Geez, what, two or three days for activation approval.... anyways, I signed up on Monday or Tuesday so I could check out the For Sale section and do a little car shopping for WRX's and possibly finding some good deals before winter, or to at least gather knowledge of these four-wheeled rockets over the winter in hopes of selling my current vehicle in the Spring and jumping in the saddle of a turbo powered beast of a machine. Well, that was then and now I have a 425 Hp Corvette killing car hunkered over in silence in my yard due to a crash on Tuesday night. I was driving a '94 Chevy Camaro Z28 with a 383 stroker motor, stage 1 rebuilt tranny, headers, exhaust, C6 Vette rims and nitrous hook-up but lost it on an entrance ramp during the chilly night on my less than ideal tires (slicks really) and put 'er into the concrete barrier. SO, here I am with a new plan of expedited car search and training with what will be a nice wad of cash in my account. Oh, and Bergeguy sent me so blame him for everything I do wrong. :biggrin: So Bob, what do we have here for our lucky contestant? ***EDIT: Anyone have directions to a For Sale/Buy thread? Thanks
Welcome. The FS thread can be found here: http://mnsubaru.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/23-For-Sale-Cars-Parts What is your price range?
Welcome to the site, sorry it takes a while to get activated. We have 2 admins that do it, and they have jobs. You should be able to view the FS section, but you can't make your own threads to sell stuff until you have 30 posts. SO better get started
Welcome! If possible, I'd suggest rebuilding the camaro and picking up a beater 02-03 wrx wagon (I know of a clean title and mechanically sound, but cosmetically rough one that went for $4k recently). The wrx will never do what your camaro was good at but it can do other things better... like turn and grip lol. If you're looking for a change and can deal with the lack of NA torque and powerband, I'd suggest an 06+ wrx (2.5L vs 2.0 from 02-05). Good luck with your search!
We all have jobs and plenty drive desk all day, but I'll let it go. Oh 30 posts can come easy. I'm a bit of a post whuuuuuuuuuure. Here we go, good info. I'm not one to be able to put the time into a bunch of repairs so I think the 'maro is done for me. Some buddies want it though and I'de love to hear it roar again. Now with your suggestion; why the 2.5L- more bulletproof or just for more power...? If I had to pick a price range, maybe around $10k...? Thanks for the For Sale section link, searchy, searchy time. Not much on CL from the looks of it so I'll just creep around everywhere and read up.
I dig your Craigslist finds thread. That's what I'm talkin about. So $8500 for an '02 with $100k is a pretty good deal? I need a baseline for these damn things and I think I have to start with KBB.
Actually unless I'm not up to date it's 25 posts and 30 days to start your own for sale thread. No biggee though as you are looking to buy not sell. BTW welcome and good luck on the search for a new ride. I don't go through cars like some of the others do so honestly I'm not sure what 10k buys these days.:dunno: *Don't know how you feel about evos but heres a local one under 10 grand. Don't personally know the car/seller but do hang out on the site every now and then. http://www.evomn.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5850
Keep the camaro, you will miss what it does, get her fixed, or take the motor out and put it in something else, like an FC or something. If you are looking at WRXs, LOOK FOR STOCK/UNMOLESTED cars. & ones that havent had mobile1 run in them.
More power potential, more off-boost torque, and the powerband is shifted to the left. I noticed daily driving a stock 2.0L that I was almost constantly in boost. With the stock 2.5L (both wrx and sti, so it isn't a gearing issue) I was only in boost when I wanted to be. Both blocks have their issues but depending on your power goals, between the two you're better off with the 2.5L. Chassis-wise they're the same from 02-07. Suspension-wise they are similar enough. The interiors are bland on all of them but I prefer the layout of the 05-07. 02 seats were the best. The brakes are improved (and coveted for their performance and ability to fit smaller winter and rally wheels over them) to 4-pot/2-pot for 06-07. I like the gearing and 1st gear synchro revision starting in 06, but other than that the transmission is also similar enough. Styling-wise, I think they're all ugly, but I like ugly cars lol. Makes me feel like they are over-performing! If you can stretch the budget a little bit, an 06 is the way to go imho... unless you swap the LT1 into an impreza l wagon!
Lucky for you I'm looking to sell... http://mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php/40394-FS-2005-Subaru-WRX-STI Shoot me a PM if interested...
Welcome to MNSubaru Dan. To bad about the car though, I didn't think I was seeing it drive off for the last time that night.
Hmmmm... dang! I like the looks of it sir. Hopefully I get halfway there with my car's claim. Word is STI's are cause for higher insurance coverage, true? I am curious about Lancer Evo's, and how they compare. Any input on that? BTW- Why's everyone diggin the Camaro? A WRX can potentially launch off the line better in a drag, they can rip around the autocross track, and most importantly... not sit in a garage all winter. I really shouldn't have the Camaro anymore after the things I've done in it. I was always itching to get a ticket immediately after I turn the key and the engine shutters that thunderous tone. It gets ya. Here's when I tried a camera in it one day for the hell of it --> http://contour.com/stories/ride-in-the-camaro-z28
Thoughts on this? Guy has three Scubies, must be on here right? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/ctd/2033768167.html 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX TR - $14950 (BLAINE, MN)
yah, I gotcha now. It was nice to have experienced it, but I don't see myself going to that extent of work to have it back. I'm ready for a little less molestation from the cops. I was yelled at to get out of my car on the side of 169 one night. Hands in the air, feet spread apart, searched and frisked... for a loud exhaust ticket
I'm just a huge 4th gen camaro and LT and LS fan. I have an LS I will be putting in my fiero someday.
then get an XT... I have been throwing around the idea of selling mine but my heart isnt set on it... same engine as an STi, can carry more stuff, less harassment for the rice wing, for another $1000 you can get it to STi power with turbo, intercooler and tune.. oh and there are way less of them around
wow.. another guy with 19's on a Subaru.. (waits for comments from the crowd) ps.. I like it... I'd sell mine for $11.5K but its an auto
Soooo, are 19's on a WRX like 22" dubs on a minivan or somethin? Or do they actually kill the suspension geometry? An issue seems to be that there's a lot of power there and a lot of miles put on by it... maybe?
well there is always going to be performance loss with bigger rims, but the guys who go on about it are the ones whos cars never see dirt either... but I run 19's DD on gravel roads at 60+mph... I like the look of them.. its personal taste and I have butted heads many times hahaha mostly in fun though... I am not so sure about suspension geometry being that my rolling diameter is pretty darn close to the original rims/tires.. I am consistently within 2mph speed difference between them... its more the sprung or unsprung weight and load on the bearings, but if you do your homework you should never have an issue... I have run them on my 2 different subarus over the last 5yrs with a combined 130K miles and never a wheel bearing issue...
I like 'em. Not a huge fane of the black sections. So, is insurance pretty expensive for WRX's relative to similar cars, Evo's, S4's, etc...? My insurance will be horrible after they get a hold of my Camaro.
OH SH!T, here we go! Punk kids these days, no respect. Wanna buy those rims and put 'em on a Subie? They're 18" so nobody can give ya crap, sort of. Prolly need some wheel spacers for the 275 rears, and look into some fender flares if you want the Mexi-look. Seriously though, what's up with all of the engine and synchro problems with Subaru's? I'm afraid to get one now because there is no question that I would drive it like I'm Ken Block (minus launching it through the air, maaaaybe).
Seriously though, what's up with all of the engine and synchro problems with Subaru's? I'm afraid to get one now because there is no question that I would drive it like I'm Ken Block (minus launching it through the air, maaaaybe).[/QUOTE] As far as i know once you sart modding the Subaru to anything from Stage 2 and beyond- You are bound to start facing engine problems. Subaru STi for example- stock pistons are one major weak! Secondly the WRX for example the 5Speed tranny is also a weak link when you go start pushing lots of power hence the synchros but the same is for 6speeds too they grind at some point- so i guess we abuse these cars quite enough! But they are means to solve all these petty issues - Forged pistons, PPGs, experienced builders and right tunes plus a discplined driver. However, with that all said turbo charged cars always have never ending issues mechanically-They can be money grabbers all the time...
We bought our 03 WRX with 1500 miles on it in July 03. We still have the car and it has been running stage 2+ for most its life. Its been to the dealer once under warranty for a leaky oil inlet line in 04. Thats been it. It just turned 110k miles (did the timing belt and water pump etc last Tuesday) and it continues to have zero issues other than the normal wear and tear. Most reliable car we have ever owned. Our 05 LGT, now with 60k on it. Same story, zero issues at stage 2+.
learn how to change gears = no syncro or gear damage hahaha I put 75K on my 03 WRX and I abused it pretty good (stage 2) on dirt roads and in Mud fields... no issues
so, zero'ing in on some more reliable WRX's I can beat the piss out of: -2006+ for the 2.5 stock engine (better pistons/rings design???) -STI for a stronger diff -5 spd not as good as 6 spd tranny (STI's have the 6 speed???) -Sedan to Wagon brings insurance from about $100 to $80 ea month -anything else to mention...?
NO! They all suck when it comes to performance. All the usdm 2.5l turbo pistons suck. The 2.0 can crack, but not as much as the 2.5l. Best way to avoid this issue is to drop in some forged pistons.
All - is a pretty subjective word ;-) ("all of the engine and synchro problems") If you take a machine intended to do something, and then for whatever reason feel the need to exceed that boundary, I think you're asking for trouble. Personally I would not worry much about a properly maintained and driven Subaru. However, start putting down tons more horsepower and mashing the throttle all the time and I would expect some problems. No car escapes that. I know quite a few people that autocross their Sub's with reasonable strong tunes and their stuff seems to last as well. Hence.. why I bought a WRX.. .again ;-)
You're focusing on the solution, without describing the problem. Are you hoping to autocross, rally or Tokyo Drift on the 94 to 394 West bound ramp? I think your points are correct, but I don't know if they are necessary (diff, tranny, etc..) unless you REALLY plan on laying into your WRX quite heavy. I personally didn't think the STi was worth the significant upcharge. However, that's not to say it's not worth it for ANY other person on earth. I like to put the hammer down occasionally but I don't ever anticipate driving in a way that would warrant beefier diffs or transmission. Does anyone have input as to whether the 6-speed actually IS stronger? Or is it just better for track use? DVS_DAN - I know I was razzin you before, but I'm being pretty frank now. If I would have been looking at getting a used Suby I would probably have more seriously considered an STi. Not that I felt I needed it, but I didn't want to wonder why I hadn't went that route. They are pretty amazing. As for new, the 2011's have the same body, 0-60 is a bit quicker than the STi and it still does EVERYTHING I could need and more. So - on that note, I'll jump up the soapbox and wish you the best of luck trying to figure this out ;-)
Hey, this is some damn useful information. Maybe it isn't as bad as what I have been seeing. I saw Silvertide's sweet silver '05 STI with the synchro problem, so then I checked out a site talking about that and warranties and there were a TON of people with those issues and no help from Subaru. Maybe it just is what it is, and just a potential risk. I know I drive like an idiot, so it made me worried moreso than a normal driver. I probably won't have time to do more than a few Autocrosses, no rally's likely, and I was JUST thinking about some day drifting around my exit off 10 onto 35W on my way into work this morning. Ummmmm a 2011, not for this guy. My Camaro was my most expensive car at about $7000 after getting wheels and tires. I think I may hang around $15000 for "the Subaru experience". I've never driven or worked on an AWD car before so I'm kind of excited. I can look at STI's since insurance would be only about $10 more per month and because they're awesome, so no restrictions there. NEW QUESTIONS 1. What are some good places to find used cars? I always use Craigslist, but there's also Car Soup and Ebay Classifieds(which I had never heard of) 2. What work/price does it take to fix some of these "common" problems like synchro or piston issues? New pistons involves an engine rebuild I imagine, so someone smarter has to get paid to do that...? I have an open space in my heated garage and a truck for the winter, so I have thoughts of getting after a car with the synchro issue and maybe doing the work myself over the winter. Thoughts??? thanks again folks. I LOVE FORUMS!
You try searchtempest? Just do WRX or STI in the search your zip code and how far out you are williing to drive. I use it all the time for nova parts. http://www.searchtempest.com/ Or try autotrader or cars dot com.
Drawing off of my exerience in searching for a STI, I found that cars out of state are cheaper than they are in Minnesota. I think that the value holds better for all wheel drive cars in the snow belt states. That is my .02. I'd look at Autotrader.com and look to purchase a car that has not been modified. There are some great threads on IWSTI for what to look for when buying a used STI. Also don't be affraid to post up a car that you are intersted in and let everyone do their best to rip it apart. Good luck!
I'll tell you what, I'll sell you my STI and give you "the Subaru experience" for $13,600 with the extra set of wheels and the warranty that covers everything but the synchro issues.
What would I need to do to replace/fix the synchro issues after I blow that thing up? The warranty covers everything??? I can blow up the motor and get a new one? Daaaaaamn straight you'll drop the price. You have $14k on Craigslist too. What, we aren't all buddies round here and get a lil discount. C'mon man, I grew up in Savage! I left to work way up in New Brighton, but wish I was still down there when I wanna get on Prior Lake.
What about Silvertide's STI? How much is a tranny rebuild? - http://mnsubaru.com/forums/showthrea...Subaru-WRX-STI BTW- How do you get warranty work if the car is modified? I really dig this car dammit
I was looking at his post when I was searching to find winter wheels and his looks like a nicely done, tastefully upgraded STi. He put some coin into those upgrades and seemed to be protective with the oil changes (probably even overly protective - 3k on synthetic oil - but, hey.. it's the cheapest protection you buy ;-)
Hmmmmm... I want it dammit, ugggh $14k... The claim adjuster should be coming tomorrow so I have an idea of cash in hand, loan amount, rates, blah blah blah. Damn those synchro's. If I'm lucky, I can track down someone to possibly spray the crappy spots on the car, spoiler, rear bumper, front valance/bumper. My first order of business would be to drive back and forth to find the kids throwing rocks, then shake them upside down until all their money falls out of their pockets. Then, drive home happy. Explain this sale to me: http://minneapolisstpaul.ebayclassi...limited-edition-garnett-red-pearl/?ad=6579553
Definitely good to know. Getting on this forum was an excellent idea. My truck is a salvage title (front end collision). Damn thing had a kinked frame up front still, which destroyed all of the suspension parts up front consistently. I deducted this because the previous owner had all of his records including multiple ball joint replacements including a warranted early failure of them so they put in Moog ball joints the second time. I slowly replaced a bunch of junk for an alignment, but it wasn't fixed by Ramsey Good Year (they suck), so I took it to Andover Wheel and Frame (they're awesome) and they found the frame was bent RIGHT AWAY. They fixed it for something like $100 bucks and the trucks drives 100 times better and won't have the suspension part failures anymore. Someone should come with so we can investigate this 2007 Here's an e-mail response about the car: From: [email protected] To: Dan; [email protected] Subject: RE: A reply to your "*2007 SUBARU WRX-LIMITED EDITION* GARNETT RED PEARL! " Ad on eBay Classifieds Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:07:49 -0600 Good morning, This WRX needs absolutely nothing and nothing needs to be repaired or replaced. Clutch is perfect and does not need replacement whatsoever. We are proud to place a nationwide bumper to bumper warranty for your protection. If you have further questions, please contact us anytime. Best regards, The Staff @ Elite Motorsports 651.455.0585 Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2010 16:27:33 -0800 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: A reply to your "*2007 SUBARU WRX-LIMITED EDITION* GARNETT RED PEARL! " Ad on eBay Classifieds Hello! The following is a reply to your "*2007 SUBARU WRX-LIMITED EDITION* GARNETT RED PEARL! " ad on eBay Classifieds: From: Dan I like the car. I would like to know if there are any items wrong with it that have been noticed. I'm fine fixing anything, but would like to know if it could use a new clutch soon, and synchro issues, etc... Thanks, Dan
