I'm in the market for a used car, and I'm considering an 02 WRX. The only thing that gives me pause is that the 02 was a redesign year, and the first year that the WRX trim was offered. How reliable are these vehicles? I really don't want to be taking my vehicle into the shop for expensive repairs once it hits 100k miles; I want to be able to drive it to 150k-200k miles the way I have my Nissan.

Also, is there any special maintenance that needs to be done for the turbocharger?

For the most part, it was a proven design since the WRX had existed previously in Japan. That particular configuration (left-hand drive, US safety/emission regs, etc.) had not been used before, but Subaru had been making Imprezas for the US market for some time, also. Granted, the bug-eyed version was new, but it was basically just an evolution rather than a complete redesign. Any design flaws would surely have come to light by now, and they simply haven't. Rest assured you're buying a fairly excellent machine (assuming the previous owners have taken care of it).

As for maintenance, change the oil at the regularly scheduled intervals. This becomes even more important with a turbo, since the tolerances are so very low. Unless there are lots of mods, you don't need a turbo timer or anything else special to run a turbo. The WRX is built for speed from the factory. If you flog the car at a track day or autocross, give it some cool-down time before you shut it off. Preferably, drive it around a little at low RPMs after hot laps.

Another maintenance tip: occasionally use it. If you're just going to go get groceries every day, get an RS and put the WRX hood and wing on it. The WRX needs to be revved up every now and again so nothing gets corroded or gummed up. Run that tachometer over to 6 or 7 grand every now and again. Please do this legally (and keep in mind that third gear will get you all the way up to the fastest speed limit in the country).

For the most part, it was a proven design since the WRX had existed previously in Japan. That particular configuration (left-hand drive, US safety/emission regs, etc.) had not been used before, but Subaru had been making Imprezas for the US market for some time, also. Granted, the bug-eyed version was new, but it was basically just an evolution rather than a complete redesign. Any design flaws would surely have come to light by now, and they simply haven't. Rest assured you're buying a fairly excellent machine (assuming the previous owners have taken care of it).

As for maintenance, change the oil at the regularly scheduled intervals. This becomes even more important with a turbo, since the tolerances are so very low. Unless there are lots of mods, you don't need a turbo timer or anything else special to run a turbo. The WRX is built for speed from the factory. If you flog the car at a track day or autocross, give it some cool-down time before you shut it off. Preferably, drive it around a little at low RPMs after hot laps.

Another maintenance tip: occasionally use it. If you're just going to go get groceries every day, get an RS and put the WRX hood and wing on it. The WRX needs to be revved up every now and again so nothing gets corroded or gummed up. Run that tachometer over to 6 or 7 grand every now and again. Please do this legally (and keep in mind that third gear will get you all the way up to the fastest speed limit in the country).
Thanks for the advice. I only asked because I know that there were a few people on epinions who had had some unfortunate experiences with 02 Impreza's, but I guess anyone can build a lemon now and then.

The '02 did have some bugs, but nothing major - if it's a concern get an '03.

Incidentally, the WRX was available as a LHD for Europe prior to the WRX coming to the states in 2002, the key difference on the USDM variant is the emissions system.

The '02 did have some bugs, but nothing major - if it's a concern get an '03.

Incidentally, the WRX was available as a LHD for Europe prior to the WRX coming to the states in 2002, the key difference on the USDM variant is the emissions system.
Basically, all I'm concerned about is the engine and the transmission. You know, the expensive stuff. If all that stuff is solidly dependable, then I don't care if a piece of trim falls here and there. I can fix that kind of thing myself.

I guess my point was that if the '02s had a problem, it would have arisen already in any particular '02 you were looking at. The previous owner's maintenance logs should reflect any major work, and if not then it's already fixed.