Is there a difference between 2002 and 2003 WRX? US version
 

Hello,
I'm looking to buy a WRX next week. I got very good qutes from dealers and I got a good quote on a 2002 left over. I'd like to find out if there is a difference in these two cars? Any new modifications were done? I searched all over and can't find anything about this. I read somewhere there is a key ring around the ingnition lock now on 2003. Is that true?
Thanks

I've heard there's been some changes made to the clutch assembly...to help prevent damage from hard starts.

Anything else? I have price quote difference of 1k. One grand less and I get 2002 or one grand more and I get 2003. I don't know what is worth it.
Thanks

2002 or 2003
 

I think halfway through the 2003 production run, they are changing the lights, and I think adding a bigger scoop, thats what I have read.

That's the WRX Sti you're thinking of. The '04 STi model will be released around June, and have the new headlights. The WRX will have the bug eyes until the '04 models are released late next year (supposedly, nothing confirmed, but the style wouldn't change halfway through a model year).

As for the differences, there weren't many between '02 and '03, mostly things being added standard on the RS and TS Imprezas. I've heard unconfirmed reports that clutch components were upgraded on the WRX. If that's the case, it'd definitely be worth it to go for the '03, I've heard of a lot of experienced manual drivers having problems with stock cars with clutches going bad prematurely and being replaced under warranty with '03 parts. Obviously it's not enough of an issue to be a "confirmed problem" or warrant a recall, but if I were buying a WRX I'd go for the '03 for the peace of mind (and future resale value).

new clutch parts
 

I wonder if the new clutch parts will get rid of the chatter when the car is cold? I have owned a 1998 2.5RS, it didn't chatter, a 2000 2.5RS, and it chattered, and now I have 2002 WRX and it is chattering slightly with onlyt 5,000 miles on it, but oh well. It only does it when it is cold, and doesn't seem to affect the driveability, it is more an annoyance. Go for the '03 or wait for the STi

CLUTCH and others
 

the drivetrain was changed a bit, the clutch received a restrictor to prevent total clutch drop(which is extremely hard on gears) also there is a lighted key ring. also there are more available dealer installed options.

vadim
 

A car looses most of its value in the first year, they should defnately be giving you more than a grand. Especially if it is a leftover that has been test driven. the first WRX I test drove was a 02 with like 150 miles on it. And this dealership lets you rought the car up a little.
As far as differences go I heard the clutch thing also. and they offer more available options. Available not standard.

The 2002 I'm offered doesn't have any miles. I will go see it on suturday. I don't want any options. It has fiber trim panel installed and an arm extension.
I think standard options are the same. They are giving me that car for 22k even. I'm offered 2003 for 23k. I don't like any options they offer except the spoiler. Wheels, suspension, muffler, body kit and all the other crap is useless to me. I'm not sure what I should do, I'll be at my dealer where I bought a legacy this august to discuss a 03 WRX. Not sure what I'll come up with, but I got a really good deal on a 02 legacy, it had 5 miles on it and was 18.3k. Way below the invoice.
So I'll have to see what he can offer me, this guy doesn't deal over the phone nor do I want him to.

With the one year of depreciation you get automatically on the '02, I'd buy the '03 for only 1K more. Since I don't own a WRX, I can't tell whether or not you're getting a good deal at those prices, but when you resell the car, you'll make your $1k back on the 03 (IMHO).

edit: oh, and I agree with the guy who said you should be able to talk them out of more than the grand they're offering on the 02... possibly making it a better deal. I bought a new 98 Integra GSR in October of 98 and got a good deal on it.

I am also planning to go to the dealer on Sunday to look for a 02 WRX but my main concern is the new STi. I am 16 and don't know if it is worth all my extra money to get the STi (not even sure I can afford it). Another concern is the new facia change. I wouldn't like driving the *old* WRX~

Whatever shall I do?