First off, I'm keeping my LS400, not getting rid of it.

Second, I'm looking at an '02 Subaru Impreza WRX with an STI 2.5 swapped in with the 2.0 heads. 2k on the new motor, 63k on the five speed and the body.

I just got back from test driving it. He hasn't tuned since installing the new motor, bigger VF22 turbo, and aftermarket injectors, so the car bounces off the 'rev limiter' at 5k due to not having been programmed for the new motor.
It gets up and moves. FAST. The car has had easily 10k dropped in to it.

Body was straight, had a couple small scratches, needs a new hood scoop because the paint was faded off the aftermarket one.

He wanted $9,500 for the car with the Grays rims still on it, $8,500 without them. As far as what it needs done to it, it needs a wiring harness to the speedometer, and a tune (about $150-300 from a friend). I told him I'd give em $8,000 without the rims. He emailed me before I got back home and said he'd buy these rims and put em on there.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/pts/1564570317.html

The car is listed here.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/1564260859.html

It definitely has a LOT of power. A friend of mine's 2008 wrx sti puts out right at 500hp. Anybody know much about these cars, and can give me an opinion?

 

The transmission may be the riskiest part of the deal. The '02s were noted for clutch/transmission issues....see Consumer Reports.

 

Sounds like fun but remember to have that thing checked out. The previous owner was most likely beating the crap out of the car. If he went so far as to swap the motor I guarantee you he has pushed his car more than a few times. Remember people are generally not going to sell a good car. Check the clutch and tranny. Also why would he swap a motor, dump all of that money into, and then just give it to you? Not saying dont go for it but I would check the car out. Have a good mechanic look at it.

 

I would never buy a car modified by someone else, especially to such extent as engine swap. If anything ever goes wrong, its gonna be a huge clusterpuzzle to diagnose and repair.

 

Yup!! You dont know what he did over the years. CArs with engine swaps can be a nightmare. Why would the owner swap the motor then not tune it.


If you do buy it you may want to be able to call the previous owner,but then again no owner wants to hear from the dude he just sold his car to. Its your problem when you buy it

 

i completely agree with this

 

Way too much money considering the risk. No thanks.

 

As was my brother's Impreza. The previous owner had bent the frame and my brother bought the car not realizing it.


That being said, everyone I know with the WRX loves it. My boss' husband has an '02 which Ive had my eye on for some time.

 

Well, I've done some more research on the car and talked to the owner a little more. He found some decent rims to put on it w/tires, and we agreed on $8k.

I found his username on a subaru forum and looked through all his posts/threads and didn't find anything alarming. Mostly looking for parts and opinions on things..saw several mentions of him asking his 'Subie tech' so it seems like what he told me about the major mods being done by a shop, is true.

He's going to compile a list of mods, as well as give me the email address, phone number, and website of the owner of the shop that did all the work, who can provide me with receipts. I was very leery at first but it's shaping up to seem like an ok-to-good deal, considering unmodded WRX's with the same mileage run for about the same price/a little more around here.

Keeping my LS400 for a few months to see how things will pan out with the Subie..if it turns out to be a headache, I'll just sell it.

 

For that price, it seems you can enjoy it a bit, fix the issues, and probably re-sell it for something around what you bought it for. Good luck.

 

Giving u the shop number, and all receipts for mods and work done - sounds like a pretty honest guy to me

 

I agree. It probably wouldn't hurt to call the shop and see if anyone can conjure up any information regarding the vehicle, as far as potential problems, cheap-out points etc. Definately is a really nice looking vehicle though. Bug Eye ftw . Not a fan of the tinted tail lights though. The bright red Subie tails give a nice contrast to the sharp black body.

 

The 02 5-speeds were known to have weak sycronizers especially 2nd gear & Subaru wouldn't release the STI until the stronger 6-speed was ready to handle the power. I would have the shop that did the work do a prepurchase inspection for you & assure you that a "tune" will remedy all drivability issues.