Hey guys. I currently own a 2000 BMW 328i. I love this car, drive is amazing. But I'm about to start college and I can see it getting expensive especially with 120k miles on the clock. Aside from expensive maintance, these cars are notorious for having their subframes ripped out, so if the dealer doesnt cover it, im screwed
Anyways. I was trying to think of what car to replace it with. Basically, I'm looking for a car for:
-Daily Driver
-Occasional Track/AutoX days
-Fit for a college student
-Decently Reliable
-Somewhat sporty
-Manual
-Under 13k
I was looking at 02-03 WRX's (with the round headlights). I dont think I could afford anything newer, but I could settle for these (although I find the newer square headlights alot more attractive). Does the Subie fit all my needs? Are they good cars? Are there any years I should avoid? What quirks/replacement items should be of concern at the certain years I'm looking at. Your opinions are welcomed
The wrx should fit all those needs you described, just know you will not be getting the same luxury out of this car, your paying mostly for performance. It will be tough to find a good STOCK one for under 13K, and also know that the 02-03's have "glass" trannys which tend to go under high loads. Many people have broken gears. If you get one with high miles (thats what you'll get if your limit is 13K) then theres a good chance the cars tranny will be in a very weak state if it hasn't been replaced already. I can't stress getting a completely stock one enough though. Do some searching and see what cars you can find, but it sounds like what your looking for may be a bit out of your price range.
I have a 02 wagon and have had it from new it is grate fun to drive and not to hard to work on if you do your home work ! some of the maintenance is not cheep but if you have the tools and time the car is not hard to work on if you get the 02 03 do the upipe first there is good power gane and a cat in that pipe that can letgo and f up the turbo good luck I have had no tranny issues on my 02wrx but I do not rag it mybe I have been lucky nock on wood
Last edited by gray : 01-02-2008 at 12:20 PM.
Reason: add on
Whe you look for the car make sure you have an older owner (private seller). More thoughtful mods and not much abuse is typically related to having an older seller of the car. Vehicle history report is also neccesary and if you can, when you find your car, have it inspected by a trustful mechanic that you personally know or have had something to do with.
Imprezas are reliable and safe, plus you get awd. It's likely that you will be bitten by a mod bug and will start modding. That is really the only downside.
The wrx should fit all those needs you described, just know you will not be getting the same luxury out of this car, your paying mostly for performance. It will be tough to find a good STOCK one for under 13K, and also know that the 02-03's have "glass" trannys which tend to go under high loads. Many people have broken gears. If you get one with high miles (thats what you'll get if your limit is 13K) then theres a good chance the cars tranny will be in a very weak state if it hasn't been replaced already. I can't stress getting a completely stock one enough though. Do some searching and see what cars you can find, but it sounds like what your looking for may be a bit out of your price range.
im looking for a stock one. I wont mess with engine mods, but I'll look to upgrade the suspension+get a nice set of wheels such as OZ's and replace the factory rubber since I heard it sucked.
If you've noticed your 2000 BMW is worth less than 1/3rd it's original price where the WRX you're looking at is worth more than 1/2 it's original price...
If you've noticed your 2000 BMW is worth less than 1/3rd it's original price where the WRX you're looking at is worth more than 1/2 it's original price...
sounds like trading up to me!
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70 to 100 faster than you can say "whoooossshh!"
Just a note college means low budget. The WRX requires premium gas. It adds up at the pump and yes 30 would be unbelievably cool. highest I've seen was a highway trip to Cincinatti in the early summer and I got 28.5 for 1 tank.
I don't think there's any way an 02-04 still has stock rubber unless they took the stockers off as soon as they drove it home and replaced em with a new set of wheels. They didn't wear very well let alone grip well.
they're good for 50k miles if you drive like a grandma. Also, don't discount the number of people who replace stock RE92s with... well, another set of RE92s
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