so slow stock a damn prius will give it a run for its money. And handling is NOT all that great on stock shocks and stock tires.
So I honestly don't know where you're getting that from.
for roughly 500 bux (tbe+3port solenoid+tune which is free) my 05 ran 13.2@101. and that's the 2.0L version. with that much in an 06+ well tuned and well driven you're looking at GOBS more torque due to .5L increase and avcs
#18
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I think for 7k an STI is out of the question. I'm not looking for anything amazing. If it needs work I'll do it.
Back in march I took care of a friends WRX for a month. I was switching between driving that and my miata. At first I didn't like it... I had to force myself to drive it instead of my miata. But as the month went on I got used to it, started get the feel for it, and by the end of the month I was only driving the WRX. Now keep in mind it was upstate NY so it was snowy/rainy and damn cold... so the maita was not exactly in it's best environment.
But by the end of the month I was fairly convinced I would eventually get one.
The 02' sounds pretty terrible and I think I'll try and steer clear of it.
On a different not I've been thinking of getting a old diesel Mercedes...slow as *****... but baller status.
Back in march I took care of a friends WRX for a month. I was switching between driving that and my miata. At first I didn't like it... I had to force myself to drive it instead of my miata. But as the month went on I got used to it, started get the feel for it, and by the end of the month I was only driving the WRX. Now keep in mind it was upstate NY so it was snowy/rainy and damn cold... so the maita was not exactly in it's best environment.
But by the end of the month I was fairly convinced I would eventually get one.
The 02' sounds pretty terrible and I think I'll try and steer clear of it.
On a different not I've been thinking of getting a old diesel Mercedes...slow as *****... but baller status.
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The shop I work for specializes in Subaru/Mazda stuff...18psi pretty much made every major point I would make.
The 2L WRXs tend to spin bearings more than crack ringlands from lack of oil or shitty oil, the 2.5 motors will crack them ALL THE TIME if not tuned correctly. We had a 7k mile 08 STi (stock) that cracked the #4 ringland...
You can find a few decent cars at 6k. At the mileage you are going to find them they are more than likely going to need:
A timing belt job (usually a failing idler that breaks and ruins your **** before a belt or water pump failure)
Struts
Clutch
Turbo
Up-Pipe Cat Failure
The 2L WRXs tend to spin bearings more than crack ringlands from lack of oil or shitty oil, the 2.5 motors will crack them ALL THE TIME if not tuned correctly. We had a 7k mile 08 STi (stock) that cracked the #4 ringland...
You can find a few decent cars at 6k. At the mileage you are going to find them they are more than likely going to need:
A timing belt job (usually a failing idler that breaks and ruins your **** before a belt or water pump failure)
Struts
Clutch
Turbo
Up-Pipe Cat Failure
#20
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Honestly that isn't a bad idea. After all the stuff we have to fix at work I would recommend buying a track car with good compression that has been taken care of or a BONE stock Subaru.