Used Subaru Wrx Checklist

I have decided to compile a checklist for things to look for when checking out or searching for a Subaru on the internet. So lets get started with this somewhat long list of things to check.

Red Flags

Red flags for me on any advertisement include the following words

• Blow Off Valve
• Ebay
• FMIC
• PPG
• Deatschwerks
• CXracing
• Raceland
• Cold Air Intake

I list these for a reason , Cars with these types of mods and cheap products are less likely to have been maintained during their lives. Some of these modifications like Blow off Valves or Deatschwerks injectors can actually make your car run worse as we have seen many local cars with Deatschwerks injectors misfire randomly. Putting a cold air intake on a car can screw up the maf readings and lead to lean conditions which then can lead to motor problems.

What you want on a used Wrx/STi

• Stock Airbox
• Stock Turbo
• Stock Intercooler
• Tuned by a reputable tuner ( THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT )
• Oem parts used during maintenance
• Maintenance History
• Preferably owned by adults

While all of the above would be like finding a unicorn they do exist and will prevent future problems on your new ride. If it does have modifications make sure it has been tuned for them as the EJ motors are a little picky when it comes to tuning and bolt on parts.

Parts and Company names that can add value to a car

• KW
• RCE ( Race comp Engineering )
• Tomei
• Trust
• Perrin
• Injector Dynamics
• Rays Wheels
• Advan Wheels
• Feal Suspension
• Extreme Turbo Systems
• Cobb
• Enkei

Parts and Company names that can make me avoid a car

• Raceland
• Deatschwerks
• CX Racing
• Ebay
• Megan Racing
• Rota
• XXR
• Varrosten

People may disagree with adding replica wheel makers to that list but I have a reason for that. If someone is buying replica wheels for their car what makes you think they have not bought knock off parts for other components on the car ? Besides you can get genuine wheels for a little more than the cost of the reps and have them refreshed.

Random things I also like to do

• Sellers who can barely form sentences are usually people you want to stay away from
• Avoid Rebuilt title cars at all costs
• Check for Rust EVERYWHERE
• Shitty pictures usually mean a shitty car
• Buy from an adult

– Joey