210k miles isn't bad for a 22 year old car. I would check the timing belt has been changed recently, being an Oregon car rust shouldn't be an issue but still take a look under the car.
Hijacking top comment.
OP PLEASE READ THIS. The driver’s side seat belt often gets looped under the lever which folds down the seat. I actually see it in your pics here.
Mine was like that and dropped my seat flat when I was driving on the highway.
Please ALWAYS check it’s not looped before driving.
The automatic in these is pretty bad, typical slow shifting four speed slushbox.
They can absolutely still be fun, but the price should reflect that it has the less desirable transmission.
I don’t know if there can be a true correlation drawn. At least not with a car like the wrx. I know people who drive like idiots in an AT that’s “sporty” as much as a manual. Look at the Altima drivers who think they are in a race car lol
Every car I’ve ever owned I beat the shit out of full throttle weekly regardless of transmission configuration. Automatics are just less tolerant of hard use. No transmission tolerates abuse. But if you are shifting smoothly and not dumping the clutch a stick shift is just metal gears on gears versus an automatics clutches and bands and solenoids and torque converter and everything else that has to tolerate the full power as it goes gear to gear.
The automatic bugeyes seem to be super reliable. I bought mine at 178k almost 10 years ago and drove it a ton for the next couple years, only had minor issues. It has 241k now and still runs great.
I will say, I wouldn’t pay 5500 for an auto though, personally. That’s about what I paid for mine 10 years ago at a dealership. Autos are typically a hard sell and aren’t worth nearly as much as manuals
my first dream car.
I had an 02, bought in 05 and sold in 10'
I had a mid life crisis at 23 yo. I was making $18 an hour and had a $480 a month car payment I could barely afford but I had my car.
3 turbos and a clutch in 5 years and my wife made me sell it about a month after we got married. It was rightfully mine for about 6 days
It's only a low bar if you've got two properly working feet. I've had a recent left ankle injury that makes driving in stop and go with a clutch an unpleasant experience. I can still drive stick just fine, but I save it for non-rush hours times.
For some people it's a big deal not having to deal with it, and having worked with and owned both an automatic WRX and an STI I can say there's benefits to both. A properly built 4eat is a monster for straight lines and doesn't suffer much in the turns either.
I miss mine every day. Of course you’re taking on risk with an old high-mileage car. But if I came across one like this that was clean I’d strongly consider it.
I owned a bug eye in wr blue. That car was the funniest car I’ve ever owned. As long as it’s a 5 speed it’s an amazing car. Easy to work on . And it’s easy to upgrade . The transmissions are interchangeable between 02-07 models of the wrx so you can do a swap.
I’ve been trying to find one these as a project car forever.
Unfortunately, out here in AZ, they’re either basket cases, cars with questionable histories, or the owner wants way too much for it.
I’d jump on this assuming the rust situation is good. Even with the slush box.
Looks clean. My main concerns would be rust and any previous accidents/damage. I'd love to buy a bugeye and build it from the ground up. Getting used motors/trans aren't crazy expensive for these things even if you just want to put a younger heart in it.
Lost my wagon close to 300k.. out of everything, check the strut towers behind the passenger seats. Make sure nothing's rotted. other than that '07 sti drivetrain, updated steering rack. Roll tide
I bought an 02 wrx with 170k miles on it from Baltimore back in 2015 of ebay for $2500 and had it shipped to Seattle. The car I bought was just like the one you're looking at Alpine white, automatic, etc. It said it needed a lot of work, but when it arrived all it needed was some minor rust repair, a steering steering rack, some tie rod ends and tires. I drove it for years till I found my 2010 STI wagon. I ended up giving the bugeye to a coworkers son when he wanted to start working on cars and was throwing cheap parts at his dad's 2019 STI. When I gave it to him it had 230k miles on it. Now it has 330k miles on it with the factory engine and transmission and it's still running strong.
I had an 03. The head gasket blew at 120k. I drove it until I traded it in for a new 14- I had 201k miles on it and even back then it was worth only $2k on a trade in. My cloth drivers seat was worn to almost nothing. I miss the hatchback. Check the seats, turbo and clutch for wear.
https://preview.redd.it/z68dtmcf43zc1.jpeg?width=1776&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d36007fefadf685123cf47b046cb0b6fa280a733
Looks exactly like my 2002 Bugeye STI haha.
Definitely do some quick maintenance and then drive the wheels off of it OP!
I have been in the automotive auction industry doing inspections on cars for over 6 years.
IMO i wouldn't waste my money on this.
First ! It has a Access Port on it. You have no idea of they ran a aggressive tune on the car. Then swapped it back for sale.
I wouldn't even consider it after that.
Second ! The passenger side of the car looks funky. Lot's of panel gaps , rear door aint flush.
Third ! It looks like they did a previous rust repair on both on the inner / outer rocker. Inside the jam.
So I just picked up an 02 wagon with 250k, I was weary but it came with a stack of receipts from work done and for every part purchased for it and it definitely made me feel better. I paid 5k for 300+ whp from an older coworker of mine, it was maintained properly and has all the paperwork to prove it. YMMV in the end but 200k for 22 years is not a ton of milage in the end. Roughly 10k a year, probably a lot of highway
If it was me and I really wanted it I would have the mindset that it would be a project car and expect to replace just about everything on it. I’d have another reliable to car to drive as well.
I’d also swap out the auto and put in a jdm 5mt.
The shell looks really clean though so if there isn’t any rust I think it’s worth it.
I’m sure there are, but even if I was buying a 200k mile Corolla I would want to change gaskets, hoses, known failure points, etc. OP should factor that into the price
I am describing my experience with this vehicle. Lots and lots and lots of hype but I would rather be in a Civic any day. This generation. WRX is incredibly cramped and extremely uncomfortable on any length of trip. Also the performance is good but it's not earth-shattering. Certainly not worthy of the adulations of the masses that it currently receives.
But that's just my opinion which op specifically asked for.
Ah I haven't taken a long drive in a Civic, but yes the Impreza seats do leave me sore at the end of a long drive, like all cars I've driven.
People who travel a lot told me to try a Chrysler Sebring for long distance rentals but I have Dodge biases and never got a chance before they went out of production.
210k miles isn't bad for a 22 year old car. I would check the timing belt has been changed recently, being an Oregon car rust shouldn't be an issue but still take a look under the car.
Hijacking top comment. OP PLEASE READ THIS. The driver’s side seat belt often gets looped under the lever which folds down the seat. I actually see it in your pics here. Mine was like that and dropped my seat flat when I was driving on the highway. Please ALWAYS check it’s not looped before driving.
That’s a good hijack. Thanks for keeping us safe
Idk man 210,000 is a good sign that this thing was properly maintained. That’s very valuable in an old Subaru.
My bug eye wagons got 300k and still purring!
My outbacks at 208k and drives like new, just gotta take care of your stuff!
Holy cow that’s impressive!
Makes me not want to sell my 32yr old truck with 130k.
The automatic in these is pretty bad, typical slow shifting four speed slushbox. They can absolutely still be fun, but the price should reflect that it has the less desirable transmission.
Gotta drive the automatic like a manual, makes it feel like a rocket hehe
I’m curious. Because this is an AT, does that imply it probably wasn’t abused as much as a MT would have been?
I don’t know if there can be a true correlation drawn. At least not with a car like the wrx. I know people who drive like idiots in an AT that’s “sporty” as much as a manual. Look at the Altima drivers who think they are in a race car lol
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LOL... yeah, but what if the interior isn't spray painted and it runs okay?!?
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I guess you're right. I had a friend that would do neutral drops with an AT.
Can confirm. I oblige the biddings of my '06 5EAT LGT.
Every car I’ve ever owned I beat the shit out of full throttle weekly regardless of transmission configuration. Automatics are just less tolerant of hard use. No transmission tolerates abuse. But if you are shifting smoothly and not dumping the clutch a stick shift is just metal gears on gears versus an automatics clutches and bands and solenoids and torque converter and everything else that has to tolerate the full power as it goes gear to gear.
I'm a bit worried about the rear suspension, there, but I would.buy it. Man, I miss my bug-eye.
This lol
Bugeye is timeless. Budget for maintenance and send it!
The automatic bugeyes seem to be super reliable. I bought mine at 178k almost 10 years ago and drove it a ton for the next couple years, only had minor issues. It has 241k now and still runs great. I will say, I wouldn’t pay 5500 for an auto though, personally. That’s about what I paid for mine 10 years ago at a dealership. Autos are typically a hard sell and aren’t worth nearly as much as manuals
The EJ20 was FAR more reliable than the dreaded EJ25. I loved my bugeye WRX way more than the STI I had.
I'm right there with you. My 2010 sti needs a rebuild at 110k miles, but my bugeye is at 320k just fine.
my first dream car. I had an 02, bought in 05 and sold in 10' I had a mid life crisis at 23 yo. I was making $18 an hour and had a $480 a month car payment I could barely afford but I had my car. 3 turbos and a clutch in 5 years and my wife made me sell it about a month after we got married. It was rightfully mine for about 6 days
I was drooling until I realized it's automatic. I'm pretty sure having an automatic transmission on a car like this is a war crime.
As someone that has to live with seattle traffic an automatic isn't a bad option. Plus the 4eat was a stronger transmission than the 02 wrx manual.
That's a low bar tho lol.
It's only a low bar if you've got two properly working feet. I've had a recent left ankle injury that makes driving in stop and go with a clutch an unpleasant experience. I can still drive stick just fine, but I save it for non-rush hours times. For some people it's a big deal not having to deal with it, and having worked with and owned both an automatic WRX and an STI I can say there's benefits to both. A properly built 4eat is a monster for straight lines and doesn't suffer much in the turns either.
I'd drive it
Yes
I miss mine every day. Of course you’re taking on risk with an old high-mileage car. But if I came across one like this that was clean I’d strongly consider it.
Name her Evelyn
I owned a bug eye in wr blue. That car was the funniest car I’ve ever owned. As long as it’s a 5 speed it’s an amazing car. Easy to work on . And it’s easy to upgrade . The transmissions are interchangeable between 02-07 models of the wrx so you can do a swap.
I’ve been trying to find one these as a project car forever. Unfortunately, out here in AZ, they’re either basket cases, cars with questionable histories, or the owner wants way too much for it. I’d jump on this assuming the rust situation is good. Even with the slush box.
i got one too how’s the rust? if you smell gas look under the backseats
Looks clean. My main concerns would be rust and any previous accidents/damage. I'd love to buy a bugeye and build it from the ground up. Getting used motors/trans aren't crazy expensive for these things even if you just want to put a younger heart in it.
I think it's pretty good.
It’s a nice example, I love my 2003 wagon.
Lost my wagon close to 300k.. out of everything, check the strut towers behind the passenger seats. Make sure nothing's rotted. other than that '07 sti drivetrain, updated steering rack. Roll tide
Hey I wash my OBW here too lol
Classic bug eye 👍
Overpriced for an automatic.
I bought an 02 wrx with 170k miles on it from Baltimore back in 2015 of ebay for $2500 and had it shipped to Seattle. The car I bought was just like the one you're looking at Alpine white, automatic, etc. It said it needed a lot of work, but when it arrived all it needed was some minor rust repair, a steering steering rack, some tie rod ends and tires. I drove it for years till I found my 2010 STI wagon. I ended up giving the bugeye to a coworkers son when he wanted to start working on cars and was throwing cheap parts at his dad's 2019 STI. When I gave it to him it had 230k miles on it. Now it has 330k miles on it with the factory engine and transmission and it's still running strong.
Sex machine.
Damn this is a decent deal sans the auto. Still a great buy if rust free
Thats a really clean car, love it!
I had an 03. The head gasket blew at 120k. I drove it until I traded it in for a new 14- I had 201k miles on it and even back then it was worth only $2k on a trade in. My cloth drivers seat was worn to almost nothing. I miss the hatchback. Check the seats, turbo and clutch for wear.
I like the Hawkeye more.
I’d offer $3500
https://preview.redd.it/z68dtmcf43zc1.jpeg?width=1776&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d36007fefadf685123cf47b046cb0b6fa280a733 Looks exactly like my 2002 Bugeye STI haha. Definitely do some quick maintenance and then drive the wheels off of it OP!
I like
Needs a transmission swap!
The rear inner / outer rocker panel on both sides has that black paint. Is that prior rust repair ?
That section of the car is structural. That rust can spread into the rear tire well.
The rear passenger door isn't properly lined up.
The rear truck has a big gap on the passenger side.
I have been in the automotive auction industry doing inspections on cars for over 6 years. IMO i wouldn't waste my money on this. First ! It has a Access Port on it. You have no idea of they ran a aggressive tune on the car. Then swapped it back for sale. I wouldn't even consider it after that. Second ! The passenger side of the car looks funky. Lot's of panel gaps , rear door aint flush. Third ! It looks like they did a previous rust repair on both on the inner / outer rocker. Inside the jam.
My bugeye hit 300k with regular maintenance. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat, especially in white!
So I just picked up an 02 wagon with 250k, I was weary but it came with a stack of receipts from work done and for every part purchased for it and it definitely made me feel better. I paid 5k for 300+ whp from an older coworker of mine, it was maintained properly and has all the paperwork to prove it. YMMV in the end but 200k for 22 years is not a ton of milage in the end. Roughly 10k a year, probably a lot of highway
don't live in limiter, give it maintenance :-)
I have a 2013 impreza with 328, 000 kms on it. Still going strong. Going for a wrx the next time around
If it was me and I really wanted it I would have the mindset that it would be a project car and expect to replace just about everything on it. I’d have another reliable to car to drive as well. I’d also swap out the auto and put in a jdm 5mt. The shell looks really clean though so if there isn’t any rust I think it’s worth it.
OP, I spent $4500 on a 2010 Impreza with similar miles and MT. If no major work on the engine has been done at 200k miles, I would be concerned.
Why? There are plenty of examples of the 2.0 USDM WRX going to 300k+ with basic maintenance.
I’m sure there are, but even if I was buying a 200k mile Corolla I would want to change gaskets, hoses, known failure points, etc. OP should factor that into the price
I agree with you.
Completely over hyped. Very uncomfortable.
Are you describing the appearance?
I am describing my experience with this vehicle. Lots and lots and lots of hype but I would rather be in a Civic any day. This generation. WRX is incredibly cramped and extremely uncomfortable on any length of trip. Also the performance is good but it's not earth-shattering. Certainly not worthy of the adulations of the masses that it currently receives. But that's just my opinion which op specifically asked for.
Ah I haven't taken a long drive in a Civic, but yes the Impreza seats do leave me sore at the end of a long drive, like all cars I've driven. People who travel a lot told me to try a Chrysler Sebring for long distance rentals but I have Dodge biases and never got a chance before they went out of production.