Hi everyone, currently looking to purchase my first subaru impreza wrx and was just looking for some advice, i recently went and looked at 2005 wrx that is fully standard car in great condition inside and out with only 2 previous owners with 75k miles.

now the only thing putting me off the car is the service history is only stamped to 45k miles (full subaru) upto 2011 and then the most recent service last year at 74k miles with a cambelt amd waterpump change although not stamped in the book but it has the receipt for it.

so i am just looking for some advice really as to if it's worth going off the car itself off maybe avoiding due to the big gap in service history.

 

If you’ve checked it over and it’s good then I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, plus the main job of belt and pump etc has been done as the receipt is there for the work.

 

You can also check mileage with mot history checker.

 

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

 

I've posted this list before but there are a few things to check.
Knocking rear struts.
Sticking front calipers.
Rocker cover gaskets weeping oil onto exhaust.
Rust. Sills, arches and area under radiator. If you can check area behind wheel arch cover in front of footwell.
Radiators collapse. Look from top down and see if there is a bulge.
Should be no smoke.
At this age you may have to replace a few bushes/drop links.
Be wary of any dodgy mods.
Generally they are pretty tough.

 

Rust and smoke would be my biggest issues on Subarus.

All other tests would apply as per any other car.

 

Checked the dvla to confirm mileage and that checks out, it's actually only ever failed 2 mot's for a couple bulbs and tyres which i was very suprised about.
Had a good look over the body for rust and i couldn't finy any making sure to get my hands in behind to check to the rear arches and the boot and they were all clean with no signs of rust at all, also the car was started from cold and there was no smoke.
i have done abit of research prior to going to have a look to try find the common problems with them but just abit nervous with it being my first one and not knowing a massive amount about them.

thanks for all the replies aswell guys!!😁

 

Good luck!
Remember to get some pictures up if you buy it.

 

will be sure to as even if i don't buy that one i will end up with another one haha!

 

Post some pictures if you get it.

 

In my experience

Always ask to leave the car cold for inspection and purchase

If seller being funny about it walk away

This will show up any piston slap or noisy injectors manifold leaks etc


Make sure car is cold check engine bay upon arrival if warm in the slightest walk away but get refunded for time wasting

Hope you get a good one and don’t forget the pics

 

Decided not to go for it in the end, rang the dealer today that the car was at and they said there was no movement on the price even after i mentioned this and a couple other bits so back to searching again haha!