Buying a used Subaru WRX can be an exciting prospect. Known for its rally-bred performance and all-wheel-drive prowess, a well-maintained WRX offers a thrilling driving experience. However, these cars often lead a harder life than your average sedan, making a thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) absolutely essential. While a professional mechanic's inspection is always recommended, a comprehensive DIY checklist can help you weed out obvious issues and prepare you for a more informed discussion with the seller or mechanic.
This guide will focus on common WRX pitfalls and areas to pay close attention to, helping you make a smart decision before you commit.
I. Documentation and History Check
Before you even lay eyes on the car, gather as much information as possible:
Vehicle History Report (CarFax/AutoCheck): This is non-negotiable. Look for:
Accident history: Even minor fender benders can indicate underlying issues or shoddy repairs.
Service records: A consistent service history, especially with oil changes at or below recommended intervals, is a huge plus for a performance engine like the WRX's. Look for evidence of premium fuel use.
Number of owners: More owners can sometimes mean less consistent care.
Geographic location: Cars from regions with harsh winters might have more rust.
Open recalls: Ensure any applicable recalls have been addressed.
Maintenance Records: Ask the seller for physical records. These can provide a deeper insight into how the car was cared for. Look for details on major services (e.g., timing belt replacement on older models, differential fluid changes).
VIN Check: Verify the VIN on the dashboard matches the one on the door jamb and title. Also, check for mismatched VINs on body panels, which can indicate previous accident repairs.
Modifications: Be wary of heavily modified cars. While some modifications are beneficial, poorly installed or excessive modifications can significantly impact reliability and longevity, particularly with the engine and drivetrain. Ask for details on any modifications and if supporting documentation (e.g., dyno sheets for tunes) is available.
II. Exterior Inspection
Walk around the car, paying close attention to these details:
Panel Gaps and Alignment: Uneven gaps or misaligned body panels can be a tell-tale sign of previous accident damage or poor repairs.
Paint Condition: Look for inconsistencies in paint color or texture, overspray, or excessive swirl marks. These could indicate a respray after an accident. Check for bubbling, which points to rust.
Rust: Pay particular attention to wheel arches, rocker panels, under the doors, and the subframe. Subarus, especially older models, can be susceptible to rust, particularly if located in areas with road salt.
Lights: Test all headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights. Ensure they all illuminate correctly.
Glass: Check the windshield, windows, and mirrors for chips, cracks, or deep scratches. Ensure all power windows operate smoothly.
Tires and Wheels:
Tread Depth: Check the tread depth on all four tires. Uneven wear patterns (e.g., excessive wear on the inner or outer edges) can indicate alignment issues or worn suspension components.
Tire Age: Check the DOT code on the tire sidewall to determine its manufacturing date. Tires older than 6 years, regardless of tread, should be replaced.
Wheel Damage: Look for curb rash, bends, or cracks on the wheels.
Underbody: If possible, get the car on a lift or use a creeper to inspect the undercarriage. Look for:
Fluid Leaks: Any drips or stains of oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or differential fluid are red flags.
Exhaust System: Check for rust, holes, or aftermarket modifications.
Suspension Components: Look for bent control arms, damaged bushings, or leaking shocks/struts.
Frame Damage: Any signs of buckling, welding, or repairs to the frame are major red flags.
III. Interior Inspection
The interior can tell you a lot about how the car was maintained and used.
Odor: Any strong smells like mildew (water damage), excessive air freshener (trying to mask smells), or burning oil are concerning.
Seats and Upholstery: Check for rips, tears, excessive wear, or stains. Pay attention to the driver's seat bolster, which often shows wear first.
Dashboard and Controls:
Warning Lights: Turn the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine) and ensure all warning lights (check engine, ABS, airbag, etc.) illuminate and then turn off after a few seconds. If any remain on, or don't light up at all, investigate further.
Buttons and Switches: Test every button and switch (A/C, heater, radio, wipers, cruise control, power mirrors, sunroof) to ensure they function correctly.
Infotainment System: Check the touchscreen for responsiveness, dead pixels, and proper functionality.
Pedals: Excessive wear on the brake or clutch pedal rubbers can indicate high mileage or aggressive driving.
Trunk: Check for signs of water intrusion, rust, or missing spare tire/tools.
IV. Engine Bay Inspection
This is where many WRX-specific issues can be identified. Always ensure the engine is cold before starting this inspection.
Fluid Levels and Condition:
Engine Oil: Pull the dipstick. The oil should be a clean, amber-to-light-brown color (depending on mileage since last change) and free of milky or gritty residue (which could indicate a head gasket issue). Check that the level is within the proper range.
Coolant: Check the coolant reservoir. The fluid should be clean and clear (typically green, blue, or pink/red, depending on the type) and at the proper level. Look for any oil film or signs of bubbling.
Brake Fluid: Should be clear and at the max line. Dark, murky fluid indicates it needs to be flushed.
Power Steering Fluid: Check level and color.
Belts and Hoses: Inspect all belts for cracks or fraying, and hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks.
Leaks: Look for any signs of oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks around the engine, turbocharger, and transmission. Pay close attention to valve cover gaskets and oil pan.
Battery: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and note the battery's age (usually on a sticker).
Turbocharger: Look for any oil residue around the turbocharger itself or the associated piping. Excessive oil blow-by can indicate a failing turbo or engine wear.
Modified Components: If the car has aftermarket parts in the engine bay (e.g., intake, exhaust manifold, intercooler), inspect the quality of the installation and look for any signs of stress on surrounding components.
Under the Oil Cap: Look for any milky residue, which can be a sign of a blown head gasket.
V. Test Drive
The test drive is crucial for evaluating the car's dynamic performance and identifying issues not visible during a static inspection.
Cold Start: Listen for any unusual noises (knocking, ticking, grinding) upon startup. The engine should start quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Engine Performance:
Acceleration: The car should accelerate smoothly and powerfully, without hesitation or excessive smoke from the exhaust. Listen for any knocking or pinging under acceleration (especially if the car has been tuned).
Turbo Spool: Pay attention to how the turbo spools up. It should be relatively smooth without excessive whine or lag.
Exhaust Smoke: Look for blue smoke (oil burn), white smoke (coolant burn), or excessive black smoke (rich fuel mixture) from the exhaust.
Transmission:
Manual: Shifts should be smooth and precise, with no grinding or excessive effort. The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping or shuddering. Test the clutch engagement point.
Automatic/CVT: Shifts should be smooth and timely, without jerking, slipping, or hesitation. Listen for any unusual noises.
Brakes: The brakes should feel firm and consistent, with no pulsation, squealing, or grinding. The car should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side. Test the emergency brake on an incline.
Steering: The steering should feel tight and responsive, with no excessive play. The car should track straight on a level road without needing constant correction. Listen for any clunking or groaning noises when turning.
Suspension: Drive over bumps and uneven surfaces. Listen for any clunking, creaking, or excessive bounciness, which could indicate worn suspension components (shocks, struts, bushings). The car should feel composed and stable.
Drivetrain (AWD): Listen for any whining, grinding, or clunking noises from the differential or transfer case, especially during turns or when accelerating from a stop.
Electrical System: Test all accessories during the drive:
A/C: Ensure it blows cold air.
Heater: Ensure it blows hot air.
Radio: Test all speakers and functions.
Cruise Control: Test its functionality.
VI. Post-Test Drive Checks
Leaks: After the test drive, check under the car again for any new leaks that might have appeared once the fluids were warmed up.
Engine Noises: Listen to the engine at idle once it's fully warmed up. Any persistent ticking, knocking, or unusual sounds should be investigated.
Common Subaru WRX Specific Issues to Watch For:
Subaru WRX models, particularly those that have been driven hard or modified, can be prone to certain issues:
Engine Issues (Rod Knock/Bearing Failures): This is a critical one for WRX. Listen carefully for any knocking sounds, especially at idle or under load. Excessive oil consumption can also be a warning sign.
Clutch Wear (Manual Transmissions): Check for clutch slip, especially when accelerating hard in higher gears. A stiff or vague clutch pedal can also indicate wear.
Turbocharger Failure: Look for blue smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup or during acceleration, and listen for excessive turbo whine.
Head Gasket Leaks: Look for milky oil, excessive coolant consumption without visible leaks, or white smoke from the exhaust.
Excessive RTV Sealant (2022+ WRX): For newer models, there have been reports of excess RTV sealant in the oil pan, potentially leading to oil starvation. While not something you can easily inspect yourself, being aware of this issue for specific model years is important.
Infotainment System Glitches: Especially on newer models, screen blanking or unresponsiveness has been reported.
By taking the time to conduct a thorough DIY pre-purchase inspection using this checklist, you'll gain valuable insight into the Subaru WRX you're considering. Remember, this DIY check is a preliminary step. For a high-performance vehicle like the WRX, a professional inspection by a trusted mechanic specializing in Subarus is highly recommended before finalizing any purchase. They have specialized tools and expertise to uncover issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye, ensuring you don't end up with a costly surprise down the road. For more detailed information on specific models and common issues, you can often find valuable resources on enthusiast forums or websites dedicated to specific car models, like those found on
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