Buying a wrx
 

Hi everyone

I'm currently in the market for a wrx and I'm chasing advice on what to look out for between the years of 2003-2009 ... So I use to own a 2007 sti which was falling due to the weak engine internals as proven by a compression test . I'm wondering if the 08-09 wrxs are still having these issues or I should be right ??
Any help would be appreciated

Thanks Shannon

08 is supposedly the worst of the lot for having the issue you described. But with abit of care you can make an ej25 motor last. Dont limiter bash the thing, make sure oil is always topped up, and their is no need to ring the stock motor out to 7k rpm and lazt but most important dont get it tuned by a potato.

choose your engine before you choose your car... absolutely!

207 = forged pistons, less prone to ringland failure
257 = more torque but fragile oem internals

then if you want a 207 buy an 05 sti
or if you want a 257 buy an 06-07 or 09 sti depending on what shape you prefer

simples

My ej255 (MY08) has been going strong for 7 years now. That may be about to change though since I've just pumped more boost into it along with a larger turbo, lol.

There were far more problems with MY08 STi's shitting themselves as opposed to the WRX (the tune from factory was rubbish). Half the reason my car has been fine is because I purchased it from new (well, ex demo) I know its history, was aware of it's short falls and chose smart modifications along with using a knowledgeable tuner to tune my car not too long after purchase.

If I were in your position I would be looking at a 2003 bugeye STi or a 2005 peanut STi. If you wanted a more modern WRX, go for a 09/10. Don't bother with the 2008, it has a pissweak little td04 turbo (2009+ comes with the VF52 which is quite a significant upgrade, especially after a tune).

[I]edit: in my opinion, only bother with a MY09/MY10 if it's unmodified and get a pressure test and leak down test done along with a general inspection by a Subaru specialist (eg. STechnic).[/I]

Ok thanks for the help. . I'm looking at 09 wrx defiantly want something newer which will allow me to keep for years to come and not be completely obsolete . A friend worked at mms and said pretty much good to go on the 09+ but don't thrash and check proper services and has been taken care of really ..

09 is the way to go!

[QUOTE=Brodz;829324]09 is the way to go![/QUOTE]

Thanks brodz I would assume you have an 09??

[QUOTE=Giuffy91;829337]Thanks brodz I would assume you have an 09??[/QUOTE]
Yeh mate, the toyota corolla of wrx's.[IMG]http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/30/badbc228957962c604738c4b49535767.jpg[/IMG]

Best bang for buck model there is in ny opinion. Dirt cheap because people think there ugly😊

Ok thanks yeah they look mint I love the shape !! What's it like maintenance wise ?? Any major issues ?? If you don't mind me asking how many kms yours has on it ?

I have almost 60k on mine. No major issues to date, except squeaky clutch pedal.

My 09 is at 117k and no issues so far except for a squeaky clutch pedal as well.

That's a relief ! Much info about the gear boxes ?? As in strength and people needing to replace them on the odd ? A friend had a stock wrx and needed to replace gear box and clutch .. Just don't understand how we did it on a stock wrx ? 09 year aswell

Or budget depending.... buy any model - wait for bang and rebuild tough... ;-)

Box is fine - it's how you use it... Mechanical sympathy, load it with some torque before sidestepping in 1st and make sure changes are firm but smooth - not smashed..


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Holy thread revival!

I didn't want to start another thread so I thought I'd continue this one. If it merits a new thread, by all means move this outta here.

I am looking to buy a 1998-2005 GC or GD STI (GD STI preferred because they are newer and more common). I want to know what kind of things to look for during inspection and on the paperwork.

If there are any common issues with these model STI's, please reply with your advice and/or links to more detail. I have already read up on some NASIOC type pages for things like compression test print outs, checking for aftermarket parts, service history etc.

Basically, anything that would indicate the car could have been abused or is not in good condition and how to identify it.

** Extra note for disclosure - I currently reside in Japan and I intend to buy and keep the car with me here for at least a year, so if you have ever bought a car in Japan, your experience will be invaluable for me.

Thanks in advance P-WRX team! Yoroshiku :)

If you're in Japan and intending to personal import one back, it'd be worth looking into something that we don't get here. S201-S204, Spec-C RA-R, STI Forester, Version 5/6 STI Wagon etc.

Couple of tips I have:

Check for rust underneath. Not a problem in Aus but salt is an issue in parts of Japan.
Rear struts are known to knock in 01-04? STI's, can be fixed with having grease nipples fitted
Be wary of cars with stacks of gauges and electronic gadgets unless work can be proven to be of professional quality. Butchered wiring harnesses suck.
Check spare wheel well, radiator support, beneath bumpers etc. for damage/rust

Thanks for the advice, I will take it onboard and add it to my list. I will also check that they haven't been returned to stock and have butchered wires underneath anyway.

In regards to a special edition, I thought about it but I just want a regular one to commute to work and travel with every other weekend. The special versions are quite a bit more expensive too and I just can't afford one. (That said, an RA-R someday would be sweet!).

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