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Comments
From apexjapan.com (Sep 28)
"Another new design feature said to have been brought in from rallying is the large diameter lights - apparently in night rallying the larger reflectors have proven to be beneficial, so introducing them on the road cars is seen as an important night vision and safety improvement."
-Dennis
though the quote from apexjapan....it's nothing new. I believe Automobile (one of the car magazines) ran a test back around the mid-90's on various headlamp designs, and commented the the height of the reflector is crucial in the beam pattern uniformity.
In rallying they use large diameter lights with a pencil beam pattern, which is why they use at least 2 sets on the car.
TWRX
Both C&D and Automobile Mag ran long-term tests and had virtually no problems with the car. C&D experienced a little bit of grinding and hard shifting problems from 1st to 2nd, but that was it.
-mike
-mike
1. tried to do everything with my '97 60,000 miles Legacy's suspension and steering - still problems, after like 2+G's spent (paisan, I can bet, struts (and, very likely, springs!) are gone on any 97 Subaru car by now - you can rent the tools from Autozone or Pepboys, like McPherson springs/struts compressor and the rest of the tools-they will tell you, what's needed, this way you can find it out for free; it takes me under 1 hour to change front, rear struts are more cumbersome, since you have to take a half of the car apart just to get to the mounts in the rear (I have a sedan, station wagon could be less problematic) Tell us what you found AFTER you'll check the struts - hope to be wrong, since cheapest struts are 150 front or rear and don't go for McPhersons or original Subaru struts - too soft - get KYB's from Archie's in SI - you are in NY, right?)
2. got changed transmission on my 2002 Accord 3 times!!! with the car I don't even know how long in the shop (local Enterprise rental must be happy - and their Saturns somehow always run!)
And, I guess, this summary - however brutal or sweet in it's honesty it is, will help people owning the car to face what they should expext in the near future.
While struts and spring replacements will probably help it's handling, the cars are driving fine for everyday stuff. If I were going to be racing my dad's more often, I'd probably put in some upgraded struts and springs.
Even on my '92 SVX the springs/struts seem to be excellent and they are 10 years old.
-mike
-mike
I don't know if it would demand more of your attention than little children...I don't have any so can't say, but I would guess that the WRX demands way less!!
Good luck.
--sonya4
When I was shopping, I had three requirements I was looking for: 1) 4 doors (2 kids), 2) It needed to be very quick (I was looking for 0-60 < 7 seconds), and 3) It needed the traction of AWD (I live in the lake effect snow belt area of Michigan). With those in mind, the WRX was my best choice. Anything that even came close was up close to $40,000 (higher end A4 or BMW 3).
If I factored out the need for AWD and traction, that would have opened up my choices greatly. Those who are debating between a WRX and other FWD cars, really need to decide if they want/need extra traction. If they don't care about this, then yes, there are a lot of other options. If they live in a snowy area, there is no question!
Did anyone see the latest issue of Consumer Reports? They compared AWD cars with all-season tires to FWD cars with snow tires. The AWD cars with the all-seasons beat out the FWD cars with winter tires and blew away the FWD with all seasons. I just wish they would have tested the AWD cars with snow tires. That is what I run on my WRX and the thing is awesome in snow. 10 times better than our old SUV in any snow < a foot deep!.
Take care, ... Paul
1) I have seen a few people mention clutch shudder. I get that in the morning when the car is cold. Is that just something with this car when it is cold or is that a sign of something worse?
2) What preventative maintenance are other high mileage WRX drivers doing? I am about to take it in for the 30K checkup with my local Subaru dealer (Rt 40 Subaru in Ellicott City, Maryland).
3) I am already starting to think of new tires. I figure I will need them in the next 10-15K miles. The way I am driving that is probably going to happen soon! What are some nice all around to sporty tires people are purchasing for their second set and why? BTW I have 16" tires.
4) What are some fun things people have done to their cars? I am considering maybe a new computer for some extra ponies. I would like to do something that won't have any bad "side effects". I don't know really..just seems like a fun idea to make the car a bit quicker...probably won't do it.
5) Does anyone have the Subaru Extended Warranty? I have been offered a Subaru 5 year 100,000 mile warranty for 1500 bucks. Is that a good offer?
Thanks in advance everyone...
Tom
I got a 7/100K zero deductible for about 1500 from subaruwarranty.com earlier this year. can't access their site now as my browser is too old.they are a dealer in new England. you send them info and they send you the subaru gold forms for you to sign, you send payment back and a few weeks later you get your warranty from subaru. beats hanging around the dealer for them to fill out the forms and their prices were better than any dealer in my area.
the only "upgrade" I've done is 17 in wheels (legacy turbo) and S03s. Ride is too firm.Wife won't even ride in it. I am planning on using my Legacy GT wheels with good summer tires next year, probably try the Sumitomo HTR Z -great reviews at tirerack and dirt cheap
I haven't yet seen the ad they're talking about, but it's probably pretty easy to envision it.
Beyond the ad, they said the car has excessive HP and uses too much gas. They wish Subaru would go back to being the "nice" practical company they used to be.
The whole thing seems odd to me, especially since they keep referring to the BMW Mini-Cooper as a great and fun car to drive. I don't see the rationale to hate one little zippy performance car and love another. Aren't people doing crazy things with the Mini, too?
Any other opinions?
Not sure what Click and Clack have against the WRX, but as for people doing crazy things with cars, heck, you can see that with any car. It's the driver, not the car.
What about the Honda Civics, the Mitsu Eclipses, the Grand Ams, the Chevy Cavaliers, the Bimmers, some SUVs and vans, etc....Not to mention Caddys and Buicks driven by some older folks. You get the idea. I usually stay out of the way if I see someone driving erratically or too fast for conditions.
--sonya4
Those who want great gas mileage and 4 doors have plenty of choices. Do they have the same problems with the mustangs and camaro's? What about the V6 Altima, Maxima, Accord, Camry, etc? Cars are moving to higher horsepower, but maintaining good fuel economy, in general.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, as sometimes smart people say things that are incredibly stupid, and don't actually mean.
I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's just that some opinions get more publicity than others. In any case, all a person can do is weigh each opinion for their own purposes. Just because you read something, doesn't mean it is fact! They may have said it more as a bad joke than anything else. Or maybe that's what they really think. In either case, does it really matter? Espeacially, since we (owners) all know better? I can only imagine the article was written by someone who used to be a writer for some magazine like national enquirer or something, that wouldn't know the truth if it bit him in the [non-permissible content removed], or an old Amish gentleman.
Too much power... My @$$!!!!!!
I've had my WRX only a year now, have a little less than 11xxx miles on it, and I personally think it's one of best choices I have ever made, when it comes to vehicles.
I have not had any problems with it what so ever. Other than the minor clutch shudder, which is hardly worth mentioning. I think the paint is the best I've seen on any car I've owned, (I've only had domestics), fit and finish is superb, and given the fact that it's so much fun to drive, the fuel mileage isn't bad either.
Happy driving!
Ken
I saw that ad and didn't see the big deal. The driver even turns down the radio to pay better attention to the road. Most kids would crank up the tunes.
They also aren't smoking or drinking or talking on a cell phone.
Finally, there are no passengers in the back seat. That's the biggest distraction that causes accidents among young drivers.
What's safer, that WRX or a soccer mom with 7 screaming kids in a SUV that has coffee and is talking on her cell phone?
Sheesh.
-juice
1. The driver keeps looking over at his friend and smirking while supposedly driving on a twisty road.
2. The road is wet, and has several blind corners.
3. The implication of being able to drive fast on wet twisties is seen by many as irresponsible marketing.
4. Some young homophobic males see the pair of young men in the car as not being as macho as themselves, and therefore the commercial is catering to alternative lifestyles. (Very silly IMHO)
Sidenote: I think he turns down the radio to listen to the "music" of the turbocharged engine.
Personally I agree with you; I think it's much ado about nothing, as was the furor over the bunny release commercial.
-juice
Do they know a V6 Altima and Maxima have more power (Maxima has slightly higher Power/weight ratio than the WRX - 255/3250 vs 227/3100) and get slightly worse gas mileage?
BTW, the new Viper - 500 hp, 12 mpg. I guess they only pick on the lower priced performance cars. Isn't the Mustang 17 mgp, and 260 hp?
These guys are biased and have a poorly defined agenda. Sorry.
I guess they are impossible to please.
-juice
Hey Ive got a great idea. Lets advertise it with neon lights under it.
Subaru needs to market to well educated middle class workers that want some excitement and performance in their vehicle. Four doors, good fuel economy, decent sound system, great looks, and growling boxer. Not to mention plenty of room for car seats.
You can put young people in a car and sell it to anyone.
-juice
I disapprove of the ad, too. It invites the moron and the infantile among us to admire the car ... and to drive like that on public roads. There are lots of other ways they could have had the same "cutesy" bit at the start, showed the car's performance, and pulled it off without encouraging the mindlessness and ineptitude I see too often. I'm glad I wasn't the one coming the other way because when last the commercial showed our two smirky friends, he was in fourth gear at somewhere above 4k rpm headed for a hairpin. Sorry, but whatever you think of Click and CLack, Subaru botched it on this one.
Thanks for listening.
JW.
But here's a thought - maybe Subaru doesn't want you to buy a WRX. Manufacturers DREAM of young demographics, and have nightmares of becoming the next Buick, with 70+ buyers, median age!
They'd rather sell you a VDC or a 2.5 GT, and probably make a bigger profit while they're at it.
The WRX is selling well enough that they had to cut Forester production in Gunma. So turn off a few older folks, bring in the young ones that'll be buying Subarus for another 50 years or so.
Just playing devil's advocate here. They are targeting 18-25 year olds, those are the buyers they want most.
-juice
I guess it's forgivable since I'm just a "geezer". (post #7374) (no offense taken)
I seen the ad also, I thought it was pretty cool, myself! Did anyone besides me notice the print at the bottom of the screen? It simply stated that they used professional drivers on a closed track. Actually, they have that statement on all the WRX ads I have seen.
If anyone wants to get bitchy, take note of the "zoom-zoom" and BMW ads that make people think that SUV's are in the same league as sports cars. It's no wonder so many SUV drivers have rollovers, it's not the tires at all, it's the way they drive them.
I still like my WRX, and I still like their ads. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!
Happy Veterans Day everyone! Yeah, I'm an old geezer, and a veteran. (And, Damn Proud of it!)
Ken
How about this: Suggest to SoA that for the next WRX commercial, they put in a couple of young-looking 40-year-olds, male and female?
And Ken, I've seen one "old geezer" driving a WRX sedan, looking very happy though going somewhat slow.
My "check engine" light came on again today. I was about 5 miles away from a Subie dealership, so went there. They checked the system and said it was a false code, and cleared it. Apparently I got some water in the pipe (?) although I've been racking my brains and can't think of when or how that could have happened. Any ideas?
juice--about the bunny--I bet he/she didn't realize what hit him at first, but probably sustained massive internal injuries and went into the woods to die. If my dog can grab a bunny and snap its spine in one bite (something I do *not* encourage the dog to do), I don't think there's much chance of a bunny surviving a 3,000+ pound load rolling over him! IMO.
--sonya4
Personally, I think what Enron did was much worse than the Subi comercial, especially for the people on the verge of retirement who had their 401ks hurt by Enron, but I will look to finish this on the other board. It is called "Driving Responsibly".
It would really be interesting to see what age group actually buys the most.
I'd be willing to bet, most are between 35 and 55. S.O.A., take notes.
Ken
I would have to disagree with you on the 35 to 55 though. When talking to the Subaru dealer, it seemed the majority of people buying the WRX were mid 20s. Basically, young professionals who are just starting off their carreers.
-Dave
I should have made that clear. I AM sorry.
Personally, I think what Enron did was much worse than the Subi comercial, especially for the people on the verge of retirement who had their 401ks hurt by Enron, but I will look to finish this on the other board. It is called "Driving Responsibly".
Bob
habitat1 "Driving Responsibly" Oct 22, 2002 9:36am
I do mind how my beloved WRX is advertised because image is important. Image helps to set the trends for the future. Are SCCA members poor and unemployed? My dealer told me that his typical buyer is 30+ and has a technical background such as an engineer.
I hope this car is just the start of a long period of development and improvements. How much refinement will we get if the target is the 18 yr olds. FYI Im no geezer at 26. I own my own company but do not want to appear too successful. The wrx was a perfect choice for my "below the radar screen" conservative image.
But god help you if I catch you doing 50 on a two lane because Ill drop her into 2nd and fly! That is what I love about it. Outwardly conservative with a hint of what is there but inwardly a beast awaits.
Anyone can criticize, so I will also offer a AD alternative. I goes like this:
The car "silver" is resting at the beginning of a winding road. Nicely colored leaves paint the asphalt. No commentary no music.. only the sound of the reving engine. The camera enters the car and it is accelerated agressively and seen driven from many angles with the drivers view given preference. You hear the high reving growl of the boxer engine and almost feel the acceleration from your home. A nice 180 deg slide at a the end and it takes off away from the camera which leaves you to listen to the sounds as it goes away.
Now do you want to buy the car or not? my guess is you have unchewed popcorn in your mouth. And subaru saved the cost of the teenies salaries. EVERYDAY is a WRX commercial for me.
badass turbo charged all wheel drive car...$25,000 not having to watch teenies put oriental symbols of unknown origin on your car....priceless.
- looking for my geritol and walker in Florida:) -
Toyota panicked because the median age of a Corolla buyer was 42. Argh time to panic! This is an awful thing, enough to justify an entire new DIVISION of cars (Scion) to address this severe and urgent crisis.
Now, you think the marketing staff are gonna lose sleep because a group of 34-60 year olds will most likely buy a VDC instead of a WRX? That's precisely what they want. That's all I'm saying.
Another way of looking at it - if you hook a 22 year old with a WRX, and he likes Subies, you've sold not just one car, but maybe 5. How many people do you know that buy just one brand of car? Lots, I have 3 around me (Toyota, Ford, Mercedes), and they'll buy nothing else.
Dave is right - I drove clear over the bunny, it was not injured (I believe).
-juice
I have since learned better and am sending my kids to Bondurant's course in high performance driving so they can learn what these types of cars can do(both positively and negatively).
The notion that commercials can cause an otherwise responsible young driver(is that an oxymoron?) to act irresponsibly is more of the same line of thinking that has given us an overbearing bureaucracy. Ok, I'm off the soapbox now.TC