Shopping for a used sports activities automobile can include a singular set of concerns and caveats you must find out about. Based mostly on years of real-world testing and analysis, listed here are the 2 sports activities automobiles I most frequently suggest to readers, family and friends—plus just a few pointers that will help you discover the most effective used sports activities automobile you’ll be able to to your greenback.
The year-round choice: Subaru WRX
Few reasonably priced sports activities automobiles can match the popularity and clout of the WRX. For many years, this speedy model of Subaru’s small sedan, the Impreza, has been constructed round a high-performing engine and the most recent Subaru all-wheel drive (AWD) tech.
The result’s a extremely confirmed sports activities automobile whose driving expertise is meant to excite and encourage confidence, whatever the climate and highway situations. This sports activities automobile is designed for year-round use, and it isn’t afraid of snow and ice.
With normal AWD for SUV-like traction, in addition to sharper dealing with in truthful climate, the WRX is a sports activities automobile that may spend extra time on the highway and fewer time in storage—and meaning a greater return in your funding.
What to search for in a used Subaru WRX
The last-generation Subaru WRX lined model-years 2015 to 2021. Level your search in direction of a 2018 or newer mannequin to reap the benefits of varied updates and enhancements utilized mid-cycle, together with up to date interiors, up to date exteriors, a brand new instrument cluster, new lighting security options, and retuned steering, clutch, suspension and shifter to enhance general really feel.
Contemplating a used WRX for year-round efficiency motoring? Avoid any mannequin that’s been modified utilizing non-factory components and software program, even when these have been eliminated. Some modifications may cause put on or injury that’s not lined by the remaining guarantee and will end in disagreeable surprises to your pockets.
Assume the used WRX you’re contemplating wants new tires and brakes, till you’ve received proof on the contrary.
Each handbook and automated (CVT) choices have been out there on this era WRX, and whereas most homeowners haven’t reported powertrain bother, test-driving customers ought to be looking out for undesirable sounds or vibrations from the clutch on manual-equipped fashions, which generally is a signal of bother.
If you happen to’re going with an automated, be triple-sure all transmission servicing and upkeep is updated. Skipped or stretched servicing and inspection intervals can shorten the lifetime of this element and value you cash.
You’ll pay extra for gas and insurance coverage with a WRX than the extra standard Impreza mannequin on which it’s primarily based, however dollar-for-dollar, the WRX’s year-round functionality and eye-widening traction make it powerful to beat.
Instance: 2020 Subaru WRX 6-MT specs
- Worth (new): From $29,995
- Physique sort: Sedan
- Powertrain structure: All-wheel drive
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo flat-four
- Horsepower: 268
- Torque (lb-ft): 258
- Transmission: CVT / 6MT
- Curb weight: 1,567 kg (3,454 lb)
- NRCan gas economic system (mixed): 10.4 L/100 km
- EPA gas economic system (mixed): 19 MPG
The seasonal choice: Ford Mustang
For some, driving a sports activities automobile is finest left for particular events, on good days, and after hours of meticulous detailing and waxing beneath the summer season solar.
