Subaru Impreza WRX

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think he hit the jackpot even more often than he thinks. Like 3 more times.

    The only reason people bought the unintended acceleration story is because they were prone to many problems.

    -juice
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    Enjoy your new ride, congrats and good luck!!

    Watch out for those WRX test drives, they can be addictive. Careful with the warp drive 3rd gear.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    Interesting story about the carting the car to the repair shop. If they want to compete with Lexus they should have sent the mechanic to the car! I have a friend who had a LS 400 when they first came out (?15+ years ago now). He lived in Aberdeen , SD, the dealer was in Minneapolis,MN. I think its at least 400 miles.Something wasn't right and they had to replace a part (he had driven to MPLS for business and had taken it in there to be checked but parts needed to be ordered). The Lexus dealer sent 2 guys in a truck to SD to fix his car at his house! Now thats service! I doubt they would do that today but then they were new and wanted to steal all the luxury car business. They got this guys business ever since!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I want an S8 :)

    -mike
  • utjonutjon Member Posts: 11
    oh just following up.. the rx-8 isn't supposed to be out till around may says the dealer.
    rex here I come.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Repairing aluminum body panels/structure is very tricky (I used to work for my dad's autoshop, and he'd let me plasma-cut and arcweld steel, but not aluminum). Because it has a lower melting point, if you're not careful you'll slag an entire section. Aluminum must be specially prepared to hold paint. Also, IIRC to panels are very expensive so present a greater liability in event of a "repair snafu"

    If your car has aluminum body panels and the mfr wants their people to fix it, and haul it to a special facility to do so, I'd let them. Otherwise you run the risk of your local shadetree mechanic ruining your $70K automobile.

    DjB
  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    Any pics of RX8. Thx
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    RX8 = Mazda

    -mike
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    I have a MY02 WRX for 11 months and I have two problems. I want to know if anyone of you have the same issus. Inside the car is too noise no matter it is driving or stopping. I can hear the engin noise from the car beside me when stop in red light. Of course the windows are closed. Is there anyway to improve it? Also, car is hard to start once a while no matter it is winter or summer. I called to the customer support by (800)SUBARU3 and she said it happened on 98-00's Forester because of the air flow sensor.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I swapped the OE battery on my Forester, and it had just 260 CCAs. The one I put in has 535 CCAs and cost just $40 and Wal Mart. It's a cheap upgrade.

    -juice
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Actually, it is a little more quiet than my old Camry.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Celica,

    What vehicle did you own before the WRX? All the reviews and comments I've read about the WRX suggest that it is very quiet inside for a vehicle of it's class.

    Ken
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Dose the upgrade battery help car to start up? Are all subaru have 260CCAs bettery? I used to drive 90 Celica GT. The noise is from the doors. It sounds like the window is not closed. I checked the rubber around the doors and it dose not seem broken.

    Celica
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Just want to share something with u guys. I just bought a pair of H.I.D bulbs for MY02 WRX. It is not super white but much brighter than the original. They are only $20. It only takes 3 minutes to install. I am also looking for wheel upgraded. The original are 16 lb each. Are there any lighter than 16 lb. Are u prefer 16", 17" or 18"?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Wow. And I was gonna spend $500-$1000 on them. I would have been ripped off.

    In all seriousness the $20 Xenon bulbs are only upgraded wattage at best. Most of the "better" light is in the users mind.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    In my case, the extra amps definitely helped get it started more quickly. The old battery was OK until it died rather suddenly (3+ years), but the new one just starts it more smoothly.

    No, not all models use 260CCA batteries. I recall the automatic models, for instance, used a stronger battery. Maybe because they can't be jump started?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Since when? I jump start all my autos. You can't push start them if that's what you mean! Also your starter needs to push the ATF in the Torque Converter, so it probably needs some extra power for that.

    -mike
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    Got your point but more accurately, in the eyes of the driver ;-). Just like a sound system IMHO, brands aside it's all in the ears of the listener.

    What is annoying are drivers who either don't care or don't know any better whether they're in high beams or their lights are out of focus.

    Have a good day!
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    Mine is pretty quiet. Well noise can also be relative. Keep in mind that the WRX doors don't have window frames. Besides why would one be driving a WRX type car and not want to hear the engine hummmmmmmm? That's music!!

    I didn't turn on my sounds the first week I was driving my WRX. I just wanted to hear the engine run. Then again that's just me...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    For $24K you aren't going to get valt-like silence + 227hp and AWD.

    -mike
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Celica,

    I also not too long ago replaced my stock battery with an aftermarket one with higher CCAs (I think it's 360CCAs). The engine turns over a lot quicker and smoother.

    As for the windows, try rolling your windows up with the door open. It could be that the seals are preventing the windows from rolling all the way up. If this is the case, then you can have your dealer adjust them.

    As for the headlight upgrade, I believe what you purchased were halogen upgrades that try to look like real HIDs. True HIDs require the entire headlight assembly to be swapped out and cost at least $500.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, I meant push-start.

    Remember, folks, the Porsche 911 Turbo and the BMW M3 coupe have frameless doors, too.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ken: you know what we need? A standard measure, like ANSI Lumens, to compare all the various bulbs.

    HID means High Intensity Discharge, so really any bulb can label themselves that way, I don't believe there is an industry standard. Most bulbs are 55/60 watts, so a generic 60/65 watt bulb could be considered a HID.

    But the term is very marketable, so they'll call them HIDs, even though that makes you think of the systems on high-end luxury cars.

    -juice
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Yup, driver should like to hear "hummmm .. mmm". But i hear the sound from outside (not from my car) even the windows are closed. Anyway, it is just a minor problem for me. We all love turbo + AWD. Tires and bigger rotors are the next step to upgrade.
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    With the $ difference between the 911 Turbo, BMW M3 and my WRX, I could probably buy some industrial strength sound insulation. ;-).
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Yes, u r right. Those are cheap bulbs but only $20. In New York City, people like to steal HID system. In my neigborhood, there were one nissan and one acura's HID system got stolen. It is so sad when you see your car's "$1,000 eye balls" missing in the morning. >__<
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice:


    Well, there is this handy old chart: http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/info/bulbs/bulb_types/


    I'm sure you could get different readings based on how you take the measurements, though.


    Celica:


    True, it would be a bummer to see your "eyes" gouged out one day! However, I think Acuras are particularly popular because the assemblies are compatible with Hondas.


    Ken

  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    paisan Aug 6, 2002 4:13pm

    Can't push start? I always thought you could with the ATs.
    Did it once (and that's all I'll ever do again) with our old '83 Caprice Classic. Mom behind the wheel (of course) and I hoofing in the rear. Don't know what gear it was on but two false starts later it started up with me in the rear banged up from the recoils.

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You can't pushstart an AT.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You should definitely come out on Aug 18 to Giant's Stadium to at least hang with a TON of other subie owners and watch us race and BBQ.


    Here is a link to the thread @ I-club


    http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=223588


    Should be a nice turnout.


    -mike

  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    I emailed this to you directly.

    I'm not a member of NASA and won't be buying a WRX until sometime in next 8 months, but would love to attend the event and will bring along potato salad (mom's recipe)

    Please respond here/to my email letting me know if I HAVE to join NASA or if I can just show up.

    Thanks

    DjB
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Cool ... I am not a member of NASA. Where is Giant Stadium? Can I come if I don't race? Will the loser eat 50 dogs in 12 minutes? lol
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I e-mailed Bruticus back, but here is the info...

    Giants Stadium is in Seacaucus, NJ about 5 min from the Lincoln Tunnel

    Basically we'll be there all day racing and there are fun runs at the end of the day for anyone who wants to participate.

    The usually schedule looks like this:

    8am-9:30am Setup tech cars, etc for racer (we can always use help)
    9:30->3:30ish Racing, hanging, watching others race
    3:30ish->4:30ish Fun Runs and cleanup
    4:30ish Awards and we start the subie BBQ going around then.

    You can come and watch and it's FREE! So definitely show up, if you come to the BBQ just drop us a note on the I-club and let us know what/if you are bringing anything so we can list it up and have enough stuff for everyone. It's always a fun day!

    -mike
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    Thanks for the info ... I will be there on 8/17.
    As you as a member of i-club.com. Do u guys hang out every week?
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Not 17th.

    Yeah we usually hang out a lot, especially in the NY/NJ area. I was out at an Ale House in LI with some fellow I-clubbers last night, and will likely be at Nassau Colleseum on Sunday doing Auto-x. Once Auto-x is over we usually go down to the Pine Barrens to Off-road 1x a month and other events around the area.

    -mike
  • nschulman3nschulman3 Member Posts: 125
    Has anyone changed the exhaust or muffler on their wrx? I am looking for a more agressive soundind muffler and am considering the performance muffler offered by subaru. Liberty subaru is offering it for $395 and although it only gives you a few more hp, the sound alone may be worth it. Also, I won't have to worry about the warranty. I realize there are some real systems out there, but i don't want to spend a lot of money. Any suggestions?
  • celica115celica115 Member Posts: 169
    $395 is cheap. I thought the cost of STI muffler is $759. Dose anyone know the different between the STI and SPT?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Find out if it's stainless steel, and if not don't bother. You could get a Borla SS for about that kind of cash.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    The muffler they are advertising for $395 is not the SPT/Sti one. It is stainless steel and is from Australia. Anyone know if it is an MRT? They're not listed as an MRT dealer.

    http://www.newsubaru.com/LIBERTY/Parts_Specialx.html


    -Dennis

  • balser6balser6 Member Posts: 2
    This may have been asked already, but what is everyone's experience with warranty claims on modded WRXs?

    There has been a lot of discussion on I-Club that dealers are voiding warranties for mods even if the warranty issue is unrelated. I confirmed this with my dealer as well. Now I'm concerned because I want to do a couple of minor things - tires & wheels, Kartboy shifter, K&N, cat back exhaust, etc. Nothing major in my view.
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Heck, every Subaru dealer I went to had WRXs on display with aftermarket wheels! The other items might be another story. The wheels do not affect the mechanics of the car in any way, but check with your dealer's service department (give them a call!)
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    True, tires and wheels in general do not get as much attention from the service department as other modifications.

    However, tires and wheels do do affect the mechanicals of the car -- namely the effective gearing.

    One way you could get your warranty voided is if you ran your vehicle with different sized tire/wheel combinations (ie. all 4 are not the same) and damaged the transmission.

    Ken
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Is the same as the likely hood of the warrentee still being valid right before you put on those tires!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If a bearing goes on the car, then the aftermarket rims will most definitely be called to question.

    -mike
  • balser6balser6 Member Posts: 2
    The best known story involves a trans that broke, and the dealer blamed it on the tires. Supposedly, the aftermarket tires were too 'sticky'. Another guy said he took his WRX in for a tear in the trunk mat, and the dealer told him if the Subaru rep came out, he wouldn't honor the warranty because the muffler wasn't the same. The rumor is that Subaru is tired of people 'abusing' their cars then asking for warranty repairs. Just wondering if you guys have had similar experiences, because I'm a little afraid to change anything. Unfortunately, this kind of takes the fun out of it.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I don't blame them. I mean they shouldn't be responsible for items they don't have control over. Now to get real nitpicky is a little overboard, but I've seen some of the kids and what they expect the company to do for them after they trash their car.

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I believe the WRX has a tire size stick on the door, correct? Isn't it 215/45/17 if you're going bigger? It's probably better stick with a maximum of that size if you're concerned about the warranty.

    lark6 has been plagued with wheel bearing problems on his Forester. Everthing has so far been covered under warranty, IIRC. He recently put on OZ's and thought he heard a noise. He mentioned it to the dealer and the dealer already suggested it could be caused by the wheels.

    Ed, do I have that right?

    A lot of it really comes down to the dealer. I don't think you'd have any problems with a stock airbox type filter (unless you're sensors get hosed from over oiling, etc.) I've had an Amsoil for 4 years and I've been to about 5 different dealers.

    -Dennis
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Three wheel bearing failures in 13,000 miles - all with the OEM wheels and tires - and none since. New plus-one wheels and tires went on at 40,000 miles, now have 43,500. New tires are much louder than old, but still I fear bearing failure began prior to swap. Dealer service department would not remove wheels to confirm, just took two ride tests and attributed all to tires. The plus-one wheel/tire combo is the same size as used in the UK by Prodrive on their WR Sport package cars sold through Subaru dealers there. I have numerous e-mail communcations with Prodrive engineers confirming that the plus-one does not change the suspension geometry and that the components and geometry on UK-spec cars is the same as on their US counterparts.

    I have Subaru Gold extended warranty FWIW. Don't expect satisfaction, but then I may have become paranoid through it all. I'll deal with it as the handling improvement brought on by the plus-one is exponentially better than OEM.

    I do think I should begin to travel to Dennis' mod-friendly dealer for service, even if it's almost an hour away from home.

    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    of C&D has an interesting article on upgrading WRX brakes, with aftermarket units.

    Bob
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