One owner, low miles. I understand that the 2002 transmission is not so good. Anything I should listen/feel for? I mean, if it feels like crap, I'm out. Is there any gear noise that indicates impending fail or anything like that?
Trannys are a tough fix. Id say just walk away and buy a better wrx. Plus if its the one I'm thinking of. I think its sold.
It's at a non-Subaru dealer. Is that the one? Also, I'm not saying it has an issue, I'm just wondering what to look for.
Clutch in and clutch out noises. Grinding or slipping. Tough in and out gears. Tranny repairs can range from $300 to $1500 for a new trans. Most noises can be drove on with out issues. But the grinding and not going in gears is a big problem. And yes that's the one.
Balls. I called on it at like 3 this afternoon. The dealer in question was only open until 6! Anyway, thanks for the info.
whatever bielke says. Grinding and slipping are big. Whining noise during accel/decel and at a specific (low) cruising RPM (2k-3k) can be attributed to bad syncros or pilot/throwout bearings biting the dust.
Just went and drove it. Would not go into 1st without grinding unless you were stopped, and there was a bit of whine when coasting in gear at around 20-30 mph. The turbo was also smoking enough to the point I could smell it in the car when I came back. Interior was pretty damn nice, and it had the factory boost gauge. The body itself was a tiny bit rough, but that is going to be taken care of. I dunno, someone was there trying to work out a trade-in on it, so I'm going to have them call me. Solid "maybe". I guess if I'm not super stoked on it, I should probably pass.
Subaru transmissions of that vintage won't go into first unless you're stopped or you know what you're doing so that's normal enough. Are you sure its the turbo that is smoking? The whine may or may not be normal, hard to tell without hearing it.
Good info, thanks. The smoke was coming from under the turbo heat shield. I just wonder if it needs new washers on the banjo bolts or something. It just sounded like gear whine...
Poop. Sales guy just called me, it sold. 70K miles for 10 grand was not going to stick around long, I should have put a deposit on it.
