WRX Common Problems?

[Weapon_R]

I've found a good 2002 Subaru WRX that I'm interested in. It has 124k on it and looks to be in good shape. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on what I should be aware of prior to inspecting it.

Are there any common problems with these vehicles? Anything I should look carefully for?

[QX498]

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/

the forum members there are all pretty helpful, when I was looking at getting an 04 WRX they let me know what problems and things I can expect to deal with while owning one.

[jdmXSI]

Head gasket, make sure its not leaking! But generally WRX's are pretty good cars. :thumbsup:

[Aleks]

My big thing would be records. Maintenance and who's owned the car. Those cars can go forever but I could also see being able to destroy the tranny in 1 week if I wanted to. AWD launches are fun but hard on the car.

[#1hustler]

Usually clutch and gear-set are a problem on 2002's. They changed the gear set to a hardened gearset in 2003 I believe.

[Weapon_R]

I do know that the previous owner had the clutch replaced under a service bulletin claim. How common are the headgasket issues? I thought those were more common on previous Imprezas...

[SigmaRacing]

Clutch and gearset for sure. Especially if it was driven hard. Also, check compression and boost leak.

Having said that, you're going to love it.

[LUCKYSTRIKE]

arent they also known to have a tranny made of glass?

[SigmaRacing]

The weakest part of the tranny is the gearset. That and the fact that sometimes its hard to get it into reverse because there's no synchro on that gear. Most AWD cars aren't good for launching.

The other big fear in a WRX is getting towed. If the towtruck driver doesn't realize its AWD and neglects to get a flatbed (i.e. tows it away with 2 wheels dragging) it'll fry your center differential. NASIOC has many threads on this issue.

For more info, the guys over at www.albertasubaruclub.com are really good to talk to. Way less noob bashing there.

[That.Guy.S30]

bring it to allmakes or subaru to get it checked out prior to buying it.

clutch shudder, weak tranny (althought i think its mostly driver error), raw fuel smell (sometimes), a very touchy ABS system (depends on the tires, but its still touchy)

[SigmaRacing]

I'm not sure how the ABS from an 02/03 differs from the 06 model, but the ABS on my 06 WRX is fantastic! Non-intrusive and it seems to kick in just when you're at the edge of losing control...

Clutch shudder is annoying, and the "suby wiggle" (search Nasioc) can be unnerving if you're not expecting it.

[Ihatetowait]

I just bought an 04 WRX, and I love every minute.

I have a minor clutch shudder once in awhile, and my CEL p0457 (evap leak) comes on once every now and then, minor leak somewhere just to lazy to fix.

Amazing vehicles, will not dissapoint.

[benyl]

The tranny case is also weak.

I would look for an '03.

[cloud7]

besides mechanicals, watch for paint imperfections especially peeling paint on plastic bumps and side mirrors. Rusts on lower half of the body.

[Ihatetowait]

Check things like the charcoal canister as well, before you buy. It is always vulnerable.