THSCC Forums

My son is thinking about purchasing a WRX. Can't afford an STI, though. He is thinking either a 2003 or 2004 (possibly new). So all you Subaru guys out there, what are the major differences between the '03 and '04? Things to watch out for in a used WRX with 20K or less miles? My son has done some autox in his '90 Miata and has gone to a couple of autox schools so he is not a complete novice. If/when he buys a WRX where should he start if he wants to upgrade? Suspension or? Any and all advice would be appreciated. Oh, does anyone have any inside info. on potential rebates on 2004 WRX's in the near future?

2004 has the new face, 2002-03 have the bugeyes.

mechanically, I think they're about the same, but there might be some minor differences I don't know about. I'm pretty sure there are slight differences in the suspension design - sway bar attachment & size, etc.

Pretty sure the 2004 got "better" struts.

The 2002-03 seats kick ass, the 04 seats suck. (you kinda sit "on" them, not "in" them like you would with the 02-03)

First thing he should do if it still has the original brake pads is put some Carbotech Bobcats on it. Depending on what else he wants to do with it (rallyx? ) he should check out www.nasioc.com for info on modifications & any problems people are having.

when he decides what he wants to modify, www.boxer4racing.com has pretty much anything he'll need.

Of course, the 2000-01 2.5RS is much more betterer...

And there just happens to be a very well maintained new-appearing 2003 available right now. Mine is for sale. For the ad look here:

http://www.4g61t.com/thsccforum/viewtopic.php?p=11677

--Kevin H.

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2003 WRX (again!)

Hey Garry - last time I was at Carmax (last week IIRC) there was a blue STi with 13K miles on it for $26,000. Could be worth a look, esp. if he is considering a new standard WRX.

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Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

If he's considering a "new" WRX then buy a used STi, no question about that. Unless he spends $10K on modifying a WRX he will be faster in a straight line or autox course in a stock STi. If he's considering buying used, then get Kevin's "almost new" 03

-Tom

Thanks for the replies. My son lives in the Atlanta area and got a very good deal on a new 2004 WRX so he is quite happy and the search is over.