02 wrx for $12.5k , catch is... 97k miles... kbb=16.xxx worth it? would YOU buy it?

btw... it's in excellent condition.

 

Suby's can run forever, but we need more info. Is it stock, slightly modified or fully blown?

 

stock, supposedly the guy that traded it in had a LONG drive to work. i drove it, feels normal, about 45-50 mph there was a small rumble when i pressed the gas in the ass of my seat very SMALL, the idle didn't sound perfect but i have no exp. with subarus, and i just got out of the nissan murano before the test drive so ofcourse it wasn't as smooth a ride. that's the thing i was wondering, can they run forever ? i've NEVER heard of an 02 anything with damn near 100k on the odo, crazy. but cheap.
and it's possible the 105k service is already done, they were going to pull the service records.

 

I would no doubt request to see the service history on the vehicle. Ask the owner for his login on my.subaru.com and that should give you access to view the warrenty work performed on the vehicle. Otherwise I ask him to have the dealer fax over the history. The reason I bring this up is b/c I would expect the earlier(if not all) '02s to have the clutch relplaced under warrenty for "cold clutch shudder" there is TSB on the issue. At 100k if you're still on the original clutch I would expect a replacement soon. On the flip side If this is an original clutch this would be a sign that the car wasn't abused.

I would inspect the vehicle for tell tale signs of removed modifications. I would pay close attention to hoses going to the turbo and boost controller. Inspect the exhaust bolts and the turbo heat sheild for evidence of prior modifications. Don't forget to check for collision damage. A slighly trained eye can easily spot repairs if you're looking for them. I would suggest running a carfax but don't rely on the information to be 100% accurate.

I would have the vehicle checked out by 3rd party mechanic that has experience with Subarus. I would consider Mastro but any mechanic with prior experience should do. Assuming everything checks out I would seriously consider the car for 12k. It's a deal!

 

Check out the service records and make sure the major stuff was taken care of, ie, diff fluid, plugs, coolant, timing belt(due at 105k),trans fluid etc. Find out if major items have been replaced (clutch, tranny, exhaust, etc.) If everything is cool, I recommend letting a dealer do an inspection. If your close, have Kelly at Mastro take a look at. Many AWD owners may just change out one or two tires at a time. This can kill the differentials, even if there is 2/10's difference in treadwear between tires. Check to see if he has receipts on tires and when they were changed. Hope this helps.

 

it is at mastro... i didn't wanna go telling everyone incase i want it. it's a good deal, car fax says it's clean, and service was closed when i went to look at it so the sales guy (steve) couldn't pull up any records.

the salesman told me when it got there it went through service and it costed them about $700 for that and it checked out good

 

ive seen that car, it doesnt look bad, but the front bumper doesnt match color wise (assuming this is the same blue one) so it looks like something was done to the bumper as far as paint goes... other than that, the car looks damn clean, but that is an absolute shitload of miles on a car that new, i thought i was up there other than that, my car has been driven 66k miles, almost trouble free, as far as motor and trans have gone... and i dont always drive real nicely... if everything checks out, id drop it, its the cheapest non salvage WRX youll find anywhere!

 

fuck it, buy it, if the motor is shot, u can get a good low mileage one for a few Ks.

 

someone needs to buy it, i've decided to go without payments since my car is paid off. wanna save some money.

 

I know somebody that has a heavily modded 02 with about 67K for sale. I'm willing to bet it;s a MUCH, MUCH BETTER deal!!