Newbie Worries

[Bulldog]

I have been looking for an good used WRX or STI for some time. I finally found a 08 WRX, but after doing some research I am very upset and not sure if a Subaru is in my future. Almost guaranteed Blown Head Gaskets, Oil Consumption issues, Ringland failure


I don't need a lemon. But I see a FOR SALE section that I will check out..


Anyway, I am hoping to learn even more about subbies.

 

[Alin]

Welcome to IGOTASTI!! You're going to absolutely love it here!! What car do you currently drive?

I would steer clear from a 2008 WRX since those have the most issues. What's your budget? Why not an STi over a WRX? What do you plan on using the car for? Daily driver, track, autocross, ect?

As long as you know the car's history and that it was maintained correctly, there isn't anything that you have to worry about. Just make sure that a compression and leakdown test is performed BEFORE you buy any car. That will tell you everything about the engine's health.

 

[SDMotorworks]

[MENTION=6028]Bulldog[/MENTION] Just like [MENTION=1172]Alin[/MENTION] says, the 08's are not the best ones to go with. But also as long as it was cared for and you do the same you will be fine. A lot of people bash Subarus for not being good cars but actually if you take care of them they will last a long time. Ive had 8 of them and only ever had 1 engine blow and that was my first one I ever had (2002 WRX) that I hot lapped at the track when I was 18. (didn't know anything back then, haha) All my other ones have ran perfect and last as daily driven cars as well at track specific cars because they are taken care of and when it comes to modifications they all are done with good quality parts the right way. If you need any other info there is a ton you can find on the forum or if you want to message us we will be more than happy to help you with questions or any parts you may want to think about adding.

Welcome to the forum!!!!! Look forward to seeing what you get to work with.

 

[Bulldog]

I currently drive a 08 Chevy Cobalt NA with 192,000. I was the second owner and picked it up when it had 50,000 miles on it. I have a daily commute of around 80 miles or so almost all highway. My budget is around $15k. I would be interested in either an STi as well, they just are hard to find in my budget and lower miles. anything under 100K, this 08 has 120K. I will only use the car for commuting. I am 43 so I dont plan on getting very wild with it.

The car is at a local reputable car lot, but I dont know the history. I can get a Car Fax, but that really doesnt tell you much. This is my way to work, so I am really balking on this now since the 08 as you mentioned have the most issues. I am going to test drive it tonight, and Ill as for a compression and leakdown test report.

Thanks guys.

 

[Bulldog]

The salesman called me. He said the mechanics are going through the car now. Running the compression is part of it. If it doesn't pass, or if they will have to put to much money to get it up to their standard they wont sell the car.

 

[Alin]

Keep us updated!

How mechanically inclined are you?

 

[Grinder34]

The "common" problems on these cars are still <1% failures, and probably <.01%. Just the people who have the failures are vocal. Not to mention you're more likely to have the failure if you're improperly modding the car, and those types of people make up a lot of "other" Subaru forums.

 

[SDMotorworks]

[MENTION=6028]Bulldog[/MENTION] Sounds good, keep us updated and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Bulldog]

I would like to think that I am very mechanically inclined but I am also very analytical and tend to overthink a lot. If I have clear and concise directions I can pretty much anything.

 

[Bulldog]

What should I look for on the compression/Leakdown test? I am asking for them to provide me with a report.

 

[Batmobile_Engage]

I'm not sure about the leakdown, but compression test numbers can be misleading. Subaru states that compression numbers should be, "between 140-170 psi with no cylinder more than 7% different that the average of the other cylinders." However, from everything I've seen over the years, it's not always easy to get compression numbers that meet the first requirement (140-170 psi). This is because it's often difficult to get the engine hot enough for the test, while also not allowing it to cool off too much while performing the test. Most engines cool off too much and therefore, people get results in the 120's and 130's. This is okay. What is not okay is when one or more cylinders is out of the 7% tolerance.

So, for example, compression numbers like this would indicate a potential problem: 140 psi, 138 psi, 137 psi, 123 psi. The cylinder reading 123 psi would be suspect.

But numbers like 127, 130, 129, 128 psi should be just fine.

Does this make sense?

 

[Bulldog]

Yep. Makes sense. Thanks