Quote: eggheadgaming

I'm looking to get a new car in April. Willing to spend at most, $10,000. I was wondering what other people have thought of the 2003 Subaru WRX. The one I'm looking at already has over 100k miles. I was wondering what kind of troubles to expect and a what type of mileage. Thanks.

Quote: pvreditor

I suggest that you look at the reviews at http://www99.epinions.com/auto_Make-2003_Subaru_Impreza/display_~reviews

Since the WRX is a reasonably priced performance car, it probably has been driven in a sporty manner. With that in mind, components that are stressed during performance driving could be reaching their end of life. This includes things like the clutch, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, brakes, ball joints, tie rods and CV joints. Likewise, the transmission has probably also seen some heavy use. Otherwise, my experience with Subarus is that they are pretty reliable. The WRX has a turbo, which have improved dramatically in reliability in the past 20 years. However, it's well known that turbos tend to reduce the life of engines... all that extra stress has to show up somewhere.

Still, a 2003 WRX for $10k sounds like a good deal. Just be prepared for some regular maintenance... it won't be as reliable as a new car.

--Bob