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Comments
How many people here opted for it? How many are considering it? Since I am averaging 20K a year as of now I am really thinknig of it. ALTHOUGH since I am driving so many miles 99% of them are highway which isn't as bad.
What do you say Subie heads???
Tom
With highway miles you're less likely to ever make a claim.
I did get one, but a 7/100 that we'll make full use of. Benefits to us include roadside assistance, free loaner car, and red carpet treatment by the dealer, plus better resale.
We lost a little trim piece from the cargo area. They replaced it no questions asked. It was a small gesture, but I was happy. We lost it, so I didn't expect (or ask) them to pay for it at all.
-juice
have a 6/100 on a 98 legacy, got my money back already!
have a 7/100 on a 02 WRX, see how that goes
never pay list price, though 1500 sounds just a little high, I paid under 1500 for 7/100 zero deductible incl the 200 turbo surcharge for the WRX, , check out prices at subaruwarranty.com
Also, are there any extensive lists of what the basic and powertrain warranties cover like the ones on subaruwarranty.com? I can't find any on Subaru's main site. I'm wondering whether the clutch would be covered under basic warranty but not powertrain, as well, it looks like all the plans cover anything else I'd be worried about.
But I've had my WRX for a little over a year, nearly 12xxx miles. I have to say it's one of the best cars I have ever owned. I have not had one problem with it as of today.
The paint is holding up better than any car I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot of them (all domestic) This is my first non-domestic car, and we bought two Subies, the other is a Legacy Wagon GT. Both are excellent vehicles in my opinion. We take the WRX on most of our trips and find it very comfortable. It's not a luxury car by any means, but I never get tired of driving it.
I have never found it lacking in power, either. As for your turbo question, it is an intercooled turbo and according to the book, it does not require any extra maintenance whatsoever. Just make sure you change your oil regular and it should be fine. I've seen other domestic cars that require a special turbo oil and changes and special cool down periods and all that, but with the Subie, there is no need to worry about it. That was one of my concerns when I bought it also, but was pleased to find out it is vertually maintenance free.
I have to say I am quite pleased with the Subie experience so far!
I would recommend a Subie to anyone.
I would recommend a WRX to anyone who enjoys driving.
Ken
21,000 so far bought June 2001. 20 mpg city after 3000 miles. Highway improving: best so far 29 mpg @ 55 mph. Now up to 27 mpg @ 70 mph. Paint perfect but I feel it dents a little too easily. Only problem so far was at 15k where I had minor brake work done under warranty to correct slight shake in front end.
It is a riot to drive. Much has been written before so refer to previous posts. I finally got to drive it in snow, only about a 3" snowfall but absolutely perfect in it. Comfort? Most supportive seats I've had. Does fine on the highway. I even don't get complaints from back seat passengers.
Buy one.
TWRX
Thanks again...
Tom
Thanks again...
Tom
I have had a Subaru Gold on my 98GT too and everything has been taken care of to my total satisfaction, in fact they have even covered things not supposed to be covered, though that is probably more the dealer being very nice about things.
You can contact Subaru at their website and ask if a blown turbo is covered, I have asked about various things regarding my GT before I brought it in to the dealer and they have been very helpful.
axp696 - if you are looking for "list " prices for warranties, on all dealer websites they have an ext warranty section with prices (or did the last time I checked some months ago)
Several car mags have already published their long term tests on the WRX, there have been very few to no major problems. IIRC C & D had no real problems mechanically, Automobile had some sl gear shift problems (but you also know they were beating the heck out of the car too!)
I am not ready to buy yet, but will be looking to in the future. Also, I know 17" tires have a harsher ride (reason I am scared to go to 18"s), but how bad would 225-45-17s be? Which tires have the best ride? I have heard the Toyos are great, Fawkens, and Michelin Pilots.
First, thanks to lilbluewgn02 and mikenk for giving me the scoop on the A/C. I feel better now.
Second, my experience from reading other boards (for other cars) is that upgrades aren't always better.
Example: The Bose Stereo upgrade in many cars is supposed to be a fairly lame sound system.
So my questions are simple:
1. Is the upgraded sound system in the WRX significantly better than the standard?
2. Is the Security System modifiable? In other words, I would like to be able to automatically roll my windows down an inch from the security system remote. Can something like this be added?
3. Are the 17" wheels noticeably louder, rougher, more secure?
4. I have seen the turbo boost gauge at the dealer which mounts to the steering column but I haven't seen the performance gauge package at the dealer (or as an option on Edmunds). Does it sit on the dash in front of the center air vents? Is it large enough to read and useful?
5. Does the Auto dimming mirror really work well or is it a waste?
Thanks in advance,
2. dunno
3. be prepared for a very harsh ride, wife refuses to ride in it with the 17in wheels on! The tire type (I have S03) may also contribute a bit but any 17in wheel with lower profile will have a harsher ride than a 16in. Unless you really want the looks or race you may be better off just getting better 16in tires.
4. sits on dash above vents
5. the auto dimming miirror is the best thing since sliced bread in a car I have come across for years!
The security system is very good, don't know if you change it, if you want to open your windows an inch or so, do it before you lock up.
Don't know much about the 17" wheels, there are a lot of variables there.
I have the steering column mounted turbo gauge, the other ones take the place of the clock I believe. No sure if they are worth the money.
The autodimming mirrors are great, however, if you sit tall in the seat, you will find they restrict your view, almost to the point of being annoying. I don't have one in my WRX, but the wife has one in her Legacy wagon, I hate it (I am over 6'), She loves it (She's about 5'-7") I had one in the Dodge Durango I had previously, and I really liked it. But it sat a lot differently.
I would recommend you test drive vehicles with and without it to see if it will be a problem.
Good luck!
Ken
-juice
Some people who have bought Rota wheels ran into some vibration problems, and sometimes the vendors gave bad/mismatched centering rings that caused some problems. But the newest Rota wheels are hubcentric and have the correct offset for our Subaru. Some people at the old i-club had the problems with the initial batches early this year, but more recent buyers seem to have no problems. There are a couple of people that broke theirs, but if you search enough, there are people that break every wheel made (even top ones by OZ, Prodrive, BBS etc), so that's not an indication that they are inherently weak.
There are two popular models, the Rota Tarmac (a clone of the OZ Prodrive P1) and the Rota Subzero (also a clone of a brand name wheel, but the name escapes my mind at the moment). The Subzero is a much lighter wheel and the only one I would consider.
If budget is tight, and you like the look, I'd say they are worth a try. Personally I passed over them because I wanted a wheel that was easier to replace, and came from a well supported vendor (after sales service) I was also smitten by the light weight of my OZ Superleggeras. I had vibration problems with other wheels and I didn't want to take the chance this time (vibration problems can be a pain to resolve)
I use the Toyo T1-S tires. The ride is pretty good and there is minimal tramlining. I made sure I stayed with a 215/45R17 size which is a better fit for my wagon. I do find them noisy, but their claim to fame is their wet traction. Extremely good in the rain which is something the stock tires aren't that great at. The ride is a bit stiffer as to be expected, but our roads are pretty poor and I don't find the increase in ride harshness objectionable. Because they are a lightweight tire with softer tread shoulders and thinner sidewalls, they feel a bit softer in corners, but I've gotten used to them and am quite confident with them.
The S-03's are a much harsher/direct feeling tire but very good performance capabilities. nsculman found his tires too harsh on his home roads with the 17 inch wheel. The Falken Azenis is not recommended as a road tire, it's more at home on the track. They are noisy, harsh and wear out very quicky at the expense of tremendous dry grip, and very good wet grip.
I find the grip of my new tires to be a night and day improvement over the old ones, and if money is very tight, then 16 inch tires make more sense. We had a lot of rutted roads around here and I never heard my wife complain once about the difference in ride quality. I drove 3000 miles through the eastern Maritime Canada, and their roads are the pits (especially those around the Cabot trail). My wife was still able to sleep through much of it.
Bob
I don't think the 040s are all-season, not sure about the 070.
-juice
thanks in advance
-mike
I do not plan to Auto-X or race. Just want decent rims to help the handling and looks of the car for everyday - highway use.
Thank you Mike.
Even the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S is firmer riding than the stock RE92s, even though the grip in all conditions is way more than the RE92s. Some might prefer a softer ride, however, at the expense of grip.
Later...AH
Actually, I think the WRX (particularly the wagon)is the perfect car for the aging enthusiasts: comfortable, easy entry, four doors, practical for carrying stuff and people, great seats, reliable, and fun.
Mike
Kinda strange though, I haven't had any back problems since having the WRX for over a year now. Maybe I've just been lucky.
I agree with Mike, it's great for us older folks!
Happy Holidays!
Ken
Maybe all us older guys and gals with bad backs, can get our doctors to write us a prescription for an STi. Hey... works for me.
Just a little humor.
Ken
BTW,mix the STi in with exercise (abdominal crunches*) and your back problems just might disappear.
* = I'm up to 2 sets of 40, and my back problems have almost disappeared.
Bob
I have the short throw shifter and like it, though since I haven't driven a WRX without one, I can't really compare.
Paul
I haven't read this board in a few weeks, and I see all the posts about everyone enjoying all the snow a couple weeks back.. Hell yeah!! It was awesome!
The next time it was great. I couldn't understand it untill I discovered that my second drive was without the short throw. It didn't make sense to me so I drove it a third time, again with the shart throw. Yep, hated it.
Moral of the story, test drive a short throw WRX at your dealer and see for yourself before spending the money. That way you wil know for sure. I do.
I hope this helps.
PS
Still haven't bought the car. Knee problems threaten to take me out of the 5speed world. I am hoping things will clear up and I can get my WRX soon.
Doh: you probably knocked off a balancing weight on the wheel.
-mike
I had the short-throw installed in my car when I bought it, and it was a little stiff and very notchy the first 2000 miles. Since then it has really smoothened out. Right now at 12K miles, it is extremely smooth and easy to shift.
- I would agree with nschulman3. It is a little stiffer in normal shifting, but extremely smooth and quick in quick shifting (like rowing through the gears when accelerating hard!). Generally, I have been very pleased with it.
I have the short throw which I had installed some months after getting the car. I've had the short throw now for about 5,000 miles. It's smoother than when it was initially installed, although I find in cold weather that shifting into 1st gear takes some effort, when the car is cold. However, in any kind of weather the motion between 2nd and 3rd gear is so short and fluid, it's just a pleasure.
--sonya4
The short-throw shifter (according to R&T) has 30% shorter motion.
I've got the short-throw option straight from the lot. Like anything else when new, needs acclamation. It's a blast when you feel like letting go.
I belong to the >40 grp myself. Drove a 15 hr. trip each way over the labor day wknd and didn't have any problems. Enjoyed listening to the engine most of the time.
Also was up in the Sierras over the STORM weekend with my stock RE92's. Had no problems but I'm sure 17's and better tires would have been a blast. Had my wipers full speed all the way. It's nice to watch everybody else put on chains.
Enjoy the holidays everyone and safe driving!!