4 years and 6 cars after leaving Scooby ownership I'm looking to return shortly!

I'm looking at an 03 WRX PPP tomorrow night. It's a 30,000 miler, nice and standard apart from the PPP and some upgraded discs and pads, FSH (all dealers except the last one which was specialist).

What are the things I need to be checking on an 03 WRX? Any faults / issues to look at?

Cheers in advance!

Dave

 

knocking rear struts!

 

Care to elaborate? Cause? Cure?

 

knocking front and rear struts,not cheap!!!

 

knocking rear struts is an issue - it's the top mounts getting bashed in... i'd just ignore it personally as appart from the noise it's not a problem.

 

Any known engine problems?

With regard to the knocking struts what's the actual cure?

 

I take it that it's out of warranty..?

The strut issue did seem to effect some earlier blobeye's, most were changed under warranty iirc. Not experienced it myself, but then I have an 05. If you give the car a decent test drive over various surfaces/speeds it should be fairly obvious if there is a problem as you'll hear a knocking from the rear. Of those that have had issues most seem to have been n/s/r iirc.

Of the other things to look out for, make sure you get the Prodrive PPP certificate and ideally the take off bits (obviously some people won't have kept them, but I recon most will, ask anyhow as it further proof), eg twin pea shooter back box, middle cat pipe, and plastic 'y' IC hose. Also check tyres for uneven wear, especially inside shoulders (usually front worst). This can be quite common if the car has never been aligned properly and not that noticeable if it's the inside shoulders. Not really a problem, just means that new tyres will be needed and geometry setup Which would be worth getting checked anyhow IMHO.

Other than that there really doesn't seem to be much else, especially with a standard car of such mileage.

One other thing, see if the bodywork inspections have been done (back of service book). I do think it's a right kop, but if the guy hasn't had them it might give you a bit more bargaining power as they're not cheap to get done..! Should have had 2 at this age.

Welcome back BTW..

 

knocking front and rear struts ???

Not heard this was an issue with 03 WRX's. Yes the STi's have had these problems and the MY05 WRX which got the inverted strutt suspension.

I have a 53 plate WRX PPP and the only problems have been a dodgy battery which got replaced under warranty. Other issues are manufacturing ones like needing prodrive springs for a decent motorway ride, 18" wheels to make the most of the increased torque from the PPP. I also replaced the centre pipe and BB to make it rev more freely as I felt the prodrive BB and resonated centre made for a lumpy driving experience.

Other than that its just normal car checks when buying a used car. And making sure you see the PPP certificate.

 

Its the STi's that had the issue with suspension, wrx's should be ok.
Just check the usual, blue smoke etc, fsh a must though, general damage repairs if the car has any, hpi a must really.

Tony

 

I also wasn't aware the strut problem occurred on an 03 WRX, certainly had no problems with mine.

Up rated brakes might make me curious if the car has been used on track or driven hard on the road.

Allan

 

possible..!

 

Struts don't knock on a WRX, only an STi, usually the 03 and 04 models.
A Scoob with 30k and full history should be fine. Any problems will be a direct consequence of how the car has been driven, and not how it's been manufactured.

 

bought an 03wrx with ppp four months ago, similar mileage and have had no problems at all with it

 

Thanks for the info all.

All HPI clear - did that today

PPP certificate is with the car and I've checked that all the bits that should be on it are on it.

Arranged to see the car after work tomorrow night so I'll let you know how I get on!

Dave

 

Just got home after my test drive & inspection of the WRX PPP

Pulls like a train, mint condition, service book 100%, PPP certificate and relevant parts all present and correct, nice upgraded jvc cd player and front components.....the deal is done.....I take delivery on Friday lunchtime

Thanks for the advice all.....it felt good to be back behind the wheel of a Scooby....and that flat 4 burble....like music to your ears!!!

Dave

 

nice one dave - be seeing it round soon then!

 

Well done mate

Top motor, pics ASAP

 

Congrats Dave, welcome back

Allan

 

Thanks all!

Pics will be up after I give it a good clean (or a "detail" as it now appears to be called )

I couldn't help think ooohhhh that Prodrive exhaust needs a damn good polishing!

Roll on this months pay......let the modifications begin!

Dave

 

I have one 53 wrb for almost a year now and never had any problems with it

 

I got a 03 WRX PPP SL.

Genius car and never had a problem.
I think its the mutts nutts

 

Only 26 and a half hours to go!

I think I'll set up my cleaning *cough* detailing *cough* kit tonight in readiness LOL

Dave

 

If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it?

I have a 53 WRX PPP and love it. It's not the fastest thing on the road but the noise it makes is enough to keep me happy.

Enjoy!

 

How much did you pay if you don't mind saying?

 

It worked out at virtually 12k.....I did a deal on my current car plus a bit of cash.

I think on an outright cash purchase it would have been a bit lower but I'm happy .....I can't be ar5ed with the bother of selling cars privately!

Dave