Author Topic: '02 WRX used  (Read 5533 times)

Offline gibsonguy

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'02 WRX used
« on: January 11, 2007, 12:03:15 am »
Hi guys,

Been awhile... so I'll jump right into it. 2002 WRX with 97K. Put a deposit on it to hold it until the wife sees it, but I can pick it up for $ 15,900- $2,500 for my '00 Focus ZX3 (which is $1,000 over wholesale)

Also giving serious consideration to an available 3yr/80K bumper to bumper warranty for $1,800. Carfax certified, and very clean.

Your thoughts?
Sometimes, the problem with your car is in between the steering wheel and the seat.

Offline 2latecrew

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2007, 09:11:09 am »
Hi guys,

Been awhile... so I'll jump right into it. 2002 WRX with 97K. Put a deposit on it to hold it until the wife sees it, but I can pick it up for $ 15,900- $2,500 for my '00 Focus ZX3 (which is $1,000 over wholesale)

Also giving serious consideration to an available 3yr/80K bumper to bumper warranty for $1,800. Carfax certified, and very clean.

Your thoughts?

Having owned a 2002 Impraza Rs and knowing many WRX owners I'll say fun , great car BUT....

First year WRX's were notorious (as was my RS0 for shuddering clutch issues. You'll want to test drive it after its been sitting (not after the dealership has warmed it up) especailly if you can do it on a cold damp morning. My RS had only 20 K on when the clutch shudder statrted and man others had horrible fights with Subaru trying tio get it remedied.

I would have it checked by an independant mechanic very carefully. WRX's are very fun to drive HARD. So people tend to drive them HARD. Even if it is clean of accidents the thing very likelkley might have been beatn within an inch of its life.

All that sad I liked the 2002 bug eye Wrx's more than the looks of those today. Good luck

Offline Giant Dwarf

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2007, 05:29:37 pm »
Gibsonguy, sounds like a decent deal on a fun machine. 

I know Snowman drove the living beans out of his '02 WRX (that had been quite heavily modded) and it held up exceptionally well -- so well in fact, he's got a new '06 now to replace it.

I would be cautious about the aftermarket warranty though.  I have heard that often times they have silly-high deductibles and so many limitations on their coverage that they're really not worth their weight in crap.  Just be sure to read all the fine print and evaluate carefully what coverage you're getting from it. 

Is there any way of you getting in touch with the previous owner or perhaps seeing if there is a complete set of maintenance records?  That could potentially tell you how the car has been treated in its past life.

Offline 1TSX

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2007, 09:31:36 pm »
Check out

www.clubwrx.net

www.nasioc.com

Lots of info on WRX's. :)
Mine: 2004 Acura TSX
Family: 2005 Honda Odyssey EX, 2006 BMW 330i

Offline The Mighty Duck

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2007, 09:34:31 pm »
Great price if the car is in good shape.  I drove an 02 WRX with 67k, it was listed at $22 000.  Most amazing machine I've had the pleasure of driving, so at that price I would be very, very tempted.  This one was (I was told) owned by an older man and had full service history, so a very good buy, even at the higher price.

As others have and will say, get the car checked out.  I saw a WRX not long ago on it's third clutch - they are often driven hard, so exercise extra caution with this one.  But all in all...  awesome car, good price. 

Offline gibsonguy

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2007, 12:16:35 am »
Update,

Brought the wife to see the car today, she didn't end up testing it as I took it out too long and we were with our kids (twin 3yr old girls & baby 7mon.) and they were getting ansy. The clutch slipped, mostly in 5th gear when boost came on. It has some kind of after market boost and vacuum gauges, and a blow off valve, so I'm guessing it's been spanked. However, they will change the clutch for me. They had also offered me the extended warranty from Subaru Canada, but it was like 1K more expensive than the *Guarantie Nationale" one I had mentioned above (for $1,800)

They had left it in the garage overnight, because they say they don't want anyone tampering with it on the lot at night as it's original and never been painted, and if someone keyed or something, a new paint job would look like they were trying to conceal an accident. I called them in the morning and told them I would be there in the afternoon and to bring the car outside, and not to start it at all berfore I got there. I wanted it cold, and that's how it was when I got there. I know this because there was a light dusting of snow around 10:00 am and the car had a bit of snow on it. The clutch slipped when it was cold but not so much when it was hot. I was really looking for that shudder that everyone talks about. They said they would look into an '03 clutch like I suggested they do (The common cure on NASIOC and other forums) I drove by after I finished work tonight (11:00pm) and the car was back in the garage. I just wanted to see if they lied about bringing the car in at night, and are trying to hide something.

Here's the car: http://www.auto123.com/en/used/search/details.spy?id=1179895&make=624984628
« Last Edit: January 12, 2007, 12:20:05 am by gibsonguy »

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2007, 12:24:25 am »
Are they a Subaru dealer?  I didn't know Subaru Canada would sell warranties.  Doesn't the extended warranty from Subaru have to be purchased prior to the original warranty running out? 

Nice car....

Offline gibsonguy

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2007, 01:08:02 am »
No, they said they have a huge credit line with subaru canada, and can get me almost anything I want off lease. I was interested in a wagon but the sedan suits my needs too, and I already have a minivan so hauling items is taken care of. All this car needs to do is haul @ss! And insurance isn't that much different for either/or.

They will give me $2500 for my car plus pay for my last month payment for me ($370) for my '00 Focus, but they can't give me 1K over book value for my car if I get something else. Plus, something else would cost more. This car was a trade-in for a BMW 530, so they can have some leeway.

Maybe I'll call them in the morning and see about switching to the Subaru warranty. The Subaru warranty has a $100 deductible, and the other company, Guarantie Nationale, is $75. It's $2800 before tax though... :-\

Offline ghost

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2007, 01:57:20 am »
All the best in your search. I personally much prefer the wagon version. The versatility and sportiness makes it so much more appealing.

Offline johngenx

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2007, 09:51:35 am »
I think the dealer is spinning you a bit of yarn.  Subaru Canada has nothing to do with off-lease vehicles.  GMAC was/is Subaru's financing arm, and you don't buy vehicles directly from them.  They auction them off.  As for a credit line with Subaru Canada, that would be true (perhaps) if they were a new-car dealer and were floor planning new inventory.

I'd be a little careful about the car's history...
No place I'd rather be...

Offline Giant Dwarf

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #10 on: January 12, 2007, 10:21:20 am »
If the dealer is willing to replace the clutch for you and that's your biggest concern right now, it's probably not a bad way to go.

Having a quick search on Auto Trader proved that it's a pretty decent price you're looking at.  Still, there are others out there.  If you prefer a wagon, here's an '03 Spec R1 (neat yellow colour and beautiful 17" BBS wheels) 
http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1455331&adid=5753124


Offline The Mighty Duck

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2007, 03:30:51 pm »
GD: Nice find.  :)  Never seen a yellow WRX before, but it looks pretty nice.  Beautiful wheels, too, as you said.  And not a bad price.

gibsonguy: if they'll replace the clutch for you, I'd say it's a great deal.  Not sure what a clutch job would go for, but it's probably worth ~$1000 (?).  Sounds like the previous owner was an enthusiast, but in buying a used WRX that's the risk you take and accept.

I'd say it's a good deal.

Offline 1TSX

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #12 on: January 12, 2007, 03:46:51 pm »
Did you get the WRX inspected?

Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2007, 04:18:07 pm »
Man, is there anything wrong with the Focus? What's the kms on it?

Not to put a damper on things, but it it's in good shape I'd be so sad to sell something for such low value, regardless of wholesale. I know you may want something else, but geez.

And is it any wonder I'm the life of the party?  :pimp:
AQUAMAN64 also posts on BDFD.com!

Offline Giant Dwarf

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #14 on: January 12, 2007, 05:01:00 pm »
SirPimpMan, go to the corner... and here, put on this dunce cap too. 

This forum is no place for common sense and good judgement.  It's full of car enthusiasts!

On your way home today, you'd better hit redline at least once to make up for this.

Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #15 on: January 12, 2007, 05:03:53 pm »
On your way home today, you'd better hit redline at least once to make up for this.

Yes my arm-flailing-almighty  :bow2:

 :-X

Offline Craig

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #16 on: January 12, 2007, 05:18:57 pm »
Man, is there anything wrong with the Focus? What's the kms on it?

Not to put a damper on things, but it it's in good shape I'd be so sad to sell something for such low value, regardless of wholesale. I know you may want something else, but geez.

And is it any wonder I'm the life of the party?  :pimp:

This, from the guy with the 2007 GTI.  What?  Don't want anyone else to have fun?

Offline sirAQUAMAN64

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #17 on: January 12, 2007, 05:27:56 pm »
Man, is there anything wrong with the Focus? What's the kms on it?

Not to put a damper on things, but it it's in good shape I'd be so sad to sell something for such low value, regardless of wholesale. I know you may want something else, but geez.

And is it any wonder I'm the life of the party?  :pimp:

This, from the guy with the 2007 GTI.  What?  Don't want anyone else to have fun?

Yea, yea, yea, had a feeling that was coming. In my case the Golf TDI did have 305K and I flipped it for $6,200 as-is, which I thought wasn't half bad.

My guess is the Focus has much more life in it.

But, I get it that people tire of the car they're driving and would like something new. I'm all for it  :D, but just stopped to think of the economics of it. But sometimes the economics doesn't keep you happy.

BTW, that pale yellow WRX wagon looks hot  ;)

Offline ghost

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #18 on: January 12, 2007, 11:10:39 pm »
Wow.... never knew the Spec R1 came in wagon form. The price is good too! Not a fan of the yellow but for the price I'd consider the cheese mobile.  ;D
BTW, wagons are generally better maintained since the boyracers prefer the sedan versions.... fwiw.

Offline Snowman

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Re: '02 WRX used
« Reply #19 on: January 13, 2007, 10:45:56 am »
I would be concerned with the clutch issue. The people who complain about the MT’s exploding and weak clutches obviously don’t know how to drive. My 2002 WRX was modded to 350 HP and had no clutch or MT issues. Ensure the fuel smell TSB has been resolved or it could be a $600 surprise later.