Getting behind the wheel of a car bearing the emblem of the stars of Pleiades can be a wonderful experience, especially if the vehicle is a high-performance ride like the vaunted WRX.
For the uninitiated, the WRX is a special version of Subaru's flagship Impreza sedan that has been equipped with performance parts from the company's motorsports division, Subaru Technica International. The car first entered the North American market in 2002, and every succeeding generation of Imprezas always has a WRX version.
For drivers who are fine with a preowned WRX that has clocked in many miles on the odometer, sellers of used cars near Baton Rouge area, such as Baldwin Subaru, can help pick out the perfect model for their needs. Below are things to keep in mind when choosing your Subaru WRX:
Manufacturing history
Reputable dealers of used cars around Baton Rouge, LA have recent WRXs on inventory, but you may prefer the earlier models. It pays to dig deeper into the safety record and manufacturing history of the car line to determine the best factory releases. Mike Schlee, author of the AutoGuide.com article "Should I Buy a Used Subaru WRX?" shares that the first two model years of the WRX were replete with bugs and wouldn't be a good buy. Anything between 2004 and 2007, however, are fair game because of their minimal or zero issues.
External signs of wear and tear
Since the WRX is expected to be highly used in snowy or rainy terrains, preowned models would likely have absorbed the strain. When you take one out for a test drive, listen closely for unusual noises in the transmission. Check the gearbox as well. A lot of units have been modified or upgraded to improve functionality over the years. Nevertheless, they remain in peak shape.
Schlee also notes that Impreza bodies may be susceptible to surface rust, particularly in the rear quarter panels and undercarriage. The car body must be thoroughly examined. The struts and CV boots must also have no tears on them.
Advantage over downside
Its little glitches notwithstanding, the Subaru WRX remains a powerful all-wheel drive that could run like a sports car but pack more in the way of passenger and load capacity, especially the Wagon. Its practicality makes it an ideal car to get from dealers such as Baldwin Subaru. The industry also has a rich source of aftermarket parts for a quick fix or customization.
If a preowned WRX at your dealership passes muster, allow yourself to finally drive that rally monster home. A WRX in your garage is always a beauty when you got it for a fair price and in top condition.
(Source: Should I Buy a Used Subaru WRX?, AutoGuide.com)
