Looking for WRX wagon buying tips

I am in the market for a WRX wagon. My budget is 18,000. I want to know what I should be looking to get for 18 grand in regards to miles, and body condition. Any help would be great

 

I spent close to 16 for my 06 wagon with 50k

 

Spent $11k on my 04 with 100k. Should be able to get a good car with money left for mods!

 

I'd get an Sti if I were to do it again though

 

How many miles to WRX's usually start going bad?

 

mile 1

 

Mile #1.

It all depends on how the cars were treated. If they were beat to crap, people doing mods without the supporting tuning needed etc.

We can't give you a real answer when they start "going bad".

There is routine maintenance, but I would consider that "going bad"

 

Let me re-word. What mile numbers should I shy away from for being too high for 18 grand

 

You would be better off researching some cars yourself.

See whats out there, see what NADA or KBB says about car values.

You have the first "major" maintenance needed at around 103,000 miles. But given you have 18k to spend, you should be able to find one with way lower miles.

The more of a stock car, the better. Don't waste your time buying modded crap.

 

Thank you for the help

 

with a 18k budget you could find a car that needs work and have it rebuilt stronger.

 

I'm not comfortable enough with cars to do repairs

 

most of the replies are on point with what to expect. plus, if you're not comfortable enough to do it alone...

we can recommend what shop you could take it too.

I started bone stock and glad i didnt go full modded right away. with 18k thatll get a nice vehicle

 

Hatch also? I am in the process of trading mine but wont be done for a few months.

 

I'll bet you can find 2011 WRX with 50k miles for that kind of money. May have to travel. There is one on the for sale forum for that kind of money.

 

Is it worth traveling a fair distance for a good deal? and yes I want a hatch

 

Timing and rarity kick me in the sack every time. Seems like every time I want a part or even buying a new car I have to drive to get the best deal or the one I want. Even ordering a brand new car from a dealer means heading down the road and hitting every dealership that sells the car I want. Its a pain but the only way to be sure what your getting is the best you can for the money is to check a long ways out. Each dealership or individual seller has very different ideas of what the cars are worth.
I could have sold my car quite a few times on my own if I took trades and did financing lol.
2009 WRX LIMITED. 32000 miles DGM Hatch, Short throw, windows tinted, taillights tinted
Some dealerships offered lowball stuff. Kept a straight face. And they wonder why I never answered their calls. Heres my last offers.
$15,500
$15,800
$17-18,000
$19,000
I expect them to sell it around 20,500.

 

Thanks for the help man. I'll broaden my horizons as far as searching goes. Sounds like a sweet ride man. What are you planning to do with the money?

 

2015 WRX Premium. Looks like I will be sorting out bugs on a new model. haha

 

Im a wagon guy so the 2015 doesn't catch my eye

 

I have flown to Dallas for the right car. Think about what you want as far options and trim, what you'd pay and look around nationally. It's nice if you don't need a car right now. Consider a Forester XT or Outback XT if you really want a wagon. Might find them cheaper than the WRX and more like a wagon than the WRX. Better chance of not being whaled on too.

 

I want a WRX for the sport aspect. I just want in the wagon/hatchback style for the usability. I don't need a car right now so I will take the time to look nationally

 

You should be able to find one. Maybe 50-60k mile range. But having your ducks in a row ahead of time will help.