Buying '04 WRX Wagon, some q's
 

Thinking about buying my friends '04 WRX Wagon to use as a car for winter to take snowboarding. She is the 2nd owner, and has not had it long, decided its not the right car for her so while I trust her I don't know its total history. I already have a sports car for modding so Im not looking to mod the wrx (although it will be hard).

I did a few searches, but didn't completly find answers to some questions I had.

I know the gearbox can be an issue. I definitely noticed it is hard to get into 1st and reverse in this car. Are those gears generally harder to engage, or is this a sign of tranny problems arising?

The car has kinda high miles (55K) but it's a '04 and its mostly freeway miles. Do these cars have history of turbo failures or anything else? The car has a Vishnu chip, but it has otherwise not been modded.

Any tips on what I should look for that is subaru specific. I know to look for crash damage, etc.. Im more looking for a heads up on other issues.

thanks, and sorry for the newbie post.

since it has a vishnu chip, i assume whom ever had it prob drove a bit harder than your friend. 1st/reverse gear being hard to shift in is pretty common. they don't have that great of a synchro to my knowledge. other wise great snow car, if you are gonna keep it mostly stock, just get a larger rear sway bar to fix the under steer, and you will be good to go.

Welcome to i-Club Kem.
If this women didn't reglect to do the proper maintenance
intervals and oil changes the car should be in great condition.
55K miles is just above normal mileage and if the car was driven
mostly freeway than their should not be alot of wear and tear on
the engine.If it has a Vishnu chip it could have been driven hard
by your friend or the owner brfore her.An 04 WRX wagon is very
dependable and reliable as long as you treat the car correctly and
do the proper maintenance it requires it will last a long time to come.
I have not heard about turbo failure very much on these cars and it
is quite rare from what I hear and see.Just ask your friend to see the
maintenance records and ask her how she treated the car that will
tell the tale.

Subarus, when properly maintained and whatnot, tend to last a while...esp. the motors (provided the previous owners weren't abusing it). I think you'll be happy with the wagon. As previously stated, just ask to see the maintenance papers/documents and keep an ear open for any odd sounds when test-driving. Good luck with your decision!

My 05' Wagon has the same issues w/ 1st and 5th sometimes. I find it helps to push the clutch all the way in before putting into gear.