I'm looking at an '03 WRX with 100k highway miles for a great price. The tires are new and the clutch was replaced 4 months ago. The only modification to the car is a BOV.

I'm curious if there are issues with this year and what you guys think about it. What issues should I look for?

Thanks in advance!

 

Cant really think of any issues other than the weak "glass gear" transmission. Has it ever been replaced? Making any weird grinding noises? etc. How much are they asking? My friend Taylor has one up here for sale.

 

the glass tranny and you will have to do a timing belt,water pump and pully in about 3k

 

the 03's are nice because they worked out many of the bugs from the 02

Can't think of anything really look for if it drives nice with no weird noises.

Make sure it has the new ABS ECU in it, which the delaerships were swapping under warranty to correct an problem when you hit the brakes and hit a bump, and you lost braking temporarily (scary).

 

good thing gates came out with those cheap timing kits

best of luck with your new ride!

 

+1, even the tensioner comes compressed so all you have to do is pull the pin once the timing belt is in place.

 

oh wow, I need to do my timing belt I think I'm at 114k now..

 

loose the BOV

 

I'm actually already selling the car. I found a good deal on an M5 and have to rid of this one.