Engine: Check for oil leaks from the 2.0 liter engine cam covers and crankcase cover. The cast hypereutectic pistons on the 2.5 liter engine (the 2.0 liter has forged elements) suffer from damaged rings. The 2.5 liter cylinder head gasket is likely to fail. Engines tuned for 350 hp or more should have reinforced internals. Check claimed power output and refueling on a rolling road. Make sure the seller allows the oil-cooled turbo to idle. Inspect the condition of the intercooler fins.
Oil and maintenance: Make sure there have been regular oil changes and a full synthetic 10W-40 or 10W-50 oil has been used. The service interval is 10,000 miles. Any WRX will run best on Shell V-Power or similar quality gasoline.
Transmission: Inspect the rear differential for leaks and listen for whines and pops from it and the center viscous coupling.
Suspension: Rear struts can experience chafing when the shock shaft seal dries out and loses lubrication.
Body: The front radiator support panels like to rot, as do the front C-subframes (not fitted to import cars). Look for rust behind the plastic underpasses on Hawkeye models. Uneven snap lines may indicate a crash repair. Check aftermarket headlights for proper mounting and alignment.
Also to know
In addition to the standard WRX and WRX STI, there are a variety of special editions. The main ones are the RB320 and GB270. You can also find STIs with the Prodrive Performance Pack (PPP), an upgrade that can be specified from the factory. As part of this pack, power is increased to 316bhp, bringing the 0-60mph time to below 5.0s.
how much to spend
£4,500 to £5,999: Mainly Blobeye cars sold to individuals. The mileages always exceed 100,000 and the conditions are questionable.
£6,000 to £7,999: Some mileages drop below 100,000 here and the cars are generally more presentable. However, you will find the previously damaged strange.
£8,000 to £12,999: A variety of respectable WRXs, a few from independent dealerships, with mileages approaching 50,000 in some cases. High-mileage WRX STIs fall into the high-end fold, primarily the Bugeye and Blobeye.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-16 05:01:23
