Subaru Impreza WRX

c_hunter

Well, I made it past 1K miles and am having a lot of fun with the WRX now. This morning, I managed to empty all the change out of my pocket while taking a nice curve at full throttle. My first thought was "oh no, that's my lunch money!". Amazing how little mishaps always bring me back to a third-grade mentality somehow.... luckily, I was able to recover the pocket change when I got to work.

Craig

bruticus

I contacted my dealer about the weak radio reception and heater performance, and he responded that it appears that something is truly wrong. Unfortunately it's not something they can correct on a weekend so I'll have to make an appt for a weekday; they'll give me a loaner car (not a WRX unfortunately)

DjB

sensei1

Haven't been here in a while - say I was 218 msgs. behind. Quite entertaining (troll stuff).

Congrats to all the new WRX owners. This month's my 1yr mark, going on 16.5k and still grinning every time I hit 3k on my tach. Still haven't changed my opinion. It's definitely a no nonsense driver's car.

Like most of you, I'm drooling over the STi. If I didn't have my WRX yet, I'd definitely be in line. But just can't justify it yet, logically and financially. I'm still having fun w/ my stock WRX in real world driving.

Next step for me would be rims and rubber. Had a chance to drive on some mountain curves and felt a little light and spongy at times on downhill curves. I'm sure staying with the posted speed limit would have helped ;-)

Forget the mpg and sound system. Just listen to the engine, watch your tach and let it hang....safely that is.

sonya4

This is a question for short (under 5'5") drivers.

I can't sit in the "ideal" position (as described in the turnfast.com articles) because I don't want to be that close to the steering wheel + airbag, but because I have to then extend my arms or feet more than I should, I end up fatigued after a long drive.

Has anybody else who is height-challenged driven for long stretches in the WRX and have they been able to find comfortable positions?

--sonya

merrycynic

I'm barely an inch taller than you. Yes, I too have a bit of a challenge finding a good seating position. My concern is having my knee too close to the pregnant center dash. Though I'm short, I have typical male feet, size 10 EE. With big feet (for my height) and such close proximity of my knees to the dashboard, heel/toe shifting takes just a bit more concentration than I like. I can find a comfortable seating position, but, should I have to move my seat for any reason, it takes a little while to re find that just right position. There is very little "wiggle" room. It's either right or it's not.

sensei1

is more like big toe & little toe really. Heel and toe is to cornering, what double clutching would be to accelerating, right? One of the dependencies I guess would be how big your feet are and what kind of shoes you're wearing.

Good links by the way and yes it does take some practice. Thanks.

WarpDrive

For some other people, it's more like ball of the foot and right side of the foot. I pretty much do it with the right lower side of my foot. The WRX is pretty good for that.

Check out this video which illustrates the technique.

http://www.chrisgreer.com/work.html

It's the fifth video down on the page.

beanboy

Latest info. on the the Saabaru. Looks like it will use Subaru engines:

In GM's first product collaboration with Subaru owner Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the new Saab 9-2 will be based on Subaru's all-wheel-drive cars and will go into production at a Subaru plant in Japan next spring.

Saab expects to initially produce about 7,000 of the 9-2 annually, with initial sales in North America only. The base 9-2, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, will be based on the Impreza sedan; a high-performance model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will be based on the sporty Subaru WRX, which has won strong reviews.

http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/saab16_20030416.htm

-B

scotthsv

I am considering buying a 03 WRX in the near future. My lease on a VR6 Jetta will soon end and I will need a car. I have been on 3 test drives and I love how the car feels and performs.

Since some of you have owned a WRX for a while I would like to know how well it holds up over time?

Also I saw Autoweek.com also had an article about the Saabaru.

Thanks,
Scotthsv

krzyss

dealers are short on 2003. 2004s are coming.
On the other hand 2002 and 2003 have nice incentives.

Krzys

thecat

Scotthsv - I have one of the very early 02's. Actually purchased in April of 01. With 26k on it now I'd say it's bullet proof.

If you drive it like a wild man with 5k rpm clutch drops and such, you will most likely experience what could only be called reasonably anticipated problems. Such are the experiences of some of the crazies over at I-Club. However if you don't abuse it, you should easily get 100k out of it. I'd say it's as good as anything on the market.
- Hutch

kevin111

They abused the heck out of the car (as do most of the car mags). Unlike the testdrives of Ford Explorers, you want to have fun in this car, and Car mags take this to the extreme. I believe they did do Clutch-drops a-plenty and Emergency brake turns on their test car, and it is still running!

deepthinker

When are the 2004's coming?? I'm in Conn. There are two dealers near me, and they both have 1 or 2 2004's. And two weeks ago, one of them had sold all their 2003's, so they only have one new WRX on the lot!! And on the Subaru web site, they still have the 2003. Why do they have a 'build your own' feature for the 2003's-they're pretty much gone! I want them to get them out and a few months to pass, and hopefully they will get well below MSRP quick. One dealer said they were going to sticker their first 04 at $1000 below MSRP. Not bad for brand new, I thought.

scotthsv

I appreciate the good information on the durability of the WRX.

Kevin111 the article you suggested was quite informative.

As for 04's, I'm in the Southeast and have not seen any in my area. The dealers here still have a good supply of 03's. I prefer the looks of the 03. It is more distinctive than the 04.

ateixeira

The funny thing is that the base 9-2 will actually be based on the TS, not the RS sedan, because it's going to be a 5 door.

-juice

lark6

'03s? '04s? I recently visited a dealer that still had a single unsold '02 wagon on the lot! It was white with a badly applied black tape pinstripe (even the door handles were pinstriped) and a salesman told me he'd "let me steal it." This dealer had also applied a $595 "protection package" to all of the Subies on the lot, which were mostly Foresters and Bajas.

I won't name names but the dealer was in an area not known as a strong Subaru market, and is one with which bluesubie and I are familiar.

Ed

paisan

There will be a sedan version of the 9-2 as well.

-mike

dcm61

will probably be the RS wagon that Subie doesn't offer (in the US anyway).

DaveM

sonya4

When I was at my dealer last week (in the Chicagoland area), I asked about the '04s and the STi. Was told that the '04s, due in March, are behind schedule and will probably arrive later this month or in May. The STi, scheduled for June, may arrive in July or August.

--sonya

c_hunter

I saw a truckload of Foresters and a single silver 04 WRX on the way home from work tonight. Almost went offroading while scoping out the WRX. It does look better in person than in the pictures, but I like the old bug eyes better.

Scott, Car and Driver did a 40,000 mile test of a WRX. I think the report was sometime in the Sept-Oct-Nov 02 issues. They acknowledge beating the snot out of the car, and it held together well. Of course, they have been raving about it since day one.

I've got about 1500 miles on my 03, and love it more each day.

Craig

edge01

I found it varried by dealer. I went to my closest dealer where I got my 02 sedan looking for an 02 wagon and found no wagons, and "invoice" in thier paperwork was inflated by 2k from what all other documentation I'd seen around was. Went to another dealer that had wagons and sedans on the lot and found invoice at what it's reported as. i'm still negotiating over prices and financing as they haven't had confirmation from corp as to what financing is on them at this point. Also was told that the first and second shipments of wrxs will be sent identical from the factory. Dealers will have no say in how they are equiped. The third load will be available for custom orders from dealers. This was in SE, PA. As of a week ago, CO had no 04's on the lots.

edge01

Sorry, meant that I was looking to replace my 02 sedan with an 04 wagon

scotthsv

After wanting a one since the first test drive a few months ago, I bought a 2003 Silver WRX. I got the boost gauge, security system, armrest, and air filtration system. Now the hard part, taking it easy for the break-in period.

laker3

A few years ago I signed up with a credit card company that gave Subaru points. Well, now I've amassed about 3,500 points ($) with most expiring at year end. At that time, I thought the Legacy GT was alright. Then, for grins, my wife and I took turns test driving a stick WRX for grins, and whoa -- what a rush! (Never even got it out of 3rd gear!) Plus, AWD!

I thought to myself I'd buy one if only: the front/rear weren't so homely (now the '04s are here), the interior had a little more pizazz and came with a sunroof (04's to the rescue again), and if I saw more older fogeys like me driving one (seems to be a hit with the under 25), and if only....

If only the WRX wasn't such a great value! I'm seeing dealers advertising a little over $22k to clear out the '03s (those bug-eyes are growing on me), meaning I can get one for $19k plus change. On the other hand, I also like the RX-8 and G35.

So, any advice from posters would be appreciated. I've never owned a Subie before, let alone a non-GM product (hey, dosen't GM own some of Fuji H.I.?) Most of my friends swear by their Bimmers and Lexi...Help!

c_hunter

Scott, congratulations. I happen to think silver is the best WRX color (since we already have a silver Forester, I ended up getting red). Have a good time with the new car. About the break-in -- you don't have to drive like a granny, so try to have a little fun! Just avoid really beating on the car or driving at any one speed for a long time.

Jeff: the 03s are a steal right now. On the other hand, you should be able to get a decent deal on 04 models based on what I have been hearing, if you can find a car. It will still be a few thousand dollar difference in the end, however, and that's the real distinction. Of course, if you're serious about the moonroof, 04 is the only way to go.

We have an Outback wagon, a Forester, and the WRX I just bought in January. The Outback is considerably more comfortable on the highway than the other two, and this comparison should extend to the Legacy GT as well. So, I definitely think the Legacy GT is the better bet if you care about comfort. It's much roomier too.

I have to squeeze myself into the WRX, and it's noisier and a bit harsher on the highway. However, it totally rocks. I have a grin on my face whenever I drive it. If you want fun, this is the clear winner.

Either car -- Legacy GT or WRX -- is a great choice. If it helps at all, picture yourself driving both cars a few years from now, in your typical routine. Which fits better?

By the way, I have seen quite a few old folks driving WRXs (mostly wagons). So, don't worry, you'll have company.

Craig

rexaroo

If you want to be happy for the rest of your natural driving life, do this: head on down to your nearest Subie dealer and plunk those 3,500 points on a new WRX STi. It's already a screaming steal at $30,995 and you would be getting one of the best grin-inducing rides on the planet for an incredible $27,495. Just the thought of it makes me want to weep and tear at my clothing, even though we already own a WRX sportwagon. BTW, I wouldn't mention what you paid unless you want to be chased down the street by a howling mob of Subie fanatics begging for just one ride;-)

kevin111

What are you looking for? Practicality, plush ride, sports driving, nice interior -

Testdrove a G35 sedan w/ sports suspension and was not impressed. Seemed more like a family sedan while the WRX seemed more like a sports car (stiffer, more lively, more communication)

Do not know about the RX8, small trunk, but a good price. Engine unproven. Expect demand to be high (IMHO, dealer mark-up) when it first comes out.

cinosweive

Before I bought the rex I test drove a Jetta 1.8T - loaded. It was really plush. It had all leather, the cold weather package, really nice sounding stereo, the sport suspension package, sunroof - it was the best 4 cyl Jetta you could get, for less dough than the rex. By comparison, the rex had nothing. Nothing except a far far far superior driving experience. The rex just felt more secure on the road - like it had a purpose. The Jetta, by comparison, felt tentative.

If you are after plush, the rex will never make you happy. There is nothing wrong with plush. If you are after the driving experience of a much more expensive sports sedan, the rex may be your car. I've got almost 20K on mine and I like it more now than when I first brought it home. It is what you want that is important - you are the one paying the bills.

sonya4

Scott--Congratulations too. Silver is a nice color and would have been my second choice, after the black that I got.

Jeff--How important is AWD to you? The G35 and RX-8 are nice cars, but neither has AWD, right?

I also test-drove a Jetta some time before buying the WRX. Wasn't comfortable in it, though it had more pick-up than I expected. Anyway, as others have said here, you can get good deals on the '03s but depends on what you want...

--sonya

laker3

OK, I'm having a hard enough time deciding and rexaroo throws the STi into the mix, geesh!! I think that wing on the back and 300hp would get me into more stoplight trouble than I'd care to particpate in. I'd rather be a little more stealthy. That said, does anyone know if blue will be the only STi color?

Back to the real world...

Craig: thanks for the tips....I take it you're 6'+? Since I've owned a couple of Saturns the last few years, I think I can deal with the harshness, since it I'd have something under the hood to show for it this time. If the Legacy had that 2.5 Turbo stick, my decision would probably be made. I drove the Outback sedan H3.0 VDC: sporty, plush, you don't see too many of 'em, but still, it's no WRX.

I was in the UK in February, and everything over there seemed either small and fast, or just small. It kind of got me thinking about the WRX again.

I think it's time for another test drive...haven't had one in almost a year!

laker3

Sonya - no, their both RWD, something I haven't had since my '70s era Cutlass, and I sure do miss it.

I think Silver is the best looking and my first choice, 2nd is Red, 3rd is Blue or White. If only they offered BRGreen.

c_hunter

Well, if you're used to Saturns, I think any Subaru will feel more refined and smoother to you. While Saturns are decent cars, they have always felt a bit rough around the edges to me. Personally, I think the Impreza line feels quite good for what really is an entry-level chassis.

Yep, I'm 6'1". WRX is a bit of a squeeze to get in and out, but it has plenty of room once I'm inside. Ironically, my Outback has the least amount of room of all three of our Subarus. In both the WRX and Forester, I have another 1-3" of seat travel left. With the Outback, I have the seat all the way back and could probably use another 1" or so.

Speaking of Legacy Turbos, you might want to wait a few more months. I don't think we know for sure what the Legacy lineup will be for 04, but there is very strong evidence to suggest a more powerful sport model. Beyond 04, there are 05 models on deck which could be out as early as next spring. I don't think anyone has hard facts yet, so the best I can say is that 04-05 will bring major changes. You might get a 2.5 turbo Legacy by this fall (it will be available in the Baja and Forester, so not having it in the Legacy GT would seem very odd to me).

Craig

cinosweive

A 2.5 turbo legacy 6 speed w/ sport-tuned suspension (wagon of course) would rock.

A 6 speed rex would be nice too. I'm not sure I would want to pay for either the gas or the insurance on the STI - but adding another gear to the rex would really complete the package. That jump from 1st to 2nd needs to come down some.

ateixeira

I saw the RX8 at the NY show, the back seat is more of a parcel shelf. I thought about getting in but didn't feel like suffering severe injury. It was tiny, tiny. Not even 2+2. I think the Cooper is roomier.

I was disappointed, too, because the reviews called a 4 seat sports car. Sure, if the rear passengers are 3 and 4 years old.

-juice

corkfish

The Subaru guy at the NY auto show stated the there would be a Turbo H6 in the Legacy next year. I'm not sure how well informed he was though.

vegoen

How urgent is it to have AWD on this WRX? I mean come on do we really need to pay thousands extra for this feature.

I know plenty of cars without AWD that can manage through bad weather. Subaru sure knows how to steal some extra cash from its buyers.

They would make more sales selling a turbo 4 cyl for under 20k

qbrozen

And what the hell is with manufacturers like Ferrari and BMW not making FWD cars and offering them cheaper?? And why can't Dodge make a Viper with a 4-cyl engine and offer it for half price?? Damn! I hate all these frills that are designed just to RIP ME OFF!

vegoen

The non-budget concious consumers this car is unbeliable.

What more can you want? AWD, Big Turbo, H engine, Limited Slip, Subaru reliablity, I mean this a dream, anyone realize that?,

For driving this car is great, not to mention the disc breaks and 4 wheelin independent suspension

Im gettin a used one, cause i got low budget

kenoka

Did that guy vegoen just argue with himself, or is it just me?

vegoen

They could have made it with traction control instead of expensive AWD.

Bad weather is seldom in the suburbs of Chicago so when it happens its short, and I dont drive much anyway in that weather.

For you windy road enthusiasts, and rally experience dreamers, this is for you I guess.

I cant think of a car that has turbo for under 20k so I dont recommend wasting money on WRX which doesnt supply much technology other than performance based

vegoen

qbrozen

I think I've counted 3 personalities coming from him so far. anyone get a different number?

vegoen

I was speaking for close budget consumers and non conscious budget consumers, so i wasnt arguing i was just looking at it from two different views.

Do you have any views on this?

vegoen

Do you read the posts to make sure it sounds good before actually understanding what material is written? theres nothing comical about ur posts so calm down and give it a rest

kevin111

Do not want AWD, but want the performance and sub $20K for a turbocharged car.

"I cant think of a car that has turbo for under 20k so I dont recommend wasting money on WRX which doesnt supply much technology other than performance based "

1. Dodge SRT-4
2. MazdaSpeed Protege

Check out the latest Car and Driver for a write-up on both. Probably the top two compact sports sedans around $20K

pat

Folks, please -- we are not here to talk about each other.

Don't feed the trolls with personal comments and reactions.

If they are trolls they'll go away. If they aren't they'll behave more appropriately if they really want help.

OTOH, if you wish to address the questions seriously, please do so; that is what we are here for.

Thanks.

himiler

In a sports-minded vehicle, traction control is a poor substitute for AWD.

The WRX is the "real deal" becuase of the AWD -- it isn't some wannabe FWD poser-mobile.

You might be happier in a less-expensive Sentra SE-R.

vegoen

Yea I looked at the SRT and the mazdaspeed, what would you recommend looking at it from a reliablity top attribute and perforamnce 2nd

vegoen

Are you saying traction control is not helpfull in bad weather? himilar?

And what do you mean by "real deal" its not a good deal cause your paying too much for it when it isnt being used a lot.

When you say "wannabe" and "poser" FWD"/
what are you implying, those 2 words are the same meaning, and whats wrong with FWD?

vegoen

I have a friend with a grand prix and he has traction control, he uses it when theres bad weather and when not he turns it off.

So in a "sports minded" vehicle traction is not most important my friend