Source
r/WRX•
bicho08

Purchasing a 2016 WRX (Have doubts)

Car info: Completely stock Year: 2016 Miles: 30k Price: 16k (friend runs the dealership)

They bought the car salvaged from a guy who bought the car from an auction. The auction had it listed as not running. It had front driver side damage to the fender, bumper, headlight, and hood. It seems everything was replaced but the hood (Looks repainted and any dent it had is gone with the exception of a little overspray on the paint job. I’ve noticed that some parts don’t align inside the engine bay as it probably got bent during the incident which I’m not really worried about but it’s there.

I drove the car around today and everything seems fine but one thing. It sounds a little chirpy when I’m driving until I hit the clutch. It’s very faint but it’s there. Do you guys think it’s a good deal and are there any things I should be on the look out for? I just don’t want to invest into something that may cause me more grief in the future.

Hopefully I didn’t forget anything!

Thank you for time!

Posted Oct 9, 2019, 4:23 AM UTC

515
Eofet2019 WRX•

Maybe it's a wrong advice, but... NEVER buy a salvaged title, even from your friend. Doesn't mean they want to screw you, just so many things can go wrong that they might have overlooked during repairs. And 16k seems pretty high for a salvaged WRX tbh

17
nategp2019 Series.Gray•

I have to agree. Right now patience and finding the right car is your best bet. Salvaged title cars are a big risk and gamble in my opinion.

6
bicho08OP•

That’s how I typically feel but I brought it home on a loaner deal, where it basically let’s me have it for a day, and it feels really good. Drove around for a good 30 miles or so and I was reading that the little chirp could be caused by the throw out bearing. I’m having a hard time deciding what to do :/

0
gemstatertater•

Your friend isn’t doing you a favor here. This isn’t a good price - it’s honestly just a decent price even if it weren’t a salvage title. And you’ve already identified mechanical issues with the car in a day. How many more will you find in a year? You’ve fallen in love with this car because you’re driving it and it’s in front of you. Go find a good one with a clean title and no mystery mechanical issues.

Buddy: DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

12
cwp2017wrx'17 WRX Premium Stg1•

I wouldn't buy it.. That chirp is the throw out bearing, but that is prob the least of your worries w this one.

6
bicho08OP•

Thanks for the advice guys! I’m returning the vehicle after work today. I think it’s a nice car but I shouldn’t invest into something I have that much little information on.

6
fozroamer•

Definitely a no. As mentioned already, not a great price for a salvage title. If the engine bay or frame is bent, that’s real bad news. If you’re extremely set on it, at least take it to a separate independent shop and do an inspection.

5
ekso69•

I'll add to the consensus here, I also wouldn't do it. Plus who knows what mods were on before and how it was taken care of. Take your time and find something with a clean carfax.

3
wolf2600==>> Your Car Here!! <<==•

I’ve noticed that some parts don’t align inside the engine bay as it probably got bent during the incident which I’m not really worried about

This is what you should be MOST worried about. If the unibody is tweaked, run away.

3
bicho08OP•

Here’s a picture of the damage before being fixed. Quality is not the best but gives you an idea of the damage impact.

damage pic

1
wolf2600==>> Your Car Here!! <<==•

It's hard to say. Could have just been a glancing blow that only bent the front up, or the force could have gone through the entire car and you'll have all sorts of issues (steering misalignment, doors not closing correctly, tires wearing unevenly, etc).

With a vehicle that's been salvaged due to an accident, the only way to be 100% certain is to have it put on a chassis jig and verify the measurements are correct.

2
Phaedran2011 WRX/#3of5•

Only reason I wouldn't walk or run away from that... I wouldn't have walked up in the first place. I don't know how many red flags you need, but that car has em. Check the trunk.

3
bicho08OP•

I agree with you. I’ve never owned a WRX and that’s why I’m here. I wanted to see what unbiased opinions would say. I’m returning it after work lol

1
TornjupiterYour Car Here•

Yeah. I agree with the above comments I have a 17 rebuild and I looked up the vin online to check the damage. Mine only had some exterior damage and the intercooler got destroyed by the bent hood. Good car tho I bought it with eight thousand for 20k out the door with taxes. Nothing wrong with rebuilds just be super careful.

As a side note anything between 15 and 17 will have that chirping. It is the clutch fork rattling. Not a bad thing just annoying quick fix is grease it with high temp grease. You have to take out the intercooler so kinda annoying but like I said not a big deal.

2
AnbuAntt•

Took me 4 months to find the right WRX. I just purchased 2018 on Saturday. Take your time. Assuming you don’t NEED a new car it would be best to save then when ready purchase a WRX that is not salvaged.

2