Hey guys, I am considering a WRX as a replacement for my current beater. I was wondering how reliable are these things, I read through a few posts and it seems you guys go through as many problems as my Nissan has. I have an 02 Altima 2.5slow, gone through 2 trannys, getting its 2nd engine right now and has gone through plenty of interior parts. I have 38k right now and am considering just selling it after the new engine goes in and getting a WRX (only other car besides the V6 Altima that has any appeal to me in the price range, also considering that I just had an Altima with tons of problems wouldnt want to experience it again).

Also wondering if there is any difference between a 2003 and 2004 besides the exterior, I want to look for an 03 because I like the more aggressive front.

Any help would be great,
Thanks
-Nick

 

WOW!! What was going on with that car?! Are you beating on it or what? That's incredible amount of shop time on a car that is only about two years old.
Anyway, on your original question, the WRX's seem reliable. I've never had a problem with my car. I've heard other people with different mods on their cars and drive them pretty hard without any problems either. So, I would say they are good cars. Just take care of them and they will take care of you.

 

I'll admit I have a lead foot, but my previous cars, 86' 300zx, 155,555 miles on it (still runs very strong, no loss in compression), I owned it since 146,000 miles, I didnt drive it much when I was 16, had it for a year, got a 97 Maxima (83,000), had that for about 25,000 miles and neither of these cars gave me any trouble. I raced the Maxima the most I think at the street legals back when they were less popular and busted up. I drove the Altima just as hard, maybe even easier because the tranny was changed at 2,000 miles and I knew the car was junk after that. Almost at the 40,000 mile mark and I am glad I have a 75,000 mile warranty that will give me a loaner car while the work is being performed.

I'd do enjoy a good drag race now and then when people come knockin. However, I also enjoy a good handling car, my Altima handles very nicely, especially on 245/45/18 tires, but the lack of off the line traction sucks. If I ever need to take off to beat oncomming traffic, I cant, the car just spins the front wheels to easily, even when slipping the clutch (not because its powerful, just low weight + decent torque).

If I got a WRX, it would get raced on rare occasions, I know my fights and only fight if I stand a chance.

I changed the oil on my Altima every 3,000 miles even though recommended was 3,500, I took it to nissan with 2,800 since last oil change (knowing there was at least 1qt burned) and told them it makes funny noises (valves or lifter rattling), they called me and said it has no oil and tried blamming it on me, luckily I kept the reciept of the last oil change which nissan did because of a recall. They took full responsibility.

I think I will make a stop to Subie dealer tomorrow and see what the sticker prices are on the 03's...maybe I can put this Nissan up for sale soon

 

Yeah, I know the whole year depreciation deal, although I got 1000 off buying a 02(instead of 03) Turbo Honda PWC, I would expect more off from a car.

I am gonna go to Irvine Subaru, you live in OC you know where it is, I was over there the other day but just looked at the cars on the front lot and just eyein the STi, what a sweet ride, but for 30k, I rather get a Mustang Cobra.

What color/year did you end up going with? What city you drive in?

 

yeah the 03 is getting increasingly harder to find....I would go with the 03 though if you want that body style....I've heard rumors that Subaru had problems with the 02 transmission that they fixed on the 03

 

If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for your car.

 

I think a wrex is a bit more fun,

 

Wow, my car isnt even worth half that....I guess I will have to part it out and see what I can do

Thanks for the help/info, much appreciated



For Sale, $14k obo Just dont read above this post