First time buyer tips for a Subaru Impreza WRX S

[jld142]

Hello All,

New here, often reading the forums but never posting :P

Im looking to buy my first Subaru, always wanted one but never had the balls to just do it. Im looking at a Subaru Impreza WRX S 2010 plate. It has done around 55k miles and was services November 2016.

Does anyone have any tips for common faults or warning signs i can check for when viewing the car?
Anything additional i should be aware of?

Appreciate the help all

[Ahbefive]

Top tip would be not to get a WRX-S but an STi or an older version.

[jld142]

Ahbefive said:

Top tip would be not to get a WRX-S but an STi or an older version.

Why is that?

[Ahbefive]

The older 2.0 engine is better and more reliable making the old cars very good and the WRX-S is missing the wide arches, seats, power, suspension, brakes etc etc of a hatchback STi for similar money.

[KarlMac]

Ahbefive said:

Top tip would be not to get a WRX-S but an STi or an older version.

Agreed.

- better transmission
- better suspension
- better engine / turbo
- better interior
- more tuning options.

Ignore those that that tell you a WRX can be made as good. Only if you systematically go through the car fitting the STI bits.

Major points to watch out for

- evidence of regular oil changes
- matching premium tyres
- check jacking points for rust
- check rear arches for rust
- listen out for piston slap

Have a Google for buyers guides, plenty out there.

[stybar]

You may regret going for the WRX-S rather than the STI. Any reason why you aren't looking at the STI?

[Bdevo3]

Go for an sti 99% of wrx owners end up putting sti bits on their car. Hawk eye sti would be a better option in my opinion ej207 engine can take more hacking and tuning. Solid enough gearbox, twin scroll turbo sounds immense with a decent exhaust, can be mapped for anti lag, cheaper parts and the 2.5 has chocolate pistons, I've had numerous subarus and sti is the only way to go everything is better on them. Regular engine, gear and differential oil changes are a must, along with brake fluid as wrx calipers are muck, sti brembo are top notch.

[plenty]

Bdevo3 said:

Go for an sti 99% of wrx owners end up putting sti bits on their car. Hawk eye sti would be a better option in my opinion ej207 engine can take more hacking and tuning. Solid enough gearbox, twin scroll turbo sounds immense with a decent exhaust, can be mapped for anti lag, cheaper parts and the 2.5 has chocolate pistons, I've had numerous subarus and sti is the only way to go everything is better on them. Regular engine, gear and differential oil changes are a must, along with brake fluid as wrx calipers are muck, sti brembo are top notch.

Need a JDM hawk for 2.0 twin scroll - UK hawk is 2.5. UK blob comes with 2.0 single scroll.

[jld142]

stybar said:

You may regret going for the WRX-S rather than the STI. Any reason why you aren't looking at the STI?

If im honest, i just love the look of them. Always wanted a Subaru and want something for 12 months to have a play about in and then get something a little more practical haha!

[mike74]

A WRX is hardly a ballsy impractical car, unless you're coming from something epically mundane I suspect you may be rather disappointed and underwhelmed.