Things to look for when buying a pre-owned Rex?
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Things to look for when buying a pre-owned Rex?
Hello I-Club Members,
I will be purchasing a WRX soon with somewhat high mileage.
So what things should I pay attention to?
How long does the turbo last on this car. I never had problems with tt-z so I hope this turbo is reliable as well.
I test drove one few days ago and it was hesitating above 3K RPM. I wonder what it was. It was MY02 WRX wagon 5spd.
Any imput is appreciated. Thanks.
I will be purchasing a WRX soon with somewhat high mileage.
So what things should I pay attention to?
How long does the turbo last on this car. I never had problems with tt-z so I hope this turbo is reliable as well.
I test drove one few days ago and it was hesitating above 3K RPM. I wonder what it was. It was MY02 WRX wagon 5spd.
Any imput is appreciated. Thanks.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 829
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Car Info: 2004 WRX in WR Blue
If it is an 02 I would check the transmission first. The turbos in subarus are very reliable but consider the persons age when buying that owned the car. If he was yournger, chances are, it has been run a bit
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Posts: 3,928
From: ...a craphole in No.County San Diego
Car Info: MMVI AW WRX STI
I think the turbo would be the least of my worries. They should last until 100k, and I believe are warrantied until 60k as part of the powertrain. That being said, if it blows you can pick up a used high quality one for <$200 easily. Takes 2 hours for a lame-oh like me to swap it.
I would look at the ECU harness and surrounding bolts, and see if they look like there has been a piggyback or just alot of in-and-out with the ECU. You never know what crazy badly tuned ECU/UTEC was in there.
I would also look closely at the turbo->downpipe bolts, see if there was an exhaust on there. Examine the boost control hoses to make sure they are hooked up correctly (if someone used to have a boost controller and hooked it up wrong), maybe take a local member with a WRX along.
I'd like to look at the plugs for signs of det. Maybe get a compression/leakdown test. Scratch that, I'd DEFINITELY get a C/L test unless you're 100% on the car's history...these engines last a long time when treated well, but can be destroyed by bad treatment.
Lilke someone mentioned, I'd thoroughly run through the gears at many speeds, shifting fast and slow, up and down. Maybe even drain it and see if there are any large chunks visible.
I would have a mechanic check it thoroughly if the history was at all suspect.
Good luck! Let us know when you get one!
I would look at the ECU harness and surrounding bolts, and see if they look like there has been a piggyback or just alot of in-and-out with the ECU. You never know what crazy badly tuned ECU/UTEC was in there.
I would also look closely at the turbo->downpipe bolts, see if there was an exhaust on there. Examine the boost control hoses to make sure they are hooked up correctly (if someone used to have a boost controller and hooked it up wrong), maybe take a local member with a WRX along.
I'd like to look at the plugs for signs of det. Maybe get a compression/leakdown test. Scratch that, I'd DEFINITELY get a C/L test unless you're 100% on the car's history...these engines last a long time when treated well, but can be destroyed by bad treatment.
Lilke someone mentioned, I'd thoroughly run through the gears at many speeds, shifting fast and slow, up and down. Maybe even drain it and see if there are any large chunks visible.
I would have a mechanic check it thoroughly if the history was at all suspect.
Good luck! Let us know when you get one!
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Originally posted by mexicanpizza
Oh yah, and pay attention to the clutch wear...if its the stocker it might be getting time to replace...which ain't cheap. ~$800-1000
Oh yah, and pay attention to the clutch wear...if its the stocker it might be getting time to replace...which ain't cheap. ~$800-1000
I had many nissans and never replaced a clutch and they went well over 150K miles. The cars been to the track few times.
Thanks.
1. Transmittion
2. Check and see if there is/ are any race bred products on the car (if there were then check the net and do reasearch on them and see how harmful they were to the car)
3. Hope you get a good deal and if you do end up buying it welcome to I-Club for good !
"Go big or go home"
WRX Rush
2. Check and see if there is/ are any race bred products on the car (if there were then check the net and do reasearch on them and see how harmful they were to the car)
3. Hope you get a good deal and if you do end up buying it welcome to I-Club for good !
"Go big or go home"
WRX Rush
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I would definitely take it to a mechanic. A dealership tried to pull a fast one on my friend and we took it to a mechanic to find that even though the car fax checked out clean, the car looked like a salvage title. There were welding spots on the suspension which we couldn't notice until it was up on a lift, not to mention uneven wear on the tires. But yea everything else they said above I agree with as well.
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