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

[@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

[@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

[@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 😎🚗💨

[@KNZRengines]

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

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@KNOK-02]

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]

@@KNOK-02 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

[@no_4259]

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

[@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.

[@u1richh]

I like how the bug eye looks.

[@shamic30]

👍

[@fomomofo6917]

I know I’m 4 years late, but growing up this was one of the few Japanese cars I really liked. The bug eye and blob eye were always my favorite.

[@user-nu6vq1su4k]

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

[@norbertrivera]

21 years with mine ,no problemas.

[@ariannatorres5154]

Bought all three of my 02 wrx’s for under 3.5k . Love them. Favorite car I’ve ever driven/owned. I’d love to fix up a shitty junkyard Supra but that’s later…. Just finished right hand swapping one of them. Every single inch has been looked over and fixed… now it’s time for paint ❤️‍🔥

[@Nicco3414]

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.

[@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 $$$

[@Dailyfiber_98]

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

[@Scoob-93]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@EvanDaMedic]

How is it now?

[@equakecs8119]

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

[@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!!!

[@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❤

[@brandonjerue1205]

Burn! Ej25 head gasket comment at the end, spot on

[@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

[@jamesgrant1713]

You obviously don't know the world of wrc outside of the usa.... as a proud kiwi, subaru was untouchable in the 90s, they won alot of rally's in New Zealand n Aussie...

[@swoosh8474]

In my opinion the bug eye looks a LOT better than the blob eye..

[@kayden1656]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@edcbladeshow7571]

I predict these will be the most expensive WRXs in the USA over the next few years

[@16swishers]

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

[@MJC10121]

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

[@wolfman8666]

Imo the bug eye is much better looking than the blob eye

[@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

[@nathankirkeeng4234]

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

[@Gagelloyd24]

The bugeye is my favorite model

[@KingDinasaur]

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

[@brendanscarbrough6531]

I got a hatchback 2002 for 1k still running great

[@warholatyler]

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

[@SHs-ke4po]

My dream car

[@slickraft]

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

[@jasonleger9721]

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

[@andrewtillotson9472]

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

[@MadDawg]

I’m tryin to buy one as my first car I love them

[@fadedwolf2817]

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

[@SteveK3899]

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

[@tired9398]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@BLESSED-ODM]

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

[@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

[@jokey_smrf3772]

This going yo be my first car now thank you

[@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 :(

[@hellsfire133]

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

[@joshuamullins5434]

This is honestly one of my favorite looking generation

[@daniellucas183]

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

[@dillsf7342]

my bug eye got brown gasket at 90000Km , fixed and run till now have no any problem at over 300000Km. of course clutch upgraded.

[@CostaMokola]

In South Africa, you will pay an arm and a leg for a bug eye

[@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

[@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

[@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...

[@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

[@unofficiallypriest8261]

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

[@Grg153]

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

[@f8textra227]

(Ik I’m late to this vid, but I’m getting one so I watched it) I’m getting a 2002 WRX(not sti) with a turbo, some aftermarket air intake, and all it needs is a battery to run. I don’t know much about the mechanical parts of cars, I just like that they go vroom. Lmao but I’m super excited about it

[@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

[@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

[@jamesbutler3317]

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

[@jimair4955]

Still have my 2002!

[@zlee001]

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

[@zlee001]

I want it

[@whoischris28]

Love my bugeye. Just rolled over 84k miles

[@LTFTB]

Mine has 160k

[@ModernCivilWar]

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

[@norbertrivera]

We know that so that's why i change the bugs eyes for Morettes and make a lot of difference.

[@julianbrelsford]

The one guy has a Prius Repellent sticker with arrow pointing at his exhaust 😂 I like cars like this but the car I drive every day is a Prius.

[@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!

[@Sgt_Peppe1999]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ninjavoid1]

Yo this dude is freaking hilarious 😂😂😂

[@sacredfidel]

I prefer the bug eye than the next gen

[@spirit8145]

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

[@davidwood1215]

Just brought one wagon 350bhp

[@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

[@lesgibbs326]

I absolutely love my 02 bugeye it has 345k on it and quite a bit of Sti gear on it. I have just bought a new Mazda 3 2.5l for daily driving but i cant see me parting with the wrx.

[@videobros1623]

The price of the big eyes are going up get one now

[@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

[@onebugsubie2538]

miss my bugeye, it looks so retro.

[@Tylerp71]

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

[@bronto_5659]

I think the bug eye is the best looking Subaru.

[@RaccShatt]

I love the way you explain everything, great video.

[@racecarguy3]

I can’t find one here in California anyone know where to look?

[@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...

[@lgz2006]

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

[@jvogler_art4708]

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

[@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 👍