Hello, Im new to the forum and am looking at getting an 02 wrx wagon. I've tried to educate myself with the FAQ's and buying tips etc. However, I was wondering if anyone would be deterred by this car's carfax report. Im not sure how to interpret them but it looks like its had several owners in a short time and Im wondering if that should bother me. Here is a link to the carfax

http://www.carfax.com/phoenix/extern...Mg3tbDgDaCTSi3

and here is a link to the car on auto trader.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&fuel=&doors=

or you can view it here

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...ler_id=4475665

My wife and I are planning on looking at it tomorrow 9/4/06 so any help/advice would be great!

Thanks in advance.
Steve

 

Doesn't look too bad.
Price is good. KBB is around $14,000

I can only guess but maybe it was a lease?
Go see it, drive it. Make sure it has a warranty. Maybe get the extended warranty for it.
Do you have any friends in your area with WRX's? It would be a good idea to have someone familiar with the car (if you are not) go with you.

The WRX and it's Boxer motor are a bit odd. First impression for a new person is that they sound bad at an idle and there must be something wrong....but that is just the way a Subaru is...has to do with the unequal length exhaust headers.

BTW good choice on going Wagon. And keep us posted on the car. Good Luck!

 

I dont know of anyone in my area with a WRX, Im in northern Arkansas. Im not sure if I'll be able to talk them down to what I can afford which is about 12500-13000. It depends on what the difference would be with my trade in a 2000 tundra limited. If I like how it drives/looks I'll try and talk them down and then if I get a price secured tell them I have decided to trade in afterall?

Anything in particular to look for as far as turbo problems, Ive not owned one before. I thought I read to check it cold and start it up and rev and look for smoke, but thats about all I know.

Thanks for the quick reply/help! Much appreciated.

 

Well, look out for any serious gear problems. 1st gear specifically.
The 2002 had some issues with the tranny and if the car was abused 1st gear tends to be the weak link.

Looking at the pictures you have a boost gauge in there (on the steering column) it should read 1.2 when you get on it at open throttle.

The car will tend to take a bit to get moving at about 3500RPM's is when the turbo will kick in and then you will know what is under the hood.

Being that it is at a Subaru dealer should be a good thing. At least they know what they have.

 

Make sure you check it out thoroughly in person, a clean carfax doesn't always mean the car has not been involved in an accident. It has fairly low miles for an 02, so thats a plus.

 

I know it can be bothersome to repeat info especially for newbies, but I really appreciate the help. Yeah, Im planning on checking it out tomorrow. I think I can spot most problems fairly easy since I've bought a few used cars but the tips you guys gave that are specific to the wrx are great.

Thanks again, and any other input welcomed.

 

Booo don't trust carfax it sucks! it's completely inaccurate it only tells you the service record not accidents

 

Actually the boost gauge should read about .1mpa at full boost.

Check for even tire wear, all body panels line up and have even spacing, check for oil leaks, etc,etc.

 

Wow looks like a beautiful car.
Check it out and make sure though.Also smell the engine oil to
make sure it doesn't smell burnt.
Good luck.

 

Well we didnt get to go last monday on labor day, they were closed but another dealer in the opposite direction was open so I drove an 07. Wow! Nice car! You guys are lucky to own them. Im hoping to see it tomorrow, 9/9 and will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the help!
Steve

 

Looked at the car last weekend. Drove nice, tranny seemed good, 1st and reverse were no problem. The car never reached .1 on the boost gauge, just below it. But seemed to drive well to me.

Salesman went with my wife and I both times. We got back after the second drive and I asked the guy what he could do on the price and he asked me why I wanted a discount! He said they marked them at the bluebook value and priced them to sell and that they dont come down on their prices at all because they are already low. He also informed me that he did not work on commission and that he could sell me any car on the lot and it wouldn't matter to him. I told him that we had looked at several other cars today and that the other salesmen were willing to work with us on the price and then he demanded to know if they had hang tags and prices already marked and when my wife said yes he rudely asked where. She was ready to leave at that point but kept her cool cause she knew I really wanted the car. It wasnt so much what he said but how he said it.

I dealt with the guy before when I looked at a tundra they had. When he found out I looked at one in my hometown that was the same model with fewer miles, new tires, and leather and learned that I had a preauthorized check from my bank he came down $3000 on the spot!

So later when I told him he could sell me the car for my truck trade in plus 8k he was all put out that hed have to have his guy appraise it. They appraise it very low which is what Im sure they did to the person who traded the wrx in. Anyway I figured there might be some wiggle room but he didnt budge on the price, gave me the low end on trade in and slapped $100 doc handling fee onto the sheet he handed me. I looked at it and said thanks and walked away.

Oh and they guy remembered me from before and said didnt you just get that truck a year ago? And I wanted to say yes, and remember how I didnt get it from you because you were a jerk and a half then also, but I didnt.

Anyway, thought we'd give the guy a second chance and he blew it. I dont care what he has Im never giving him my money.

Just my experience with Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville AR, and Johnny the salesmen.