A friend of mine is looking at buying a WRX and has come to me for some advice.

Hes after a 1999 - 00 manual, not heavily modded, not thrashed.

What is there that he can look out for in the car that would hint to any signs of abuse? Is there any model specific issues he should know? Any big things he can check for before forking out for inspection?

Thanks

Felix

not heavily modded, not thrashed.

A not thrashed WRX, that's like saying a hooker is as tight as a virginal 18 year old.

Tell him to have a good look around the inner wheel arches, esp tight little fiddly places hard to clean for any pieces of rubber, check the leading edge of the tyres, if they look torn-"not good" have a look for any holes or dents in the dash to indicate a turbo timer and also additional wiring left behind or cut and taped wires. Other than that. the usual basic stuff, crash damage etc

My friend is on his 3rd gearbox, so I'd listen and feel anything to do with the gearbox also..

also engine mounts, the heavily launched wrx's go through engine mounts like nuthin else because of the grip

agree with Mika, the boxes are like glass once decent power is acheived

Yeah I have already told him an un-thrashed WRX is rare as rocking horse sh*t.

So...

Signs of wheelspin, damaged tyres and rubber inside arch.

Gear changes, sticky, noisy, clunky

Engine mounts? Cracked rubber? Stressed metal? What should I look at there?

Thanks guys

Felix

mostly stressed/torn rubber, also rub marks on the bonnet from the engine hitting it

I haven't seen man prople prepared to launch their WRX mega hard on the street, only a few do it on the track unless they are serious, good luck to him mate, the cars are alot of fun when modded right, just ask bcl!

Bugger....read the title and thought you were leaving

(got nothing useful to add sorry)

Bugger....read the title and thought you were leaving

(got nothing useful to add sorry)

Hah, fat chance shorty!

Who else is gonna harass you at the next cruise??

Hows the skidpan day going? All organised yet?

Felix

Yeah it was great....shame you missed it