New to the forums! Looking into my 1st Subaru

cinsity · 10-10-2009, 01:50 PM

Hey guys,

I am a Honda/Toyota guy currently driving an 02 Lexus IS300 5 speed. This is the car that sparked my interest on autotrader and now I'm looking for a Subaru!

Cars for Sale: 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX in MADISON , WI 53719: Sedan Details - 268320492 - AutoTrader.com

Any opinions or advice about this car and or Subarus in general would be awesome! What would be good questions to ask him?

Thanks again and I'll make sure to search before I make new post!

booosted09 · 10-10-2009, 06:43 PM

Always beware of modded cars...espically one that is modded that much. Dont get me wrong, its a nice list of mods..but you dont know who did the work or how well it was done. If you know what your lookin at..great...if not, bring someone with you to take a look and go through it with a fine tooth comb. happy hunting

gunk007 · 10-10-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booosted09

Always beware of modded cars...espically one that is modded that much. Thumbs Up

Nice looking car but like Booost said ^^^ buyer beware. Why would this person put this much time and money into a car and then sell it? This is a questions I would ask. I once purchased a 02 Prelude that had a nice paint job and a nice body kit (and a clean car fax) only to find tons of broken glass under the carpet and rear seat when I was installing my streo system.

Good luck.

sleepr · 10-11-2009, 12:49 AM

If I was in your shoes, I'd like to hear why the car has less than 60k miles on it. Makes me think it was not a DD. (Summer car maybe?)

Hard not to like that car though, it seems nice.

I'm kind of envious of your current car though...I always liked my sister's IS300 even with the auto trans, it's a good car with a reliable engine.

The best of luck to you on finding a WRX, my best advice is don't let your emotions get the best of you.

cinsity · 10-11-2009, 11:36 AM

Thanks again for all your comments and post! It's nice where people wanna help! I did some searches and it seems that even with proper tuning that a 20G turbo might be a little much for stock internals! I Talked to the guys and he seems legit, He said it was not a DD, and he has put like 2000 miles on the car in the last year! if I did decide to get it, would internals be a great idea?

newtothegame · 10-11-2009, 12:30 PM

Its not really just the turbo or size of it, but how well tuned the car is. I have a 20G on my 07 (I know slightly different engine). It was a concern of mine when I wanted to upgrade, I was told by my tuner (Tim Bailey) that it would probably wear out the engine faster, depending on driving habits, but its not as bad as some make it out to be.

cinsity · 10-11-2009, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtothegame

Its not really just the turbo or size of it, but how well tuned the car is. I have a 20G on my 07 (I know slightly different engine). It was a concern of mine when I wanted to upgrade, I was told by my tuner (Tim Bailey) that it would probably wear out the engine faster, depending on driving habits, but its not as bad as some make it out to be.

I read this too; that really a proper tune can make or break a car and affect the longevity of many different things! I really like the Yellow! I need to do some more searches on some other things! I'll get back to everyone and let you know what I decide to do.

newtothegame · 10-11-2009, 04:28 PM

If there is a reputable shop around and the owner would take it or let you take it there to get it closely inspected by them might help make the decision about the car you posted. I love the yellow that they used to use and have thought about getting my car done in that yellow eventually.

booosted09 · 10-11-2009, 06:11 PM

good luck on your decision. I hope you get the car your lookin for....have you ever driven an AWD turboed car?

cinsity · 10-12-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booosted09

good luck on your decision. I hope you get the car your lookin for....have you ever driven an AWD turboed car?

Thank You!
I have driven but never owned an AWD turbo car. Many Toyota's and Nissan's but only one turbo car which was an 87 Nissan 200sx turbo! My biggest concern really is reliability. Most of my cars have been sticks and I don't beat them or launch them. I need to get to school and work everyday! So I think if I drove it I would want to make sure that the tranny would be ok as well as many other components!

turmic · 10-13-2009, 10:37 AM

All of that power and he doesn't mention any trans mods. Specifically gear upgrades....that'd make me worry. The tranny might shit the bed if it's a stock 03 trans.

booosted09 · 10-13-2009, 02:31 PM

^^^^ word to that...the trans is probably the biggest reliablility issue on the wrx. Other than that its just like any other car. Just regular maintenece. Treat her right..and she'll do the same.

cinsity · 10-15-2009, 10:11 AM

Most Definately guys! That was probably one of the 1st things I came across when joining the forums here! I know someone out there has had all the same questions and concerns as me, I have searched to death. I think I found what I'm really looking for and it may take some time.
A Red 2005 WRX 5 speed premium package (I would miss those heated seats) from an original owner! Mostly stock!
I have read numerous things about the cobb stage 2 power package, and I think something like that would be up my alley! From doing so many cars up, I know how important it is to have a goal, that way you don't start straying off and doing crazy random things without the time, research, or money!
Time to search for that WRX!!

BTW here is a pic of my car. 2002 Lexus IS300 Factory 5 speed, LSD.

newtothegame · 10-15-2009, 04:30 PM

Nice lookig lexus, I always wanted the yellow IS300. Couldnt find it though. Now mind you about the Cobb package, you dont have to get their TBE (I run it and love it, probably will never use anything else), you can use just about anyone on the market (just get a bellmouth design). But Cobb makes some great stuff, maybe look into a short shifter and bushings also. And BEST OF LUCK with your search.

Chase · 10-15-2009, 07:04 PM

I like your color choice on the first bugeye. I bought a yellow bugeye with a laundry list of mods and paid dearly for it. More stock is more better