I'm thinking about getting a newer vehicle before the end of this year and I'm not into trucks or jeeps or anything like that, I like little zippy fun to drive cars. I was thinking looking at WRX's from a few years back. Does anyone have anything to say bout these cars? Any problems? Fun to drive?? How expensive are they to maintain? And is like...$15000 a normal price range, because I found a nice yellow one for around that price.
What I'm looking for is something that would be good in the snow, fun to tinker with, and isn't TOOOOO unreliable (I was thinkin 1999GSX but...
). Any input on these cars would be awesome. Or maybe other suggestions if you have any.
(awd is a must. Car. 200+ HP... Somewhat reliable, I'm not scared to work on it, I just don't want to be in the shop every week. I know it's all in how you maintain it and I'm pretty good with regular upkeep.)
wysiwyg wrote:i would say they bang, they don't really pound so much. but if
you want to bump, then they will bump and hit real hard and a lot good. 
LOL
from what ive heard the wrx's are very reliable, quick, and fun to drive... my mom and dad have been looking for one for a while now...
Not overly reliable, when compared to most cars, but as a high performance car it is not below average. The only problem is parts are rediculously expensive and youmay have to take it to the dealer.
www.drluc.ca
boxer/ flat 4's = very reliable motors. IT takes A LOT to kill them.
My Cav
I give up...
i'm buying a VW those people love trees, so they should love eachother too... "Andy"
Yeah, motor i'm not too worried about. I was thinking more along the lines of suspension components and the transmission. I might even upgrade some suspension parts if they aren't too bad like new struts and springs... Maybe do a full exhaust with a nice manifold and full exhaust... Nothing too crazy. Maybe a 20-30hp bump. I should check into these things I suppose. I'm think I have better idea's at night...
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
wysiwyg wrote:i would say they bang, they don't really pound so much. but if
you want to bump, then they will bump and hit real hard and a lot good.
LOL
Subaru builds some of the best cars out there IMO. The suspension parts on my '99 Outback are all original (we got full maintenance records) and there are no issues, still quiet and solid. Assuming you'll go manual, but if you drive and auto, Subaru auto feels different than any other I've driven because of the way it downshifts closer to how you would with a manual in the snow. It feels strange, but it's normal for Subaru.
I hear bad things about the early WRX tranny's....
Teh Thread Merger wrote:I hear bad things about the early WRX tranny's....
Yeah the tranns are the weak point of any WRX, except for the RA but we didn't get that in America.
www.drluc.ca
the transmissions are glass on them don't launch at anything over 3.5k
I did a tune up on one of these saturday at my buddys garage jhelping out had a lot of miles but it was in good condition. it was just a pita to get in the back plug holes on both sides. sorry my hands aint that small. And i hate any car with press in bearings.
Get the N/A WRX.
Seriously, unlike a regular car motor, which, if you miss a 3K mile oil change (no biggie), it becomes mission critical on a force induction car.
The slightest amount of improper use, abuse, or maintenance can and will lend itself to being a turbo-doorstop on four wheels.
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2002 Sunfire -->
- Ractive steering wheel
- ASA 17" EM9 + Nexen N5000 215/45/17 (steelies for winter)
- D-Spec Lowering kit @ 1.4" (issues currently
)
- Rockford P250.1 + MTX MZS1004 + Panasonic CQ-C8313U head unit
- Barely legal tint.
My buddy has goes throught tranny's regularly with his 2002ish WRX.(round headlights). His is modded with a upgraded turbo, exhaust, etc....
"Project 69'"
1969 Chevrolet C/10, 1/2 ton, 2wd
-Boosted LS1?
-Richmond ROD 6-speed(will get sometime)
-Posi 12-bolt(built w/eaton posi unit and richmond 3.73 gears)
-Disc brake and 5 lug swap
+little extras
firemachine69 wrote:Get the N/A WRX.
Seriously, unlike a regular car motor, which, if you miss a 3K mile oil change (no biggie), it becomes mission critical on a force induction car.
The slightest amount of improper use, abuse, or maintenance can and will lend itself to being a turbo-doorstop on four wheels.
If by NA you mean normally aspirated...
There is no such thing as a NA WRX. That is just a normal impreza.
www.drluc.ca
As long as you dont really launch it like a maniac, the trans is fine. But read up on NASIOC and IWSTI.com Both are great resources for the WRX/STI's
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Tristatetuners.com
IGOTBANNED.NET
OceanStateDubs.com
they handle stock power ok but once you start upgrading its only a matter of time before the tranny grenades its self
i just got a 05 wrx with 30000 miles for 16K out the door . bone stock with a short shifter from the factory and boost guage. amazing and fun in the snow pretty quick and lots of possibilities of making more power on the stock platform. I got it as a daily driver because my turbo sunfire isnt exactly street legal. but its a great car and i would highly reccomend picking one up.
Thanks guys! No I won't be launching it at 3.5k.. Hah. I just want a nice car to drive normally. I wouldn't mind a few extra ponies just for the sake of having them. But it's not like I'm going to abuse this vehicle. If the transmission is the weak point, well, I'll fix it if it breaks by getting some stronger internals. But I doubt I'd bag on it enough to ever break anything in the tranny though. Thanks for the input.
wysiwyg wrote:i would say they bang, they don't really pound so much. but if
you want to bump, then they will bump and hit real hard and a lot good.
LOL
Sip wrote:firemachine69 wrote:Get the N/A WRX.
Seriously, unlike a regular car motor, which, if you miss a 3K mile oil change (no biggie), it becomes mission critical on a force induction car.
The slightest amount of improper use, abuse, or maintenance can and will lend itself to being a turbo-doorstop on four wheels.
If by NA you mean normally aspirated...
There is no such thing as a NA WRX. That is just a normal impreza.
Sorry tis' what I meant.
--------------------------------------------------------
2002 Sunfire -->
- Ractive steering wheel
- ASA 17" EM9 + Nexen N5000 215/45/17 (steelies for winter)
- D-Spec Lowering kit @ 1.4" (issues currently
)
- Rockford P250.1 + MTX MZS1004 + Panasonic CQ-C8313U head unit
- Barely legal tint.
I have a buddy with an '02 WRX wagon and another buddy with an '05 WRX sedan.
The '05 has gone through a differential, I'm sure his driving and dry pavement axis rotations did it no good, so disregard that as he's an idiot. Despite his abuse his car has held up real well.
The '02 has 140k or so and is going through regular maintenance items, nothing serious, still an awesome car.
Both love them, so much that I am considering one myself and it's a car I could enjoy driving in the winter too.
That's exactly what I'm thinking. New job could make that dream a reality...Or just a couple months of saving at this job. I think I may just go for it.
wysiwyg wrote:i would say they bang, they don't really pound so much. but if
you want to bump, then they will bump and hit real hard and a lot good.
LOL
No, stay away from 02wrx...... that is the weakest year for wrx (worst 5speed of wrx ever). would say that you should get at least 06-07 wrx with a 2.5 block and it had a decent set of brakes. I have an 02 wrx and I regret getting this year. If you like the look of the bugeye then get the 03 wrx. If you can afford an sti then go for it but if not stay on 06-07 wrx. Sti still a bang for the buck if you are going to modify your wrx. keep in mind that Sti have 6 spd, 2.5 engine with avs, Dccd, brembo brakes and better interior.
For bitches:
How many tampons do u have?.................................................@T&T raising the BRA
(because too lose)
i have an bugeye too. i love the car to death.
it's stage II (3" turboback exhaust, catless up pipe, and a reflash) and it's been a blast to drive.
only bad part about it is having to put premium in the tank with fuel prices as they are.
the 5spds have weak synchros but as long as you don't grab gears too hard or grind them you'll be fine. Had a buddy with an 02 putting 320whp and 300 lbs/ft through the stock 5 spd and it lasted for awhile. he wasn't easy on it either. launching over 3.5k can be done... you just have to slip the clutch. also keep in mind, the sti 6 speed is a bolt in swap and there are plenty of companies that make upgraded gearing. (i'd shy away from an RA gear set as they really aren't THAT much stronger than stock)
as for the pricing, depending on mileage that seems a little high to me. i paid 10k for mine with 72k miles.
upgrades aren't too horribly priced but I will warn you, it's definetely more expensive to mod than a j-body. as somebody suggested, check out nasioc. it's a good resource for information.
WRX!
My friend just got rid of his the 02. the 02 model had some sort of problem with the fuel lines. He had his a few weeks and it was spraying gas all over the engine.
As for the car itself its quick and amazing in the snow. He traded his stage 2 (w/ rims and full sti interior) into a stealer ship for 8K. Car Also had about 98K miles on it. Ave Gas millage was 20-23 mpg. Nothing can be the way the boxer engine sounds too imo
http://www.cardomain.com/id/blinkhero
"In JDM Land the coke truck would have more amber"
I have two. I bought my wife an ;07 Sti Limited and i just picked up an '03 with an upgraded VF22 Turbo, FMIC, HKS SSQV and cryo treated tranny.......wanted another AWD Turbo car.....they are awesome and quick in all types of weather......but i've seen most around the price range you stated above.....they hold their value well
