Okay so the day has FINALLY come where I have saved enough to start actually shopping for cars. Im meeting someone tomorrow to look at his 2003 sedona red WRX. Car has new headlights, suspension, and wheels, thats it. Has 103,000 miles.

Just was wondering if anyone has pointers of little things to look for on these cars when buying them?

Thanks!
Colton

 

Congratulations on being able to purchase a Subaru Colton.
I would buy a Subaru with the least amount of miles I could.
Drive the car and see if you hear any odd or suspicious noises
coming from the enigne compartment or the bottom of the car
where the transmission is located.
Make sure all the body lines match up (no car accidents).
Overall Subarus are excellent vehicles to own and they hold
their resale value very well.
Look around in your area I'm sure you will find a nice used Subaru.
Do a carfax on the Subaru you choice to look at before you buy.
Happy Subaru shopping!
www.autotrader.com
www.cars.com
www.carfax.com

 

Thanks I will keep that stuff in mind! Im so excited ahaha

 

Try and buy stock wrx if possible with least amount of miles, the higher the miles expect abuse from time to time from owner. Check engine hoses, screws etc for any signs of damage or normal wear and tear from modifying car. Check under the car if possible for damage as well. Check the paint in sunlight to see if paint colors don't match correctly from previous body work.

Just be smart when buying a car, ppl become overly excited sometimes and buy or make decisions based of emotions instead logic. Be calm and cool when you check out the car - but be excited when drive it home.

 

When you find one you are really interested in, take it to be checked out by an independent mechanic who knows Subarus. It will cost money, but it will be worth it.

 

Okay I looked/drove it today. Overall the car was really nice and clean. Thinking about making an offer, but is anyone firmiliar with "the STi knock"? The car has v7 STi suspension and when going 5-15 mph it makes a little sound. The guy selling me the car said it was common and isnt hurting anything, and I have every reason to believe him because hes a good guy. But does anyone know anything about it?

 

I dont own an STi but I have heard about that suspension knock your talking about

 

My brother's 02 WRX makes the same knock/creak noise
in the same mph range when going over bumps or dips in
the road.I belive it's normal in all WRX's and STi's from
what I have seen.Since the WRX you are looking at has
100K miles I wouldn't expect the suspension to be tight.
Look toward though to probably replacing the shocks
and struts in the future.Good luck I hope your vehicle
search works out.

 

Okay thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure that it was a common thing. Anyone know anything about the life of the turbo in WRX's?

Sorry if Im asking a lot of questions I just want to be thorough.