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Old 01-28-2024, 08:59 AM   #1
Bad Noodle
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Default End of Life for Heavily Modded WRX / STI ?

So here I am, 17 years later and I still have my heavily modded 2007 wrx wagon. At this point, it feels like a relic of my pre kid / career life. I don't have time for this thing anymore and I'm not sure what to do with it.

Parting it out doesn't seem to be an option as the marked for used wrx parts appears to have evaporated.

Selling it as a whole seems to be about the same.

Remaining adults of nasioc, what happened to your cars?



for nostalgia reasons



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Old 01-28-2024, 12:30 PM   #2
Jack
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I have never heavily modified my Subarus but modded my GC8 back in the day for track day and street driving, so springs, struts, some lightening, wing and scoop removal, vent opening in the hood, lowering. Upon finding another vehicle I wanted, I did the typical Subaru guy thing and went back to 100% stock. The dealer couldn't tell the car from a never molested stocker. I did sell all the parts. Since I did buy many of them used, I didn't get killed on return. But I've always used 1/2 as the amount I'd expect back from what I paid.

I went even farther selling a prepared C Honda CRX roadrace car. I went down to rolling chassis and sold that first. The buyer also bought all of my spare wheels and tires. I then went through and sold all the parts that included a number of broken down engines, suspension, and lots of new parts in boxes.

But it mostly comes down to your time, space to store for 3 years and required money. That third thing is where enthusiasts often get killed because they "know what it's worth" when they don't. You are going to take a bath on the sales so either take one big bath selling the car complete or little baths assuming you have stock parts to put back on the car. In my active racecar days, I bought or got for free numerous cars and to get the car parts completely sold off to the point that what was left went in for steel scrap took me 3 years. I have room for half a dozen cars and plenty of garage space, so this was fine with me. I did find that local sales worked extremely well when I was parting an entire car. I might advertise the hood and doors and a buyer realized I had the whole car and left with 20 other parts.

So it's based on time and space, I guess. And patience. All car prices have dropped off a cliff. It's not just modded Subarus. Vroom just went out of business and all their cars are being sold at Manheim. Lots of supply. Heck, the Jeep factory in Toledo is shutting down because their dealers are overflowing and can't sell their vehicles.
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Old 01-28-2024, 12:47 PM   #3
tomacGTi
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Hey BN, glad to see you are still on here.

After all of this time, I still have my modded wagon as well, I remember chatting with you about making DAVCS cams work, crazy to think how long ago that was. My situation is a bit different as it is my car is my only vehicle and not a project that sits.

I understand your plight with "what to do now?". I wouldn't say that there is no market for a heavily modified car but moreso a heavily modified car has a very narrow audience. These cars are now very thin on the ground in stock and modified form and even more in good, adult-owned condition. There is always a market, the question is what can it and you bear?

Other problem I've run into is time: time to either de-mod the car to sell the parts off at a loss and if you retained them, parts to reinstall back onto the car to make it stock again. But the bigger problem is motivation. Do you want to deal with the lowballers and booger-eating spastics? As I've gotten older, my patience has waned and my attention has gone elsewhere besides hot rodding a car.

I would say your time and money is already invested. Go for a drive and see if it brings a smile back to your face. Nostalgia is the big driver on sites like BAT, Ebay and these cars are starting to get to a point of demand like muscle cars not so long ago.

If the car doesn't and feels like an albatross, let it go. Someone will want it as much of it's history is documented here. But just know that once it's gone, in many cases, its gone and you may or may not regret it.

I know the one car I let go I would have loved to hang onto and putter with. Instead, I sold it to a guy who proceeded to do minutes long burnouts in it and wonder why the transmission was acting funny. All of the cool hotrod secrets and parts I poured into that car are now gone and spread far and wide. Last I saw, the shell was in Long Island in way worse shape.

Go for a drive when the weather clears up. Use it. If it still doesn't give you that buzz, cut it loose.

-Randy
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Old 01-29-2024, 08:39 AM   #4
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Although I have a good amount of mods, I don't consider it a heavily modified vehicle. My input may not be what you are looking for but I'll chime in. I've had the car for 14 years now. I am debating on what to do next as my vehicle approaches 150k miles (rebuild that is)...still a ways off, but getting there. I still get a kick out of driving my car, especially since it hasn't been my daily for about 7 years now. I am still modifying my car in small ways but it's about where I would like it to be.

I miss vehicles I've owned that were not nearly as much fun as this one and that I owned for a fraction of the time...so at this point, I can't imagine getting rid of it. My son loves the car and riding around with me as well. I'll get something else at some point but even then I believe I will be holding onto this car. It sounds like you're at a crossroads, I get it. I've been there with other hobbies.
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Old 01-29-2024, 10:04 AM   #5
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This is some interesting feedback. Thank you all. And yeah, I'm at a crossroad for a couple of reasons.

1.) I now have kids and these cars are much smaller and less safe than what's out there now. Getting into an accident for whatever reason will probably put me on the losing end.

2.) Rust ... it's a car I daylied in NNJ for 10 years which means I have to fight every bolt.

3.) Aging ... looked into replacing gauge cluster, steering wheel, and other touch points to make the car feel upkept and modern. Didn't find much. Really felt like this generation is forgotten at this point.

4.) I don't get to beat on it or have fun with it anymore. There aren't any places in NNJ where you can enjoy a car like this. Only option I know of is the meadowlands autox but life is busy and I can't spend 10hours and $120 for about 5 minutes of seat time.

I'm sure other old timers on here have had these thoughts and I wanted to see what you guys came up with...
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Old 01-29-2024, 11:38 AM   #6
tomacGTi
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I can echo the rust sentiment, it is my biggest enemy: fasteners and body panels. Subaru certainly didn't get rustrproofing figured out on these.

By far, it's the biggest PIA and reason for me to find a beater for the winter. I have spent a fair amount of money getting the rear fenders and arches repaired to the point where the car is now four shades of silver. It annoys the crap out of me but there is not much else I can do.

Touch point replacement:

I've gone the ebay route to replace my wheel (second one) and I should have bought seat covers ten years ago (NLA for a bugeye). I have re-foamed the driver's seat but since I run a seat cover, it's helping to keep the wear down a little. Everything is just getting a little tired.

Fun:

I try to have my moments when I can but it's few and far between anymore. There are too many distracted drivers, too much wildlife and too little time to just go out for a drive. At least going on a grocery run is fun.

Wear and tear:

I've just come upon the reality that many of the things I replaced on the car when I first got it are now coming due again. Shouldn't be a surprise considering the age of the car and how long I've owned it.

Safety:

I try not to think about it. If I do, I'd be driving a tank to combat all of the SUVs and trucks. This car replaced an 84 GTi which was even more of a deathtrap.
If anything, I used the HP and nimbleness to get out of the way (see fun). I don't have kids to worry about so if it were to be bad enough, I hope they'd just bury me in the thing and kill two birds with one stone.

Truth is, I have too much sweat equity invested in this thing to just let it go. There is no value you can place on that and frankly I can't see it's fate go to someone who wouldn't appreciate it. Of course I would for the right price but knowing someone is beating the ever living crap out of it for enjoyment just hurts to think about. I suppose it's the reason we built them that way in the first place.

I know there was one forum member who had a heavily modified car that was put up for sale. It was a top scoob and some company basically bought it to part and do whatever with what was left. Everyone reaches that point with hobbies where they have gotten what they want out of it and now want out and I understood when and why he did it.

I do often think what I would replace the car with if I were to let it go. There just aren't many vehicles like this that check off as many boxes as this does. Probably the reason why I still have mine.

-Randy
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Old 01-30-2024, 09:43 PM   #7
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Randy and others. Thanks for all the good points and thoughtful responses.
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Old 01-31-2024, 07:15 AM   #8
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I've had this since April 2003. 340,000 miles and she's taking me to work in a bit. I'm mentally planning folding mirrors, a new center differential and a back up camera for this year. I spend money on her each year as it keeps it fresh and stops the new car fire which will likely flare up later this year finally.

I plan on keeping it now as we are on the right side of the bell curve now in terms of value. Now, I'm not one of these "I know what I got" asshats, but prices are creeping up. And they are creeping as no one makes stuff anymore and the only support is the used market and/or parts that have decades of interchangeability. And the longer I keep it the cooler it becomes.
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Old 01-31-2024, 08:28 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post



...the longer I keep it the cooler it becomes.

That's all she wrote
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Old 02-02-2024, 12:01 PM   #10
samb
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16 years with mine. It's rather bare bones these days. 6 years ago or so I stripped out the sound insulation, removed the AC, removed the radio and speakers, and removed the rear seats and seatbelts. I've never put anyone in the back seats and more often than not just use it to haul crap to the dump or grab supplies at home depot. Took a lot of weight off the car and it's fewer systems to maintain.





I use it as a project to tinker with in the winter, a weekend fun car in the summer, and a utility vehicle whenever I need one.

Yesterday I replaced the gaskets on the passenger's side valve cover. Giving my back a break for a bit before I do the driver's side.

236,000 miles. Too much fun and too cool to get rid of.

Last edited by samb; 02-02-2024 at 12:29 PM.
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Old 02-05-2024, 05:53 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samb View Post
16 years with mine. It's rather bare bones these days. 6 years ago or so I stripped out the sound insulation, removed the AC, removed the radio and speakers, and removed the rear seats and seatbelts. I've never put anyone in the back seats and more often than not just use it to haul crap to the dump or grab supplies at home depot. Took a lot of weight off the car and it's fewer systems to maintain.





I use it as a project to tinker with in the winter, a weekend fun car in the summer, and a utility vehicle whenever I need one.

Yesterday I replaced the gaskets on the passenger's side valve cover. Giving my back a break for a bit before I do the driver's side.

236,000 miles. Too much fun and too cool to get rid of.
NICE!!!
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Old 02-09-2024, 09:15 AM   #12
Bad Noodle
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This is a wagon crowd ... nice.

Just repainted the side of mine yesterday:



Is it a perfect paint job ... no. Is it "good" ... nope. But it'll work on a 2007 car
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Old 02-09-2024, 10:04 AM   #13
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Yeah I've hit a few parts of mine with a rattle can. I also use whatever I have laying around for touch up paint I'm a big fan of "eh, close enough."
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Old 02-09-2024, 11:25 AM   #14
Bad Noodle
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samb View Post
Yeah I've hit a few parts of mine with a rattle can. I also use whatever I have laying around for touch up paint I'm a big fan of "eh, close enough."

How do you like the rattle cans? I used color matched paint from Napa and Eastwood clear. It’s pretty good stuff but a pain to work with. Would be nice to skip the gun and go to the can.
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Old 02-09-2024, 08:44 PM   #15
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It works well for what it is. I used it on my hood scoop and for a small repair on my quarter panel. The quarter panel has held up really well, but the hood scoop has oxidized. I think the heat may be the problem. Anyways, it wasn't cheap enough to make me want to use on large sections.
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Old 02-10-2024, 04:35 PM   #16
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just bought my first impreza wagon. 230,000 miles but chassis in great shape, so I have no problems spending money on it.

my forester also has 235k, and I need another reliable subie to drive so i can rebuild and rust proof the foz completely.

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Old 02-10-2024, 05:21 PM   #17
Brock31
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Man, this thread makes me miss my 04 wagon. That car started it all for me.

Modded and tuned by me. Sold running great with 160k miles on the clock after I bought my current 08 STi.

I followed a ton of your threads in the Engine Management section and over at Romraider.

Last edited by Brock31; 02-10-2024 at 05:51 PM.
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Old 02-12-2024, 01:57 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bad Noodle View Post
This is a wagon crowd ... nice.

Just repainted the side of mine yesterday:



Is it a perfect paint job ... no. Is it "good" ... nope. But it'll work on a 2007 car
I didn't realize you had done the sedanagon wide body conversion! Have any threads where you show the metalwork being done (the more pics I can find the better)? I have been slowly gathering all the panels to do the conversion. All I need now is the passenger side rear quarter and the wheel tubs.
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Old 02-12-2024, 05:57 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by monkeyposeur View Post
I didn't realize you had done the sedanagon wide body conversion! Have any threads where you show the metalwork being done (the more pics I can find the better)? I have been slowly gathering all the panels to do the conversion. All I need now is the passenger side rear quarter and the wheel tubs.
Here's his thread on it.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2681025
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Old 02-13-2024, 08:23 PM   #20
Bad Noodle
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Quote:
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Wow ... I can't believe this still exists. It's been so many years.
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Old 02-13-2024, 09:49 PM   #21
Bad Noodle
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monkeyposeur View Post
I didn't realize you had done the sedanagon wide body conversion! Have any threads where you show the metalwork being done (the more pics I can find the better)? I have been slowly gathering all the panels to do the conversion. All I need now is the passenger side rear quarter and the wheel tubs.
FYI I had to redo the inner fender liners in the rear. The wheel cleared the fender but would hit the liner on big bumps. So make sure you leave room for the wheel to tuck in.
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Old 02-13-2024, 11:49 PM   #22
monkeyposeur
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Thanks! Good info in there.
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Old 02-18-2024, 09:42 AM   #23
Charlie-III
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Ahhh......good thread.

I ponder my wagon at times.

background, original owner of a '98 Legacy GT wagon, 5MT, silver, almost all Cobb Tuning parts ever made for it (used to be a regular on the old WRXforum) plus other mods/parts.
Original paint in decent shape.
Zero rust, big on waxing, underbody wash, recoat fenderwells every couple years with rattle cans.
My son still wants it whenever I sell it.

It needs work. Trans needs fixing, a good go over on brakes, timing belt, battery, good compound and wax.....maybe a fine grit (3000, 5000, 8000) wetsand compound and wax.
Repaint front and rear bumper covers. I use "Automotive Touchup", they do small bottles, rattle cans and bigger cans for spraying. great color match and reasonable prices.

It's been sitting a while, so usual sitting attention.

And yes, I live in NNJ and was an avid skier as well as a field service guy that used the car for work, so it was driven in all weather.

sigh.
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Old 02-19-2024, 09:32 AM   #24
Snoody J
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checking in over 10yrs. will post some oldies soon cheers all happy 2024
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