High Mileage Impreza WRX
Discussion
I've been looking around for a while now at possible new cars to replace my Civic Type R with.
Ive narrowed it down to a Subaru Impreza WRX. i want to keep the price im paying under 4k if possible. I'm just wondering if 90-100k is an amount of miles to be worrying about? if its backed up by fsh?
Thanks
Ive narrowed it down to a Subaru Impreza WRX. i want to keep the price im paying under 4k if possible. I'm just wondering if 90-100k is an amount of miles to be worrying about? if its backed up by fsh?
Thanks
I've seen plenty running OK up to 150K. They're not that highly strung and pretty reliable if you keep to the service interval. I've got a WRX for track with 125K on it (picked it up for £1800 with FSH). They're actually quite simple vehicles.
90-100K is prime territory for it being due a timing belt. They're not the cheapest vehicle to do thanks to the engine layout, so you can instantly stick the cost of a change on the next service.
As mentioned - coil packs.
Quite a lot of running issues can be felt on them in a test drive. Pop it in 3rd at about 1500, put down 3/4 and let it climb - you're looking for a nice smooth pull up to 70ish (although every one I've driven appears to have a little 'moment' at 2K8 for some reason). Having said this, the boost on my older car was all over the place when I got it - it was just a gunked up boost control solenoid and was solved with a good jet of carb cleaner whilst cycling it.
90-100K is prime territory for it being due a timing belt. They're not the cheapest vehicle to do thanks to the engine layout, so you can instantly stick the cost of a change on the next service.
As mentioned - coil packs.
Quite a lot of running issues can be felt on them in a test drive. Pop it in 3rd at about 1500, put down 3/4 and let it climb - you're looking for a nice smooth pull up to 70ish (although every one I've driven appears to have a little 'moment' at 2K8 for some reason). Having said this, the boost on my older car was all over the place when I got it - it was just a gunked up boost control solenoid and was solved with a good jet of carb cleaner whilst cycling it.
[quote=Konan]
90-100K is prime territory for it being due a timing belt. They're not the cheapest vehicle to do thanks to the engine layout, so you can instantly stick the cost of a change on the next service.
quote]
First thought that came into my mind. I got rid of my 2003 reg on about 75000 miles and it had been a great car. But I remember the 50000 mile cambelt service leaving a sizeable dent in the bank account.
It is every 50000 or 5 years so a well cared for 2003 or 2004 car should of had a second cambelt service even if it is short of the 100,000 mile.
90-100K is prime territory for it being due a timing belt. They're not the cheapest vehicle to do thanks to the engine layout, so you can instantly stick the cost of a change on the next service.
quote]
First thought that came into my mind. I got rid of my 2003 reg on about 75000 miles and it had been a great car. But I remember the 50000 mile cambelt service leaving a sizeable dent in the bank account.
It is every 50000 or 5 years so a well cared for 2003 or 2004 car should of had a second cambelt service even if it is short of the 100,000 mile.
Personally I wouldn't unless its a lower powered model. In my years of experience it seems that mostly they go wrong and become unreliable when they have been modified (to varying degrees). The lower power models that have been kept standard and serviced well seem to last very well.
My RB5 (PPP) had a full engine rebuild at 97k although it would of probably carried on for a while (FSH etc). I was told it was pretty tired at 97k and had lots of minor problems at that stage which meant an overhaul was a good idea. The previous owner had the engine completely uprated and its now fully forged with other mods.
My RB5 (PPP) had a full engine rebuild at 97k although it would of probably carried on for a while (FSH etc). I was told it was pretty tired at 97k and had lots of minor problems at that stage which meant an overhaul was a good idea. The previous owner had the engine completely uprated and its now fully forged with other mods.
Thanks for the replies, seems to be the general opinions on theses cars.
I might just save up a bit extra for a better example.
Although I did find this which seems quite decent
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I might just save up a bit extra for a better example.
Although I did find this which seems quite decent
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I bought a 2003 Bugeye WRX Wagon, with PPP from new, from a dealer, for the princely sum of £2,300.00
122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
- * I'd never even been in an Impreza before I bought this, nor have I another since. Therefore someone more knowledge than me may drive it and point out a massive load of faults and declare it an utter dog - sometimes ignorance is bliss though
TEKNOPUG said:
I bought a 2003 Bugeye WRX Wagon, with PPP from new, from a dealer, for the princely sum of £2,300.00
122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
172k now. It's needed an O2 sensor and one exhaust gasket outside of preventative maintenance.122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
- * I'd never even been in an Impreza before I bought this, nor have I another since. Therefore someone more knowledge than me may drive it and point out a massive load of faults and declare it an utter dog - sometimes ignorance is bliss though
TEKNOPUG said:
TEKNOPUG said:
I bought a 2003 Bugeye WRX Wagon, with PPP from new, from a dealer, for the princely sum of £2,300.00
122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
172k now. It's needed an O2 sensor and one exhaust gasket outside of preventative maintenance.122k miles
5 owners
Zero recent service history....
Dealer had taken it part exchange on a much newer and more expensive GB270.
He claimed that the previous owner was a lady who had it for 7 years.
Car was completely original and had clearly been looked after and not messed about, from a visual inspection.
Was a bit of a punt and went there looking to find reasons not to buy. Couldn't really find any so took it home with me.
It's had a new battery, 4 winter tyres and all the fluids & filters changed. Plus a load of bulbs, which seemed to fail in quick succession. I'm currently doing 600 miles a week commuting in it and is now on 129k. Hasn't missed a beat. Everything works on it. Starts first time, every time. No strange noises (well, not to my ears anyway). Has coped with everything thrown at it with ease.
I'm going to run it until May and then give it a good going over - starting with a compression test. Then I'll decide whether to spend any money on it or not. I have bought some massive AP Racing calipers and brakes for it already but not fitted. I've also been fitting a decent stereo, due to the miles I drive. A worse car to install a decent system in, you could not imagine. Although a lot of that has to do with "mission creep"
Suspension is tired and needs a refresh. Plus another 50bhp would be nice. Considering how cheap it was to buy, I expect I'll keep it for as long as the engine doesn't need opening.
So in summary, they are clearly capable of big miles. The key is regular preventative maintenance (oil changes!) and some mechanical sympathy. Therefore I'd not worry about mileage and even service history unless it's very recent. Buy on condition. Given the age, mileage and number of owners, you really have no idea how it's been driven and cared for over it's lifetime. Ideally you want to find one that's been owned by the current owner for a few years, then judge them as much as the car.
Or you could do like I did and buy from a dealer with zero service history and just go with your gut feeling
- * I'd never even been in an Impreza before I bought this, nor have I another since. Therefore someone more knowledge than me may drive it and point out a massive load of faults and declare it an utter dog - sometimes ignorance is bliss though
I would imagine you could get your money back, just about, if you were to sell.
Mine's just ticked over to 90k, cambelt was last done at 80k, so I'm ok - but watch out for that one. I plan to do a change at 100k.
Just make sure the history is in order, as keep up to date with oil changes (Especially Scoobs) and you'll be ok.
Coils! Funny it should be mentioned, as my bugeye threw a wobbly over these a couple of weeks back - chucked up a CEL. Cylinder 2 went, but changed all four.
EDIT - Bloody hell, just noticed the original post date!
Just make sure the history is in order, as keep up to date with oil changes (Especially Scoobs) and you'll be ok.
Coils! Funny it should be mentioned, as my bugeye threw a wobbly over these a couple of weeks back - chucked up a CEL. Cylinder 2 went, but changed all four.
EDIT - Bloody hell, just noticed the original post date!
Edited by Hrimfaxi on Tuesday 2nd May 18:31
Had a few, not a WRX I will admit but a 04 Forester XT (Basically a WRX on stilts) and older 98' 2000 Turbo. Forester was on 130-141k, Turbo was on 100-105k.
Both had good service histories for there age and both where absolute pigs to run, possibly the 2 least reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Wouldn't recommend them, particularly at higher mileage, chocolate drivetrains and low quality, difficult to work on engines. It actually hurts me that they where so bad, an old 22B was my 'poster car' growing up.
EDIT: bloody hell just noticed the post date too... Ooops
Both had good service histories for there age and both where absolute pigs to run, possibly the 2 least reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Wouldn't recommend them, particularly at higher mileage, chocolate drivetrains and low quality, difficult to work on engines. It actually hurts me that they where so bad, an old 22B was my 'poster car' growing up.
EDIT: bloody hell just noticed the post date too... Ooops
Edited by caelite on Tuesday 2nd May 18:59
caelite said:
Had a few, not a WRX I will admit but a 04 Forester XT (Basically a WRX on stilts) and older 98' 2000 Turbo. Forester was on 130-141k, Turbo was on 100-105k.
Both had good service histories for there age and both where absolute pigs to run, possibly the 2 least reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Wouldn't recommend them, particularly at higher mileage, chocolate drivetrains and low quality, difficult to work on engines. It actually hurts me that they where so bad, an old 22B was my 'poster car' growing up.
EDIT: bloody hell just noticed the post date too... Ooops
I was searching for something else and this thread came up, so I thought I would update it.Both had good service histories for there age and both where absolute pigs to run, possibly the 2 least reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Wouldn't recommend them, particularly at higher mileage, chocolate drivetrains and low quality, difficult to work on engines. It actually hurts me that they where so bad, an old 22B was my 'poster car' growing up.
EDIT: bloody hell just noticed the post date too... Ooops
Edited by caelite on Tuesday 2nd May 18:59
My Subaru ownership experience has been the polar opposite of yours. Can't recommend them highly enough. Properly designed & engineered, easy to work on without the need for lots of specialist tools, cheap and easy to maintain for a home mechanic.
if you havent yet then bear in mind the road fund licence costs especially if your budget is 4k so presume you are watching the purse strings.
i think from 2006 year the cost of the tax ramps right up to something like £520 a year. think its from 23rd march 2006 on. prior to that it was £305 a year on a WRX. £535 for the STi
road tax figures that i wouldnt touch with a barge pole even if i had the cash. absolute piss take £500 plus.
classic turbos pre-2001 are £180 a year.
i think from 2006 year the cost of the tax ramps right up to something like £520 a year. think its from 23rd march 2006 on. prior to that it was £305 a year on a WRX. £535 for the STi
road tax figures that i wouldnt touch with a barge pole even if i had the cash. absolute piss take £500 plus.
classic turbos pre-2001 are £180 a year.
Sa Calobra said:
Mixed experience for me - Legacy Sportswagon had a credit card balance going for ages. The rwo foresters, one driveshaft and one door regulator plus a rubber boot.
Nice user name. Did that road in an aygo and it was really fun going down.I had a uk STi, no mechanical problems, but did suffer from sticking dampers and went through 3 sets.
Trouble is, they are often driven very hard and some imports did have problems with uk fuel, though a high miler is evidence that the ecu was adjusted.
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