Hey im in the market for a 02 03 WRX. I love the car, and the lights from that model year are far better compared to the new ones. I was wondering if anyone has any advice of things to look for when inspecting potential cars, problems you've had or heard of.

I really want to get a car that will last and not one thats been beaten into the ground. Thanks for your help.

-Sam

 

Theres the obvious stuff like make sure its been properly serviced by a recognised dealer (or a recognised specialist), shop around a bit and dont buy the first one you see as theres plenty of choice. There arent any really serious problems with the age of car you are looking at provided they have been reasonably well looked after and this will be reasonably obvious by the condition of the car, tyres, etc.

Whilst not entirely bulletproof, for a performance orientated car there are very few major problems to look out for.

Good luck in your search!

 

I agree, have a good look around unless the first car you see is
exactly what you are looking for as in my case.
If i was you i'd go down the main dealer road with a warranty chucked in.
I inherited the remainder of the manufacturers warranty and received a 2 year warranty from the dealer (not as comprehansive as Subaru's).

Three weeks after owning mine the rad began leaking, fortunately replaced under warranty.

The are really good cars as long as you look after them. Usual warm up cool down story + good regular servicing.

Worth owning because they look good, sound the part and go like stink

Happy hunting..............

 

Thanks for the help. The main thing that ive heard about is problems with the gear box. Ive read several accounts of the syncro's getting out of wack and first and second gear becoming really rough, is this just parianoia, or is there some valid reason behind it.??

 

If the car has been well looked after then those sort of problems shouldnt be an issue unless their is a failure in the mechanism itself.

 

think most porblems will be caued by dodgy mods

yup the gear box is naff but not heard many letting go, unless you start pushing the power above 300 ftlb

Im not the most techi person around but I do have a my02