5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Subaru WRX or STI

--5 things you need to know before buying a Subaru WRX or STI
The Obvious things:
-Subaru's have a Boxer Engine
-They're all primarily AWD with the exception of the BRZ and older 80s and early 90s models.
Misconceptions:
- Subaru's are the most unreliable car out there. EHhhhhhhhh Yes and No.
In stock form, the cars will give you very few issues. However, the issues stem from improper modification and lack of care/knowledge.
Head gaskets - Modern Subaru's rarely have H/G issues. The H/G issue stemmed from Early Model N/A 2.5L Engines that used a paper-type head gasket versus an MLS Style.
1. BUY ONE AS CLOSE TO STOCK AS POSSIBLE (The only exception to this rule is if it is built by a reputable shop with a proper build list)
I say this for a good reason. The barrier to entry for WRXs and STIs is getting lower and becoming more affordable. But you need to be cautious of this when buying one. Quite often people will half as part of these cars… What I mean by this is people will remove tunes, remove some engine components, etc. etc. Subaru's are temperamental cars that require more attention than others. So when you have modifications done to the car without a proper tune you often can get boom boom
MAKE SURE THE ENGINE MATCHES THE CAR (I mean if it's a 2.0L it's a 2.0L if it's a 2.5 it's a 2.5). All too often people will buy 2,0L JDM engines as cheap replacements if their old engine blows up.
2. Common Issues and Problems
-Heat Shield on the up pipe cracking causing a rattle
-If you live somewhere where they salt the roads. Check for the love of god the rear fender arches Under the wheel liner. THEY WILL RUST THROUGH
-Steering Racks love to leak
-Paint Chipping or sun faded. Subaru paint is soft and chips easy, plastic painted parts such as the hood scoops will fade
-Older WRXs and 04 STIs (Rear wheel Bearings)
-Valve Covers Leaking (you are fighting gravity on this one)
-Burning Oil (you’ll see Blue smoke from the exhaust)
-OEM Turbo Inlets melting
-Brittle engine harnesses + Coil packs separate on older models
5 Speed Transmission being weak (Reverse will feel stupid in these)
Coolant Overflow Tank Low (prob a sign of a bad head gasket or engine leaking coolant)
3. If you are buying one spend the extra money and buy a clean well built car. To be 100% honest I see a ton of modified Subaru's that are not well built and not taken care of properly
Too often I see people buy these cars that have been half-assed and thrown together and the new owner has a shit experience with the car because they're dealing with the problems from the prior owner.
4. There is a recipe for building these cars.
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel here. Subaru's have been around for about 20 years now in the united states alone. The trials and tribulations have been gone through. If you want X.Y or Z Horsepower out of these cars just follow the build lists. I've got a ton of them posted on here and how to install them.
5. Understanding that Subaru's are not for everybody.
- Let me stop you here. If you are buying a Subaru to make power easily you are looking at the wrong car.
- Fuel efficiency is pretty bad. But I don't think you are buying one for the Miles Per Gallon.
- Because Subaru's are AWD your tires cannot be mismatched (I.e.: Treadwear, Sizing, etc.) You very much will piss off the AWD System.
Closing things out
-Subaru has a fantastic community behind it with a ton of resources
-Subaru's are great cars when properly done. My 730 WHP WRX is a prime example
-Subaru's offer a different type of driving experience that is incomparable to other cars
-Massive Aftermarket selection (Don't cheap out on import things though)
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