Hello, I do not currently own a subaru but will be looking for a cheaper 2nd car as a back up/winter. I have liked the thought of having a Subie for a while but ended up with a different cars when the time has come around. I wont actually get one for a while but figured I would ask and research early on. I will be on a limited budget but would preferably like a wrx(although a sti would be great) and it has to be stick shift. I anticipate a budget of atleast 4k but wont go over 6k or so, what range of years should I start looking at and what things should I look out for? Thank you very much! I appreciate the help and look forward to learning and eventually joining the family.

Largely personal preference.

 

If you're from rust prone areas see if you can arrange a purchase from non rust states. That's saved me hours and hours of labor and parts costs.

 

Phase II engines 2000+ (and 99 Impreza/Forester) have external headgasket leaking issues. 00-04 usually coolant but can leak oil, 05+ usually oil but can do coolant.

 

They're external and benign as long as you keep adding fluid.

 

Replacement gaskets or outliers can have internal leaks and overheat.

 

That's a good issue to understand before buying. The most likely to end up on lots, for sale, traded in, are those with issues or a history. At one lot when I was helping a friend shop, 7 out of 9 Subarus of this era had leaking headgaskets.

 

I prefer buying from an owner as you can sift a lot more information, buy a much better car and improve statistics sunstantially. But not everyone can pull that off well.

Im from michigan so we do have the rust problem. I just need something for 4 years while I begin and finish my final half of school. I appreciate the input and will add all that to my list. Thanks

Wrx are nice cars. In your prics range you can expect some issues. Being in MI, rust will likely be the hardest to avoid. Also in your range are the xt models of legacy, and forrester. Both can be had with 5speeds. These are much nicer cars, and less likely to have been beaten on. A lot of wrx aren't played with very nicely.

A legacy or foz xt will run with a stock wrx, but not an sti. All the while keeping you bathed in luxury.

 

Edit:

Its worth mentioning that the same mods can be appiled to the xt models, as the wrx, so there's the "sleeper" factor

Edited December 28, 20169 yr by crazyhorse001

All my references to headgaskets are applicable to the nonturbo EJ25 engines. Turbo engines dont have those issues.

 

Turbos need excellent oil maintenance and the blocks and turbos are expensive to replace if they go boom.

I probably wont mod the subaru, I have a 2012 Mustang GT as my 1st car that I have spent some money on and would mod up vs the subaru for now. I would definitely play with the subaru in the snow, mud, and dirt. It might be better to get a different model subaru that would be more reliable like you mentioned, so I will look into expanding my search. I appreciate all of the help so far!

The only thing about a high(er) HP car with a manual in the snow. Is you'll need to ride the clutch when taking off in first gear or you'll spin. My 04 Baja Turbo manual can be a pain. If you don't take off very very gently ill spin all my tires (with really good tires) on a take off.

The only thing I missed about an automatic.

I do like the manual in the snow because you can keep it in whatever gear. But taking off on a hill can be a tad difficult.

the problem with used WRXes is, did some kid already ream it out.

 

Turbo Foresters might not have that issue.

I had driven a stick in snow on a different awd platform for a couple years, and it was a blast. I was so comfortable in that car, perhaps too comfortable but I hope to like this awd system also. A forester is seeming to be a better choice even though a wrx has been on my list. Better to avoid issues and spending more money when I will be limited.

Pick up a nice rust free one from CO or AZ.  Worth the trip.  

I'd be happy to watch the CO Craigslist for you.

 

Good ones go FAST!

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5936799310.html

 

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5921644688.html

 

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5932741616.html

 

3 nice options!

Im not too sure I would want to road trip or fly or pay to have a vehicle sent up to me. If I did then I would look in florida near my brother and make a vacation out of it. I like the idea of them being in better shape but for a 2nd car I couldnt justify a long trip

CreamOnTheCob,

 

Florida will have few if any subies. Only places with snow and ice have a need for subies and that's where they sell.

 

And with the money you're wanting to spend, any WRX and most Forester XT's will most likely have more issues than Carter has liver pills in that price range.

 

You'd be better off forgetting about the turbo cars, and go for an Imprezza or plain Forester. But its your money, and your decision.

Be happy to drive one back for the cost of the trip.  I'm in SBN and ORD for work from time to time.

If you think you can find a WRX in that price range that hasn't been beat to death, or modded into unreliability, you are dreaming. I've been looking for a long time and haven't found anything under the $12k range that I would even consider. I've come to the conclusion that it would be cheaper to lease one.