Got my donor today! Here's how..

[thall818]

Last summer I bit the bullet on the kit deposit. After doing so, I quickly became frustrated at WRX prices. I couldn't find anything under $5K. I was ready to buy the crates, and will probably wish I had, but I am a budget builder. I always have been. CoPart prices seem good, but fees and shipping kept me from winning (nothing was ever close).

About a month ago, on a whim, I ran a "WTB - want to buy" ad on craigslist. Specifically, a wrecked WRX. I've only had two hits in the month, but one was good.

A 2002 WRX wagon. He hit a deer and damaged the hood, fender, grille & headlight. He had full coverage and they totaled it. I convinced him to buy it back. It has high miles, but I'll call it a score.

2002 WRX Wagon
178,000 Miles
Stage 2
5 - speed
New leather seats with seat heaters
17" Kosei K1-TS rims and tires, plus the stock set
short throw shifter
boost gauge
20mm rear sway bar
Eibach springs - resale
KYB Struts - resale
Rear strut tower brace
STI Up pipe
Cobb hand held Tuner
fuel line recall was done
revised 2003 radiator - ???
recent clutch
All service records since new

The damage is cosmetic only. I've ripped through the gears up to about 85mph. Runs great. Clean, straight body except where the deer hit. Paid $3,500.00. Hope to get half back (or more) selling parts.


Moral of the story...don't get frustrated, just keep at it till you find what you're looking for.

[samuel]

Congratulations!! I look forward to your posts. I got the same car and I'm in the middle of cleaning painting and fixing things as I go. Learning a lot because this is all new to me. I took the short cut and bought the salvaged parts from Wayne Presley. I probably would have learned more if I had gone your route but its been fun so far. My 818S kit should be here (Long Beach Ca.) this summer so I'm trying to get ready but no hurry.

Sam

[gwarden]

Great score on a donor mine was front end wrecked and had valve damage I'm almost thru the rebuild. But only paid $1800 for it. You are right down the road from me and there is one other that lives in Williamsburg and going to be building up in your neighborhood. Welcome

[Pearldrummer7]

Great donor! You'll make a bunch of that back if you're patient about parting it out. Congrats!

[STiPWRD]

Awesome, another VA builder!

[taco20]

Great find man. I search for months and found one in VA Beach for $2800. Then I fixed it and sold it to pay for the kit. Then upgraded to an 05 Sti for my kit. I also live in VA. I am in Williamsburg and go to pick up my kit on Friday. I will be building my kit in Richmond at the race shop I have. If you want to come by and see the car next week just let me know? I have taken off Monday and Tuesday to play with the car and get it unpacked. When are you getting your kit?

[thall818]

Thanks guys. Very cool to see some locals. I checked the "When are you getting your kit" post 6 mos. ago and didn't see anyone at the time. I am scheduled to ship May 17th. My current plan is to build the car at home in Glen Allen, but disassemble the WRX at my shop in Charles City.

Yes, I would love to stop by and see the kit. You can PM me or just post where I should go.

[Jvalgardson]

Your first post is encouraging and discouraging at the same time, but thanks for the shared experience. Trying to decide what I want to do right now