Hello....new guy no clue :)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
From: Hayward, California
Car Info: 1992 Toyota Supra
Hello....new guy no clue :)
Hi guys/gals
Just joined recently and i the market to get a WRX. I come from many years of being a Supra enthusiast and currently own a 1992 MkIII supra with a 1.JZ twin turbo.
I am deciding to go for my other love now that i have a family so the Subaru fits the bill for me.
I am looking to get an 2003 WRX .
Anything I should know about and look out for?
Thanks in advance.
Just joined recently and i the market to get a WRX. I come from many years of being a Supra enthusiast and currently own a 1992 MkIII supra with a 1.JZ twin turbo.
I am deciding to go for my other love now that i have a family so the Subaru fits the bill for me.
I am looking to get an 2003 WRX .
Anything I should know about and look out for?
Thanks in advance.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 625
From: Wyoming
Car Info: 1996 Impreza Brighton bone stock sadly
AWD will be your best friend, I went to from a 1993 Pontiac Bonneville to my 1996 Impreza and the handling diffrence is amazing, AWD is definantly better, welcome to i-club and enjoy your stay
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
From: Hayward, California
Car Info: 1992 Toyota Supra
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,030
From: In Mother Russia...
Car Info: ...zeh car drives you!
First of all, welcome to the site
Not sure if you know these already, but some basic things I always keep in mind...
- Always look for as complete maintenance records as possible, especially with high performance turbo cars; you want to make sure that the owner did not skimp out on keeping the car in shape (scheduled maintenance, synthetic oil, etc)
- Run a CarxFax history report on the VIN; though keep in mind it's not always a complete picture because some accidents/mishaps do not always end up getting reported.
- See if the owner will agree to a compression/leakdown test; this will tell how healthy the engine is...You are looking for steady/consistent compression hold over all cylinders with minimal leakage...If there are any large variations, its an indications something might be bad
- Obviously stay away from "salvage" type titles
- Look for the condition of the big things that the seller might be hoping to avoid replacing if they do not have a lot of life left; like clutch, rotors, pads, tires, etc...I know when my clutch was on its way out, I was starting to hear a high pitching whirring/whinnying noise every time I disengaged the clutch. According to the mechanic it was the clutch throw bearing...
- Look for any recalls the vehicle could have had and check that the owner took care of them.
- Check that all the rubber hoses are in order, there are no leaks (ex, boost). Don't be afraid to ask to jack the car up to check out the under-body to any leaks, cracks, rust, etc.
- If the car has been already modified definitely do a compression/leakdown test and insist on having the car inspected by one of the local performance shops; any listed in the Vendor Forum area are a good start...My personal recommendation are the guys at GST Motorsports. You want to make sure you will not be pay to have the mods re-done correctly down the road...
That's about it...I will edit the post if I think of anything...Hope this helps
Not sure if you know these already, but some basic things I always keep in mind...
- Always look for as complete maintenance records as possible, especially with high performance turbo cars; you want to make sure that the owner did not skimp out on keeping the car in shape (scheduled maintenance, synthetic oil, etc)
- Run a CarxFax history report on the VIN; though keep in mind it's not always a complete picture because some accidents/mishaps do not always end up getting reported.
- See if the owner will agree to a compression/leakdown test; this will tell how healthy the engine is...You are looking for steady/consistent compression hold over all cylinders with minimal leakage...If there are any large variations, its an indications something might be bad
- Obviously stay away from "salvage" type titles
- Look for the condition of the big things that the seller might be hoping to avoid replacing if they do not have a lot of life left; like clutch, rotors, pads, tires, etc...I know when my clutch was on its way out, I was starting to hear a high pitching whirring/whinnying noise every time I disengaged the clutch. According to the mechanic it was the clutch throw bearing...
- Look for any recalls the vehicle could have had and check that the owner took care of them.
- Check that all the rubber hoses are in order, there are no leaks (ex, boost). Don't be afraid to ask to jack the car up to check out the under-body to any leaks, cracks, rust, etc.
- If the car has been already modified definitely do a compression/leakdown test and insist on having the car inspected by one of the local performance shops; any listed in the Vendor Forum area are a good start...My personal recommendation are the guys at GST Motorsports. You want to make sure you will not be pay to have the mods re-done correctly down the road...
That's about it...I will edit the post if I think of anything...Hope this helps
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 842
From: San Jose CA
Car Info: 2005 WRX STi, 1993 240sx (going under knife soon)
Welcome. And just think, now that you have a Suby, you can own fools in the same way as you did with your MKIII (I'm assuming you did, or at least you had the capability to), but now you can have three more people inside!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
From: Hayward, California
Car Info: 1992 Toyota Supra
lol..hey guys thanks for the warm welcome and thanks for wonderful comments about my Supra. Yes I do love it. I have two of these and they are both exactly same year/color options etc lol. I do keep my cars in excellent condition.
As far as trade goes, I offered it to two guys, one sid no
( wrxisthebest) and the other guy needed a bit cash in the last minute lol.
Either way, I will be able to sell it as I have been given an offer enough to buy me an 03 - 04 wrx.
Once tuned, on stock twins, car should make close to 400 HP .... and its is already a blast to drive
I've been to the I-club meets with my Supra few times at the Union City Krispy creme. I may go again tomorrow..so if anyone of you is here, please look for MOE and say what's
wrxisthebest - thanks for pointing me to this site.
Moe
As far as trade goes, I offered it to two guys, one sid no
( wrxisthebest) and the other guy needed a bit cash in the last minute lol. Either way, I will be able to sell it as I have been given an offer enough to buy me an 03 - 04 wrx.
Once tuned, on stock twins, car should make close to 400 HP .... and its is already a blast to drive

I've been to the I-club meets with my Supra few times at the Union City Krispy creme. I may go again tomorrow..so if anyone of you is here, please look for MOE and say what's

wrxisthebest - thanks for pointing me to this site.
Moe
Registered User
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,171
From: Arnold, CA
Car Info: 2003 PSM WRX, 80 Brat ready for Chevy 350 Swap.
no prob man..
sorry i can't take the supra.. wish i could.. i just need awd right now as i drive to school and back everyday.. 90 miles a day!
u have no clue a supra is my dream car.. it is so hard to say no...
peace
ryan~
sorry i can't take the supra.. wish i could.. i just need awd right now as i drive to school and back everyday.. 90 miles a day!
u have no clue a supra is my dream car.. it is so hard to say no...

peace
ryan~




why? 
