Subaru Impreza WRX

lakepop

Check out www.vanbortelsubaru.com they are selling 03 WRX for $22250. They are located in the Rochester, NY area.

  Hope this helps.

c_hunter

My local dealer (www.penceauto.com) is selling 03 WRX models for $3000 under MSRP, which is a pretty good deal. A base WRX sedan with no options would sell for $21720.

Craig

krzyss

I suspect it includes $500 rebate instead of low APR financing.

Krzys

ateixeira

The Group N car is basically an STi with a roll cage and rally wheels and tires. The Open class and WRC cars are substantially modified.

The H6 Outbacks have sold in low volumes. I haven't seen sales splits either, but combined sales of Outbacks were down the year after the H6 came out, so it failed to even increase sales.

-juice

andyspiel

My REX was backed into tonight by my wife. I just got the car 3 weeks ago, a black wrx wagon, and tonight my wife smacked into the front end w/ her SUV.

The hood, front bumper, and grill are all mangled.

Please, does anybody know a good body shop in the NJ, NY area. I'm from West Orange, NJ.

PLEASE send me an email or post here.
Thanks.
adspielman@yahoo.com

WarpDrive

I backed into my own car once, with no real damage though

ponm

Sounds like you don't need a body shop, you need a new wife for doing that to your car. I better stop writing this post, if my wife catches me saying that she'll shoot me.

c_hunter

Correct, it does include the $500 incentive. I was able to get a rate from a local bank that was just 0.39% higher than Subaru's special rates. With $500 knocked of the principle, payments (and interest) are still lower, even at the slightly higher APR. So, I would advise buyers to try to get the $500 incentive -and- a low APR, even if you have to shop the loan around.

Other models in the Subaru lineup qualify for incentives -and- the low APR from Subaru.

Craig

c_hunter

After driving the WRX for a couple of days, I am surprised that so many people complain about turbo lag on this car. It is very benign, especially compared to some other turbos I have driven. If anyone thinks the WRX has notable turbo lag, they need to drive a Honda/Acura with VTEC to understand what a real "lag" feels like. Even though they are not turbo motors, it takes quite a while (and high RPM) for VTEC to provide noticeable effect. The WRX at least has some grunt down low before the turbos kick in, and you hit the HP/torque peaks at a lower RPM. I love this motor!

Craig

kevin111

The reason I ask, is that I would totally agree with you about the auto. It is a little docile at first, until the turbo kicks in around 3000-3500 rpm, then takes off.

With the VTec engines, I remember testdriving a auto Prelude (1998), and being embarrised at a stop light when I hit the gas and the car did not move for at least 2 seconds while the RPMs were climing. Only time I have experienced such a lag.

nschulman3

I am loyal to sernios auto body in jersey city, Nj. I have been going here for 20 years and they're great. They are located on Communipaw Ave in Jersey City (Tpike to 15E, stay there and it becomes Communipaw Ave.). The telephone is (201) 795-1673. It is about 15 minutes from w orange. Ask for Pete and tell them Neil Schulman sent you.

paisan

Talk to Biggie @ Richmondview Collision in Staten Island. I've had lots of work done there and they work on BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and other well connected people's cars. Excellent work.

-mike

jwilson1

I'm not sure why you're comparing a turbo to Vtec. Not debating the issue, I just don't understand the comparison.

JW

ateixeira

VTEC = Vanishing Torque from the Engine Compartment ;-)

Yes, turbos have some lag, mostly throttle lag actually. You need to have a load for the turbo to spool up, so that's really the delay. But under load you'll have boost even at 3000rpm.

VTEC needs revs, at least the small displacement engines do. They use short gearing and super high revs, but that means they're dogs until 5500rpm in some cases.

For a light, short-geared car VTEC can work just fine, though.

-juice

sensei1

Just got this email survey from SOA showing 4 initial body colors (Blu, wht, blk, sil) and whl combinations (17" BBS gld/sil) to choose from. Interesting.... I guess SOA is getting enough feedback about this. Maybe the wing is next ;-)

thecat

I'm really glad to see Subaru bring the STI to these shores but I think they've lost touch with their market. The wing and the gold wheels are gaudy. Hey, why not paint some flames on the side?

It reminds me of when I was a kid. My brother and I would buy model cars and see who could out accessorize the other guy .. you know, spot lights, 6 antennas, oh yeah and a continental kit.

I applaud the "Macho" part of the STI .. 300hp, DACD (is that the correct acronym) and the new design is great .. but the wheels and wing make me think "pimp mobile". It should only be available in 2 colors .. hot pink and purple.
- Hutch

rsholland

This was yesterday. I filled it out, sent it back, only to find out they were having "technical difficulties."

Frankly, I think the gold and silver wheels should be a choice for ever color. I know they're trying to streamline the production process, but still...

Bob

c_hunter

Kevin: well, I'm driving the manual, so I don't know how the auto compares with lag. On past turbo cars I have driven (late 80s Dodges spring to mind) there was a difference between autos and manuals as far as turbo lag was concerned. But it was quite noticeable on both. With the manual WRX, the lag is there, but it is quite minor. It certainly pulls a heck of a lot more after the turbo spools up, but there's enough low end grunt to keep things feeling more or less homogeneous through the rev range.

JW: I was comparing VTEC to the WRX turbo because it's a common topic on various boards, where cars like the RSX, Integra, and Prelude are often compared to the WRX (certainly not apples to apples, but in the same price range). Honda chose to go with valve timing for power, while Subaru has gone the turbo route. For all the hype VTEC gets, I feel it is lacking in low rpm performance, and prefer the WRX's turbo motor to VTEC. I had a 97 Prelude with VTEC and I test drove an 03 RSX-S with VTEC, and they are more or less anemic below about 5000rpm. The WRX has a nice balance of power throughout the rev range.

Off the line, the Prelude was out of breath at low RPM, and then it was a torque-steer fest when VTEC changed timing at about 5700rpm and all the power came surging on. I liked it then, but the WRX is clearly much more superior with the turbo and AWD.

Craig

ateixeira

It's actually DCCD.

I think when we're nit-picking the color choices, and that's our biggest complaint, we're really picking at straws. I doubt the ones complaining will actually buy an STi, either.

-juice

ateixeira

Another thought - the RX300 has those Altezza taillights which are also pimp-mobile-like, yet it's Lexus' best selling model and helping Lexus dominate the luxury class. The new RX330 kept that styling feature, too.

-juice

kevin111

I see plenty of cars (mainly Hondas, but some eclipses, Mustangs, and others) that have huge wings and showy paint jobs.

Guarenteed the STi with wing and wheels will sell well here. Plenty of rich parents and kids that have money to throw around.

Heck, even many adults 30+ years old are modifying their cars this way!!

c_hunter

Anybody know if mud flaps are available for the WRX? None are listed as options from Subaru. I have seen rally style flaps for several hundred dollars, but am just looking for the basic molded factory flaps like you'd see on other Subaru models.

thanks,
Craig

rexaroo

Bone stock, right off the dealer's lot, the Rex is a rally car. Thanks, Warpdrive, for pointing that out. No, it doesn't share much with the WRC cars except the basic design-- 2-liter boxer turbo, all-strut suspension, AWD, etc. But then it doesn't cost seven hundred thousand dollars like a WRC car does either. But it is a rally car by design through and through. That's why it looks the way it does and drives the way it does. I like to think of it as the best rally car $25 grand will buy (and quite a bargain at that.) Same for the STi--a great rally car bargain for $32K.
And just for the record, I'd be delighted to be seen driving the new STi--gold wheels, big wing and all. It's got a proud racing heritage behind it that includes 3 World Rally Championships. If other people don't get it or don't appreciate it, that's their loss. Just puttin' in my 2 cents.

By the way, a modified WRX recently won the 2002 Pikes Peak Hill Climb here in Colorado, probably the most prestigious auto race in the Western state region. Quite a feat, considering the really stiff competition that race draws every year.

Happy (and safe) Rexing everyone!

acogdell

Just purchased a silver WRX wagon with 17" Pirelli P7000 tires, OZ wheels. Car sticks like a slot car. Loads of fun driving. Hope it holds together well, as reliability is one reason I bought a Subaru; got rid of the boring, always something wrong Sable wagon. OBTW, how do you keep this thing under 4K RPM during break-in, it's just where the fun begins. :-)

hypov

"OBTW, how do you keep this thing under 4K RPM during break-in, it's just where the fun begins. :-)"

Install a REV limiter on right leg.

Congratulations Allen!!! Any pics?

-Dave

c_hunter

Allen, congrats! Have fun!

There is plenty of fun below 4KRPM, but I think it's safe to gently venture above 4K once and a while (even the owner's manual says it's OK in emergencies). I think the real danger during break-in is driving at a constant speed for any length of time. That should be avoided at all costs.

I have about 260 miles on my new WRX, and have been taking occasional bursts above 4K, nothing dramatic. Sounds real nice up there....

One thing I find interesting is that the 4000 RPM recommended break-in limit is the same in all of Subaru's owner's manuals (at least the four I have looked at, which cover 4 and 6 cylinder engines of varying displacement). Unless there's something magically universal about 4K (which doesn't make sense to this mechanical engineer), I have a feeling this is just a common sense number used by Subaru to make sure people go easy on their cars. For a robust engine like the one in the WRX, the difference between 4K and 5K is probably academic!

In any event, I spent Sunday washing my new WRX, peeling off stickers, etc... Would like to get a coat of wax on there this week if it warms up. I also adjusted the trunk latch -- it previously took 2-3 tries to close the trunk, and sounded like slamming the lid on a garbage can. After some tweaking it closes nice and quiet on the first try.

Craig

robmarch

"The stock WRX is a rally car, folks . . . Bone stock, right off the dealer's lot, the Rex is a rally car. "

The WRX has the same basic ingredients as the rally car. I think it's stretching to say that it's a "Rally Car" "Bone stock, right off the dealer's lot." Sure, it would do better in a rally bone stock than most of it's competitors would bone stock. It would definitely need some suspension help and tire help at the bare minimum to compete in a rally in any class, right?

paisan

Safety equipment like a Roll-bar/cage

-mike

ateixeira

The STi is basically a Group N car, just add a roll cage and rally wheels and tires. Funny thing is the wheels and tires are often smaller, they use 15" rims some times.

-juice

c_hunter

Thanks to Dennis' info, I was able to track down the ProDrive mudflaps. Ended up costing $190, which is very pricey for flaps, but seems to be the best option. They look good and fit perfectly without modification. If anyone is interested, contact Arne Haines for more info. Some pictures (from Stripe at NASIOC) are here:


side view

aft view



I seriously considered fabricating some flaps myself or buying Subaru RS flaps and modifying the front ones (rears fit), but that would probably have cost almost $190 in the end (counting time) and not looked as good. And the $10 Pep Boys flaps would be great for off-road use (ie, function) but not look too good either. Hard to believe you have to spend nearly $200 for factory-fit flaps on the WRX!

Craig

bluesubie

Glad my link was of use. :-) Those do look the best!

-Dennis

c_hunter

Seen this yet?

http://www.fastwrx.com/lib/fastwrx/stigauges.avi

Very cool....

Craig

sensei1

FYI. Project WRX is again featured in SportCompactCar March issue. They put in some gauges, bigger turbo, Vishnu Stage 2 and SPT suspension. Good testing ground I say, better theirs than mine. Interesting reading material.

rexaroo

The WRX right out of the box is capable of getting from point A to point B quickly and safely over any type of road--gravel, dirt, paved, etc,-- and under all kinds of weather conditions--rain, sleet, snow.
Now that to me is what rally racing is all about and why it qualifies as a bona fide rally car (on a budget).
And it's where most other conventional high performance cars fall short.
Agreed, the stock version is not going to win many rally events without a few modifications, but with the optional alloy suspension, it might turn in a decent showing in the hands of a professional driver.

BTW, juice makes a good point about the smaller rims. The WRX comes with standard 16"ers and that size is frequently used on certain legs of major rally events.

himiler

With the right tires, I think the standard 16" wheels are 'just right' for our crappy roads.

rsholland

Actually, I think it's more a matter of the tire profile, than the rim size, in terms of dealing with bad roads. The lower the profile of the tire, the more likely you will suffer tire damage due to poor roads. You will also get a harsher ride with lower profile tires.

So, if you had a 17" tire with a "60" aspect ratio, you would be better off than with a 17" tire with a "45" aspect ratio, in terms of resisting tire damage from bad roads.

Bob

ateixeira

True, but on the Impreza there is so little clearance that you pretty much have to do a proper Plus One (or Minue One). You can't really change the aspect ratios without changing the rim size (inversely).

So a 15" rim allows for a taller profile that's needed for many rally stages. 17" rims would break on some stages, for sure.

-juice

rsholland

I was just making the point that it's not the rim size that causes the problem, it's the aspect ratio. As you say, sometimes you don't have the luxury of extra clearance, that would allow you to go to a taller tire with a higher aspect ratio.

Bob

bruticus

I hate New Jersey. We have the absolute worst auto insurance environment in the nation.

Last January I scoped around for insurance on the WRX. I had AllState on my current car and was paying $700/6 months. At that time, the lowest premium quote I could find was $2000/year. That was higher than I could afford.

Fast-forward to these past weeks, in which I've played the quoting game again, thinking that the intervening year wouldn't change much.

Surprise, surprise. The lowest quote I can find is $2950/year. A few companies wanted $3300. I simply cannot afford that; I'd be paying $6500-7000 a year for this car (and that's WITH me putting half my current savings into a down payment).

So that's it for me getting a WRX. Not now, possibly not ever.

DjB

qbrozen

have you tried NJ Manufacturers?

lark6

bruticus

I'm going to find out tomorrow, but I strongly doubt it.

Yeah, if I still lived in PA (born/raised State College) my insurance would be diddly/squat. I'm going to talk with my father (who knows a lot about auto "stuff") about simply buying the car in State College and registering/insuring it there. What are the possible penalties that I might run into?

DjB

qbrozen

I think there is a possibility that you could get it anyway. I'm not sure if they are as restricted as they used to be. I could be wrong, of course. But a phone call wouldn't hurt.

bruticus

but last January, when I tried them, they said if my employer wasn't a member they'd put me into a different premium bracket. Then, because I had 2 points on my license, they put me in the different bracket anyway and the premium they quoted me was pisspoor.

DjB

anthony123

Hello Everyone,

Had my Rex now since June, 2001 and ever since day 1 it's had an occasional hard start problem (usually when it's not quite cooled down, though recently it has happened twice after sitting overnight). Has anyone else had this problem? I haven't bothered to check at a dealer yet - possibly an ECM or sensor problem?

- Anthony

bluesubie

bruticus - Don't give up! Call 15-20 insurance companies if you have to.

Anthony - In my '03, the only starting problem I had was due to moisture in the fuel lines (car sat for two days, temps below freezing, half a tank of gas). I added ISO-HEET and haven't had any more problems.
Yours does sound like it could be ECM/emissions related. If it is, a dealer would be able to pull the code.

-Dennis

ateixeira

Try insweb.com, I think they give you up to 9 quotes.

-juice

twrx

and at age 50 my WRX wagon cost only $700 a year to insure.
TWRX

c_hunter

WRX costs me approx. $700 a year here too, with Nationwide. About the same as my Outback and my wife's Forester. I'm the only driver on the WRX, a 33 year old male. I think there are a few discounts thrown in for the usual things like home/car, safe driver (hah!), etc...

Craig

bruticus

NJ's situation is so completely and truly ghastly that nobody does online quoting.

Those of you living in other states all suck. You get to drive this great car and I'm prevented because my state is stupid.

DjB