Potential WRX Purchase - Question

[eZ_Harry]

Hello,

I am on the hunt for a car to replace my current and have been taking a look at some WRX's, just recently I went a drove a private owned 2003 WRX with 150,000KM's on it. I have posted the link below so if anyone would like to take a look at the listing and perhaps give me their opinion on whether they think it looks to be a good purchase that would be great. That aside I have done quite a significant amount of research on the model however there are some varying opinions regarding certain things and I have always found the information on this forum to be quite reliable. Firstly, do you think 150,000KM is starting to be getting quite high for this model of car and is this the prime time for a head gasket issue to emerge? Also, is the 5 speed transmission this car has really as bad as people say or is that made out to be worse than it really is. The owner also mentioned that the check engine light just went on so he took it to a diagnostic place and they told him it was the oxygen sensor in the fuel pump, would cost $400 to replace the fuel pump and that would fix the problem, does this sound right? Overall this car seems to thought of as reasonable reliable however any words of advice for a prospective buyer would be great!

Also can 02-06 WRX Imprezas still be imported from Japan? I've read that some cant be.

P.S. The owner is a recent university graduate who owned a silvia and prelude before this, he seemed like the type of person who would have respected the car but still driven it like it was meant to be driven. It also has an almost full service history.

Auction - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-953617917.htm

Regards,

eZ_Harry

Edited October 3, 2015 by eZ_Harry

[Guest]

Bloody tidy looks like a good deal. Nothing wrong with 5sp and subarus dont blow headgaskets at 150000km. Or could spend the same money on the uglier v7 sti which would be the quicker car all round with similar comfort levels and a lot stronger engine/drivetrain. If you do get the car you linked change the tip those twin pipes choke them and suck gas.

Cant see it being a thrasher or it would have a big bore.

[eZ_Harry]

 evowrx said:

Bloody tidy looks like a good deal. Nothing wrong with 5sp and subarus dont blow headgaskets at 150000km. Or could spend the same money on the uglier v7 sti which would be the quicker car all round with similar comfort levels and a lot stronger engine/drivetrain. If you do get the car you linked change the tip those twin pipes choke them and suck gas.

Cant see it being a thrasher or it would have a big bore.

Yeah the interior was in pretty good nick however in person the exterior has quite a few little dents and scratches etc. probably a little bit above what I would have expected for a car of this age however they are only visible close up. In regards to the STI as much as I would like to get one I am only 17 and this will be my second car so I want a good step up from my 1.5L N/A Impreza but don't want anything to fast to the point where I am destined to end up around the side of a tree. IMO the WRX is probably pushing it speed wise as it is

On that note, is it normal for the side skirts to be quite wobbly? Touching them they really wiggled around.

[Guest]

Insurance will be just as bad on either. Itll go as fast as you drive it.

[jsan083]

Get an sti and drive it sensibly. You wont regret it. Better interior, 6 speed gearbox, more powerrrr:) had a v7 sti and sold it for not much more than the red one your after.