Been looking at a 2003 JDM STi today, car looks perfect and only has 16k on the clock..... being the suspicious type I'm looking for clues as to its "real" mileage and the only thing that makes me doubt the mileage is that the gear linkage seems a little worn.

It slips into gear nicely and makes no odd noises whatsoever but if you are parked up with the engine off and trying the gears it seems a little bit sloppy in gear. What I mean is that there is a bit of sideways movement from the gearshift maybe 10mm each side.

Should I be worried?

 

Anyone?

 

Can't help on the sloppy gear lever. If the gears select ok the slack could just be weak springs that hold the lever central. Which are cheap enough to fix if that's all it is.

These are some tell tale signs of a higher mileage than recorded.

• Worn rubber pads on pedals.
  
• Drivers seat sags compared to passenger one.
  
• Wear on edge of back rest & base of drivers seat where you slide in & out.
  
• Worn leather on steering wheel. Check on underside as well near 10 to 2 position where rings might catch.
  
• Worn carpet UNDER the car mats as mats are cheap & easy to change but the fixed interior trim involves more expense.

Mark

 

I have a MY03 STi from new and has 38k on the clock. At 16k on the clock it is gonna be difficult to see signs of "real mileage". I have been religious in keeping a comprehensive history of the car showing dates, whats been done etc. That way in sale in the future the next owner will be confident it is correct.

If it don't have history then walk away as there are plenty out there that do.

Incidently my gearbox is like new. When cold I find it can be especially difficult to engage first gear but this is normal for the six speeder. Once warmed up the car should be okay.

From memory for age of car the Gearbox Oil and rear diff oil should have been changed during that time along with the spark plugs.

HTH.

 

Yes, transmission fluids and plugs 3 years or 30k miles whichever sooner. Will also be due cambelt now at 5 years old.

 

Thanks guys, it has a full history which seems to stack up. Has had a cambelt change not sure about the oils......