Things to look into when buying a relatively clean 02' WRX?

>>14681762
Has the timing belt been changed?

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>>14681762
check for bad head gaskets, the 02-04 models are the worst offenders

check if the timing belt service was done at 100k, if not you NEED to do it asap, should run you ~1.5k if you don't do it yourself

check water pumps make sure they're not fucked, those should have been replaced already as well

leave the car running for at least 15 minutes when you come to look at it and make sure there aren't any noticeable oil leaks

how much are they asking OP? 120k is on the low end of used WRXs, so i'm assuming you're getting it for 7-8k

>>14681771
Do not know, looking at a few clean ones, of course i will ask for recent service records. Just wanna know if there's other suspension issues or things to look at

>>14681777
here is the add if anyone cares.
>http://www.empireautoteam.com/2002_Subaru_Impreza_San%20Diego_CA_260746933.veh

>>14681777
if it has been maintained could i expect an engine rebuild at about 150-175k miles?

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>>14681785
it's a good deal if you can get them down to 8k out of door price, and if the timing belt has already been replaced. if it hasn't, you'll be essentially paying 10k for a car that is worth half that (assuming you're not changing the belt yourself)

i would never pay more than 8 for a clean WRX.
also looks like you get 100 dollars off just for bringing in the printed page of the sale, so do that if you really want the car. weird they even offer that but w/e

>>14681777
>check for bad head gaskets, the 02-04 models are the worst offenders
false
>check if the timing belt service was done at 100k, if not you NEED to do it asap, should run you ~1.5k if you don't do it yourself
Needs to be done soon, not gonna kill yourself. I've seen multiple OEM belts/pulleys go to 180k. Not gonna die immediately.
>check water pumps make sure they're not fucked, those should have been replaced already as well
Honestly, there's no reason to replace a water pump. They are all metal, not plastic like shitty other OEMs. People just replace them with timing because it's easy.
>leave the car running for at least 15 minutes when you come to look at it and make sure there aren't any noticeable oil leaks
This is more or less true. Valve cover gaskets like to leak, most specifically the passenger side bolt gaskets because of the heat bombardment from the up pipe. Not a huge deal though.
>>14681778
Suspension is cheap and you're gonna be replacing it anyways. Who cares

>>14681811
so timing belt is main concern? do suspension bits go bad this early?

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>>14681785
>9k
sweet jesus that's a 6-7k car all day.

Literally just sold one with less miles, but a bit worse of a body for 6k

And yes, it was a good deal for both parties because I made a shitload of money.

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>>14681792
unmolested well maintained WRXs are hard to come by. if it was owned by an enthusiast they would have kept all their service records, so make sure you ask for that.

a well maintained WRX will literally run forever given you also take care of it. i've seen them with 300k+ miles so it's possible

>>14681771
what's a timing belt?

Check the head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, hoses, fluids, listen to the turbo using a screw driver (handle to ear, tip to turbo). Put it in 5th gear at 25 mph, and try to floor it (good way to diagnose a clutch).

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>>14681828
Timing belt and a good compression test are your main concerns. Honestly, all the problems should become obvious with a half hour test drive.

You don't have to worry about the suspension.

>>14681839
boyracerblue is not easy to sell

>>14681762
Check the feel of 1st and 3rd gears synchronization and make sure the differentials feel smooth when you give it throttle through the apex and exit of a few turns. Make sure his choice of oils is good and his changes are frequent. Ej rod bearings are touchy.

>>14681762
>Things to look into when buying a relatively clean 02' WRX?
A better car.

>>14682208
such as?

>>14681842
You probably shouldn't own cars...

>>14681839
>Wanting to buy a bug eye suubie
You ripped that guy off hard.

>>14681762
Just buy a Regular Impreza and mod it. You'll look less like a faggot and cops wont come after you

>>14681777
>>14681817
I agree. 205s aren't known for hg issues...at all. They like to spin bearings at higher miles if not taken care of.
Timing belt will cost you about 700$...from a dealer. Wherever you're going for 1.5k is a shit hole scam artists.