Topic: Winter warrior

[dirtyjeffer]

found:

it looks in pretty good shape too.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Impreza/Toronto/Ontario/5_21374578_ON20090204101025824/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_17

i know it's just photos, but that looks to be in pretty decent shape for 12 years old.

not being familiar with Subies, do their bodies hold up quite well??...i do see that a lot of used ones (7+ years old) appear to be in pretty good shape.

[blotter]

found:

it looks in pretty good shape too.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Impreza/Toronto/Ontario/5_21374578_ON20090204101025824/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_17

i know it's just photos, but that looks to be in pretty decent shape for 12 years old.

not being familiar with Subies, do their bodies hold up quite well??...i do see that a lot of used ones (7+ years old) appear to be in pretty good shape.

we replaced our 1999 Forester in 2009 and it had not a single spec of rust.  I bought it used but it didn't look like anyone prior had it undercoated.   I think as long as you care for them (wash and spray down regularly) they do really well.   When I bought it, the sales guy actually advised me that rust proofing was a waste of money.  He said, look, this stuff is galvanized steel.  Just wash it regularly and touch up any chips and it'll be fine. 

[johngenx]

Ours is close to 400K and has some rust on the passenger rear fender but that's because I unknowingly damaged the lip protector during a drive on a so-called "road" and then didn't repair it.  Otherwise, no rust at all.

Old Subarus might rattle and creak, but their paint/panels are generally very solid.  One exception is that the paint on the lower "cladding" on the OBWs is a little fragile, but as it's plastic, no worries.

[JG20]

So a bit of a change in plans.  Sort of.  Even though this was supposed to be my beater, it seems it still had to pass WAF    It was pretty hard to come up with something she would approve of in our budget to grace our driveway.

She has suggested I just sell or trade in the Speed and pick up something good year round.  Problem is, she doesn't want to get back into car payments (wants to build up our savings for a while) so I'm stuck with a budget of $4000 give or take, plus whatever I can get for the Speed (which isn't very much  ).  So with that in mind, I figure a budget of around $8K that can maybe be pushed to $10K, lol.

So, I've been looking around and I think I'm going to look for a gen 2 WRX wagon (or a 9-2X Aero).  Prices seem to be very variable though.  I've seen some 2002s and 3s going for close to $10K still  .  I guess it depends on the condition of the car.

This one looks perfect, older but low mileage and look sin great condition.  Gonna have to take a look at it.
http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Impreza+WRX/TORONTO/Ontario/19_8265499_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=27_15_31

[tortoise]

Maybe it's just me, but $10k seems steep for an 11 year old WRX.

[johngenx]

Oh, sheesh, WRX prices are all over the map.  I've seen some nice 02/03s for $5000 and wrecks for $12K.  It's stupid.

Personally, I think those older Rexes are usually thrashed.  It might be possible to find a cared-for example that hasn't been driven like Colin McRae at speed every day of it's life, but it's going to be difficult.

[tortoise]

I am a big fan of these:

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Suzuki/Grand+Vitara/Bolton/Ontario/5_21047232_20120211151411955/?ursrc=hl&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=14_15_25

[JG20]

I am a big fan of these:

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Suzuki/Grand+Vitara/Bolton/Ontario/5_21047232_20120211151411955/?ursrc=hl&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=14_15_25

Thanks but if this is going to be my only vehicle, I wouldn't want an SUV.

Maybe it's just me, but $10k seems steep for an 11 year old WRX.

Yeah, I think it's steep too so hoping that if the car turns out ok the seller is flexible on the price.

[redman]

Have I got some wheels for you. 

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Forester/MISSISSAUGA/Ontario/19_8312214_/



This car is cleaner in/out than most other cars I get into a fraction of the age.

[tortoise]

By the way, I think the WAF factor on a $4k beater shouldn't be a factor.. Condition and purpose should be paramount.  You aren't looking for a beauty queen, you're looking for something that is going to give you the least amount of grief while satisfying the mission.

AKA, buy redman's Forester.

[dirtyjeffer]

AKA, buy redman's Forester.

while $3500 does seem pricey for a 17 year old Forester, it likely is the going rate...and it looks like it is in pretty good shape...i assume it has been well maintained, and since it appears to be in good shape, you're better off paying $3500 for a quality well built 17 year old car than $2500 for a 10 year old POS.

[JG20]

Have I got some wheels for you. 

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Forester/MISSISSAUGA/Ontario/19_8312214_/



This car is cleaner in/out than most other cars I get into a fraction of the age.

Not sure how many biters you've had but the earliest I'd be able to come take a look at it would be next weekend.

[quadzilla]

Have I got some wheels for you. 

I wish I needed a second car as this would be perfect for me.