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Exterior photo of 2002 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye)

2002 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye)

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 127,000 Miles

Engine: 2.0-Liter EJ205 Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Platinum Silver Metallic Exterior

Interior: Black / Blue Cloth Interior

VIN: JF1GD29682G510487

Additional features:

All-Wheel Drive

Limited-Slip Rear Differential

Momo Sport Steering Wheel

Cloth Bolstered Sport Seats w/ Blue Centers

6-Disc CD Changer / Tape Stereo System

Air Conditioning

Cruise Control

Cup Holder

Power Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors

Fold Down Rear Seats

Rear Center Arm Rest

Turbo Boost Gauge

Skid Plates

1” Receiver Hitch for Bike Rack

16-Inch Alloy Wheels

Bridgestone Serenity Plus All-Season Tires

Fitted Seat Covers

Car Cover

Bike Rack

Original-Owner Vehicle

Mature Airline Pilot Owner

Stock and Unmolested

First Year WRX

Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

Background

2002 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye) exterior photo

In the early 1990s Subaru continued on the limited rally success of its prepped Legacy models with the newly minted WRX (World Rally Experimental) and a legacy was born (pun-intended). The WRX was based on the new GC generation Impreza and put into the hands of legendary World Rally Championship driver Colin McRae. Wearing the blue and yellow livery of certain cigarette brand, the pair became an iconic duo that cemented Subaru’s position in motorsport and McRae’s dominance of one of the greatest eras of World Rally Championship ever. When the WRX was released to the U.S. Market for the 2002 model year, based on the GD generation Impreza, a decade of envy of Japanese and Euro-market envy was rewarded as we quelched—we had a WRX to call our own! The first two years featured the “bug-eye” headlights and lead what would become a fun, practical and potent WRX institution for generations of American enthusiasts. The importance of the original WRX is huge in the heritage of the brand, and finding one that has not been abused, molested, or neglected has become a rare feat.

Summary

 exterior photo

This original-mature-airline-pilot owner first-year 2002 Subaru “bug eye” Impreza WRXs is one of those examples. Finished in Platinum Silver Metallic over the stock WRX Black and Blue cloth interior, it is unmolested with the exception of a turbo gauge, K&N air filter, skid plates, and a one-inch receiver hitch. Accessories include fitted seat covers, a car cover, and bike rack for the rear trailer hitch. Factory standard options include the sport seats, Momo steering wheel, limited-slip differential, fold down rear seats, and basic amenities (which help keep the weight down). It was originally delivered by Shortline Automotive in October of 2001 and regularly serviced there or at Brakes Plus in Denver. It has remained in Colorado its entire life, being used as one of the best dam daily drivers of all time. The beauty of an airline pilot’s commute is only one drive to work every four days, which has kept the miles down to 127K at present. It came to us on consignment (after flying together multiple times over the years) as the owner is replacing it with a Tesla Model Y. In preparation for sale, we did a round of typical time-duration maintenance including replacing the clutch, flywheel, multiple gaskets, front CV axle boots, turbo pipe seals, oil cooler seals, valve cover gaskets, and spark plugs. Other significant recent maintenance includes a brake service, AC compressor, front axles, front lower ball joints, shocks and struts on each corner, and frequent oil changes. The Carfax is clean and the condition (detailed below) is very good considering the typical early WRX. We would like a new owner who will enjoy it as it becomes an important and relevant classic in the WRX timeline.

Exterior

2002 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye) exterior photo

The exterior of this WRX is very presentable, but it does have the typical flaws and imperfections that would be expected of its age and miles. The silver paint is all original gauging at 3-5 mils and in good condition, but there are moderate rock chips and several scuffs on the lower front bumper cover. There is also some clear coat lifting on both bumper covers, but we were able to polish both and blend the areas to improve their appearance. There are some moderate scratches on the left rear door and rear fender. The exterior trim is in good condition with only slight UV fade on the dark plastic pieces. The windshield glass has slight pitting, but no cracks. The side and rear windows are lightly tinted. The headlight lenses are in good condition, with no cracks and only slight opaqueness. The foglights are crack-free. The taillight lenses are clear and crack-free. The stock wheels are in excellent shape with virtually no curb rash. They are wrapped in Bridgestone Serenity Plus all-season tires with 2017 DOT dates and over 50% tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

Overall the interior is in great shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. There are no rips or tears in the carpet and the all-weather floor mats are in good shape. The steering wheel leather is good shape with slight wear; there is no failed stitching. The gauges all function correctly, including the turbo gauge. The headliner is in excellent condition. The heat blows hot and the air-conditioning blows cold. The OEM stereo sounds excellent. There is typical wear on the center console trim, the door sills, and the painted areas of both seat hinges. The driver’s seat has a visible repair to the outer bolsters, but other than is in very good condition. The passenger and rear seats are in excellent condition. Fitted blue and black seat covers are included with the sale, and are in great shape. All interior functions, options, power accessories, and controls work correctly. The cup holders are functional. Two keys are included with the car, along with a car cover, hitch-mount bike rack, and the owners’ manuals.

Mechanical

 engine photo

The list of recent maintenance outlined in the summary paragraph is extensive, both our work and the previous owner’s. It also benefits from being owned its entire life from a mature owner who left it unmolested and did not abuse it—a rare commodity in a twenty-year old WRX. There are no warning lights or check engine lights. The EJ205 engine starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls very strongly to redline (once the oil temp is warmed up, of course). The turbo is healthy and it does not smoke or have excessive leaks. The transmission shifts smoothly and the clutch take-up is correct thanks to being recently replaced. The suspension and steering are tight, and there are no clunks or noises. The brakes are fantastic with plenty of pad and rotor thickness remaining. We ensure it passes and pay for emissions in the State of Colorado. As it sits this would make a great first car or candidate to preserve as the WRX ages into a future classic.