I'm looking at purchasing an import wrx, around a k plate, and I was just wondering what things I should be looking out for/be aware of when seeing a car? I know about the obvious things like bodywork condition, suspension, wheels etc but I'm not too up on things when it comes to under the bonnet having never owned 1 before. What are the signs that the turbo might be knackered, are there any odd noises I should listen out for that kinda thing.

You're help would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to get fleeced!

P.S does anyone know what the standard bhp was for the imports as I know it was slightly more than the UK spec.

Thanks!!

 

blue smoke from the exhaust a minute or two after starting it - and running at idle - PROLLY = knackered turbo

make sure you have boost (assuming theres a boost gauge) ...0.7bar is standard (I think)

 

240 ps = 236 bhp

 

burberry hats and neons

 

and Lexus lights

 

and maxpower stickers

 

make sure you hear the car running from cold.older classics can suffer piston slap with wear.

 

Obviuosly look for all the usual stuff - but this springs to mind


Gearbox - weaker on earlier cars - Got stronger late MY98 onwards.

power steering reseviour can leak - often this has been replaced with the newer stonger version

Coolent header tank also can leak - often this has been replaced with the newer stonger version

Blue smoke - gaskets or turbo

Tyres often wear on the insides - esp on the fronts so run your hand round them.

Top hose on radiator prone to cracking - also check the rad

Have MAJOR mods be mapped in and what oil and petrol has been used is a big one

Classic WRXs
From memory its these power figures as standard.
(anyone care to be more analy exact )

MY93 -95 240ps
MY95 - 96-7?ish 260ps
MY97-98 onwards 280ps

The code tells you what is what - GC8 etc

Cheers
Steve

 

make sure i ve never owned it lol

 

 

A diesel