RSX or WRX 2002-2005

[ballmode]

As a daily driver, both manual. WRX insurance for me is cheaper, but RSX-S gets better gas millage.

Both cars will be getting a suspension treatment, springs/coilovers.

What's the better buy for 12k?

Here is what I found for the WRX:

Year: 2004

Mileage: 39,900 (as of 5 minutes ago)

Maintenance: Mobil 1 synthetic every 5K miles. Just had a major service done by Performance Driven at the end of February (engine & trans fluid, plugs, brake pads, brake fluid, 4-wheel alignment, etc.)

Exterior condition: It's a 6-year old car (bought in April '04), one owner (me! Former S2000 owner, got the WRX when we had our first boy), non-smoker. Some minor chips & dents that are expected of a 6-year old car, otherwise very well kept. I have a CarFax I ran last year when I was looking to buy my Porsche.

Mods: it's pretty long and I'm going off my memory. I may be missing some upgrades so I may come back and update it.
Engine: VF34 installed at ~10K miles (w/Walbro pump & STi pink injectors), Perrin UP/DP/full GReddy EVO exhaust, Cobb AP1 running final VF34 map (93 octane, v1.30), upgraded XL Helix TMIC, STi hood scoop, grounding kit. Currently running a custom made STi muffler (EVO muffler can be bolted right back on) due to noise complaints from the wife - it's really not that bad but at 7:30am when everyone in the neighborhood is still asleep, it can be relatively loud.

Transmission: adjustable short shifter with black resin ball shifter (shift travel is SUPER SHORT but adjustable if you don't like short throws).
Suspension: Whiteline ALK, front lower chassis brace, Tokico adjustable strut with Tein H-tech springs, Perrin front & rear (adjustable) sways on Perrin end-links.

Electronics: stock radio, HID headlight upgrade. Clifford 2-way alarm (alarm remote alerts you when the car alarm warns or goes off) with remote start & turbo timer (set at 5 minutes until shut off). Hella (LOUD) horns (you can see on the front of the car, ready to blast slow pokes)

Brakes: upgraded front Subaru 4-pot (black) and H6 rear larger rotor upgrade, SS lines, StopTech street pads front/rear.

Wheels/tires: Rota Torque 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S - the best all season tires you can get, plenty of tread left (about 10K miles on the tires). I also have a set of Rota Torque 17" with Michelin Alpin tires - the best winter tires you can get with less than 4K miles on the tires (2 winters), yours if didn't haggle the price *too much*, but if you don't want it I can knock a few hundred bucks off the price.

Exterior: STi lips, silver matching side skirts.

I don't track/race/AutoX/DE or abuse the car, it's a daily commuter for work and I enjoy the tremendous rush of power when the VF34 fully spins up at ~3700RPMs. The car has never gone over 90MPH - not really any place to do that kind of speed and I'm too old to race every Neons and Civics that come my way. The car handles really nice - I tuned the adjustable suspension for the car to feel as neutral as possible though the shocks are tuned to the softest right now as I'm getting old and like my creature comfort - if you buy the car I can tune the shocks with you before you leave. No rattles at all, the car is SOLID, and you can see it's been extremely well taken care of with the best possible parts and consumables money can buy for the purpose I wanted (a nice, fast, well handling DD that doesn't scream Fast & Furious or "Ricer!"). The girl still has loads of useful mileage in front of her, and if I wasn't getting a job transfer overseas I would keep her.

I'm asking for $13K OBO which by all accounts is a really good deal. Also attached you'll see some recent photos and a close up of the wheel/front brake.

Pics:

I checked his carfax and it's all legit, 1 owner 40k miles.

 

[TwinsenTacquito]

You're silly. WRX.

 

[superccs]

If I had 12K I would get a CRX throw in a DOHC 1.6L ZC engine with HF tranny, paint, tires, wheels, suspension, and wings west kit.

Delicious.

 

[punjabiplaya]

wrx all the way

 

[NutBucket]

The RSX will be more comfortable (with a better interior) but the WRX has more performance potential.

I wouldn't worry about either reliability wise.

 

[jlee]

AWD > FWD

/thread

 

[HarryLui]

If you want gas mileage, neither.

If you want to enjoy driving, WRX.

 

[alfa147x]

I hate the look of the WRX... why can't they make it look okay?

 

[EightySix Four]

If I had 12K I would get a CRX throw in a DOHC 1.6L ZC engine with HF tranny, paint, tires, wheels, suspension, and wings west kit.

Delicious.

... I think you have the wrong forum.

 

[zerocool84]

RSX sucks in pretty much every way. Slower in every aspect. The only upside to it is the interior is nicer but for cheap speed who cares about that?

 

[T2urtle]

the WRX is cheaper REALLY?

i cross shopped both cars i got quotes for the 04 type S and WRX prem package w/ leather and the WRX was about 20% more, but both cars were about 2.5x the cost of G35 sedan.

The type S is great if you only need to haul one other person, a hatch is nice for a lot of things. you didn't mention power mods so i assume your not. WRX with the glass trans. But can carry 4 people decently. WRX tend to me a LOT MORE abused VS the type S, both are teenager abused cars. Get a stock one in either case. most people mod and mess up, then sell.

type S can be made easily to hit low 14's simple as I/H/E hondata k-pro and gasket but same can be said for the WRX but that trans won't hold many power launches.

 

[NutBucket]

The trans is fine. Idiots coming from FWD don't understand the concept of driveline shock; ie can't do clutch dumps and not expect something to break.

 

[Kroze]

I have an 02 rsx manual. The car is great. It have 97k miles on it and things are starting to go. I replaced the oxygen sensor myself not too long ago. Brakes are next to replace and so will lower ball joints. I love the car but it's starting to nickle and dime me. I suggest you just buy a new car and don't have to worry about repair for several years.

 

[NutBucket]

Meh, those are minor maintenance items. Anyone buying a used car should expect them. They're hardly deal breakers.

 

[Chrono]

WRX. Speaking from experience since I've owned both in the past. WRX is a all around more fun car. Thing though, do not expect good mileage out of it. When I had the RSX-S I was able to drove from LA -> Vegas and have a 1/4 tank of gas left, which was amazing since the car had a 13-14 gallon gas tank. I had a STI and that thing couldn't even make it to Vegas in 1 tank... well I didn't want to risk it, plus I was hitting 145mph on the tach at times. ROFL.

 

[fbrdphreak]

For $12K I would find an 05-06 Legacy GT. More power, more room, nicer inside. It'll be harder to find, but then again I find the early WRX's rather common & boring these days.

 

[BigSmooth]

Also keep an eye out for Saab 9-2x Aeros. They're rebadged WRXes with more sound deadening and slight changes to the interior/exterior. They are somewhat hard to find but I do sometimes see nice examples in your price range.

 

[ballmode]

Been look at the LGT

I found a 2004 WRX with 40 on the clock with a suspension and new turbo. 1 owner and the guy seems legit. I'm going to buy it. I miss my S2000 but I need something with more space

 

[Hyperlite]

Been look at the LGT

I found a 2004 WRX with 40 on the clock with a suspension and new turbo. 1 owner and the guy seems legit. I'm going to buy it. I miss my S2000 but I need something with more space

There is no reason for it to need a new turbo unless it was abused. If it's an aftermarket turbo, find a tuner stat and make sure it's tuned properly. Then again, a larger turbo isn't going to get you anywhere in a WRX without supporting exhaust mods...just make sure he gets his story straight. A stock WRX turbo can last 80k-100k with proper maintenance.

 

[NutBucket]

New turbo isn't necessarily meaningful. There are failure points even for a well maintained car that wasn't modded. Of course, it would help to have more details.

 

[Hyperlite]

New turbo isn't necessarily meaningful. There are failure points even for a well maintained car that wasn't modded. Of course, it would help to have more details.

True. ballmode, make sure you get the details and maintenance history from the owner before you buy...

 

[T2urtle]

well i know the 05-06 LGT have a check ball/screen or something in the oil line for the turbo that gets clogged or stuck and they cause those turbos to blow.

like everyone said a NEW turbo doesn't mean crap. find the reason why it has a new turbo, it might of been a car that was modded out insanly for 40k and then put back to stock with a new turbo.

LGT can be found for 12-13k but they are tough to find... Hell sometimes for 15k its a little tough, they hold value and people know what they have. You normally dont opt for a turbo/5speed at the dealership if you didn't want it to begin with.

 

[fbrdphreak]

LGT can be found for 12-13k but they are tough to find... Hell sometimes for 15k its a little tough, they hold value and people know what they have. You normally dont opt for a turbo/5speed at the dealership if you didn't want it to begin with.

Word. I had to go to Michigan, from NC, to get mine.

 

[Hyperlite]

well i know the 05-06 LGT have a check ball/screen or something in the oil line for the turbo that gets clogged or stuck and they cause those turbos to blow.

like everyone said a NEW turbo doesn't mean crap. find the reason why it has a new turbo, it might of been a car that was modded out insanly for 40k and then put back to stock with a new turbo.

LGT can be found for 12-13k but they are tough to find... Hell sometimes for 15k its a little tough, they hold value and people know what they have. You normally dont opt for a turbo/5speed at the dealership if you didn't want it to begin with.

Banjo Bolt. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthre...l-supply-banjo-bolt-filter-removal-61689.html

I'm of the mind that it's a better idea to clean it out every 10k miles rather than remove it entirely, but anyway...

15k should get you a nice LGT with ~60k miles, sometimes less. LGT will almost definitely be my next car. The WRX is a great platform, but the LGT is just sex on wheels to me...

 

[NutBucket]

I haven't touched mine in 70k miles *knock on wood*