Hi all,
I haven't been around in quite a while, I had a 02 WRX wagon and before that an 05 STI for a short time, but I am thinking of getting another 02-03 WRX wagon 5 speed.

Any pros and cons and any reliability issues with what I want? Any input appreciated, I wouldn't mind a bone stock 5 speed, but don't know how hard they are to come by now.

 

Cons would be the front suspension is somewhat unique. Rear are the same, but if you aren't modding, that's not a big deal. Problems you are going to have would be no different than the other GG/GD models in general. Loved my wagon. Love my FXT more They come waves seems like - sometimes hard to find, sometimes there's plenty. When I sold mine, there were quite a few...which was not so good for me, but it sold.

 

I had an 02 for 7 years with no real problems, the stock front seats don't hold up very well and the headlights fog over from the inside but those are the only bad things I can think of.

 

It's gonna be the luck of the market.

Like 04GG said, the GG wagon has a frustratingly unique suspension so if you plan on any aftermarket upgrades you're in for a bunch of headaches. All solvable, but headaches.

I like the 06 because they bumped up to the 2.5L engine, 4-pot brakes, and the IGNITION KILL key. That last part is huge because you can't hot wire it as easily. The consequence is that the 02-05 are easier to steal than the 06-07 and beyond. My buddy has a bugeye that got stolen.

Since you want a WRX, avoid 08 like the plague unless you want to change the suspension; in which case it's probably a smart move because they are cheaper. The widebody WRX didn't come until 2011. The GR is a lot better in wide body.

My 06 WRX wagon super reliable; a total work horse. I tracked it, autox, rallyx it and it was very reliable. I had 2 steering problems that I believe was from rallyx abuse: the o-ring for the steering fluid return needed replacing ($2 fix) and the steering rack seals started leaking around 90k. Everything else was perfect.

 

What was ur budget

 

WTF?!? Wassup, Otto!

I can't offer much re: answering your questions, but just wanted to say HI. Been a long time, man. Hope to see you back in a Subie, bruddah.

~cliff

P.S. Say HI to Jules for me, too.

 

Yo!

Bugeyes are cheap now. Ej20 somehow hold up well on abuse. Don't be afraid, just got grab what fits the budget, is clean and you think has a good history.

 

I was thinking of between $5000-$9000, I missed out on an 06 wrx wagon for $9000 in late Jan in SF.

Only thing I was concerned with was one with a timing belt and clutch done already would be great! There is a local guy selling a silver wagon with 120K for about $9000 I am considering, it has mods on it like exhaust, ECU and coilovers. I wouldn't mind bone stock either.

Just wasn't sure if there are headgasket issues with these?

 

Good luck on your wagon! I sold my 04 STi to a Sacramento IClubber and am in the search for a 05 wagon