Used Subaru Wrx

Talking Cars: Help, I can't steer!

QUESTION: I have a 2005 Subaru WRX STI. I got it used in 2007 and the car was practically new with 36,000 miles. It has 82,000 miles on it now, and for the past year or so the steering tends to cut out on me often. I noticed it happens more on turns where I’m either accelerating or when there are bumps. I’ve had a few instances where I couldn’t turn and had to stop the car, back up and use both hands to turn the wheel. I’m wondering if bad belts do this, or could it be something else like the steering box and can this be tested?

ANSWER: First, there are no bulletins on this problem. A loose power steering belt would not cause this problem. I would look at both front axle joints, especially the outboard joints. You mentioned you have to sometimes back up to free up the steering. This tells me something is binding up. The possibility of a ball joint or steering rack would be low on my list. Have the technician remove both front axles and check the axle joints, especially the outer joints.

QUESTION: I own a 1997 Ford Explorer with over 200,000 miles on it. It is stuck in park. I searched the web for advice and found that it could be a fuse. I checked the fuses in position 10 (7.5 amp) and 13 (15 amp), as mentioned on the web. But these didn’t correct the problem. The brake lights do not work, but the parking lights do. I’m able to move the truck but turning the key one position, moving the column shifter to neutral, starting the truck and moving the shifter to drive. But the brake lights do not work, and when I put the truck in park it gets stuck again. Short of checking all the fuses, what else can I do?

ANSWER: A very common problem with a lot of Ford vehicles is the brake light switch, or broken wire at the switch, not a fuse. The safety shift interlock is powered from the brake light switch. When you step on the brake pedal, the shift interlock solenoid gets it’s power, then releases the solenoid allowing the shifter to move. You are now just turning the key one notch, moving the shifter to neutral then turning the key to start the engine and put the shifter in neutral or reverse.

QUESTION: I have a 2000 Olds Alero (4 cyliner, 2.4 liter), 138,000 miles. I am the original owner. The car runs fine and is well maintained. In the last few months I have heard what sounds like a metal to metal scraping sound from the front when I apply the brakes. I have had the brakes checked by two different shops and they are OK. One of the mechanics said it could be a worn bushing, given the age of the car. What do you think, correct diagnosis? If it’s a worn bushing how much do you think the repair will cost? If I don’t get it fixed will it eventually damage the car?

Used Subaru WRX Advantages | Used Subaru

Have you decided that you want to buy a powerful, resistant and elegant car, but every single model you find is outrageously expensive? In this case, a used Subaru WRX just might be the answer for you.

To begin with, it is important to understand that buying a second hand car does not necessarily imply a lower performance of the vehicle or a reduced overall quality. In fact, a second hand car comes with the guarantee that it resists well in time, although it has been used. The great advantage of these cars is that they can be acquired at affordable prices. As an additional piece of information, you should know that the earlier the car has been manufactured, the cheaper it gets.

Now let us explain why a used Subaru WRX is a great option for all those who seek high performance capacity in a car. To begin with, the WRX models are all endowed with a turbocharged engine, which adds to the general resistance and performance of the car. Furthermore, the suspension mechanism is known to be firm, thus rendering the car more stable and, implicitly safe. The low profile tires and the four-wheel drive assure better adherence to the road. The brake system is also recognized to be one of the most efficient ones. As if this was not enough, the car also has an attractive and elegant look.

You do not have to worry that a used Subaru WRX has a lower quality than a new one. Original Subaru pieces are very resistant and safe. In fact, the majority of Subaru owners can vouch that they have never had to buy replacement pieces or upgrade the engine. If you want to be certain, just check the results of the auto-inspections carried out on the Subaru you want to buy.

If you fear that an old model may be lacking several modern facilities, remember that you can always recondition your car’s interior. You can add a servo mechanism to the steering wheel, install extra airbags or even get a GPS system. Furthermore, even if the car is older and it has a manual window-opening mechanism, you can always upgrade to an electrical one. Basically, you can add any applications to your used Subaru WRX and you will still pay a much lower price than you would for a new one.

Before buying the car, take your time to check the available offers. There are many owners who post selling announcements online. You should analyze these offers and, once you have decided to settle for one, contact the owner and discuss the details of the transaction.

Autocar

Torque

Popular Mechanics

Subaru Impreza, The Road Car & WRC Story

Popular Mechanics