How long does a 2002 WRX last?

A well-maintained 2002 Subaru WRX can commonly surpass 200,000 miles, and many owners report 250,000 miles or more. The exact lifespan depends on maintenance history, driving style, climate, and how the car has been modified or tuned.

Key factors that influence longevity

Several variables determine how long a 2002 WRX will stay on the road. Understanding these can help set expectations and guide maintenance decisions.

• Regular maintenance and service history


• Driving style and usage (daily driving versus frequent high-performance driving)


• Climate and exposure to road salt, moisture, and corrosion


• Modifications and aftermarket parts or tuning


• Previous ownership and repair history


• Quality of parts used and the thoroughness of repairs

In practice, the single biggest predictor of longevity is consistent, timely maintenance and prompt addressing of issues as soon as they appear.

Mileage milestones and what to expect

Below are typical milestones and the kinds of maintenance or wear you might encounter as a 2002 WRX racks up miles.

1. Around 100,000 miles: Plan major routine service, including a timing belt/kit replacement (with water pump, tensioners, and idlers), coolant system checks, spark plugs, fluids, brakes, and a thorough inspection of the turbo hoses and seals.


2. Between 100,000 and 150,000 miles: Transmission or clutch attention for manual versions, continued coolant and oil service, and checks on the turbo system and intercooler for leaks or buildup.


3. Between 150,000 and 200,000 miles: Monitor engine wear, perform compression checks if symptoms arise, and be prepared for potential gasket or gasket-related maintenance if overheating or leaks appeared earlier. Ongoing turbo and exhaust system care remains important.


4. Beyond 200,000 miles: With replacement of worn components and disciplined maintenance, many WRXs can continue to function well. Some vehicles may require more extensive engine, turbo, or drivetrain work over time, including possible engine rebuilds or long-block replacements depending on wear and prior maintenance.

In short, a 2002 WRX can continue to run well well past 200k miles, provided the owner stays proactive with maintenance and addresses issues promptly as they arise.

Maintenance practices to maximize longevity

Careful, proactive maintenance is the best predictor of long life for a 2002 WRX. The following practices help keep the car performing reliably over the years.

Regular service and preventive maintenance

• Follow the factory maintenance schedule, with emphasis on the timing belt/kit replacement around 105,000 miles (or as specified in your manual) and including water pump, seals, tensioners, and idlers.


• Use high-quality synthetic oil and stick to recommended oil-change intervals. Turbocharged engines benefit from clean oil; many owners run 5,000–7,500 miles between changes when using synthetic oil, with more frequent changes for heavy boost or track use.


• Maintain the cooling system: flush and replace coolant as recommended, inspect hoses, radiator, and the water pump, and address any coolant leaks promptly.


• Keep the turbo and intercooler clean and free of oil buildup; monitor for oil or coolant leaks around seals and fittings.


• Inspect and replace belts, tensioners, and pulleys as planned; address worn components before they fail and cause collateral damage.


• Replace spark plugs at the intervals specified for your engine variant and driving style; use the correct heat range for optimal ignition and efficiency.


• Service the braking system, suspension, and tires regularly; alignment and tire health influence handling and safety as miles accumulate.


• Maintain a thorough service history and keep receipts; documented maintenance helps with resale value and helps you track upcoming intervals.

Consistent attention to these areas reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and helps preserve performance over time.

Bottom line

With diligent maintenance, a 2002 WRX can reliably exceed 200,000 miles, and many reach 250,000 miles or more. The car’s longevity hinges on timely maintenance, careful driving, and prudent handling of turbo-related systems and major service items.

Summary: A 2002 WRX can last a long time if you stay on top of maintenance, especially timing belt-related work, oil changes, cooling system care, and routine inspections of the turbo and drivetrain. While individual results vary, proper care puts the vehicle on a path toward high-mileage durability for years to come.

How many miles will a WRX last?

A Subaru WRX can last from 100,000 to over 200,000 miles, with its lifespan heavily depending on maintenance, driving habits, and a bit of luck. Consistent, regular maintenance is crucial for longevity, as is avoiding frequent, hard driving and modifications that can stress the engine. 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance: Sticking to a strict maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, fluid checks, and replacing wear-and-tear items like the timing belt, is the most important factor for long-term reliability. 
• Driving habits: A WRX that is driven aggressively, "redlined" frequently, or launched hard, especially when not at operating temperature, will wear out faster. A more moderate driving style will contribute to a longer-lasting vehicle. 
• Modifications: While many enthusiasts modify their WRXs, certain aftermarket modifications can negatively impact the car's lifespan if not installed and tuned correctly. 
• Model year: While the general range is similar, some model years may have specific known issues. For instance, some engines (like the FA engine) may require more intensive labor for certain repairs. 
• Luck: As with any car, sometimes a component can fail unexpectedly due to unforeseen issues, regardless of maintenance. 

Common wear-and-tear items

• Clutch: The clutch, throwout bearing, and transmission are common wear items that may need replacement, especially on manual transmission models. 
• Brakes and suspension: These are considered normal maintenance items for any car and will need periodic replacement. 
• Turbo and hoses: The turbo can be a point of failure around 100,000 to 180,000 miles, while hoses may need replacement over time, especially in older vehicles. 

Are 2002 WRX reliable?

The 2002 Subaru WRX's reliability depends heavily on its maintenance history, but its common issues include potential head gasket failures, oil leaks, and problems with the turbocharger and cooling system. When well-maintained, many owners find them reliable, but modifications and aggressive driving can increase the likelihood of mechanical problems, especially engine bearing issues on the 2.0L engine. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Subaru WRX: 56sCashedOutCarsYouTube · Dec 21, 2021
Common problems to be aware of

• Engine: The EJ205 engine can be prone to engine bearing failures, and head gaskets are a common failure point, says Innovative Tuning and Huffines Subaru Corinth. 
• Oil leaks: Many older Subaru models are known to have oil leaks from various seals, including camshaft and oil pump seals, according to Reddit users. 
• Turbocharger: The turbocharger is a common point of failure over time, especially in older vehicles. 
• Cooling system: Radiators and other cooling system components can become brittle and prone to cracking with age. 
• Other components: Other potential issues include power steering pump leaks, torn ball joints, and problems with the catalytic converter or uppipe. 

This video explains why Subaru WRX engines can have oil issues: 58sChase BurkYouTube · Jul 25, 2023
Factors affecting reliability

• Maintenance is key: Proper and frequent maintenance is crucial for reliability, especially on a performance car like the WRX. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving and "launching" can put significant strain on the engine and drivetrain, increasing the risk of failure. 
• Modifications: Modifications can impact reliability if not done correctly, though some argue that stock "bugeyes" are more reliable. 
• Rust: Older Subarus are susceptible to rust, which can be a major factor in a car's overall condition. 

How to assess a 2002 WRX

• Check maintenance records: If maintenance records are available, they provide a much clearer picture of the car's history. 
• Inspect for signs of abuse: Look for signs of hard driving, modifications, or a lack of care. 
• Have a pre-purchase inspection: A professional inspection can identify potential issues before you buy. 

Can Subarus last 300,000 miles?

On average, a well-maintained Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles!

How long does a 2002 Subaru WRX last?

The Subaru WRX is a vehicle renowned for its durability, with numerous models lasting up to 200,000 miles or beyond when maintained properly. The actual lifespan of the car can vary depending on various factors, such as maintenance practices, driving conditions, and whether or not the vehicle has been modified.