What sort of things to look out for when looking at second hand WRX wagons? Is there a link or thread to point me at.

 

Exactly the same as the saloon mate, just a different shaped rear.
Oh, and less power.

Rob

 

Any guides to point me at?

 

Service history is vital to be sure the car has been well taken car of.
That said, if it's a jap import they vary rarely come with history and
if they do it's in japanese.

Make sure the car your looking at is started from cold and keep an eye
on the exhaust for blueish smoke, this could mean a worn turbo or it's
burning oil via the engine.

Take the car for a good run, don't rev it hard untill it has warmed up
though, it's vital a turbo charged car has the oil at correct operating
temprature before giving it some beans and that it's properly cooled
down/idled afterwards.

Once you've been for a run, pop the bonnet and looked around for oil/
water leaks.

If the head gasket is on the way out it will blow water out via the filler
tube all over the surrounding area.

A lot of it is basic common sense really, but if you drive the car and it
feels tight and sounds right great.

to be honest, it's worth spending a couple of hundred quid on a decent
survey via the AA or RAC if you see a car that your serious about.

Good luck with the search

Rob

 

Or even better, let the owner start it up from cold and take it for a spin while you sit in the passenger seat. If he thrashes it from cold, you don't want it, however good it looks.