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Originally Posted by ScoobyStu
I'm not sure there are any 'major' issues with the newages tbh. I've not really had any with mine other than the radiator and a top coolant hose going but, it's 11 years old so.....
It all depends what you want from it, if you're going to leave it standard, modify it or heavily modify it although others will tell you one often leads to the other!
The only thing I know that is an issue is the stanard suspension often develops a 'knock'. But my £700 BC coilovers have done that also and I bet the standard ones last longer than 8000 miles before they start!
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As Stu says, rear shocks are a common problem on new-age cars, check for "knocking" noises from the rear, and also ride might be quite "bouncy" (these can need replacing after as little as 20k miles!)
Do all the regular checks you would do with any car, check underneath, door shuts for paint, oil/fluids and service history/records. An api check is also a must of course.
Test drive anything your going to buy as others have said and make sure the car feels solid and tight.
Try to twist someones arm from here to come with you to look at any potential buys, come to a meet or two and chat to some of us
The WRX is a great car competent and compliant good all round with great handling and driving is very sure footed. The STI is a more honed and focused, and comes bundled with some nice performance orientated extras as others have stated. brakes and gearbox and strength of engine being the major plus points..
The 2.5 engines are weaker in many peoples opinion than the 2.0 engines and more prone to failure when the power is pushed up. ring land failures and bearings and so forth. Although many will last a very long time and its not say that its not a great engine, it produces quite a bit more torque than the 2.0 engine and is more driveable off boost. I have steered clear of the 2.5 myself after seeing the term "chocolate 2.5" used too many times on various Subaru forums. (I'm not dissing anyone's 2.5!!
Good luck in the search fella