Buying Impreza at 70k/80k miles - Expensive? Advice wanted
 

Hi guys,

I am thinking of coming back to the Impreza fold after a short break away. I had an STI Spec D but had to sell for a variety of reasons. I have been looking at 03/04/05 plate WRX wagons with 70k-90k. A lot are in really good condition with few owners, good histories, etc. What I want to know is, is this the time when they get expensive because a lot of them seem to be in the 70k-80k bracket.

I know that some will probably need clutches (cost?) at this mileage but what about other stuff? Cambelts? Re-builds? I'm not averse to looking after the car but don't want it to ruin me financially!

I've recently traded in my 02 WRX Wagon. I ran it for 2 years it had 115k when I got it and 128k when I got rid.
All I spent on it was 2 oil changes and a set of plugs. It never used a drop of oil and drove better than a lot of newer cars I test drove.
Was still on its original clutch which was just starting to show signs of slipping.

When they are relatively standard and have been well looked after (like mine) they are generally very reliable cars IMO.

i bought my 54 plate last aug with 78000 miles full subaru history....now on 86000 and hasnt missed a beat, cambelts are done at 50-60 so no worries there, theres plenty about just make sure its got good history and u be fine..

Purchased my classic 6 years ago at 90k with full history and used since as a daily driver. Just about to do the 170k service this morning.

2 gearboxes, first at 130k
1 clutch (well the gearbox was out)
1 set shocks at 100k £300
2 sets brake discs and 4 sets pads, upgraded to 4 pot and vented rear, all calipers having stainless pistons plus goodridge hoses, this is probably were most of the outlay has been
countless tyres at near £400 a set
16 oil changes
1 belt at 120k
1 set plugs at 120k
1 DIY Prodrive kit £500 :)
1 set alloy drop links, pennies
and I don't want to work out the fuel costs, tho it's not too bad when you factor in depreciation on a newer more expensive car.

Rattles like a bag of spanners cold, smooth when warm. Spare engine in garage waiting the inevitable LOL

Over the same period wife's had similar except 2 engines instead of gearboxes, first at 130k. Recently sold for a good price too :)

Uk engines seem to last longer, around 130k as opposed to JDM engines at around 100k (am not saying they all blow at these mileages but seems the average from reading the "my big ends have gone" threads on here). No difference in build quality I am sure, just reflects the higher state of tune and the revier JDm gearboxes

Tried a 30k 53 plate uk WRX a few years back. Sold it after a month. Nice car, just not my cup of tea, bit mundane.




:)

Around £500 for a clutch change.

Crikey I paid £200 labour plus an exedy self sourced clutch kit for £150, £500 seems excessive.

I guess you didn't change the flywheel then or at least get it exchanged/skimmed :freak3:. Also thats for 6 speed less for 5 speed .