Help In Buying A Car!

[Stage2]

To the SAU Team, the story:

My Girlfriend is looking into getting a WRX, i know i know its not a jap nor skyline but i need your help guys since you all have the brains when it comes down to cars!!

We found a WRX today and had a look at it and all seems well! We followed this guide to the best of my ability:

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/bu...l&hl=buying

which isn't saying alot

Question:

So is it recommended to get a compression test? If so what workshop does this? I use hyperdrive to get my work done but they are SOR so i doubt they would go out of there way!! So i was thinking C-Red or XSpeed but have never been to these workshops so definately need advise! Do they even do this?

Also roughly how much is this going to set her back? If you know of course!

ANY info would be much appreciated as i am not the best mechanically minded!!

Thanks Paul

[MattyP]

Good place to go is www.perth-wrx.com to see what to look for in regards to purchasing a WRX. I would also suggest taking it to a workshop that specialises in WRXs.

Otherwise, just take the car for a spin. Get RAC to check it, and you should be fine dude.

[passin ewe]

Yea I agree, RAC might cost approx $150, but I used them once and they were very thorough. A full written report including compression test,I was buying a nissan bluebird and they picked up on the timing chain which could have been costly. The car yard erectified it and I ended up owning that car for 8 years and spent very little on it. But definately spend the money to have a car checked out, it might save you lots in the not to distant future

[R DIRTY 3]

Be very careful of the gearbox. A mate of mine bought one and the box let go with in a month. If you can, drop a bit of the box oil and get it checked. Any metal in at all and walk away! 3-5k for a rebuild.

Good luck

[Stage2]

Thanks for the info guys! My gf is a member of the perth-wrx site so i had a quick search.... Brad does this sound right? I found this on what to check 4:

I would do the following as a minimum

- compression test

- suspension play

- dump some gearbox oil out to check for metal

- check plugs

- check service records

- check oil consistency

- check noise in cabin for ticking, pinging, etc

Would you get all of this checked out?

[phenline]

also put it on full lock in a car park and listen for the suspension creeking and whining common problem in wrx. And it is is modified at all? if it is running a after market filter i.e k&n pod make sure it has a ECU to run it i think they have a problem running them with out ecu clogging up the afm and what have you. And as mentioned above the gearbox cops it in them with the 4wd launches and people pinging them of the redline.

[Stage2]

The WRX currently has what seems to be 2.5" exhaust, link computer system, kingsprings, sti intercooler, and a bov of which i not sure what brand. Its not hks, blitz or gfb. It also has a manual boost controller of which im not sure at what its set to! All work done at revlimit and has a service history

[WhatBrake]

Hey im sure others refrained, but a Subaru is a Japanese brand. I noticed a few ppl have reccomended RAC vehicle checks, I have had two of these done in the past and they were absolutely pathetic and didn't pick up some MAJOR problems on my sisters car, I would not reccomend them at all. Waste of $150! Use common sense, check the box synchros as the WRX box is renound for being weak as piss when boosted up. The usual list should also be checked:

Some of which are-

Oil condition (bring a rag- ppl never have them ready)

Panels are all in line

Chassis rails straight

lock the wheels left to right and listen for problems

Give it a rev an listen to the note, missing etc?

Check for rust including in the boot under the spare tyre/wells

Compression test is a good insurance measure but not hugely needed if it all checks out

Check to see if it's blowing any smoke especially under load

Clearly if its pinging etc. it's not a good sign

Check for any oil leaks in engine bay

Dumping some gearbox oil is again good insurance but not hugely needed (seein it's a WRX I prob would tho)

If it's not too low check the exhaust also listen for an raspyness indicating buggered gaskets etc.

Go for a good drive including high speed crusing to scope out any problems with suspension/wheel allign/noises etc.

Give the brakes a workout and listen for any ticking or shuddering indicating problems with rotors etc.

Get it through some corners again listening for problems

Check all the Electrics, A/C, Stereo etc.

Have a look at the condition of the current brake pads and tyres

Check the plugs for buildup/dirty as

If lowered check for scraping of the guards etc

Obviously have a look at the service records and if u feel the need give the service centre a call and ask to speak to the guy who usually does the work, ask some qtns.

etc etc etc.

At the end of the day if you think it might be dodgy it prob is and dont buy it just cos it looks sweet.

That should help you buddy.

Take it easy

[Stage2]

Thanks for your help, yeah i have decided to get a vehicle inspection done at revlimit who specialize in WRX's. It includes all oils to be checked, compression check, suspension and so on... 4 pages worth for $180, alot better than the rac 1-2page and no knowledge on turbos!!

Hope all goes sweet, but thanks again all, love been part of SAU!!!! ALWAYS HELPFUL!!!

[WhatBrake]

alot better than the rac 1-2page and no knowledge on turbos!!

RAC 1-2 Page rubbish report and no knowledge on anything thats not a commodore or corolla more like it.

Hope all goes well bud.