Subaru Impreza WRX

vegoen

Yea it does but, doesn't have the sporty look, im looking for. Turbo is a big thing for me, because again I do like passing traffic a lot. So turbo adds to the passing power.

Anyone think Integra Gs-R is good deal?

I was thinking about getting a used WRX, but what are the chances of it not being abused by the previous owner, after all with 20k miles and you trade it in, then theres gotta be a problem

manavi

If sporty-looking is important to you, why in the world are you considering a WRX?

You're all over the map and, as others have commented, I am having a hard time taking you seriously.

jmgregory5

Tonight I noticed that speed was going to finally have a wrc rally on. My wife had an errand for me to run. Do I stay home and watch the rally - and face the wrath of my wife, or do I run the errand and hope to catch the rally on a repeat night.

With the wrx, I had the best of both worlds. I was able to run the errand quickly and get back in time to see much of the rally. I have to get as much car time in, in the next few days as my travels to the NW next week will keep me from driving the wrx wagon - or anything for that matter as I am being chauffeured from Seattle to Eugene. If only I could rent a wrx!

John

nowakj66

Anyone see any WRX's at their dealers yet? None in Central Ohio just yet.

ateixeira

Not yet on the east coast, not that I've seen.

If you like high rpms, also check out Celicas and RSXs. Both will be fuel efficient when you're not driving fast, and quick if you're at the right rpm.

Heck, check out a Cooper S, those already achieved cult-car status. You'll get favorable attention from those in-the-know.

-juice

vegoen

First off, the WRX is very sporty looking and thats why I wanna buy it.

Second, Im tired of you people who criticize my postings, if you cant post a message without your arrogant criticism that don't post at all.

And if you do Im just going to ignore the imaturity.

Juice, for the RSX and Celica, they are overpriced and I don't like regular 4 cylinders. Its either 6 cylinders or 4 cyl turbo for me.

merrycynic

I live very near to Subaru headquaters in Cherry Hill NJ. A couple of days ago, I saw an 04 sedan and an 04 wagon there.

axp696

MA dealers have had the new 04s in stock for a couple weeks now. Here's a thread with a few pictures and some discussion.

axp696

Here are a few more, with a 03 for comparison.

njcar1

Really cool pictures, it just shows you the new and the old (if you can consider 2003 and 2002 versions to be old)Subies. The fact is that the darn 'bugeyes' (2002 and 2003) have really grown on me. At first I thought that the 2004's are going to be a huge improvement look wise, but now that they are side to side (like in your picture) I have to note that I like the 2003's look much better. The 2004 just seems too plain. it kind of reminds me of a souped up Legacy, and in my mind that's not good.

vegoen

Its interesting that non of you agreed with the comments I made about how bad headlights look on the WRX and the taillights, and the interior is crappy and no sunroof.

The 2004 WRX redesigned everything that I said was bad for the car.

Isn't that interesting? Obviously Im no the only one who thought of this?....

corkfish

Maybe you should buy a Dodge Neon SRT-4. I think it would be perfect for you.

robmarch

everything except the "crappy" interior. They should have listened to you on that one.

You should have expected to get some counterpoint when you started posting about how overrated the WRX is in a WRX forum. Most of the people here are owners or future buyers who like the car very much, and are sharing with you why they don't agree with your statements.

twrx

Lets ignore the troll.

bluesubie

Check out out Speed Channel's web site.
They usually replay the rally several times. I just videotaped Turkey on it's 3rd repeat. :-)

-Dennis

beanboy

I liked the older fog lights better. What's the point of having such a large cutout in the lower fascia if you are just going to have tiny fog lights?

bluesubie

They've shown up in NJ. I checked my dealers web site and they have sedans and wagons listed. And they're small volume dealer (for this area).

-Dennis

qualityguy

Just saw the new WRX - the old lights were ...ah-a... ...funky; the new lights give the front denture-like look. The front looks ...old, bland and boring. Subaru should have worked on the bug-eye lights making them more elaborated, may be making them xenon, may be changing the whole front-end design; now, with the new scoop, it looks like anscient German Me-109 plane from WWII. In other words, exterior must send clear message - this is a rally car. or this is something else. and rally or not, design must be elegant. but Subaru, with every design, keeps surprising everybody - what want they say? May be I shouldn't have rooted so much against Saab-Subaru marriage (or rape?) after all...

ateixeira

Most people like the '04 front end. Your opinion is in the minority.

-juice

pat

kevin111

Like the old fog lights, and if I was orginally going to purchase the car, probably would have preffered the new front to the old front.

Now that I own the older one, the bug-lights have really grown on me. The new one looks way too plain for me.

corkfish

The redesign is much more appealing. I prefer a conventional looking car and the new look is one step closer. All they need to do now is front mount the intercooler and get rid of the scoop. The car would be the ultimate sleeper and sleepers are much more fun IMO.

jmgregory5

I will wander over to speed's site to have a look see. I am still mad that they changed from airing the wrc races as often as they did last year to what seems like once in a blue moon now.

I am officially not reading the trolls posts now. With that, my heart rate has gotten back to normal.

John

jftam

I've been driving my 2004 WRB WRX wagon for the last 3 days.

Pics here:

http://members.shaw.ca/jftam/wrx/index.htm

BTW, the facelift looks much better in the flesh.

Just thought I'd share and back to lurking I go.

declansdad

Can I assume that you have the AWP (all weather package) along with the sunroof?

Great neighbors up north get all of the goodies first! Wake up SOA, many people in the USA want these features too.

Michael

cinosweive

I gotta say I like the old look better. Sort of British looking. The new one looks more like your standard rice burner - or even a Mustang. Now, when I first laid eyes on the WRX I didn't like it a bit. I only bought it because every time I test drove one it took me 30 minutes to wipe the grin off of my face. So it may just be one of those likes what you gots kind of things.

I guess what I always thought was the problem w/ the WRX's design was not the shape of the headlights, but that of the whole body. So many creases and folds and dimples and bends. It's a very busy looking body. It almost looks like it was designed by committee. Still, like my uncle used to say, you don't admire the mantle while you're pokin' at the coals.

WarpDrive

That they couldn't give us better looking wheels for '04. I like how the front side market has disappeared though. Cleaner looking.

jftam

The All Weather Package (AWP) was standard on CDN WRX since 2002 model year.

Yeah, it sucks that you guys don't get the AWP and moonroof for the WRX wagon. If it's any consolation, the WRX Sti in Canada won't get HID headlights (self-leveling is req'd for HID sold in Canada)

Also, Subaru of Canada makes some odd marketing choices too.

If you want a WRX sedan w/ 4EAT, you have to purchase the moonroof.

If you want a WRX wagon w/ 4EAT and a moonroof, sorry, not offered.

This is gleaned from the official CDN price list for 2004 Imprezas missing the following:

- A WRX sedan with 4EAT w/o a moonroof
- A WRX wagon with 4EAT with a moonroof

Cheers,

Jim

(who's really enjoying his car and can't wait for the break-in period to end)

vegoen

This is called Subaru Impreza WRX room. Not Impreza WRX meet the members ok.

So "legaly" speaking I can post anything I want that deals with S.I. WRX ok?

And with that don't criticize me if you are just an arrogant car fanatic

rsholland

if it's within Edmunds code of conduct, which you agreed to when you joined this forum. Perhaps one of the Edmunds hosts might care to elaborate?

Bob

merrycynic

I agree with the oval lights having a British look, sort'a like a classic Aston Martin. I don't object to the new look too much, though I think the new fog lights look lost in the oversized bumper. I think playing with the bug eyes might have been a better idea, perhaps elongating them or something. So much for the interior (which look like old, cheap Datsun touches to me, anyway) reflecting the shape and contours of the headlights. As for the wagon, I would have preferred more straight, sweeping lines where the metal meets the glass, instead of that flying added on SUV look. While the lowered lip of the wagon back may be practical, it sure isn't flattering. Wheels that better fill wheel wells would help. While they are at it perhaps moving the wheels to extreme corners would help the looks and performance. Some one kindly posted an explanation why the front wheels are so far back due to the front tranny/drive configuration. Perhaps Subaru should look at how Lamborgini solved this problem for future designs. Windows that could be fully rolled down would be welcome. How about enough room in the back for a full sized spare, or at least enough to put the flat regular runner in. Perhaps enough room to stow the roof rack in the sub floor. The new "show" Subaru's look promising, but I hope they don't forget all the loyal Subaru Wagon buyers down the road. As it is I'm frustrated as all hell that there is no STi wagon. I keep hoping they will remedy that situation.

pat

The host will remove posts that do not comply with the Membership Agreement - that is a given.

If you see a message that you feel is in violation of that agreement, please email the host of the discussion.

If you feel like someone is hanging out in a discussion for the sole purpose of instigating, please just ignore the person. As I say, if the person's messages are in violation of our community standards, ask the host to handle the situation. Otherwise responses to that person only encourage his or her continuing presence.

Email me with any comments or questions.

Thanks.

:-)

cinosweive

Merrycynic: I agree w/ just about every point you made. The wagon's tail could use some help. A more traditional wagonesque rear - more like an A4's would be more flattering and likely make more efficient use of space. And why Subaru sells the wagon short, I don't know (narrower track, no STI, etc) - I always thought wagons were Subaru's strong suit.

Regarding the wheels though, my impression was that the larger wheel wells allowed for greater suspension travel. That, to me, is more important than style. I also figured the shorter wheelbase offered more nimble handling. It never occurred to me that it might be due to more of a design limitation.

pat

... vegoen, as I have reminded you several times, you are bound by the Membership Agreement just as we all are.

If you don't like what people are saying to you, you have two choices: email me to ask me to handle it, or just ignore it. In either case, you are not free to dictate who can say what here.

I have repeatedly asked you to email me with any questions or concerns. I have tried in many ways to help you understand how to get along in our community. Since you will not communicate with me off-line as I have asked, I am posting this publicly.

Again -- our Town Hall community prides itself in the civil and respectful way that we conduct our conversations. If you are unable to contribute in a way that meets our community standards, do not be surprised when you find yourself not welcome here.

Again, my email address is pat@edmunds.com. Please address me off-line if you wish to pursue this.

vegoen

Anyone think the back seating in the WRX is kind of tight with 2 adults?

vegoen

Downs: Unflattering exterior design, cheap interior pieces, tight rear quarters.

Thats what the Edmunds Review gave it. So thats why I dont like that Im paying 25 grand for cheap interior

rsholland

buys you a great turbo engine, AWD, and a great suspension. The WRX is about bang-for-the-buck, pure and simple. Turbos aren't cheap. Strip away the turbo and you have a $19K RS.

If you want "luxury" and the power/handling/AWD for $25K, good luck trying to find such a beast.

Bob

qualityguy

jftam posted very good pics - and what did I say? - the 02/03 car's front & lights are classier; bug-eyes gave character to the car; 04's look is too generic. Allegedly car's look was changed 'cuz car didn't sell well in Europe. Whatever Subaru does, they should make up their minds, and keep the look for longer time. If Subaru is not sure about the look - do the standard thing, same as Mercedes or BMW or everybody else does - go to Pininfarina, or any other design outfit in Italy, and let them do exterior design job (and please don't change it afterterwards or don't dictate your taste - Tiburon, though designed in Italy ain't no Ferrary anyway - why? - don't interfere in creative process). VW build Ghia without changes, and everybody remebers it; etc. In other word, Subaru has good cars; with the good exterior design they will achieve true greatness...

thecat

Since the day I bought the WRX, I've been looking for small mud flaps to keep various road junk from being flung up on the side of the car. Well, I finally got the Prodrive flaps installed yesterday ... with a hitch or 2. They look great (like they belong there) but didn't go on without some effort.

Lynn and I have a deal that whenever I use "bad" language, I have to put a quarter in a special jar. Yesterday I put in about $10! The rear flaps installed easily. The front was a whole different story. The mounting hardware provided doesn't line up exactly and became the source of my $10 contribution. It took about an hour to get the 1st one mounted. Lessons learned resulted in a 15 minute installation of the 2nd.

If you are considering installing these flaps, email me prior to your installation. I can save you a lot of aggravation by my "lessons learned" and maybe save you $10 too.
- Hutch

bruticus

1: the rear window defroster works VERY slowly. When the window is foggy in the morning it takes much longer to clear up than any car I've owned previously. On mornings there's frost on the glass, I have to grit my teeth and scrape it off as the defroster simply can't do it alone.

2: the radio's reception seems terrible. I live in central NJ and my crappy little home clock-radio is able to get both 92.3 (Howard Stern) and 104.3 (Radio Chick) just fine, but the WRX's radio has so much static that I often miss big chunks of these radio programs.

3: regardless how long I've been driving, it seems the VAC's temp knob has to be 3/4 into the red before the airflow is even noticeably warm.

Anybody else experiencing this? If not, I'm due for 3500 mile service soon; are these things the dealer can investigate?

TIA

DjB

bluesubie

04's - I saw my first one at a dealer over the weekend. It was hidden at the bottom of a hill against a fence while they tried to finish clearing out the '03's. I didn't like the facelift at first, but it grew on me over time.
You can easily tell that the intercooler will get more air now.

qualityguy - IIRC, Prodrive and/or Peter Stevens had input on the design. In a few years, the entire car will be due for a redesign.

Hutch - Thanks for the tips. Out of curiosity, I emailed Prodrive USA about offering the flaps. They said they are changing suppliers and will have more info around the end of the month. I'll probably email you for some tips.

DjB -
1. My rear window defroster is so-so, but not bad enough to complain about.

2. My reception is pretty good. I'm in South Plainfield and can occasionally pick up 92.7 (Long Island) and a station in Philly that my wife listens to. I lot of FM reception has to do with your area and interference. Never had a problem with the big stations (92.3, 95.5, 104.3 etc.) Also pick up 97.5 (South Jersey?) fairly well.

3. That doesn't sound right either.
You need to hit a local meet to compare WRX's. :-) Definitely mention it to your dealer.

-Dennis

qualityguy

1. defroster IS slow.
2. radio - there is something wrong with your radio. May be it's a right thing not to listen to Stern, since everyday it is the same thing for the last ah-a, number of years? Just kidding.
3. Heat - have pretty much the same thing.

to bluesubie - the next redesign - exterior redesign - will be another strange thing from Subaru, being, most likely, mechanically, a good car. And, we live now - who knows, what will be in a few years? IMHO, they should put 2.5 turbo in WRX US spec, though, and make a bi-turbo H6 the STI, and that's ASAP. This is the way to get the market share...

bruticus

I'll make sure to bring up these points when I take the car for its service.

QG: you read my mind re: Stern. I'm convinced that they often play pieces of old shows and am waiting to hear him talk about the Bush/Gore debates, Britney's debut album, the Lewinsky dress...

DjB

2centz

I tried to email you, but my message got bounced back to me. Like you, I popped on the rear mudflaps without a problem, but for the front ones, I had difficulty in moving the plastic lining when I removed the 3 plastic screws. Do you have any tips you can share?

thanks!
-Kevin

paisan

I should have some pics of '04 models we saw on I95 yesterday and managed to snap a few shots of them on the car-carrier

-mike

merrycynic

cinosweive,
    Wouldn't it have been nice if they could have achieved the nice narrow pillar look without all that plastic. It's not bad on the silver (of course that's what I have) and red, but makes the black look clunky and is too distracting with otherwise cool blue, sorry but I can't warm up to the yellow's Subaru has chosen. I also think the black lower door sills on all but the black cars tends to exaggerate the front bumpers clunkiness. The sills should have been body color and/or a thin lower edge of the bumper could have been black. Does any one else find the headrests intrusive of rear views. Subaru really got the center mirror right on, allowing full view of the rear window and framing the (though clumsy looking) quarter panel glass. The tilt wheel sometimes obscures the gauges. Tilting gauge pack ala Porche 928/Ford Probe would be nice. How about a center console that could accommodate CD jewel cases? Map pockets on the front seat backs? Enough whining, I just drove close to 200 miles in unseasonably snowy weather. I must have seen a dozen spin outs or accident.s, many with 4 wheel drive SUV's My Subaru WRX wagon felt confident the whole way. Thanks Subaru!

thecat

Dennis & Kevin - Sorry, I just noticed that the email shown in my profile is no longer valid. I sent an email to both of you with some info about the install.

We got an inch of snow today. It's supposed to be spring!

Hutch

vegoen

I wanna race my friend who has a grand prix gt 99' hes got a small intake.

You think i can beat him with my WRX?

He claims a 6 second 0-60

hypov

vegoen-
we're not about [street] racing here.

According to C&D, I believe, the WRX launched 0-60 in under 6secs.

Can you beat you friend? Depend on how good either of you are compared to each other.

-Dave

hypov

did I mentioned that the front flaps were a $#%*!& to install? ;-)

As patient as I tried to be, I ended up losing two clips behind the well somewhere. Only two screws are holding my front flaps up. I'll do a re-install when I find those replacement clips.

-Dave