Hi,

I am selling my 2002 WRX and I am looking for something a litter newer. I am considering buying either another 2005 WRX or STi. The STi would obviously have higher mileage, but I have seen a few for sale for around 16k with about 70-80k miles on them. I also make a good amount of trips to the sierras in the winter, so something with AWD would be great but not mandatory. I also considered a s2000, but I think that may be a little too impractical. If you have any other ideas for cars in the 16k range (used) that are fun to drive and reasonable to maintain, please let me know. Thanks.

 

just know with a higher mileage to be ready to start replacing stuff around 100k. i got my 05 with 90k and needed a new radiator, brakes, and the schedueled timing belt change within the first year basically.

 

How have you liked your higher mileage STi? Besides the maintenance issues, have there been any other issues? I don't know if it would be better to buy a lower mileage WRX or a higher mileage STi if I decide to stick with a Subaru.

 

EVO IX and make gobs of powwwwaaaaaaa

 

take into consideration insurance rates! I'd prefer a lower mileage wrx but that's just me. Reasons being, if you get lucky, you can find unmolested ones. Most sti's will have been driven harder than a wrx.

 

The IX's are basicaly the same price as the X's lol, those damn things have held their value like a ****. A VIII would be doable for his price range though, I have seen some 04-05 STi's for pretty cheap lately too.

 

Pretty nice stock STi
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2121991388.html

Pretty clean Evo VIII few issues but priced right.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2129999037.html

 

good finds, that sti looks so delicious

 

No real issues beside maintenance. It does put a stupid smile on your face for sure when you drive it the first time too. I just make sure to change all the fluids with quality stuff (German Castrol for engine w/ OEM or Pureolator PureONE filter, OEM fluid for LSD, Amsoil SVG for tranny). I changed out all the accessory belts with Gates stuff too as they were worn. I changed the brake pads about 6 months ago but now my rotors need to be replaced, and those can be expensive. Get it check over by a mechanic before hand for sure. It's the little things that can add up and can be looked over. But I am glad I got this over a WRX. Just have some spare cash right away to take care of stuff like this as it comes up.

 

+1 to that. I myself prefer a low mileage wrx. Not only because you can find more unmolested than most Evo's but also because they are cost effective and still offer almost everything you need with little maintenance other than the basics.

I picked up MY06 CGM wrx for 12.8k, came lowered w/ a Pioneer double din, speakers, and HID's W/ 28k miles and was salvaged from theft. Most likely insurance fraud from first owner. No damage at all to the car, engine was strong and inspected. Changed the spark plugs, oil, oil filter, and air filter and passed emissions no problemo.

I'm afraid of high mileage sports cars like STi's/WRX's/Evo's because I know they're often beat on and I don't want to have to deal with the damage.

 

s2000's are sick but very impractical. Two seater rwd is very playboy, but no good for sierra trips or much else.

Evo's are nice, but harsh. STi is a good bet.

 

When you buy a used WRX or STi you would be foolish to assume it hasn't been beaten like a redheaded stepchild. The key factor is to buy from somebody that has done all the proper maintenance and has cared for it. In my experience these cars can take a beating and last if you maintain them. I'd rather buy a modded STi from a subie freak like me rather than a stock wrx from some kid who takes the car to jiffy lube every 10k miles.

 

Also I forgot to mention, I switched from an 02 WRX to my 04 STi (both used) and I don't regret it one bit If you can afford all the associated costs such as insurance, brake jobs and maintenance go for it! The 2.5L STi is a whole different animal than the 2.0 WRX.

 

you want bigger and more reliable power go evo

 

+1 but be prepared for the costs that come along with it. Same goes for the STi