Buying a 2002 WRX (help!)
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Buying a 2002 WRX (help!)
My brother just called me the other day, asking about our Dad's friend's WRX whom I had the pleasure of driving for a couple of days. It's a 2002 sedan, blue in color.
Now I have some questions for you guys:
1) What options were available on these cars? The only one I know of are the dealer installed boost guages which the car does not have. No big deal. The car I drove did have power everything (no sunroof though...did they come with a sunroof?), and no leather.
2) How are the brakes on these cars? My family has owned a few Legacys and Outbacks and I've noticed that the brakes on all of them have sucked a big one, and the WRX was no exception. When I first started driving, I noticed that they were alright, but nothing to write home about. Then as I started driving a bit more spiritedly, the brakes started fading BIG TIME. Are there any sort of OEM+ brake mods that are possible, such as installing STI brakes or anything like that? Do WRX brakes usually suck (and yes I understand it is an AWD car so the brakes aren't going to be as good...I think?) or is this just an isolated incident?
3) What are some problems with 2002's?
4) I know that WRX's are very cheap to mod, but my brother is not into modding, so I just want to know what are some mods that must be done. When I say must be done, I don't mean to imply they are manditory, but what are some general upgrades that most WRX owners do when they first buy their cars?
Anyways, thanks for reading and I hope I get some good answers
Now I have some questions for you guys:
1) What options were available on these cars? The only one I know of are the dealer installed boost guages which the car does not have. No big deal. The car I drove did have power everything (no sunroof though...did they come with a sunroof?), and no leather.
2) How are the brakes on these cars? My family has owned a few Legacys and Outbacks and I've noticed that the brakes on all of them have sucked a big one, and the WRX was no exception. When I first started driving, I noticed that they were alright, but nothing to write home about. Then as I started driving a bit more spiritedly, the brakes started fading BIG TIME. Are there any sort of OEM+ brake mods that are possible, such as installing STI brakes or anything like that? Do WRX brakes usually suck (and yes I understand it is an AWD car so the brakes aren't going to be as good...I think?) or is this just an isolated incident?
3) What are some problems with 2002's?
4) I know that WRX's are very cheap to mod, but my brother is not into modding, so I just want to know what are some mods that must be done. When I say must be done, I don't mean to imply they are manditory, but what are some general upgrades that most WRX owners do when they first buy their cars?
Anyways, thanks for reading and I hope I get some good answers
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1. There were a TON of options, including wing, short shift, upgraded stereo, security, 17" wheels, etc, etc. No sunroof or heated seat option for '02/'03 unless the dealership had some kind of special thing going. I think some people got leather but I think that was also a dealer thing.
2. The WRX brakes are ok stock. You can easily upgrade them with some better pads, stainless steel lines and better fluid. The fluid is the real important factor there. If you wanna spend a bit more cash, you can get kits like stoptech or STi brakes.
3. '02s had a clutch shudder problem, which basically made the car shake a bit when you were starting to go in the cold. Subaru released a TSB and if the car is within warranty, you *should* be able to get the issue resolved. There was also a recent recall on the cruise control. Take that in to a dealer for resolution.
4. As far as mandatory mods, I'd say you personally would probably want to do something about the brakes. You definitely want to replace the steering rack bushings ($30). I'd say an ECU reflash should be mandatory as they make the car SO much more driveable. Only problem is, once you start doing these things and noticing large improvements, it's hard to stop
2. The WRX brakes are ok stock. You can easily upgrade them with some better pads, stainless steel lines and better fluid. The fluid is the real important factor there. If you wanna spend a bit more cash, you can get kits like stoptech or STi brakes.
3. '02s had a clutch shudder problem, which basically made the car shake a bit when you were starting to go in the cold. Subaru released a TSB and if the car is within warranty, you *should* be able to get the issue resolved. There was also a recent recall on the cruise control. Take that in to a dealer for resolution.
4. As far as mandatory mods, I'd say you personally would probably want to do something about the brakes. You definitely want to replace the steering rack bushings ($30). I'd say an ECU reflash should be mandatory as they make the car SO much more driveable. Only problem is, once you start doing these things and noticing large improvements, it's hard to stop
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8
Originally Posted by sonicsuby
1. There were a TON of options, including wing, short shift, upgraded stereo, security, 17" wheels, etc, etc. No sunroof or heated seat option for '02/'03 unless the dealership had some kind of special thing going. I think some people got leather but I think that was also a dealer thing.
2. The WRX brakes are ok stock. You can easily upgrade them with some better pads, stainless steel lines and better fluid. The fluid is the real important factor there. If you wanna spend a bit more cash, you can get kits like stoptech or STi brakes.
3. '02s had a clutch shudder problem, which basically made the car shake a bit when you were starting to go in the cold. Subaru released a TSB and if the car is within warranty, you *should* be able to get the issue resolved. There was also a recent recall on the cruise control. Take that in to a dealer for resolution.
4. As far as mandatory mods, I'd say you personally would probably want to do something about the brakes. You definitely want to replace the steering rack bushings ($30). I'd say an ECU reflash should be mandatory as they make the car SO much more driveable. Only problem is, once you start doing these things and noticing large improvements, it's hard to stop
2. The WRX brakes are ok stock. You can easily upgrade them with some better pads, stainless steel lines and better fluid. The fluid is the real important factor there. If you wanna spend a bit more cash, you can get kits like stoptech or STi brakes.
3. '02s had a clutch shudder problem, which basically made the car shake a bit when you were starting to go in the cold. Subaru released a TSB and if the car is within warranty, you *should* be able to get the issue resolved. There was also a recent recall on the cruise control. Take that in to a dealer for resolution.
4. As far as mandatory mods, I'd say you personally would probably want to do something about the brakes. You definitely want to replace the steering rack bushings ($30). I'd say an ECU reflash should be mandatory as they make the car SO much more driveable. Only problem is, once you start doing these things and noticing large improvements, it's hard to stop
What is this ECU reflash you talk of? Im in the market of getting a 2002 as well.
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Originally Posted by ragejed
What is this ECU reflash you talk of? Im in the market of getting a 2002 as well.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 173
From: New York
Car Info: 2002 WRX wagon
My '02 WRX wagon had the clutch shudder, which my dealership fixed upon request, along with the cruise control recall. It engages more easily, smoothly and does so well even my wife noticed it. You can get dealer-Subie approved improved exhaust from some authorized dealers (about $1K, tho), gauges which impress the chicks, maybe, better brakes, tires, etc.,etc. Caution: reflashing could cause you a warranty problem. My suggestion: start from stock, then scoop the forums for what others have done, decide if you really want all those mods (or some of them) and then have a blast! You'll find yourself tagging with Evos, BMW's and loads of wannabies who have no real idea of what the little grey wagon can do. Live!
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24
From: New Jersey
Car Info: 2002 Subaru WRX
'03 Maybe?
I'd look at an '03. It looks the same and they fixed a few issues (apparently).
The short-throw shifter is a must.. the standard shifter felt like I was shifting a tractor. Anyone agree?
The short-throw shifter is a must.. the standard shifter felt like I was shifting a tractor. Anyone agree?
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From: Funtown
Car Info: A limousine with a chauffer
Originally Posted by dynamicprojeKtz
be careful with the weak transmission. i also believe that the 02's had a clutch shudder problem.
The transmission isn't weak, it's just the weakest link between the motor and your tires when you drop the clutch. See, due to the AWD, all of the force is sent through the transmission and driveline and little if any energy is expelled through the wheels through wheel spin. When transmission twists to far..pop. That's what the issue is.
I've got a friend running 230whp on his WRX with STOCK transmission for about 10,000 miles or so now..no problems.
A tbe is a good way to free up some power. If you want to keep any warranty if there still is one, then don't mod. Wait then do brakes(better pads, ss brake lines, and better fluid), tires(make sure you get the re92's off there if they still are on there), TBE(get a decent turboback), uppipe(will spool better), and if you have the cash go for a Cobb accessport(stage 2 if you have a TBE), Suspension(maybe just struts and springs or pop for coilovers), maybe swaybars too. These are some simple bolt on mods that will make a very subsatnsial difference in the performance of a wrx. It will be very easy to live with and there shouldn't be any issuses as long as you go with good parts. Also if it's a 2002 make sure all the maintenance was kept up. It almost 3 years old. Depending on mileage it may need some things. Take care of any problems first, then mod. m2c
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Car Info: WRB STi Hatch, JSW Diesel
Originally Posted by sonicsuby
I think you should edit your post to say "don't drop the clutch and abuse your car or you could kill the transmission"
The transmission isn't weak, it's just the weakest link between the motor and your tires when you drop the clutch. See, due to the AWD, all of the force is sent through the transmission and driveline and little if any energy is expelled through the wheels through wheel spin. When transmission twists to far..pop. That's what the issue is.
I've got a friend running 230whp on his WRX with STOCK transmission for about 10,000 miles or so now..no problems.
The transmission isn't weak, it's just the weakest link between the motor and your tires when you drop the clutch. See, due to the AWD, all of the force is sent through the transmission and driveline and little if any energy is expelled through the wheels through wheel spin. When transmission twists to far..pop. That's what the issue is.
I've got a friend running 230whp on his WRX with STOCK transmission for about 10,000 miles or so now..no problems.
mm...sorry
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