Watch This! BEFORE You Buy a "Bug Eye" Subaru Impreza WRX

THE MOST affordable impreza wrx in the last few years! the bug eye subaru impreza wrx is the best most reliable entry level subie you can get your hands on for around or UNDER $5k
this is everything you need to know before you buy it

[@grim9758]

I always loved the bug eye look 🙂

[@rileywebb4178]

It looks terrible IMO but at least you can get a great deal!

[@fatbuddy719]

Riley Webb watch a WRX commercial from 2002 and I bet you’ll change your mind.

[@abriel3016]

I agree. It’s my favorite form of the Imprezas.

[@Zachariah2x]

This is the best looking one from the 2000s

[@gamerguy7585]

Same

[@JohnClark-ew8dh]

Having previously owned a Bugeye WRX for 6 years and suffered just one brake caliper seizure in that time, they are absolutely reliable. And I drove it like it was meant to be driven

[@LostMeToof]

Thank you for this insight my good sir

[@ryderwink9440]

Hey now don’t give people the wrong idea I’ve had mine for two years blown it up twice replaced every line in the engine bay and continue to still have miscellaneous problems here and there

[@rolandlacasse9149]

@@ryderwink9440 in the same damn boat chief.

[@turkeywildman3871]

180,000 miles and no issues. Keep up maintanence and pay for your hard-driving sins before they hurt the car haha

[@shawnjames5042]

I've had mine 10 only problems been alarm and one rear brake seizure

[@pasmomoonde6077]

The bugeye is iconic, I find it to be unique the later models just looked too mainstream

[@shamic30]

Spot on..

[@backspace12399]

I’m going to cure my depression with a bug eye. It’s settled

[@GARomero86]

It’s the same for me LoL.

[@GARomero86]

I’m subscribed. The first get it, tells to the other. 👊🏻

[@shamic30]

😂👍

[@harrisonbrand8985]

that’s really how it feels though right? looking at these sus potentially overpriced bugeyes on craigslist like “yes this will finally make me irreversibly happy”

[@iHateWhenTheSunComesUp]

I did 😎🚗💨

[@no_4259]

Buy now and we will include the first 3 vape refills absolutely free!

[@KNZRauto]

honestly the bugeye is the best looking subie, and its the perfect enthusiast car

[@shamic30]

Youre so right, and the last of the rally looking subies...bug eyes are awsome, i get compliments from ppl ranging 10 to 70, that tells u got something unique 😉

[@jackrabbitart7969]

Either that or the first gen wrx's from the late 90s

[@kaydenehrhardt25]

The bugeye is absolute my favorite because of the flat face, it’s crazy how uncommon bugeyes are though, there is 2 in my town and there’s prolly at least 50 blobeyes, it’s crazy.

[@krystianogorzalek122]

I have an 03 v6 mustang and have the chance possibly to trade for this subi shoul I do this or no? I love subis and I want that wrx in my life im 18 not made of money and live in ny so I would be ae to actually use this in snow too.

[@drowzykush]

KnockOut Gamez trade ASAP

[@noirshiesty4207]

I'm thinking the same thing I definitely want a subie for my first car

[@bobbycauk]

@@krystianogorzalek122 the wrx more expensive for part replacement... But overall a more fun car to drive. I had a 5 speed v6 new edge and I just bought a 2.5l ts STI impreza 6 speed bugeye... The subi is making 310 to the wheels, the Stang, won't touch that without ALOT of work

[@nudehunter8057]

I have a 2003 gt and a bugeye wrx wagon

[@u1richh]

I like how the bug eye looks.

[@shamic30]

👍

[@HowtofitnessKinetic]

I just got a 02 bugeye super clean no rust!!! and I’m so happy driving it!! Everyone looks and my depression is gone 😁

[@ericMT]

Bugeye has grown on me. Also it didn’t sell poorly. Especially in California. It’s part of the reason the WRX is still popular today. 7200rpm redline, and yes it’s very reliable even when tuned. If you see one for sale, especially if it’s stock and manual transmission, get it. Great car and easy to work on.

[@395Biker]

Exactly. The claim that it was a poor seller is nonsense. Quite the opposite.

[@user-nu6vq1su4k]

I can’t believe the bug eye was hated. I think it looks so good.

[@DanSim93]

Bugeye wagon owner here! Its the best car ive ever owned. Absolutely love the thing. Would urge anybody to purchase one before prices go crazy.

[@chrisvill54]

The only issue with this car was the 5 speed transmission, they just couldnt take the abuse. The 2.0 engine will run for along time if you do your maintenance on it. They also respond very well to power upgrades especially because it's already turbo charged. It was so easy to make power on these cars because everything from the sti basically bolted right up to this car, turbo, intercooler, injectors, and a good tune and you basically had the power of a sti for cheap. And it was easy to get sti parts for this car since most sti owners would sell them for cheap since they were upgrading themselves. I have a 03 and it has 260 k miles on the original motor, and it has not been stock for most of its life. And it still runs really well, even at idle she sounds good and smooth. I have a soft spot for my wrx since its been with through so many years and getting rid of it just not something i plan to do. Its a sleeper really, it looks stock but it aint, i especially like the look in peoples faces when they hear that ewg open up.

[@fromconsoul2593]

225k on my 5 speed I'm pushing 370whp 341wtq. It's all how you drive it. If I dump the clutch from a dig once at this power level I'm sure its toast but as long as you ease the clutch out your good

[@LorenzoClara97]

@@fromconsoul2593 but the stock engine with this power level can hold being pushed for a long time? Like 15/20min on a mountain road? Need to upgrade the IC with a front mounted and mount an oil radiator? I"m from Italy and bugeye in good conditions goes for 12k €, not low but not even too high

[@fromconsoul2593]

@@LorenzoClara97 I have the sti intercooler and a bigger radiator. Honestly the only thing I'm seeing right now is that the stock exeddy clutch is burning quite a bit. I know once I upgrade my clutch it will probably put more strain on the transmission. I'm thinking of adding blast plates to combate that. I love the 5 speed for daily driving so I'm trying everything I can to not upgrade to a 6 speed

[@fromconsoul2593]

@@LorenzoClara97 also I have a jdm ej205 with avcs. The usdm motor with the same mods only pushed 304/305. Avcs was key at getting to the power level that I currently have

[@bluewffl8472]

So...I feel I need to chime in here as tonight I slayed a LT1 swapped formula fire chicken and a 2019 Focus RS....183k on my 02, 5 speed, 305hp/304tq, pushing 24.5 lbs on E85. That being said....I don't "clutch drop" and my transmission is starting to head out as it has the original...non type ra gearset. If you want much more, and plan to drive the car to limit...you will need the 6 speed...and the larger wheel bearings/brakes from an sti. The wrx brakes I'm currently running are the 4 pots in front and sliders in rear and they really struggle with repeated 120mph+ harder stops. I will eventually do all that and make upwards of 700hp no problem on built block 6 speed combo. Also, I'm all in with car, registration, parts, tune for a total of $6975 so far besides fluids....I'd love to hear of something better for the $$$

[@Dailyfiver]

The MK1 was definitely the best looking, but damn i absolutely love the bug eye. Just got one!

[@memo-iq8wb]

How's it holding up? Looking at a $5k 02' wrx. 75k miles. Seriously considering it haha

[@shamic30]

Congrats...👍

[@Silverado-nw2lj]

@@memo-iq8wb damn thats like 10-15k in wa state

[@thesimplyteez]

I had the pleasure of owning a 2002 Bugeye WRX wagon. I bought it because of the reliability it was known for. This car never broke down. I had lowered it and then i lifted it. Either way, fun to drive. It is also safe. The AWD saved me from crashing. I had it for 7 years and then one day, it was involved in an accident. Thankfully, my wife and I survived with no injuries. Even during the accident, it performed well. I really miss that car.

[@robertgardner4508]

I actually like the look of the bugeye. Just get that bigger hood scoop and STI wing, and it's a beautiful car.

[@jnrivers]

These are some of the best Subaru's made. Old enough to avoid most of the EPA related stuff, new enough to be a fairly competent car. If you take care of them, and do the mods / tuning properly, they are very potent drivers cars with a high nostalgia factor.

[@ts-vu3dd]

I just got mine for 1300$ and I’m in love with it. I got mine as a total pos. But It’s been burning a hole in my pocket cuz Subaru parts are more expensive than most bmw parts. Worth it

[@beatles]

Man I worry all the time when im driving my jdm bugeye but after watching this video I’m so happy I picked my baby❤

[@onesmile369]

Your video made my day. I'm picking up my bugeye in a few days now and to seal the deal I'm gonna have a 1k miles roadtrip to bring it home. I was really not sure if I made a good choice in terms of reliability (subaru curse) but watching your video actually calmed me down and brought a big smile on my face. SEEE YAAAAA

[@evan7413]

How is it now?

[@equakecs8119]

@@evan7413 never made the trip home by the looks..

[@thomassorenson6371]

Dude hell yeah! A friend just sent me this video and saw my car is in it haha. Thanks for the feature! I still have it!

[@burblingbarbacoa4944]

Bugeye is the best Impreza hands down. It's such a cute looking car, and it still has some aggressive presence in my eyes.

[@noah-xs2ct]

got a bugeye for 1500 and put almost 5k into it , no regrets, couldn’t be happier just an all around beautiful car

[@hawgdrummer7]

Miss my bugeye. Original turbo made it to 214k. Lost compression and sold it to a project guy at 249,600. I’ve got a 15 now and don’t miss having to spend so much time working on it. I do miss the sound and absolute raw feel of everything about my bugeye, though. It may be a quicker car, but it’s just not the same :(

[@Dan-dx9qu]

I have a mint bugeye wrx in WR Blue that has the STi looks! I swear when one hates the rest follow like zombies! they have loads of potential to look amazing!

[@shamic30]

They look amazing already ;)...not being bias or anything haha

[@waynes.2983]

I loved my bug eye. It was a 2002 & I had it until 2017. It was a wagon and for 15 years and 230,000 plus miles it was dead reliable. The 2 liter engine rocks!

[@DigitallyDevious]

Got a brand new 03 bugeye for my graduation present. Still under 100k miles and still feels like the first day I drove her. Awesome cars.

[@andrewtillotson9472]

Imported a bugeye sti a year ago best looking gen of sti ever.

[@MJC10121]

I’m glad I stumble upon this video because I’m about to buy a bug eye in the next couple months

[@AUTOBIBLE]

Cool video man. The reason for the facelift wasn’t due to poor sales though. The gd chassis was updated every 2 years throughout its lifetime. Definitely recommend anyone on the fence to purchase one though. Clean examples are becoming quite rare nowadays

[@eddean5798]

i picked one up today for 2k. Completely stock, no mechanical issues (155,xxx), it just needs a bumper, drivers side fender, and the frame is a little bent so that will need some work, it was in a minor accident but, it never was reported to insurance so it has a clean title. 230hp, Clean title, Awd, runs and drives perfectly, and it’s only 2k. It’s unbeatable

[@johnwalker4251]

Gotta hand it to you buddy, best bug eye review ever. Covered everything that matters most and no wasted chit chat. Thank you for making this!!!

[@tallen702]

I had one of the '03 bug-eye 2.5RS Impreza. Best car I ever owned and I wish I had never sold it. It was a monster.

[@daniellucas183]

when he said people hated the bug eye I almost passed out. love the bugeye

[@slickraft]

Turning 190K on my 2003 WRX wagon this week. Love the bugeye.

[@MonygyB]

Thank you for making this video lol. I’m buying my first CAR after having only owned trucks (buying because I now have a baby!) and I really wanted something that does it all, and a bugeye just happened to pop up in my price range!

[@musotica]

how was it?

[@MonygyB]

@@musotica blew up the 5 speed, 6 speed swapped it, blew up the motor. Parting it out cause I’m going to LS swap it

[@BLESSED-ODM]

The bug eye was always my fav it has a retro look to it

[@waynes.2983]

When I test drove mine I pulled out of the dealership, stopped at a light & when it turned green my wife screamed because she thought we were rear ended because I took off so fast from the light. Seriously scared the shit out of her. At that point she knew why I was buying her that car.

[@nathankirkeeng4234]

currently watching this after the purchase of my second bugeye:)

[@j2xosorio24]

i'm starting to see Subaru Bug Eye cars pop up for sale at a cheap price, and its probably a dream car for me since ive played rally car games as a kid amd i'm planning on buying the sedan version for cargo as well the only impreza version i care about owning

[@subisaiyan0276]

Just bought my very first subi and its a 02 bugeye wagon!some couple add ons,16g turbo full exhaust an cobb tunning will make for a fun a fast car for a daily driver an its always a head turner were ever you go

[@warholatyler]

Honestly, I think the bugeye is one of the best looking models 😄

[@willk3807]

I'm looking at a 2002 wrx sti manual wagon with 117k miles for $3500. It's missing the front bumper and headlights (stolen). I'm glad I watched this video. Thanks 👍

[@tired9398]

I don't know why people hate it's looks. I absolutely love the look.

[@AlexWalter]

Have a blobeye and a Vic, found your channel due to Panthers and it's super cool to see you covering subies. Subie "reliability" is a far cry from the simple and bulletproof Ford V8 tho

[@janthony022]

I loved the bugeye, especially the wagon. When I was younger my dad had a chance to get one of these (he love subaru because AWD) however our family is bit in a bigger size and opted for a different wagon (mazda protoge5 which is not a bad choice but no AWD). Looking back at it now if he ended up with a bug eye I would have driven that to end of time...

[@grandtheftauto1233]

As someone who has an NA Bugeye and the WRX Bugeye, best bang for the buck cars I ever own. Great performance and compact I love it

[@ModernCivilWar]

Use to like the 04-05 then now 07 for sure but bogeyed is probably now favorite.

[@smokeymane5892]

Just bought one on marketplace for 1200 bucks runs good short shifter stage 2 cluctch exhaust ect. Has 240k miles on body very nice car almost as nice as my old 06 wrx

[@rustyshackleford81]

I replaced my 03 WRX wagon with a 06 STI, sold it to my buddy across town. I still borrow it every once in a while and I'll be damned, I like the 5speed WRX transmission better for in town driving vs the STI

[@gergelytoth915]

I think the bugeye is the most beautyfull impreza in the world!!!!!😆

[@Grg153]

Looking into one now that has 220k miles and STILL runs perfect some how

[@judosailor]

Just checked Marketplace listings in my area, as I always do when I see a video like this. First one that popped up in my areas was 8k! Next two were 5 and 6 respectively, but they were also the wagon. Found one for 3500, but it’s over two hours away (one way).

[@Tzalmavet]

The wagon bugeyes seem to be common but the downside is that most of them are beat and rusted to hell.

[@joshuamullins5434]

This is honestly one of my favorite looking generation

[@samuelhoward8504]

I agree with everything except being ugly, it’s so cuuuuuteeee. I love my bugeye and it’s treated me so well for 6years running 20 psi

[@fadedwolf2817]

I’m getting my on Saturday and I’ve always loved this vehicle but you’ve made me love it even more

[@Natedoc808]

I have an 02 USDM wagon with factory leather upgrade with carbon fiber kit and factory installled short shift, factory yellow fog light option instead of covers. It has 5K on the freshly rebuilt ej205, slight upgrades in stainless valves, arp studs, ACL bearings but stock pistons and rods. 176K on the chassis and with a pretty mellow tube gets to 60 faster than 5.5 sec ;-) love this car, wanted one right when they came out, never getting rid of it

[@jasonleger9721]

I’m glad he knew what I was gonna do with the extra cash😂

[@user-uq6vh3ps7m]

Drove mine on an overheating motor for over two weeks and sold it running

[@kayden1656]

I bought a bug eye shell and swapping the drive train from my 2003 blob eye best choice ever

[@shamic30]

Haha love your take on the bug eye. After kicking us bug eye owners in the groin for the first part of your review, i enjoyed the 2.5 litre comparison towards the end and im glad you didnt waste your time comparing performance....anyway somewhat funny review i enjoyed it, and you're right, im still looking to put that bad ass wing that everyone loves...well not everyone ;)....soon enough these ugly bug eyes as u called it, will be going up in price if not already...

[@ananymous2903]

I own the blue wagon shown in this video! Besides the crap clear respray it was given that sadly started peeling, its been mechanically very sound and a great useful daily driver.

[@jimair4955]

Still have my 2002!

[@jamesbutler3317]

just bought a bugeye wrx wagon 2 months ago i love it

[@d40_hippo59]

I paid £900 for my 03 completely standard with history 😍 but didn't stay standard for long 😉

[@ziondornstadter4305]

Dang in the USA used these things are about $5,000

[@tybarker5038]

Ugh, spending almost 7000 fixing this WRX I just bought. Been waiting about two months to get it done, as well. So I’m hoping once it’s done, it’ll feel worth it. I personally love the bug eye. I think it’s an iconic look. Sort of Porsche-esque. By the way, was this filmed in Golden?! I can’t imagine a more Subaru friendly place for this video.

[@senseicorey9979]

I put a new trans and engine in mine within a year of owning it. That was in 2009, I'm still driving it

[@tybarker5038]

Sensei Corey happy to hear it. How much did that cost you?

[@senseicorey9979]

@@tybarker5038 as much as I paid for the car used ......I also put an upgraded gear set in it, total cost was around $12k for engine and trans I think, engine from Subaru with 1 year warranty

[@lilmixdboy]

How did it cost 7k dude?

[@tybarker5038]

@@lilmixdboy cuz they had to change a ton of parts and give it a stage 2 tune and covid backed everything up so it took 3 months :/ I feel I got ripped off but when dealing with cars you always gotta expect to spend a lot of money

[@norbertrivera]

21 years with mine ,no problemas.

[@misfxts_rl435]

I looked at all designs and I'm in love with the bug eyed look hopefully I can find one in 3 years

[@dlugsch]

Thanks for including my video in here with credit! When tastefully modded they look amazing! Quirky for sure, but that’s what gives a car it’s character.

[@shamic30]

Agree...and they still have that rally look

[@whoischris28]

Love my bugeye. Just rolled over 84k miles

[@angelgarnica6923]

Mine has 160k

[@bongjoint]

Just hit 93K love it

[@mightymachinez]

Yesterday I bought a 03 wrx wagon in sonic yellow. Ive always wanted a yellow one but they are very rare so it took a while to find one. It has a bunch of stuff done to it (sti turbo, cobb intake, cobb turboback, grimmspeed aos, tuned, sti short throw shifter, sti brakes, etc) its a sweet car and its in great shape, cant wait to drive it more!

[@ShingoKirishima1997]

Kinda wish you made this video 2 years ago when I had my 2008 WRX. All 2nd gens are my favorite Imprezas, but honestly I never ended up liking the WRX's. And nowadays I wish I got a 350z instead from the start.

[@BamBam_56]

I absolutely love the 2001 Bugeye Subaru impreza wrx sti❤

[@331foxbody]

They never came out with a STi version of the bugeye

[@alonelydilophosaurusjwa4346]

@@331foxbody yes they did just not in North America. That’s like saying the entire first gen WRX/STI lineup doesn’t exist

[@domjfante8140]

I loved mine, after 200k miles the costs very quickly started to outweigh the value of the car so I sold it, but I recommend this car to anyone willing to care for it!

[@spirit8145]

The bugeye is like the 1st gen s1000rr it looks bad at First but slowly u fall in love with the design

[@arxonbby]

Bug eye is the best looking imo. That's why I'm looking for one

[@Tylerp71]

That’s a hell of a way to end your video😄😂🤣

[@wbsimps]

I picked one up 2 years ago at 15 for $5500 wrb, and under 100k miles

[@lgz2006]

Now try the "Blob eye/Hawk eye" Impreza WRX STI!

[@zlee001]

I just found out about this and i unironically think its looks so cool.

[@zlee001]

I want it

[@oceanjaney4710]

I might be getting a bugeye soon myself!! I'm so excited

[@yowassup1969]

so worth it. i got mine about 2 months ago and it’s a whole lot of fun to drive around. it will make you want to drive

[@arvinrao4224]

Congratulations mate

[@sebsshenanigans]

read before you buy - from a current bug eye owner yes, 2L is far more superior to the 2.5 as the 2.5L has thinner cylinder walls. the sti bugeye however has forged insternals. the wrx however, the block itself can take abuse, the pistons and rods are your weak point. but you can still do basic bolt ons and a tune no problem if you dont treat it like a clapped out civic. sti bugeye has the famous bulletproof 6sp gearbox, while the bugeye wrx however, has on of the weakest 5sp gearboxes of all the wrx generations. ask me how i know... literally just did a box replacement and the shop it got done at showed me gear/synchro comparisons between the year models. wrx's CAN be reliable. but reliable and "low maintenance" are not things that go together in turbo boxer land. they're gonna burn oil, you have to be checking that on a weekly basis. even if it doesnt look like its dropping, make it a habit to check it once a week along with your coolant as well (excessive coolant consumption usually goes hand in hand with headgasket issue if you cant see it leaking anywhere) DO NOT try drop the clutch in it particularly on tarmac/asphalt. gears will disappear fast than the troops in Afghanistan (its just a joke, relax) things that you should do when you get one. alloy radiator if it hasnt been done already, aftermarkets can hold more coolant and therfore cool more efficiently. oil/blow by catch can. without it, those oil particles go back through your intake and get burnt in combustion. oil reduces the octane/knock rating of your air/fuel mixture, a catch can catches that oil and only lets the air circulate through. check your shifter linkage and bushes, its a 20 year old car and the shifter will feel looser than riley reid. get new bushes and a new shifter linkage. while you're at it. throw in an ebay short throw shifter. been running one for a few years and it feels great with no issues. the last thing to do, see if it still has the factory up pipe. i think all, regardless on what country youre in, bugeye wrx came with a catted up pipe. not good to have a cat pre turbo. gut it out or get an aftermarket up pipe. no risk of the particles chewing up the turbo if it lets go and you will feel it spool up around 500rpm quicker. good supporting mods to have - DW/walbro/ect 255lp fuel pump if it still has the factory pump, high flow panel filter or a aftermarket cold air intake, 3 port boost solenoid (your tuner will love you as these are more consistent and stable at controlling boost), sti intercooler (you can pick them up cheap second hand), gfb/perrin/ect recirc or blow of valve. you want something that can at least recirc half the air back into the intake. then a turbo back exhaust for a little more sound. want to fix up the understeer issue?? hd swap bar link pins, 22mm rear sway bar (keep factory front) and the hd rear sway bar mounting points. no need for coilovers unless the shocks are already cooked.

[@andreslaguna1068]

Fun fact I have the 2.5l and I currently am rebuilding the engine due to a o ring and rod knock so yeah if you want a big eye do yourself a favor and get the 2.0l turbo

[@jvogler_art4708]

i like the bug eye. it has almost porche/VW like DNA in it's design.

[@BURRNTU]

The bugeye is the best looking, killed it in the WRC

[@bbehzadi413]

I always loved the bug eye low key my favorite

[@shamic30]

Bugeyes are awsome 👍

[@meanmistermustard2485]

the bug is very ver nice to me and Im actually planning on buying one.

[@SteveK3899]

Had a Black WRX STI black gold wheels Bug.Loved the look.

[@Ruluxx]

the bugeye wrx is the best looking wrx impreza ever made, 22b isnt even close , the porsche style headlights in the most legendary sounding 4 banger of all time, sign me up

[@RaccShatt]

I love the way you explain everything, great video.

[@Sgt_Peppe1999]

I dont know whats wrong with people. The Bugeye is by far the most beautiful WRX STI ever.

[@DerptekofGoochland]

looking at trading my SH forester in for an *older* subie as I get more into cars. This sounds like something to look for. I love the eccentric bugeye look and the points to reliability make it enticing for a noobie like me 😅

[@Skizerrr]

I love the bug eye look 🥺

[@gkk2001]

Always watch our videos and this one did not disappoint at all. Great info and we'll presented. 👍

[@driftin90src]

I like the sentence you ended the video with.

[@perrycrotty7624]

Both gen 1 and gen 2 are good. i really like the Bug eye look idk why it got so much hate

[@burdock4419]

The headlight style was way out of norm back then. Now I want to put a bugeye bumper on my fozzie lol....big bright yellows lol

[@unofficiallypriest8261]

you really made me want to get this car even more lmaooooo

[@cstoneworksinc]

I love the bugeye, but I love them all. I want one of each, already got sedan and hatch stinkeyes, and a hawkeye, prolly my fave, but still looking for a decent bug eye

[@shaunwaugh905]

What about this one

[@yeetboi1013]

“Low insurance”

[@yodag2859]

What’s that mean haha

[@hellsfire133]

Just bought a 2002 Subaru impreza outback sport bug eye and I fuckin love it