couchcommando

Looking at an 02 WRX with around 60k miles on. Will be buying a UK car that's totally standard with a FSH.
Apart from the obvious are there any particular problems associated with this model at this sort of mileage.
Also I'd like an idea of running costs, I will only do 10k miles a year in it.

Thanks in advance

Andy-C

18-20 mpg

Make sure the cambelt has been changed

abc

First of all, welcome to Scoobynet.

There are those on here who will say that if you need to ask whether you can afford to run a Scoob, you probably won't be able to. There's some truth in that, but take with a pinch of salt: it all depends on how much disposable income you have.

Likewise, statements about MPG -- that very much depends on how you drive: they can be reasonably economical if you don't drive everywhere like you're on a rally special stage. Of course, when it's safe to drive quickly Scoobs are excellent, but you can almost see the fuel gauge dropping!

Insurance can be high, but it depends on who you are, where you live, and also of course, what you think 'high' is.

Have fun, they're a great car.

corradoboy

If you can stretch to an 03 then do, they are easier to sell later and are a slightly better car. Also, try to get one with PPP (Prodrive Performance Pack) as without it they are a bit drab. Don't be too scared of mods, just do the research and find out which mods are worth having. For example, an uprated rear ARB with solid links is one of the most rewarding mods for the money and is almost a must-do. Chavy body mods, Lexus lights, whooshy DV's and a plethora of gauges will give the game away that the previous owner was a tosser. Also, don't worry if the service history isn't completely main dealer. I would prefer to see stamps from the likes of Scoobyclinic, Powerstation, Prosport, TSL or HDC than have the 17yo trainee monkey do it at the (s)dealers. At 60k there is a big service (all fluids, plugs, filters etc) and the cambelt should have been done at 50k. Expect 32mpg max (68mph long m-way run), average 24ish and low teens in the twisties. Insurance could be from £400 to whatever depending on your circumstances. Standard 10k oil change service is IRO £130 at a dealer, but independent specialists will be cheaper. 20k interims around £250 and the 30k biggies £450+. Change the brake pads as the OE ones are pants, Ferodo and Pagid are best, and add some braided hoses with uprated 5.1 fluid for better pedal feel. Check discs for a lip, they need changing when >22mm thick (new are 24mm so 1mm wear each side) and try to check the inside pad as this often wears quicker than the outside.

Welcome to SNet

couchcommando

Thanks corradoboy that's just what I was after.
Will go for an 02 as within my budget I can get a standard one with less than 60k miles and fsh

Right best get looking then

Trap2Terrorist

iTrader: (3)

I've got an MY01 and managed an average of ~28mpg's before my remap.

Keep an eye out for a grinding feeling and/or noise when changing gear under hard acceleration, particularly in 3rd and 4th gears. It's a known problem with the 5-speed box on some newages.

cozzie_man

even if you think you not quite able to stretch to an 03 model it might be better to wait for depreciation to bring one a long because an 02 is going to drop in price alot quicker costing you lots of money in the end