Used STi, high milage questions

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11-10-2004, 07:47 AM

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Used STi, high milage questions

Well, I've been trying to decide for months now what sort of performance car to get to replace my weak little daily driver. I've finally settled on a WRX STi.. I test drove one and it was simply amazing. However, I can't afford anything new, so I'm looking at getting a used STi. My original plan, when I first started shopping around, was to find a car in the $15000-20000 price range, but after being tempted by the STi I think I can swing around $25000. Normally, this seems to be not quite enough for an STi, but a local dealership has two used sedans for sale: An '04 with 10,000 miles for $28,995 (really stretching the limit of what I can afford), and an '04 with 37,000 miles for $24,500. Yes, 37k miles in one year. Basically, I'd like peoples' opinions on the high-milage car. Obviously whoever owned it previously loved driving, and probably racing it. What sort of problems can I expect? Will it be a maintenance nightmare? Would it be better to wait a while and try to get one with lower milage? Any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

11-10-2004, 08:32 AM

keirnna

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Car Info: 1996 STI V3 Type RA

I think either one of those would be fine, but I would make an offer of 25k on the one that they have listed for 28k. I would look at the tires and see if they are very worn. Especially if they are worn just on one side it means that the car may have been raced. I really don't think racing is hurting much of anything on these cars because that is what they are made for (some would say). Either way if you want to get that other one that is cheaper make sure you get them to at least knock the price down a few k. Good luck, and no matter how many miles you have on the car you'll love it! Oh and if there is no extended warranty on the 24.5k STi then there is no warranty left. They basic Subaru warranty is only for 3 years, or 36k miles. Hope that helps.

11-10-2004, 12:41 PM

gdogg

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check the oil and smell it.. i know that seems elementary... but STi's can burn oil quicker than most cars... all of what keirnna said...
you are right in terms of value.. STi's are very strong in the used market(anywhere from 25 up to 31k)---
i would steer away from the one with 37k miles though
its kinda tough finding the right one.. my advice is get all the info you can about the car AND the owner. run the vin in carfax also.

not sure if you have your financial situation worked out-
but get a pre-approved loan through your financial institution 1st.
shop around for best rates too. once done it gives you a little more power buying confidence- the last thing you need on your mind is dealing with financial concerns and car shopping all at once.

aloha from the summit of *-^-Mauna kea-^-*

11-10-2004, 01:10 PM

gdogg

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okay i just did a market analysis of that vehicle...
i use manheim online auctions..

here is a breakdown that might help you decide in pricing..

last week there were 14 STi's sold nationwide in auto auctions.

the prices paid were $22,249 all the way up to $27,063
the mileages varied from 4676 miles up to 14027

keep in mind these are prices that dealers paid used.
the projected values are slightly higher.

depending on your exact location plays a great deal on what the market value of your car.

aloha from the summit of *-^-Mauna kea-^-*