I've had enough of my 1.2L clio so am looking to buy a 2010 WRX S hatchback. I've found a decent second hand one online but am just wondering if there's anything in particular i need to look out for when viewing/testing the car, any common faults or issues that that model of car has. Any useful feedback would be appreciated.

 

Watch out for the awful 2.5 engine, if you buy the car budget in a rebuild approx £4k+

https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...-failures.html

 

It's a WRX, not supposed to be anywhere near as big a problem than on 2.5STI's

 

So the 2.5L should be fine on the 250BHP impreza? Its not being worked as hard on the wrx so im guessing its mostly the 330s' that they blow up on? ....So other than the engine are there any other specific faults I need to be aware of on the S model?

 

The S is a WRX with a few fancy bits of trim and wheels and a ppp upgrade over a normal WRX. Smaller turbo than the sti, which runs out of puff at lower rpm than sti with bigger turbo. Less stress on engine as you say, and given the turbo tails off earlier it's better not to red line a WRX, which is where problems start with Sti's being bounced off the rev limiter.

Not much else mechanically that goes wrong, only wear and tear items really. Cambelt needs replacing every 50k, depending how it's been treated clutches need replacing from 80k onwards. 5 speed gearbox weaker than 6 speed so keep an eye on gearbox oil levels and get oil changed in box and diff at scheduled intervals.

 

Yeah thought as much, thanks for the responses though, I'm sure the 2.5L is a sturdy enough engine for the power levels of this car but ill keep an eye on all the levels just incase.

 

I know plenty of people who have a wrx-s and they've never had a problem. just service it as you should do and you will be fine!.

 

OP, got my JDM S-GT coming up for sale if your interested. Supplied new in UK by Litchfield Imports, 09 MY, 2 owners from new, 59K miles, Full History, WR Blue, 2.0L Twinscroll, Milltek

 

How much are you selling it for?