Looking for a 3rd Gen WRX Hatch. What to look for and where?
 

Howdy All
Russ here, back in Perth in a months time.
Had a MY06 Wagon last time around, for a couple of years, and loved it to bits.
I'm on the lookout for a 3rd Generation wagon, so thats 2008 on I think?
I understand the 1st year (Up to MY2009) of the Gen 3s were a little softer on the road. Is that correct?
Are they still worth a look?

I will be using this as a company car, with moderate to enthusiastic driving. (Harder on weekends) Track use unlikely.
My last Rex went thru a set of tyres in 18,000 kms, so its fairly enthusiastic driving.

I understand the nice models had leather and Sat-Nav. Neither of these really interest me.
What should I look out for?
What should I stay away from?
Very keen to hear your thoughts.

I'm in town in a month, so will be looking then, preferably for a white hatchback/wagon. Keen to hear any PMs.
Yes $$ are an issue, no its not a limitless budget. Stock is a bonus.

Have had a quick look thru PWRX sale yard. Otherwise I assume Gumtree and possibly (Gulp) dealers? Any other places worth a look to buy?

Any help or suggestions happily taken.

Thanks
Russ

[URL="http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?base=1216&tabID=3012965&eapi=2&silo=Stock&items=[Make:SUBARU,Model:IMPREZA,BaseEnabledBadge:WRX%20AWD]&sort=default&N=4294680283+1246+1252+1247+1282+904+1216&vertical=Car&Range=Price:Min,Max~1|Year:2008,2012"]Subaru Impreza WRX MY08-MY10 Hatch CARSALES[/URL]

How much do you want to spend?
Personally I would try to go MY11 or newer, over the MY08-10.

If you have the money, buy MY11+ and get the wider body. Looks far more aggressive.
Whatever you do, don't buy a MY08. Make sure you buy a MY09 onwards as this will have a VF52 turbo as opposed to the pathetic TD04 of the '08. Also the suspension is a little stiffer.

Very good Advice
 

Thanks guys,
I haven't quite planned a budget yet. I'm trying first to build up a picture of what the different years and models are worth. Yes I have the cash, no I'm not a time waster. (Before anyone asks)

Very helpful info on the MY08 Turbo. Have heard the later IHI was the way to go. (Just from Wiki)

Keep the comments coming, I hope to be an expert by the time I buy.

Thanks all :)

Russ

make steve-lang an offer he cant refuse.....

LOL I actually loved my old '08'.. The narrow body can still look good, and the small turbo is still pretty ok with a decent exhaust and tune on the car. As you said, it's down to budget, personally value for money would be a nice clean 2009/2010.. Chuck in some coilovers/sways to fix the handling, exhaust and retune and you'll be laughing.

[QUOTE=mitchwnz;747275]LOL I actually loved my old '08'.[/QUOTE]

I still love mine (albeit it has a VF52), but if I was looking around now I just don't see the point in buying an '08. I'd probably go a piggy over an '08 if a nice low km could be found.

As you said, a 09/10 would probably be good value for money currently.

Yeah I'd see if you can afford an MY11 first (for the more aggressive styling) and if not get an MY09 or MY10 as other people mentioned for the better performance. I'd expect to pick up a low km MY09 for between 28 and 30k (I recently bought an MY09 sedan myself)

Thanks guys
I'm regularly watching this post and the updates.
Excellent info, much appreciated.
Staying tuned...
Russ

Mine will be available very shortly, in stock form or with limited mods up to you :D