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2008/09 Subaru Impreza STI
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The funny part is that everyone is claiming that the BMW 1 Series is a return of the 2002. I'd say the stripped down version of the EVO is FAR closer to the spirit of the 2002 than the 1 Series will ever be.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=124262?tid=edmunds.il.ho- - - me.photopanel..2.*
There are other videos here as well. Enjoy.
Bob
In this neck of the woods, (NE Ohio) the Subie dealers act like the STi is the Holy Grail of cars and one has to prove oneself worthy of the opportunity to interview for the possibility of buying one. I may just keep my perfectly good Audi but if said dealers do give me a call I will check the STi out.. and same goes for the Evo
It has way too much content to be a 2002 successor.
-mike
Bob
Also, Mitsubishi seems to have a better sound system. Why the F*$% would you buy a $35k without the option to get a better sound system? The STI should have at least better standard sound system than a regular Impreza. 100 watt system is ridiculous. Talking about power. Sh!&, a little supped up Dodge Neon will make a new 2008 STI sound like a wimp. It's not just "vrroom vrroom" sound that I wanna hear everyday. I need some tunes, and real one as well.
The Ralliart has HID option and 8" subwoofer. For now, I'll go for a Ralliart lease this summer unless the STI gonna release an update in early 2009.
Now if Mitsubishi gonna update to a hatchback, I'll take the EVO with Sport ABS.
Hatchback only here! It just depends how "hot" hatch is defined. It could be straight speed with 4wd, or a simple balanced and refined car with luxo features at an affordable price that doesn't hurt too much in gas bill as well.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
The VW/Audi twin clutch tranny requires rather expensive servicing at 40k miles. The Mitsu TC-SST is not dealer serviceable other than oil, filter, and seals. If the unit requires service, it must be pulled and sent to Mitsubishi NA for "evaluation". That would be a show-stopper for me. I'll bet that an in warranty claim would take a bunch of time to resolve and an out of warranty repair would be a real financial whack in the pocket.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Why not go aftermarket? You can get built-in NAV for half the price.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
We had a nice standard for stereo sizes - DIN and double-DIN.
They are disappearing because automakers are greedy and want that money. They can fetch $2 grand for a NAV system, one which would sell for half that in the open market.
Is the 08 Impreza double-DIN sized? It looks like it is.
I know all but the base Legacy have integrated HVAC controls to make the swap nearly impossible, but what about the Impreza (and Forester)?
PS I ordered a new Nuvi widescreen :shades:
-mike
Unfortunately the new stereos are giving us not only the radio/stereo but information about the car and a lot of them are using it for the HVAC setup as well. I think we will see more and more touch screens being using in the next few years to put stereo and HVAC systems together and simplify them in cars.
Heck I don't really know of many new cars that have easily swappable stereos anymore.
The Boating industry has really done a great thing where they are starting to standardize the size of the GPS openings so you can swap in a different one.
I also would like to see gps power/mounts become more universal similar to a cig-lighter outlet or a USB connection, and then one could pop in their own GPS. I believe I saw that the Jeeps offer a garmin mount but not positive on that.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
I figure the way I am I'll replace it in a couple of years, sell the used one.
The new Nuvi replaces my old c320, which I sold to a friend for $100. It needed new maps, so instead of spending $75 for that, I spent a little more and traded up.
I thought about the Costco special on the Nuvi 680, but it would be $480 plus tax, or about $510. It's better but I'll probably wait until prices drop, and replace my other unit, a c340, with that. I already have a buyer for that one, too.
In a nutshell, I think they look great. Still wish it had better front seats, a moonroof option, and the AWP option. Other than that, it's pretty much spot IMO.
Bob
She thought it was too small for her. She still wants a Forester.
The 2.5i you are driving is basically an economical compact, and would sell for around $16 grand.
If you wanted to compare it to a VW, you should compare to the VW Golf 5 door hatch with the base 2.5l engine, which has the same 170hp as that Impreza. It would feel slow, too, compared to your turbo.
The Passat compares more closely to a Legacy GT, and no offense, but a Legacy GT will blow that Passat out of the water.
The Golf 5door may be a bit peppier for the same reason.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Turbo + mile high city =
NA + mile high city =
Also passat has more weight, so for 200hp it's shifting quite good in all conditions. In the city I have about 21 mpg and highway about 30 mpg, that even better then this little crappy car. I have on highway around Denver area about 25.8 mpg.
And snow. And ice. And big rain. And gravel road. And little mud. And everwhere else where grip is more important than 0-60 drag race. It might sound like a heresy to you, but some people don't have to be fast and furious - some even don't need to be semi-quick. 10+ seconds or even more from 0 to 60 is still plenty for many. Obviously not you - but that's OK.
And again - be careful before you brand something "crappy" by comparing it to items that cost thosands more. It's just not really fair. Of course those costing more will be better - that's just why you paid more. Take a spin in a little optioned Corolla/Matrix, Civic, or even fun to drive Mazda3 and then make a judgment about engine performance. Yes - it has worse mileage and power may be somewhat less than you would expect from 170 hp - but there are plenty of conditions when most of us would gladly trade 20-30 horses (or more) for better grip. That's Subaru's market. Believe it or not, Colorado is actually its kingdom. So many people can't be wrong, can they? If you really have to have power, try WRX that similarly priced to your Passat and then see if it is as fast as you think.
I have been plenty complaining about WRX, but "crappy" 2.5i is really a steal for the price.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
As compared to the '08 WRX, it's a bit harder, but not to the point of it being negative. Again, everything is just sharper and happens faster. I think this could be a very rewarding car to drive.
I really like what Subaru has done with this vehicle.
The dealer also had a new '09 turbo Forester in stock, which I was tempted to drive too, but it was nearing closing time.
Bob
-mike
Is it a Legacy GT from a comfort standpoint? No, but it was never intended to be that kind of vehicle. All it needs is the AWP and a moonroof option and it would be about perfect, I think. I'd also like to see an high-performance all-season tire as a no-charge option from the factory too, as not everyone is going to track this car. Yeah, I know you can always go aftermarket, but it would be cheaper to have the factory offer this.
Bob
-mike
170hp is certainly adequate, though. Car & Driver tested one last month, or was it 2 months ago, any how it did 0-60 in the high 7 second range for a 2.5i. The WRX pushes that to 5.something.
Neither is slow.
Did you go with the intention of trying out a Forester, then decide on the STI test drive?
At that point I released I might be able to get to test drive the STI, as this is is the same dealer that let me test the '07 STI about a year ago. Sure enough, I asked for one, and he said okay.
Apparently he saw me driving in with my WRX, plus the fact that what little hair I still have is gray, he figured I was pretty safe (or feeble). I also said I was more interested in seeing what it's like to "live with," as I already know it's fast.
I can always get a test drive of a Forester, but STIs—as you know are next to impossible to test drive.
Bob
Plus, it's not like you're actively shopping for a Forester right now, like we are.
Go test one when you get a chance, I'm curious to hear what you think. Drive one that is similar to your wife's 2001, for comparison purposes, maybe an auto X premium like the one I tested.
I don't believe in this numbers. Just go try for your self. It's slower then my Acadia. The shifting problem, that everyone talk about GM CUV, you will find in this car even bigger issue. I have rent this car, because I want it to buy this one. It's really disappointment how to perform this car on entering to highway. It's really dangerous, to keep up with fast moving traffic. Although I say good on ramp, because AWD system.
The WRX is different animal and also different price.
I have test drove new VW Jetta and it is much faster car and shifting normally. I will go with VW or will wait for jetta wagon.
The speed impressions can be deceiving. I'm not saying yours are, but it is quite common one car appears to be slower or faster than it really is. It's all about gearing, engine/road noise, etc. BTW, WRX is not really different price than your Passat, is it (unless you have the real bottom base version)?
I have driven Impreza, Forester and Outback as loaners (all 2.5i, all same engines, latter even heavier). They were certainly NOT dangerous entering highways for me (and my reference point is WRX - i.e. I drive much faster car every day). I start thinking either something was simply wrong with the car (chip was not compensating for the altitude, transmission had software problems or worse) or you have totally unreasonable expectations regarding acceleration.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
1st, you probably drove an automatic. I'm pretty sure they tested a manual 5 speed.
2nd, you're at a very high elevation, where the engine is making far less than the 170hp it would make at sea level.
Just for reference, you should test drive a base Golf and then comment on how fast that would feel. That's a comparable model and would provide us with a useful reference.
One more thing - I'm not a fan of Subarus ATs, either. They do feel lethargic. Even Consumer Reports have complained about for long time already.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Try one out. kurtamaxxguy drove a 5EAT Outback XT and a new Forester and felt the same way - the 4EAT in the Forester was actually more responsive.
Hopefully this improvement goes to all their autos.
More gears in transmission is considered luxury (and it is as the price of them are higher), so the manufacturers install them on larger cars with larger engines, whereas it is actually smaller engines would need them much more. Ironic, if you think about it.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
You can get more power for more money, just get a WRX.
Thanks
DL
YES. Yes. yes. YES. Did I say yes?
WRX 4AT is the most pointless car on this planet. Well - maybe not MOST. But it would probably make the top ten
2018 430i Gran Coupe
If you try the manual first, forget the auto. It's just not nearly as satisfying.
If you just drive the automatic by itself, the new 2.5l has less lag than the old 2.0l. Not only is there 25% more displacement, but also it has AVCS valve control, so it's a little better in terms of low-end torque.
The old 2.0l was on/off, docile at low revs and than a real animal at high revs. The 2.5l still has a dual personality, but the difference isn't nearly as pronounced.
Do you have the 2.0FSI? I think that is tuned for more mid-range response, basically optimized for an auto trans.
I will say this - the SportShift on the 2009 Forester is very responsive. I doubt it's as quick as DSG, but they cut the shift time by more than half compared to the last generation Forester XT (same engine and powertrain). I don't think the WRX gets SportShift yet, though, does it? :confuse:
Bob
Come to think of it, it was the first automatic in a Subaru that impressed me - EVER!
Before that some were OK (Tribeca), others were slow to respond (the last Forester XT).