Japanese Muscle | 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon Review

[@thehimself4887]

Got mine today. The best part of it is, it has an full engine swap 80'000km ago. So the motor is pretty on top :)

[@bendaga]

Congrats! Hope it treats you well

[@SA_Tmc]

Never be fooled by low ks let alone high ks lol Iykyk 😂

[@BitterCynical]

My first impression of a bugeye Subaru is that it's a dirt road Porsche... I haven't driven either a Porsche or a Subaru. Just from a dumb bystander perspective it kind of seems appropriate knowing both use flat engines and have those distinct round headlights but differ in that a Porsche is for driving on perfectly smooth roads like an autobahn while a Subaru has that rally heritage on all kinds of roads.

[@bendaga]

Interesting perspective. I can see where you get the idea behind that since they both have boxer engines. I've never driven a Porsche so I couldn't tell you what it's like on the other side.

[@Grooove_e]

Bought my 2003 Bugeye WRX Sedan about 16 months ago bone stock with 139k miles clean title and haven't looked back since. 22000 miles later it's gotten me to work every single day and is incredibly fun no matter what the weather conditions are. Subaru should never have killed the EJ205

[@bendaga]

Yeah - shame the EJ’s will soon be a thing of the past...

[@Grooove_e]

@@bendaga good thing I'm collecting EJ205 and some EJ25 engines for future builds, next goal is to obtain an EJ207 and make a reliable 400-450whp on a V7 STI drivetrain

[@KuyaJMRX]

I've been waiting for you to finish this build. It looks great. Hopefully you swapped out all your suspension bushings for tighter handling. It's true about the interiors simplicity. You have everything functional for the vehicle, but doesn't distract the relationship between the driver and the car, that you can focus on the feel of the car, the road and your surroundings.

[@bendaga]

Thanks man. Sorry for the wait, but this car has been an ongoing battle lately. I have yet to refresh some of the bushings, but you're right, it'll make a big difference. Some enjoy the simplicity but it's definitely not for everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@Yuaaaur]

I own a 99 Subaru GC8 and I’ve been through faulty 02 sensors, fuel pump relays going bad 4 times, CEL showing up after motor swap, but when the cars running fine and smooth, it’s so much fun

[@bendaga]

I felt that.

[@ChampionJockey_James]

Great video man. She loves you like you love her…. Sweet car!!

[@bendaga]

Haha well said. Thanks man!

[@anthonymcgrath]

My own 02 bug wagon died a death on me too - I was going to look into forged engine on the old ej205 and in the end it was cheaper to get a brand new ej207 STI engine bottom end and drop that in with rebuilt heads, cosworth head gaskets and ARP studs. Turns out the ej207 comes with forged pistons and rods too so it can take more stick! Also got the STI turbocharger and pink injectors. Makes about 280bhp on 1bar boost i think. its probably less lol i'm used to my old 32GTR that ran 600bhp and was scary as hell haha. I have had much more fun driving my wagon though... it feels better in twisty roads which is where most of my driving is generally so its ideal for that in any conditions. love the little thing... not light tho! with my chubby butt in the seat the whole thing is 2000kg of lump! Totally agree though - mud dirt rain snow it does not care! it allows you to have that bit more fun than so many other cars and i love it for that :) I would absolutely love a 6 speed sequential in it just for extra lollicles haha good little review thanks for doing it - i should do one for my own car hehe oh and you aint JDM'd it till you swap that hazard light button between the air vents for the red one ;p

[@GrizzlyPath]

Holy shnieky! The Bugeye lives!!!

[@bendaga]

Yes sir!

[@KiaAlvin]

I have a 2001 STI wagon, lovely little car.

[@waynes.2983]

I think that is my old car. Pretty sure man. I loved that car. It was so good for so long.

[@bendaga]

Wait really? Would love to know more about the history on this car if this used to be owned by you

[@jeremydingeman2492]

I owned this car for years! I still miss this car. Sad to see that it got wrecked.

[@dave8669]

This is awesome man.. my friend has the same car as you but in silver and swapped the engine with an STI one. and to be honest yours sounded exactly like his in the begining of the video so i was assuming that you swapped it with an STI one. Nonetheless you're car is such a beauty man! freakin love the blue & love the vid!

[@bendaga]

Thanks man, appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Sounds like your friend has a cool build going on! This car is not STI swapped but that would be nice...haha

[@CoyKiyote]

I had an 02 WRX manual wagon for 13 years… I got to drive it through the Santa Cruz mountains on my commute every day. Absolutely loved it, but the MPG was killing me. So I got a 2017 75D model S. On paper it should be so much more of an amazing car but it’s not. The 0 to 60 is much faster but it just isn’t engaging at all. I have yet to grin climbing into my Tesla. I have yet to get a thumbs up driving my Tesla. It’s the California Corolla. I’m hoping to return to frantic Subaru fun with a manual turbo Baja in my future

[@Regicited]

For me the WRX is one of the best functional daily drives for where I live. It snows most of the year and having AWD is awesome (I prefer the wagons).

[@bendaga]

There’s definitely a lot to like about the WRX in snowy conditions. I prefer the wagons too.

[@DreamWrench]

Really solid review. Glad you saved this one!

[@bendaga]

Thank you - Really appreciate the kind words!

[@bangerzbang]

Hey bro I know this is an older video, but how's the fitment with those 11 wrx wheels? Did you have to run spacers? Were the fenders rolled? I want to run that wheel set up on my bug eye. I hope you can give advice. Thank you my fellow subi driver ✌

[@NINE2racing]

Not the channel owner but running these wheels in my 2005 wrx sedan. You need a 5 millimeter spacer or factory 235/45r17s will run. If you don’t want spacers you have 2 options. Go with a 235/40 (I actually run 245/40s on my autoX car) or 225/45s and you will have just enough space to clear. Good luck!

[@NINE2racing]

Will rub*

[@firedemon2166]

I really wonder what the 2002 wagon Sti production numbers are?

[@bendaga]

Not sure, but I bet its getting lower and lower every year 🥲

[@richardgomez8010]

Love the buyeye look, best looking one!

[@bendaga]

Thanks!

[@Boba_fehtt]

Going to go see a guy on Sunday about a bugeye 2003 wrx wagon in blue like yours but automatic 😅 200k miles so what should I look for

[@Medic1441]

got myself a Subie the other day, had a full engine swap with a 40k mile engine things a beaut

[@bendaga]

Very cool. Enjoy it!

[@alvarius4205]

Almost want this more than the sedan version now 😂

[@jameskocks4734]

this isnt a popular opinion but the only thing i would change for this car would be the unequal length headers. thats all.

[@vic6972]

how did you get bent valves on your engine? what does it take for that to happen?

[@bendaga]

Pulley failed, froze up, shredded the timing belt

[@driftking3062]

Got a 2002 bugeye wrx sedan with a EJ205

[@Megacatares]

NIce video, I am ej206 swapping my 04 wagon now. I welded the left side water/oil lines shut haha. I hear these pistons have cast crowns? Meaning ideally they can hold more power? Thanks!

[@bendaga]

Haha good idea with closing the extra lines. I can’t confirm the crowns, but I believe they can be a little more powerful in the top end in comparison to the us ej205.

[@MangoRiotness]

Dope edit

[@bendaga]

Thanks fam

[@kadenmathews3560]

I got an 05 wrx wagon with stage 1 tune it’s a great car

[@bendaga]

They really are. Have been thinking about selling mine but I do really enjoy the car. Glad you are enjoying yours as well!

[@humbertogonzalez6040]

Bro, such a great car You have over there. I got a Wagon 1.6 2002 and planning to swap to EJ20 Turbo. Do you think I can keep the original gear box from 1.6?

[@bendaga]

You can but even the 5 speed transmissions originally in these cars are very "fragile" when driven hard. I would suggest doing a 6 speed swap if you have it in your budget. If not, you could always drive the 1.6 trans out until the wheels fall off.

[@humbertogonzalez6040]

@@bendaga thanks man, I will keep that in mind!

[@williepie]

If you can go catless with a stage 2 tune these cars are super fun.

[@bendaga]

Fully catless right now and cannot agree more.

[@chrisvill54]

Hey brother nice ride, hey what size tires are you running with those 2011 wrx wheels? Do they rub a little. In the rear against the shocks? I bought those wheels for my bugeye sedan but without tires. I noticed that in the rear they sit so close to shock. I know the stock tires are 235 45 17 but i think i might have to go with a smaller tire size.

[@bendaga]

Hey - Thanks for reaching out. I believe I am running 235/45 17's with my 2011 wrx wheels with no rubbing issues at all. I'm on upgraded springs/struts, so there isn't as much space in the wheel wells as stock. You should be fine running this. On the other hand, my Enkei RPF1's are 17x9 and rub like crazy in the rear. But thats much more aggressive than the 2011's.

[@chrisvill54]

@@bendaga thanks man i appreciate your reply. I been trying to find out for a while now but no one seems to want to answer. Yeah i got stock suspension right now but i do plan to install sombre isc coilovers i got laying around. Hopefully they don't rub. The problem with these wheels is not so much the 8 inches of with as it is the the 53 of offset which really pushes the limit towerds the indside of the chasis on these cars. Thanks again for replying.

[@bendaga]

@@chrisvill54 no problem my friend. Like I said, you should have issues with that setup. Best of luck!

[@panagiotist47]

I feel bad that many people here in my country are selling even N/A Imprezas and 1.6 turbos like 4.500-6.000€ while they have 180.000 to 280.000kms....i would love even to have a N/A Impreza bugeye or blobeye...same rumble sound if i put custom exhaust or UEL headers on it and only the feel of having that Subaru its enough for me..

[@bendaga]

Wow, so sorry to hear how expensive N/A Imprezas are in your neck of the woods. These turbo Subarus are fetching crazy money right now. Even if it’s a total disaster. You could always go NA and still get the rumble. Just will take patience to find a good one.

[@panagiotist47]

@@bendaga yeah mate people are selling them so high because it is a subaru and because it has awd? I cant understand whats the point of selling a 20 year old car while its N/A and high mileage so expensive.....

[@bendaga]

Supply and demand

[@panagiotist47]

@@bendaga The GX version is reliable? I remember its N/A with 150hp and 2.000cc but i couldn't find any in Greece so i searched in Germany and i found some on cheap price but who knows what situations they've been..

[@mraarontorres]

Why 206 instead of JDM avcs 205

[@bendaga]

Found it for a good deal and went for it.

[@Coners3007]

does it have a turbo? , i love card .

[@bendaga]

Yup

[@gilbertgarcia1768]

How did you plug the lines

[@bendaga]

You can find a large enough nut to plug it up.

[@jesse6577]

Rfp1? Rpf1?

[@dattran2669]

hi, what exhaust is it? thanks

[@bendaga]

Invidia catless downpipe, cobb uppipe, resonator, and I believe a Stromung catback exhaust.

[@thomasjessick643]

i just bought one today and it has a heating issue anyone know what i could be?

[@bendaga]

Gotta be a little more specific than that. I'd try reaching out to the Subaru Impreza Bugeye Facebook group for more information. They should be able to help you.

[@tn5244]

Mine is red and I’m planning to sell it tomorrow. Best car I ever owned and I have a 2019 Audi S4.

[@bendaga]

Sad to hear it's leaving you but at least you got to enjoy it.

[@MrBudderTacoMBT]

I would kill to find a bugeye for sale

[@bendaga]

@@MrBudderTacoMBT Hard to find a good one nowadays... could always find a project though