Found a 93 Impreza, have some questions...

dandbest · 01-15-2001, 06:13 PM

Today as I was going through the classifieds in the newspaper, I found a 93 Impreza sedan FWD 1.8l with 81000 miles. I went and I checked it out, and the car ran pretty decently, but needed some front end work. The guy is asking $2900, which I don't think is too much, so here is my question: What should I look for? What problems do these cars have? Are the engine/tranny reasonably strong? The car will be for my girlfriend, so it won't be abused. Oh, the car is automatic.

Thanks for your replies!
Danny

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

wagonman · 01-15-2001, 08:22 PM

the only thing i would check out is the motor. my 93' sport wagon had some trouble at about 70,000, but Subaru fixed it and it runs nicely now. I would say just give it a good lookover and if all is well, go for it!

Jeff
93' sport wagon

WRXwannbe · 01-15-2001, 08:55 PM

I would buy it in a heart beat!

Don't worry about the engine or drivtrain. You'll toss out the old stuff anyway. I say get it and start moding it with the money you saved buying an RS. That car is great for upgrading.

But if you plan on staying 1.8L the engine is weak in it's natural state and the transmission is not that good. I recommend gutting it first thing.

[This message has been edited by WRXwannbe (edited January 15, 2001).]

01-15-2001, 09:21 PM

wrxwannabe, i think the car is for his GF so i don't think modding it is the #1 priority

glenstiles · 01-15-2001, 09:58 PM

What kind of front end work? We have a 93 wagon with a auto tranny, and that thing is dead reliable. We've had it for a couple of years (or maybe going on three years?), and its great. Buy it if checks out ok with a mechanic and carfax. Had to replace rear brake pads, and there was a heat shield rattle that we attended to. Other than that, oil changes and regular tune-up stuff.

Glen

Max Umbarger · 01-16-2001, 07:36 AM

Buy it in a heartbeat. I have a '93 L with auto. The car still runs excellent, no kidding, I have 146,000 miles on it. The The tranny is strong, they use the same one ithe us WRX has, besides some computerized changes. 1.8L will hold strong fo quite a while with adequate oil changes. With my experience, as driving over 100,000 miles of the cars mileage (bought used) I have replaced only CV joint, everything else is completely stock.

Max

dandbest · 01-16-2001, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the replies! From what the owner told me (and what I can feel), the car needs front struts almost immediately (you know, lots of patholes here in NYC) the car pulls to the right a bit, needs one rear wheel bearing, and when I had the hood open, either the power steering pump or the alternator is making noise. Also the timing belt hasn't been done yet (81000miles), so I guess that will be the first thing that would have to be done if I bought it. Otherwise, the car is pretty clean, has a few scratches, but nothing major. Given all that, what do you guys/gals think?

Thanks again.
Danny

Opie · 01-16-2001, 02:51 PM

I bought our '95 Impreza used, similar to the one you are considering. Had 83,000 miles, 1.8L, FWD, 5-spd. I replaced the timing belt, power steering pump (squealing), had both CV joints repacked, and replaced the struts all due to wear and the car has been excellent. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, new tires, clutch) there have only been a two problems, A/C fan relay went bad, cost $50 to fix, coolant temp sensor was causing a check engine light, cost $45 to fix. Nothing major. I'd jump all over it.

ZenDriver · 01-16-2001, 06:33 PM

I'm also looking to buy a 93 Impreza. However it's a 2wd. What do I need to do to make this car Awd?

dandbest · 01-16-2001, 06:48 PM

Well, I just spoke to the owner, and we'll be picking up the car on Thursday. We agreed on $2600. Thanks to all who replied!! I feel much more confident now that I haven't heard any horror stories with these cars. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free. I appreciate it!

Thanks again
Danny

Tkacik · 01-16-2001, 06:58 PM

Hey man good buy. I have a 95 Impreza Ls AWD. I have had it for almost 2 years and NEVER had any problems with it. the 1.8 engine is much stronger than most people give it credit for. I have been auto-xing this car since I bought it. I drive it fairly hard, and not once has it let me down.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Potential Subaru Impreza Owner---Have some questions though.	ECULogical	Newbies & FAQs	7	04-07-2010 03:46 PM
can 93 impreza have a 01 front end?	Kyle_R	Interior & Exterior Modification	2	09-28-2009 07:39 PM
looking to purchase an impreza and have some questions	xply	Newbies & FAQs	5	07-18-2009 01:40 AM
('93-'01) Just bought a 2000 Impreza RS GC8, have some questions.	92XJET	Impreza Forum	30	02-16-2007 03:46 AM
Im new to i-club and i have some questions about the WRX Impreza	thrombosis	Newbies & FAQs	9	11-01-2001 07:40 PM

01-15-2001, 06:13 PM	#1
dandbest Scooby Specialist Member#: 1885 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Bayside, NY Vehicle: 2002 WRX	Found a 93 Impreza, have some questions... Today as I was going through the classifieds in the newspaper, I found a 93 Impreza sedan FWD 1.8l with 81000 miles. I went and I checked it out, and the car ran pretty decently, but needed some front end work. The guy is asking $2900, which I don't think is too much, so here is my question: What should I look for? What problems do these cars have? Are the engine/tranny reasonably strong? The car will be for my girlfriend, so it won't be abused. Oh, the car is automatic. Thanks for your replies! Danny * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

01-15-2001, 08:22 PM	#2
wagonman Scooby Specialist Member#: 971 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Morganton, NC	the only thing i would check out is the motor. my 93' sport wagon had some trouble at about 70,000, but Subaru fixed it and it runs nicely now. I would say just give it a good lookover and if all is well, go for it! Jeff 93' sport wagon

01-15-2001, 08:55 PM	#3
WRXwannbe Scooby Specialist Member#: 1954 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Long Beach, CA, USA Vehicle: 1997 Impreza L/WRS WRB	I would buy it in a heart beat! Don't worry about the engine or drivtrain. You'll toss out the old stuff anyway. I say get it and start moding it with the money you saved buying an RS. That car is great for upgrading. But if you plan on staying 1.8L the engine is weak in it's natural state and the transmission is not that good. I recommend gutting it first thing. [This message has been edited by WRXwannbe (edited January 15, 2001).]

01-15-2001, 09:21 PM	#4
M a t t Guest Member#:	wrxwannabe, i think the car is for his GF so i don't think modding it is the #1 priority

01-15-2001, 09:58 PM	#5
glenstiles Scooby Newbie Member#: 2827 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Woodland, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX wagon Silver, baby, silver	What kind of front end work? We have a 93 wagon with a auto tranny, and that thing is dead reliable. We've had it for a couple of years (or maybe going on three years?), and its great. Buy it if checks out ok with a mechanic and carfax. Had to replace rear brake pads, and there was a heat shield rattle that we attended to. Other than that, oil changes and regular tune-up stuff. Glen

01-16-2001, 07:36 AM	#6
Max Umbarger Scooby Specialist Member#: 1112 Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Colorado Springs Vehicle: 2006 FXT RBP	Buy it in a heartbeat. I have a '93 L with auto. The car still runs excellent, no kidding, I have 146,000 miles on it. The The tranny is strong, they use the same one ithe us WRX has, besides some computerized changes. 1.8L will hold strong fo quite a while with adequate oil changes. With my experience, as driving over 100,000 miles of the cars mileage (bought used) I have replaced only CV joint, everything else is completely stock. Max

01-16-2001, 02:14 PM	#7
dandbest Scooby Specialist Member#: 1885 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Bayside, NY Vehicle: 2002 WRX	Thanks for the replies! From what the owner told me (and what I can feel), the car needs front struts almost immediately (you know, lots of patholes here in NYC) the car pulls to the right a bit, needs one rear wheel bearing, and when I had the hood open, either the power steering pump or the alternator is making noise. Also the timing belt hasn't been done yet (81000miles), so I guess that will be the first thing that would have to be done if I bought it. Otherwise, the car is pretty clean, has a few scratches, but nothing major. Given all that, what do you guys/gals think? Thanks again. Danny

01-16-2001, 02:51 PM	#8
Opie Floresbian Moderator Member#: 470 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Riverview, Florida - U.S.A. Vehicle: 2013 BRZ, 2011 Forester, '04 Chev 2500HD	I bought our '95 Impreza used, similar to the one you are considering. Had 83,000 miles, 1.8L, FWD, 5-spd. I replaced the timing belt, power steering pump (squealing), had both CV joints repacked, and replaced the struts all due to wear and the car has been excellent. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, new tires, clutch) there have only been a two problems, A/C fan relay went bad, cost $50 to fix, coolant temp sensor was causing a check engine light, cost $45 to fix. Nothing major. I'd jump all over it.

01-16-2001, 06:33 PM	#9
ZenDriver Scooby Newbie Member#: 3531 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Long Beach	I'm also looking to buy a 93 Impreza. However it's a 2wd. What do I need to do to make this car Awd?

01-16-2001, 06:48 PM	#10
dandbest Scooby Specialist Member#: 1885 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Bayside, NY Vehicle: 2002 WRX	Well, I just spoke to the owner, and we'll be picking up the car on Thursday. We agreed on $2600. Thanks to all who replied!! I feel much more confident now that I haven't heard any horror stories with these cars. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free. I appreciate it! Thanks again Danny

01-16-2001, 06:58 PM	#11
Tkacik Scooby Guru Member#: 847 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Milledgeville, Georgia Vehicle: '06 Titan Crew Cab '03 Odyssey - EXL/RES	Hey man good buy. I have a 95 Impreza Ls AWD. I have had it for almost 2 years and NEVER had any problems with it. the 1.8 engine is much stronger than most people give it credit for. I have been auto-xing this car since I bought it. I drive it fairly hard, and not once has it let me down.