How to tell a genuine WRX?

jgoater, Jan 8, 12:49am
I am looking at a 2000 impreza 2L turbo. The carjam report says nothing about it being a WRX. Can you tell by the VIN number a real one from a fake?
Any other ways? thanks.

rz_zone, Jan 8, 1:01am
Impreza turbo = WRX

noswalg, Jan 8, 1:06am
As opposed to what, an N/A Impreza? As the above poster say's all WRX's are turbo's. The more common argument is whether they are genuine STI WRX's is that what you mean? It is possible that it is an impreza that has had a turbo fitted but would be very very unlikely due to the fact it would cost more to convert than it'd cost to buy a standard one.

evotime, Jan 8, 1:08am
The applied model number(it is on the original body tag) is the easiest way to find out exactly what you're buying.
Subaru seems to do so many similar models it's hard to tell what's what sometimes unless you are really familiar with them.
Here's one link http://www.subyclub.com/topic/3500-subaru-model-engine-codes-explained/
Google about the wrx applied model numbers to verify this info is correct.

jgoater, Jan 8, 1:10am
It is a turbo 2L and has the WRX badging, but the online report just lists it as a subaru impreza.
So the fact it's Turbo means it is a genuine WRX then?
What significance is the STI? I'm just a girl!
thanks.

jgoater, Jan 8, 1:15am
This one is GDA chassis, so
G impreza
D sedan
A WRX 2L turbo

I guess it means it is a genuine WRX but not an STI.
OK thankyou very much!

brapbrap8, Jan 8, 1:19am
The STI is the really high performance version of the normal WRX, it has more power, harder suspension, bigger brakes and plenty of other bits.

Are you actually looking for a performance car?
If you like the look of a WRX but don't need the performance and want less fuel, insurance and maintainence costs then you could look at an Impreza RS, which is a normal non turbo impreza, but still with the sporty body kit and wheels like a WRX.
Older WRXs will have been absolutely thrashed and they have a reputation for being expensive to run anyway so unless you really want a fast car then they are a very expensive method of transport!

jgoater, Jan 8, 1:21am
Thanks for the info.
I am looking at a 2000 model in immac condition with full body kit and 140k. Auto.
Price is $7000.
Recaro seats, mags etc.
I won't buy without getting it checked out first.

brapbrap8, Jan 8, 1:35am
Being auto should mean it has not been owned by as many boy racers as a manual would have which would be good for reliability.
Not too bad of a price.

Get it checked by a Subaru dealer or specialist, not AA etc.
It will be cheaper and you will get someone who knows about Subarus and knows what to look for.

jgoater, Jan 8, 1:43am
OK, thanks.
It is the facelift generaton 2 model, not the ugly older one, cheers.

bwg11, Jan 8, 1:51am
Everything he says, an earlier post asked if you really wanted a performance car. My daughter bought an import with only delivery miles on in 2005. She loves it, even now with kids. It has been totally reliable, albeit a bit thirsty when pushed. Just had a clutch and cam belt done at 120,000.

Be aware routine servicing costs and insurance will be slightly dearer than a standard car, performance tyres and synthetic oil for example are more expensive the economy options.

If you like it go for it.

vtecintegra, Mar 9, 2:03am
The auto absolutely ruins those - it's a cluncky old fashioned fout speed. Manual or choose something else IMO