Hi everyone, I think I will be the odd, and maybe stupidest one here; but bear with me as you are trying to understand my situation. So, I'm in the process of getting a new car; for I finally have a job that would allow me to buy a brand new one instead of buying old ones off craiglist. Since I love Impreza WRX, it was my first choice to look at, of course. And I would love to have an AWD car to drive through the incoming winter. I have 2 big problems however; first I don't know anything about WRX except seeing it on the road a few times, it has AWD, and also a famous rally car. (bear with me lol) Secondly, I don't know how to drive manual. Now, you can laugh. So, as I'm writing this I'm also reading other posts in the forum, and other websites; I figured I should make an introduction post anyway. Here are a few questions that I would be very happy if anyone can answer them for me. - I prefer the old 1st/2nd gen WRX's look; but I heard it's really hard to get good condition used wrx since they are usually get beaten up really bad and require lots of money to fix. Should I go for a brand new 2011/12 one? I'm open to suggestions on whether I should buy from another brand, or buy a used one, etc. - I assume that manual transmission is a must, I would feel a bit lame driving an automatic WRX. But does it really matter? - It's kind of weird, but could anyone give me a lesson on driving stick? I know this is a weird request from a complete stranger, but sadly none of my friends know or have a manual car around to teach me. Thanks, and sorry for the long post.
If you can afford a new 2011 WRX go for it and save yourself the burden of buying other people's problems (OPP) And the hatch gets my vote over the sedan! About...the stick driving lessons, watch some youtube basics and apply them on your new car.
If you are looking at a 2009+ WRX they do not come in Automatic .... so your issue there is solved. I would advise you to rent a manual car / find a friend with one and learn to drive it. That way when you go to test drive a WRX you can actually drive one. The new vs used debate has no right answer. New - Stock, no one has abused it... mod it how you like. Lower interest rate, lower insurance. You do the maintenance, you know what has happened to the car. Are you going to be worried about voiding the warranty and not want to mod the car? Do you want the "New" features in the car like media center, blue tooth, heated seats? Used - Save money, make more power? Hold out for a good one (may take a month or three) it will be worth it. There are people out there (lower 48 states) that still have stock Subies. Get a STI over a WRX? Better internals and 6 speed.... If you do it right, find one without rust (from the south) buy a plane ticket and drive it back. It is a gamble but it can really pay off. There are lots of things to think about. I went new in 2009... I am happy with my choice.
LOL, I would rent a non-turbo manual. Any manual will work. I would suggest a car over a truck. A N/A (non-turbo) car will be easier to learn on. I would spend as much time as you can driving that car. Even if you understand how to drive a manual... keep driving until you have to return it. The more seat time you can get in the better!
Right, thanks. forgot about the turbo thing. lol There is an automatic 2002 WRX in mapplewood Audi. I'm going to take a look at that today, just want to test drive it to see what it feels like.
I took a drive on that automatic WRX, it's cleans, everything seems fine. Impressive carfax report, 1 owner, yearly maintenance till Aug this year; whoever owned that WRX loved it. No accident w/e, 100,000 miles. Do you think I should go for it? It solves my learning manual problem, and quite nice price too. oh, one more noob question. A guy at a dealer told me that all WRX required premium gas to run. Is that correct for the 2002 WRX?
Yes that is correct. All WRX's require premium. So don't pump anything under 91 octane. As far as the auto thing goes, it's up to you. Your the one who will own/drive it. I'd also ask if the timing belt has been done. Also do you plan to mod the car? If so a engine with 100k miles may not be the greatest candidate IMO.
Timing bell has been done in 2009. And no, I don't plan on modding it. The manual/auto, speed/comfort debate is now stuck inside my head. haha
Yes you would not want to run anything less than 91. The engine is tuned for 91, running less octane could damage your engine. READ This Thread Here is the MNSubaru Thread too If you still have questions after reading both of those threads feel free to ask, but I am pretty sure that will answer your questions. As far as manual or auto that is your call. I know that I will never want an auto again! I have driven 1 auto in since I was 16 and hated it.
IMHO 100k should have at least another 100k left in it if you take care of it, especially with only one previous owner. I'm starting to mod mine at 95k... But I guess it really doesn't matter since he doesn't have any mod plans anyways, lol.
Would anyone be interested in coming with me to take a look at the engine? It doesn't sound very crisp to me.
