Before I begin, lets get a few things straight. Im not a kid, I know how to drive well and im not looking for a lecutre about you thinking im a kid. Sorry, but some of these post I read you guys bash young kids and what not, just wanted to get the out of the way and get down to business here.

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Hi, I am planning on picking up a 2002 or 2003 (which ever is available that I find here, they seem rare) WRX. I was reading on some of the threads that the 2002 have 1st and 2nd gear problems? Are they bad problems? Will the dealer fix it if its under warrenty? I have my GSR for along time now, but its time to move on. I thought the 2002 or 2003 was a good place to start due to the price. The threads im reading say that 2002 trannys are weak, and from 2003 they beefed them up, This true? How much were they beefed up? Anything important I should know about the 2002-03 before I buy one? Price rang around here is about $18.9 for 35k Ill try to get them down to $17, but well see. How well will the 2002 hold up on the track? Is this were I will find the tranny problems?

I was also thinking (new to subarus so I dont know the interchangability) can you put a 2004 or 2005 STi tranny in a 2003-2004 wrx? If not what other tranny can I put in there? just 2003 wrx? Thanks folks, much appreciated!

 

HEY MAN...I just picked up an '02 rex for $17K in Hawaii (most expensive place in the nation...other than NYC).

Basically, you just have to look for one that's in good mechanical order...check the downshifts especially. You're fairly right about the tranny's lack of robustness. Made up my own word. But, my only real problem has been with getting to downshift into 1st gear where you basically have to wait for it to slow down to like 15 - 20 MPH. This probably could affect your fun factor in an autocross event but doesn't really hurt too bad in day to day driving. Try using Neo-Gen transmission fluid...I've heard that it solves the problem.

No idea about the tranny swap...if you're gonna swap tranny's you might as well swap the STi engine too...do all the work at once and such.

 

Well, as for the getting into first gear, Integras are known for that too. With my GSR I have to be less than 5mph to get it into first, lol. Im use to that now. Im just worried how I read that people have 2002 tranny probs. Is there any reason that I should get a 2003 over a 2002? Its hard enough to find a WRX around here, and if I do find one, its a 2002. Should I rule out getting a 2002 all together?

Thanks guys.

 

about the most expensive places for a wrx u missed the most expensive.... colorado... awd is a big deal out here.

 

I don't remember the 2003's having any different tranny issues than the 2002's. I think it was the 2004's where they really fixed alot of the dropping clutch destruction (to a point).

All in all the wrx tranny is the weak spot on these cars. Too many hard launches and all that power will toast the gearset. The only major solution is to get a sti tranny into the sucker which is not cheap.

Personally though i'd love to see a forrester 5mt in a wrx its to my understanding alot stronger.

 

My '02 has almost 50k miles, well maintained, but I don't drive like a grandma.

My tranny shifts like Butta.... Butta I say!

The only thing I've noticed is the occasional requirement to double-clutch to get into 1st or reverse after the car has been parked.

 

They made the transmission a little stronger in '03. The transmission really isn't all that weak, it just isn't built to handle all of these people who rev to 5k then drop the clutch like dumb asses. A good friend of mine has an '02 and he just rolled 55k miles the other day. For the last 20k miles he has had over 230whp and 220wtq with 0 problems. And he gets on it pretty good. Just don't beat your car and expect it to last forever.

You could put the STi transmission in the car, or you could get an RA gearset, which will likely be a lot cheaper ($2600 or so vs. $6,000 or so + install for the STi 6spd).

 

Whats the RA gearset?
I dont do any hard launches. With my 98GSR now I put the car into gear at about 1k rpms, after its engaged, then Ill floor it. This is fine to do right? and shouldnt cause trouble if I do it in the wrx?
I dont do burn outs, I dont do clutch drops, or **** like that. I know how cluthes work, and replaced mine in my 98GSR when I got it. So I know that work envloved, and rather avoid that. THat is why I dont drive like a dumb ***.


There are about 12 Subaru dealers around me that I gave my info to. Told them i only want a 2003. Not a 2002 due to the tranny being weaker.


My question is, should I really limit my choice to only 2003? Should I open up to 2002 ? 2003 around here is VERY rare, im yet to see one.
Thanks for the help! Ohh, keep in mind, I am only going to buy from subaru. Im getting the extended warrenty....mainly for the tranny. Lol.