After owning two Legacys (91 and 2000), I'm finally in the position to grab a WRX. I'm looking for an 02-04 to keep the price low (and avoid any head gasket issues with the 2.5 engine – I'm not handy and don't have a garage). I also need a wagon to haul drums around in. What potential problem areas should I look for in these model years? I'll be getting an automatic if I can find one because of knee problems, so is there any tell-tale problems I should look for transmission-wise? I know this is boring, but you guys are the only knowledgeable Subaru people that I have access to! Any help you can provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!
Auto wrx are not too popular but if you can find one usually you can get a screaming deal (because generally their target market do not want auto). For buying older wrx's in general you want to know about when the timing belt was changed and you want good history of oil changes (every 3-5k) with quality synthetic oil. Don't know a whole lot about the auto trannies but I think the 4eat is pretty good and the center diff is actually better with the auto.
– Auto wrx are not too popular but if you can find one usually you can get a screaming deal (because generally their target market do not want auto). Is 10,990 too much for an 04 4eat with 90K miles? It's on the high end of KBB value (and it's from a dealer), but it doesn't have any rust and looks well taken care of. Plus those miles are pretty low for a 12 year old car, right? – I think the 4eat is pretty good and the center diff is actually better with the auto. Wait, the center differential is better on the auto?? Why? In what way?
"WRX models equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch to distribute power to where traction is needed. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, throttle position and braking, to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction." The 5mt center diff is just a vLSD with 50:50 bias. So really the 4EAT center diff is closer to the STI DCCD than the vLSD of the 5mt.
Subaru calls the active center diff in the autos "VTD" which is a form of torque vectoring like in the evo. Different and separate from the traction control called "VDC"
– So really the 4EAT center diff is closer to the STI DCCD than the vLSD of the 5mt. I'm just trying to wrap my head around this – would you say that it's the same as in the STI, but just not adjustable? If not, what are the differences between the two? And what are the benefits? Is it just better handling at higher speed cornering?
I thought I'd read somewhere that the 05-07 WRX models had head gasket problems too. Is that not the case? I've been told by mechanics (at the Subaru dealership, even) that it's not a matter of if a 2.5 engine will blow head gaskets, it's a matter of when. Which, if true, kind of puts me off of them. (my 2000 legacy is currently having this problem) You guys might know better though!
I don't know exactly how it is different than the STI center diff besides not being driver controlled. But I would guess that the STI DCCD is probably beefier. All I know is the auto trannies are the only ones that get VTD (not all autos tho) and it is better than the 5MT viscous center diff.
I should also clarify that I won't be doing any engine mods or anything, so don't worry about any problems that might arise from that
I feel like the spun bearings were blown out of proportion. But some say the ringland failure of the EJ25 has been blown out of proportion too. I don't know.
2.5l NA engine that is for sure the case. Though I think with the current Subaru replacement gasket and done right cures that. 02-05 WRX had 2.0l engines. 06-13 WRX the 2.5l.
http://mnsubaru.com/threads/2004-subaru-wrx-wagon.45512/#post-750738 just going to leave this here, it might be worth checking out.
QUOTE="retreif, post: 750588, member: 801"]Turbo 2.5l engines don't generally have head gasket issues. Not like the NA engines for sure.[/QUOTE] +1 on this. ..n/a 2.5s use a single layer head gasket where all turbo models use multi layer ones so it's Def not as common
Yes, when you use crappy oil, don't monitor your oil levels, and don't change it frequently enough. But that's an issue for any engine. The 2.0 is pretty solid when compared to the 2.5L.
Personally, I can't think of one reason to choose the 2.0L over the 2.5L engine if you are going turbo. The 2.5L ringland issue has been quiet as of late as far as I can tell. Both are relatively solid engines that will run without issue for many years.
True, the 2.5L is preferred for better power, but its not like all of the old turbo 2.5L's out there magically got stronger pistons over time. 08+'s are still popping and it also sounds like any newer WRX is out of the price range of the OP. At the same time, a properly maintained, completely stock and respected 2.5L turbo motor will likely be just fine. This too...Outbacks and Forester's have a lot more cargo space than an Impreza wagon. You can also get a Forester XT (2.5L turbo, started in 04 I believe) in an auto.
