16th Dec 2005, 13:36

I had a 2002 WRX and I loved it, but had to sell it for financial reasons.

I will be buying a 2006 WRX shortly, and I can't wait to be back in a Subaru after driving a Neon for over a year now.

A couple things about WRX's, if you want it to last long, 2 simple things... Regular maintenance and resist modifying the car unless you want to keep up with the problems modding will cause.

Do not buy a turbo timer or blow off valve!! A turbo timer is not need on the stock WRX turbo; the turbo is a liquid cooled one, which circulates the coolant through the turbo when the vehicle is off. (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=465156)

Also the BOV is not needed and will cause more harm than good. The stock turbo is fitted with a bypass valve. (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=468038)

18th Sep 2006, 21:40

I purchased my 2002 WRX new, in August of 2001. The car has been maintained as per the suggested maintenance guidelines and has yet to let me down. Clutch was replaced by Subaru at 34,000 KM due to a chatter which is now returning. Seems prone to gathering dust and dirt and a bit of aggressive driving from a dead stop will right the situation. I have a bearing noise in the rear differential and have the replacement on order. Original front pads were replaced at 219,000 KM and the rotors at 237,000 KM. The rears are entirely original. As of this writing the car has 256,000 KM essentially trouble free. Maintenance and sensible driving habits are key. I DRIVE the car, I just don't beat it up. My biggest investment has been tires. Currently on my 4th set of summer tires. The OEM Bridgestones are prone to feathering and noise after about 50,000 KM. In summary, after 42 years of driving both for a living commercially and pleasure, with everything from a '49 Ford to a '73 Dino 246, my WRX ranks as one of the very best, most reliable and fun cars I've ever owned.

Barry---Sarnia, ON.