Should I Buy This?

[SubaruTechnica]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3161520161.html

Tell me what you guys think about this car.. I'm looking to buy at STi, but don't quiet have the money. A good one around here without much done to it would go for around $20K or so with about 70k+ miles on it. This is just a WRX '04 but it's got some STi mods, visually at least. Performance wise I don't see much besides a BOV, exhaust and a Cobb accessport (stage 2). It's got 135k miles on it and I can get it for around 12k or a little less.

Does anyone have experience with a '04 WRX? And if so, is this car worth it for the price? Also, would you think I would run into many maintenance problems that would cost a lot of money?

I talked to the current owner and he said everything runs great so I would like your guys' opinions. Thanks.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I autocross with a guy with an '04 WRX. He says that he likes it, and is decently fast in it.


I haven't yet seen one of them break down, at an event. It seems, though, that no one does; the people who put their cars on the track also seem to be the ones who care to maintain their cars. Maybe you can ask, if he uses it on a track or in a competition, to see about how often he "maintains" it, or even simply ask if he has receipts for the modifications, and all of the oil changes, tire changes, brake changes, etc., that he's done. Certainly, with 135k miles, he's done a lot of mileage, but, if he has maintained it well enough, that should be simple.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Yea Subaru's seems to be a pretty tough car. I just don't want to get fooled into buying a halfway broken ride. That car, to me, is beautiful and I really want it. I got approved for a loan and I have the money and everything. However, I'm hesitant to make the decision.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Yea Subaru's seems to be a pretty tough car. I just don't want to get fooled into buying a halfway broken ride. That car, to me, is beautiful and I really want it. I got approved for a loan and I have the money and everything. However, I'm hesitant to make the decision.

If he has receipts, etc., it's best to do that, or ask "Show me the carfax."


Certainly, though, I understand the worry. I wish you luck.

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

High mileage Rexes usually have problems in the drivetrain ( clutch, pressure plate, gearbox, diff ), even more likely if the car was thrashed or driven hard - the usual launching from standing still at the lights. If you decide to test drive the car, try to change into all gears at various speed, usually badly treated car have the 2nd or 3rd gear not very smooth. If you encounter crunching changes, or the clutch makes noises when depressed, prepare to spend more money to maintain/fix in the future. It will be even better to get 3rd opinion from a trusted mechanic. Try to get full lock to lock of the steering while driving around wide corners, look for odd sounds or irregularity on the steering. You should also ask about the brakes, the front/rear caliper and pads condition, they are often neglected.

By the way, I saw the pictures of the car, pretty good from what I can see, bear in mind that the car sitting very low, look for underbody / suspension damages, sometimes lowered car got rough treatment from the road. He said he changed the bumper, just to be safe, make a thorough inspection around the engine bay, radiator, headlights housing, and you might as well inspect the rear.

Those are some of the things I usually do when buying a used car, I hope the car is great.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Adding to what Ridox said, as I fully agree:

Finally:

Look at the rims, closely. If you see scratches, or abrasions, on the rims, you'll likely have alignment issues.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

If he has receipts, etc., it's best to do that, or ask "Show me the carfax."


Certainly, though, I understand the worry. I wish you luck.

He said he's got the receipts so hopefully I can meet with him and work out a deal. As of now, I've talked him down to 11k. One of my dads very good friends is a pretty handy mechanic. Maybe I could get him to go with me to take a look at the car 💡

High mileage Rexes usually have problems in the drivetrain ( clutch, pressure plate, gearbox, diff ), even more likely if the car was thrashed or driven hard - the usual launching from standing still at the lights. If you decide to test drive the car, try to change into all gears at various speed, usually badly treated car have the 2nd or 3rd gear not very smooth. If you encounter crunching changes, or the clutch makes noises when depressed, prepare to spend more money to maintain/fix in the future. It will be even better to get 3rd opinion from a trusted mechanic. Try to get full lock to lock of the steering while driving around wide corners, look for odd sounds or irregularity on the steering. You should also ask about the brakes, the front/rear caliper and pads condition, they are often neglected.

By the way, I saw the pictures of the car, pretty good from what I can see, bear in mind that the car sitting very low, look for underbody / suspension damages, sometimes lowered car got rough treatment from the road. He said he changed the bumper, just to be safe, make a thorough inspection around the engine bay, radiator, headlights housing, and you might as well inspect the rear.

Those are some of the things I usually do when buying a used car, I hope the car is great.

Very good points you're making. I'm afraid I haven't driven a standard in quiet a while. Last time was when one of my friends got a 90's civic I took it for a ride. I didn't stall it or anything, but to get it rolling I wasn't the smoothest. I'll have to refresh my standard driving abilities before I test drive. But, like I said, I will take my trusted mechanic if I do decide to purchase this. I don't know how old the current owner is either. If he's young, I'm sure he's driven the car quiet foolishly. But then again, who can resist to keep a car like that under 2.5 RPM's? Specially with that boxer engine rumble Thank you for the reply.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

He said he's got the receipts so hopefully I can meet with him and work out a deal. As of now, I've talked him down to 11k. One of my dads very good friends is a pretty handy mechanic. Maybe I could get him to go with me to take a look at the car 💡

Sweet. Are you actually in Sri Lanka? Or, is it possible to see the car close-up?

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

I just noticed that he said he replaced the stock trunk with STI one, be sure to check it. It is unusual to replace the trunk with another without any good reason.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Sweet. Are you actually in Sri Lanka? Or, is it possible to see the car close-up?

Oh no. lol. I'm from there, but this car is located an hour-ish away from me. I put Sri Lanka as my location because I rarely see my country when I sign up for many things

I just noticed that he said he replaced the stock trunk with STI one, be sure to check it. It is unusual to replace the trunk with another without any good reason.

I believe this was done just for the looks. By putting the STI trunk, you get the STI look lol. The infamous STI wing, which I personally like, might have been the reason for putting the STI trunk.

Here's the difference.

WRX:

STI:

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

By putting the STI trunk, you get the STI look lol.

Clearly, this was his intention: he also added the STi "vortex generator" equivalent. (I use that word, because it's the name of the similar Mitsubishi part; my mom has a Ralliart with an assortment of OEM Evo parts (it was built as a showroom car, specifically spec'd to look really nice)


In the rear window of the WRX STi, you can see a piece of aerodynamic bodywork, which was designed, (apparently) to route air towards the rear spoiler. It's not present on the normal WRX.


The seller has installed the STi part, on his WRX, as well as parts from the STi front bumper, etc., to create the illusion that it's actually an STi. Most people, who don't actually know about WRX STis, will assume that it's an STi, though it's not.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Clearly, this was his intention: he also added the STi "vortex generator" equivalent. (I use that word, because it's the name of the similar Mitsubishi part; my mom has a Ralliart with an assortment of OEM Evo parts (it was built as a showroom car, specifically spec'd to look really nice)


In the rear window of the WRX STi, you can see a piece of aerodynamic bodywork, which was designed, (apparently) to route air towards the rear spoiler. It's not present on the normal WRX.


The seller has installed the STi part, on his WRX, as well as parts from the STi front bumper, etc., to create the illusion that it's actually an STi. Most people, who don't actually know about WRX STis, will assume that it's an STi, though it's not.

Yup, visually this car is an STI. Sadly, it isn't No matter how much money and work you put into a WRX, it will never be an STI. But in my financial situation, with insurance added, this is somewhat affordable. I'm in love with STI's, but reality sucks haha. I might do more searching though and maybe try to find one through a dealership with a warranty, but I'm very tempted at this car.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Yup, visually this car is an STI. Sadly, it isn't No matter how much money and work you put into a WRX, it will never be an STI. But in my financial situation, with insurance added, this is somewhat affordable. I'm in love with STI's, but reality sucks haha. I might do more searching though and maybe try to find one through a dealership with a warranty, but I'm very tempted at this car.

Aren't the WRX cars also AWD? You can still make a MEAN WRX with just the AWD system. I've seen some WRX cars autocrossing faster than STis.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Aren't the WRX cars also AWD? You can still make a MEAN WRX with just the AWD system. I've seen some WRX cars autocrossing faster than STis.

Yes they are. You can modify a WRX to its own fitting, but it just won't cut it to be an STi. For starters, the STi is a 6-speed whereas the WRX is a 5-speed. The chasis, suspension, etc.. are all different, and are better in the STi. The WRX's you're talking about must have owners with deep, deep pockets. I'd be happy with a completely stock STi whereas I won't be very satisfied with a stock WRX. I might just save up more money for an STi if this car doesn't work out for me :/

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Yes they are. You can modify a WRX to its own fitting, but it just won't cut it to be an STi. For starters, the STi is a 6-speed whereas the WRX is a 5-speed. The chasis, suspension, etc.. are all different, and are better in the STi. The WRX's you're talking about must have owners with deep, deep pockets. I'd be happy with a completely stock STi whereas I won't be very satisfied with a stock WRX. I might just save up more money for an STi if this car doesn't work out for me :/

Well, the WRX is lighter; that's a big deal at Autocross. I also believe, (and correct me if I'm wrong,) that it's possible to fit wider tires to the WRX, than it is to fit them to the STis.

The fact is, though, that they share the differentials, meaning that the AWD system helps both, and, after that, the other parts of the WRX are better than the STi, because the WRX is lighter. Certainly, the STi is the complete package, for those who don't like "tinkering" with their cars, but, for those who like changing rubbers, etc., and working with the cars, the WRX is the better option, it seems.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Well, the WRX is lighter; that's a big deal at Autocross. I also believe, (and correct me if I'm wrong,) that it's possible to fit wider tires to the WRX, than it is to fit them to the STis.

The fact is, though, that they share the differentials, meaning that the AWD system helps both, and, after that, the other parts of the WRX are better than the STi, because the WRX is lighter. Certainly, the STi is the complete package, for those who don't like "tinkering" with their cars, but, for those who like changing rubbers, etc., and working with the cars, the WRX is the better option, it seems.

I don't really know about the tire fittings. My main reason for buying an STi is for daily driving. I might occasionally sneak it on to a track, but not very often. So, under my circumstances, the STi fits me. To each their own, right? lol. However, due to my economic standing, the WRX is the doable choice for me

 

[Parker]

Personally, I would never buy a modded vehicle from someone unless I knew the person for years, or helped work on the car myself. I've seen to many people who think they're mechanics try and work on their own vehicles and it usually doesn't turn out to well, not to mention WRX's and STi's if owned by a younger person are generally beat to hell and abused.

I'd save up some more money and keep looking for either a stock WRX or STi and do the work yourself, or if you can't then have someone else do it. At least that way you'll know it was done correctly.

 

[SubaruTechnica]

Personally, I would never buy a modded vehicle from someone unless I knew the person for years, or helped work on the car myself. I've seen to many people who think they're mechanics try and work on their own vehicles and it usually doesn't turn out to well, not to mention WRX's and STi's if owned by a younger person are generally beat to hell and abused.

I'd save up some more money and keep looking for either a stock WRX or STi and do the work yourself, or if you can't then have someone else do it. At least that way you'll know it was done correctly.

Right. The owners age factor is a huge key. However, on this car, there are like 3 mods. The Cobb accessport, BOV and an Exhaust. The BOV is somewhat a cheap thing to get installed if you pay for the labor and for the exhaust system, I hope he's got it done professionally. Unless he is a mechanic himself, it would be very unlikely to have all the welding equipment needed for the exhaust work. All of the other mods are visual such as spoiler, lip, sideskirts, etc. So, this car isn't highly modded but it still isn't surely stock. The more I wonder about this, the more my mind is being guided towards saving up more money and buying a stock STi. I love the rumble of a Subaru and no other car sounds like that. I believe it's because of the UEL headers, but yea. If I somehow find a stock STi at an affordable price, then I will try my best to purchase it. After all, I'd be pretty stoked with just some exhaust work done to get that lion like roar from the car unleashed

Thanks for your reply 👍

 

[Youngun]

I would be carefully, high mileage etc. check the oil changes to, needs changing every 4k miles at least, if not, can be fatal. Mods look ok, seem worse over here, but scoobies are bullet proof (prefer evos tho)

 

[MaliciousMD]

I've worked on a lot of Subaru's

Be weary of "freshly rebuilt" as I am also in the greater LA/OC area. I've seen my fair share of engines assembled by hacks. Does rebuilt mean it got ball honed in the owners drive-way and pistons/rings re-used? Were any clearances checked?

The case bolts for the two halfs of the engine "block" are torque to yield. They should ALWAYS be replaced when re-assembling. The problem with this is people either don't, or buy the super expensive ARP studs, which sounds good at first... The ARP case studs have a higher torque setting than the OEM case bolts. This puts additional stress on the case and main housing (crank tunnel in simpler words). Basically it makes the main housing go out of round, making achieving proper main bearing clearances impossible. Okay so no big deal get the main housing align honed right? Nope, because the main housing on EJ20/25(7/D) has I believe 3 different sizes. Finding someone with a CNC machine and outboard align bore head to size each main housing of a boxter engine is quite difficult.

EJ205 (should be whats in a 2004 WRX base) is also shim under bucket valve train if I recall correctly. If someone did a valve job on the heads and did not re-set the valve lash, you'll end up in a world of trouble. People re-set the clearance by either changing the shims under the lifter bucket, or trimming the valve stem tip. I've seen some EJ engines not set properly, the cam lobes don't look so fantastic afterwards. Not to mention there's very few mom & pop style machine shops who actually have the proper tools to measure valve stem to valve guide clearance. Every time I see someone "feel" for stem to guide clearance I cringe.

In my opinion if someone has an engine professionally re-built, it should have been documented (i.e. - blueprint assembly). My engine assembly blueprint paperwork for every complete engine I build is 3 pages long including a leak down test. If he can't fork over even 1 page with the basics like main/rod bearing clearance, piston to cylinder wall clearance, valve drop (piston to valve clearance), and calculated compression ratio (cc volume measured piston dishes, cylinder head chamber, head gasket volume, etc.), then I would run as far away from that car as humanly possible.

Point being you will never know unless you take it apart and check yourself. Some issues in building the engine incorrectly will not always cause noise or hurt performance/driveablity at first, but will over time when it's far too late. Other modifications that may have been "professionally" done by a "shop" can be misleading as well. Bolt-ons and an AccessPort is pretty hard to screw up though. Pretty well idiot proof...

+1 for every modded Scooby has been track raped atleast once it's it's life!

 

[Danoff]

Stay clear. I would not buy a modded used car. I can understand someone else doing so, but not if they're posting a thread about whether or not they should. You can infer way too many things about the owner from those mods to even consider buying this.

Want a modded WRX? Buy one that hasn't been modded and has been driven by someone's grandmother (who was afraid of the gas pedal) - then add what you want (and don't expect it to hold resale).

 

[Tahli462]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3161520161.html

Tell me what you guys think about this car.. I'm looking to buy at STi, but don't quiet have the money. A good one around here without much done to it would go for around $20K or so with about 70k+ miles on it. This is just a WRX '04 but it's got some STi mods, visually at least. Performance wise I don't see much besides a BOV, exhaust and a Cobb accessport (stage 2). It's got 135k miles on it and I can get it for around 12k or a little less.

Does anyone have experience with a '04 WRX? And if so, is this car worth it for the price? Also, would you think I would run into many maintenance problems that would cost a lot of money?

I talked to the current owner and he said everything runs great so I would like your guys' opinions. Thanks.

Go for it, make daddy proud. Dat Subaru Power!