04/05 WRX estate

[Ozmira]

I'm hoping someone on here can give me some help and advice.

I'm looking at getting a 2004/2005 WRX estate and want to know what to look out for. I know to look out for cam and clutch replacement, to avoid big exhausts and other type of body changes but otherwise I’m stuck as to what to look for.
Is high mileage a bad thing or does it not matter if the service history is all there.

Thanks Shaun.

[ScoobieWRX]

First time i've heard of cam replacement, you might be thinking cam sensor possibly. MAF and Lambda sensors too but they are consumables in effect, and they will eventually die. Most Subaru go through at least two lambda and two MAF sensors in a lifetime. Crank and Cam sensors are more relaible but can still die.

Clutches go as per any other car. If it's biting near the top or remotely feels like it's slipping it will need a new one. Don't worry about a juddering clutch when pulling away from a junction or hill start, specially if it bites low down or half way. WRX clutches just need a couple of good launches to clear them. Caused by a lot of town driving.

Generally super relaible, even when modified and remapped. WRX's should be good for 270-280bhp and 280-300lbft torque on the standard turbo and injectors. Just needs exhaust and air filter mods to see those numbers.

On the later cars you might get some suspension knock, usually either topmounts or the damper itself needing greasing. If the topmounts go you're better off getting aftermarket ones, if the dampers need greasing you can be sure they will knock again at some stage and then you really need to replace them. Again aftermarket dampers will do the job, factory springs are usually ok unless it's been used as a tow car in which case replace those as well with aftermarket ones.

Other than the above, so long as you can't hear any piston slap, knocking or rattles from the engine you should be good to go.

Brakes last long enough depending on driving style. The cars handle and go well out of the box. Enjoy!

[nottyash]

The later one has a nicer interior. Steering wheel and vent/ air con buttons modernised.

[Ozmira]

I forgot to say I have a budget of around 6.5/7k.

[ScoobieWRX]

For that sort of money you could buy yourself a nice Bugeye(V7) or Blobeye(V8) STi or a late hawkeye 2.5 WRX wagon if you really need a wagon.

If you don't need a wagon i would be looking at a 2.0L STi because by the time you've had the WRX a short while you will want more power (270-280bhp or next stage up to 330-340bhp), up to STi levels at least, and be thinking about potential mods and remapping.

I think the more cost effective and long term sensible choice, baring in mind for most owners mods are inevitable, the STi would be the best choice.

Mod an STi for more power (up to 350bhp) and it's not only much easier but cheaper than trying to get the same results from a WRX, but you get an engine and gearbox that is much stronger than a WRX.

[Ved]

Ozmira said:

I'm hoping someone on here can give me some help and advice.

I'm looking at getting a 2004/2005 WRX estate and want to know what to look out for. I know to look out for cam and clutch replacement, to avoid big exhausts and other type of body changes but otherwise I’m stuck as to what to look for.
Is high mileage a bad thing or does it not matter if the service history is all there.

Thanks Shaun.

Cracking cars so well done already.
Look out for:

o knocking noises at idle when you start it up
o blue/black smoke from the exhaust
o lumpy boost
o o it should come on nice and strong about 3500rpm and be a smooth wallop of torque.
o take it to about 7500 once it's warmed up in 2nd and change into 3rd and then again into 4th. If there is any girding or notches not felt at lower speed the gearbox is either shreddy synchromesh or is low on oil
o full history is an absolute must
o mileage means very little but one with 80k on it would be a much better prospect than one with 30k as they need to be used
o suspension knocking on the front is usually a worn ARB (first mod to do there!) but the rear may be struts.
o tyres should have even wear on them and should be quality items. If not walk away as they're cutting corners.
o big exhausts are fine, especially if they have the receipt for it or other work
o don't be afraid of remaps but make sure it's been done by a reputable company and again they have the paperwork for it

[crispyshark]

this is useful stuff guys! Off to hopefully buy an '03 WRX PPP wagon tomorrow!

[Ozmira]

i did think about getting a sti but i'm after the boot space of an estate to put a childs buggy in plus enough space in the back seat for a child and all the normal kids bits. i've always liked the look of the my 99 wrxs but they are getting on a bit now so the 04/05 model looks quiet nice headlight wise.

[Ved]

Ozmira said:

i did think about getting a sti but i'm after the boot space of an estate to put a childs buggy in plus enough space in the back seat for a child and all the normal kids bits. i've always liked the look of the my 99 wrxs but they are getting on a bit now so the 04/05 model looks quiet nice headlight wise.

I went for a Forester XT when I needed space like that. The WRX does have a decent boot but the Fos is a bit bigger. Both great cars though

[callahan]

Ozmira said:

i did think about getting a sti but i'm after the boot space of an estate to put a childs buggy in plus enough space in the back seat for a child and all the normal kids bits. i've always liked the look of the my 99 wrxs but they are getting on a bit now so the 04/05 model looks quiet nice headlight wise.

I have a 53 plate Bug estate, 2 kids and Mrs C is a childminder, so pushchairs, different sized car seats etc too.

It does enough for me, is fun & fast enough for the roads, but if I want to I might do the 'y pipe' conversion and map to take it to PPP level, but it still feels pretty rapid now. Good tyres are an absolute must though, mine had terrible Event tyres on when I got it (but it was otherwise well looked after and serviced) and I changed them for Eagle F1 Assymetrics asap which made a huge difference.

[DKL]

We have an 06 wagon and the boot is a good size but not huge. Your budget is almost too much for any wagon out there unless its an 07 one with less than 35k miles.
Certainly ours is only on 48k but I doubt we'd get offered much beyond 4.5-5k trade in and maybe 5.5 private sale.
Only other option is a gb270 wagon but they are 11-12k plus.
Great cars though.