Subaru Impreza WRX

c_hunter

Edmunds usually lists the current incentives. I just checked here and it shows $750 cash back. You might want to check with the dealer to see if this is reflected in his quote.

I guess you should also look at otehr dealers. The local ones near me usually have 10-20 WRXs in stock, so there's plenty to choose from without having to order.

Craig

sensei1

For those that switched over, just curious what pressures you're running with. I switched over about 4 months ago and have been varying tire pressures just to feel differences.

Started with 33(F)/32(R), seemed soft (jiggly), then to 34/33. Rotated tires today after 6k+ and set it to 35/34. I'll see how it feels. I've got the M+S ZR's 90W rated 44 max cold. Thanks...

lilbluewgn02

Try Mastro Subaru in Tampa...great people to deal with and very mod-friendly...ask for Pete Mastro

ateixeira

Offer $750 under invoice, due to the rebate. In some regions you can get that.

-juice

c_hunter

I have an aftermarket wheel/tire setup, but I'm using whatever is listed on the door-jamb tag for the Subaru 17" wheel package, can't remember what it says. I like it -- the handling is fine and I would definitely not want to make the ride any harsher! I'm running RE-750 summer tires, and the sidewalls are quite stiff.

Craig

sensei1

Yeah, the door jamb tag is 33/32 for 215/45's though. Just felt a little soft. Thanks.

Fredy

c_hunter

Probably depends on the tire, then. What tires are you running?

Craig

bluesubie

Good point, Craig. I think the door tag recommendation is perfect for everyday driving on the Firehawks.
 
When I'm going to push it a little harder in the twisties on weekends, I'll up it by 4-6 psi's.

-Dennis

sensei1

I'm running 225/45 R17 ContiExtremes...

raybear

Dealers up this way are quoting below invoice and giving the rebate on top of that.

dgman

Hey everyone. I finally got my first 1000 miles put on my WRX. I was very nice to the car during the break in period. With my opportunity to give it more gas and more Revs finally here, I tried it and I was a little disappointed. It feels like the power is definitely there but everything I read described smooth power. My car seems to have a little studder through the high revs of 2nd and 3rd gear. I can only feel it when I'm really getting on the throttle and the revs get into the turbo zone. I use 91 octane. I would use 93 if I could find it. The AC was off. I'm wondering if I'm experiencing a problem with my turbo?? Anyone else experience anything like this? If I took the car to a dealer and took them out to repeat the problem, would they just tell me I'm pushing the car too hard?

1hokie

My car doesn't studder in the high rpm range - it passes through it pretty quickly actually. My car continuted to settle in until about 4-5k miles, though I started to actually "drive" it after 1k. I used 93 octane though - the studder could be caused by a lower octane, IMHO.

bkaiser1

My 04 WRX seems to do the same thing...there's a noticable shuddering/skipping in the power delivery at times. Usually the shuddering appears in 2nd or 3rd gear and starts as early as 2K rpms. If I keep my right foot down, the stuttering will subside after the turbo gets spooled up after 3K rpms. It's done this on and off since I bought the car new, and still does it now with 12K miles on it...I just chalked it up a quirk of the turbo motor (?).

In a possibly related quirk, I've noticed that sometimes (maybe 5% of the time) my turbo will kick in REALLY hard right after 3K rpms in 1st or second gear, but most of the time it's a really gentle transition. I don't routinely wind the engine up past 4K rpms, but I still don't understand how the engine can feel SO gutless at times and so powerful at others under the same conditions (pulling away from a light, for instance). Is this the "open loop/closed loop" problem I've heard about in some 04's?

Brian

jim_loves_cars

Dean,

My '04 Wagon did the same thing when first broken in. I'd get get on the gas and it would get a bit jerky under full throttle above 4K RPM. It was like something was cycling, creating little power surges. I'm happy to report I had forgotten all about this until your post. I was "keeping an eye on it" and I guess it stopped happening because I can't recall the last time it occurred, and I'm on the gas alot! : )

My car has just over 10,000 miles and has developed into a very smooth-running and powerful machine. Part of it is me learning the car and part of it is the car breaking in. At any rate, hang in there for a few more thousand miles and see if it keeps up.

jbrother

i am considering purchasing a wrx wagon, and was wondering what results people have had with the factory short shifter. i have sat in a few and the regular shifter seems to feel better than the optional short shift. the short shifter feels a little notchy and stiff. any thoughts?? thank you...

c_hunter

It is a bit more notchy and stiff, and there is more effort required (which makes sense, since the lever arm is shorter). In addition, you get more vibrations through the shifter because the short shifter does not have a damper (the stock shifter does). All that said, I love my short shifter, especially after I added Kartboy bushings. It is very precise and direct. Once you're used to it, the stock shifter seems sloppy.

I guess the important thing is to go with what feels right to you. Not everybody likes the short shifter.

Craig

jimmys2

I have the factory short shifter in my '02 Wagon. Yes, it was a little baulky at first but by around five thousand miles it was much improved. I now have 20k miles on the shifter and I don't regret my purchase at all. The shifter is now very slick, I would recommend this option to any performance oriented driver.

paisan

About 100 msgs ago someone was looking for upgrades. On my webpage http://AZPInstalls.com there is a page set aside for what we feel would be good upgrade paths.

-mike

cyberdyne

Thanks for the info. I'll give them a look into if their not to far from Orlando.

bcannon1

Hey all,
Has anyone found or installed the acrylic hood protector shown in the 2004 WRX STI accessories flyer? None of the dealers in the Atlanta area know what I'm talking about when I call. They all say it's just for the RS, but it's in this flyer. I have a 03 WRX and would like to get one. Also, has anyone upgraded to an STI hood scoop on an 02 or 03 WRX?
Bob

hypov

Bob-
that will not fit the 02/03s. The hood protector for the 04s might be designed to accomodate the 04 WRXs, but the 02/03 acrylic hood protectors can only be used on the RS/TS/OBS.

-Dave

ppek

Be careful with hood protectors. I have read before that many block air flow to the hood scoop/intercooler.

Paul

paisan

The pre '04 ones block flow to the IC. On the '04+ ones they are designed for the IC and don't block flow to it.

-mike

bamawrx

When my car was first past the 1,000 miles I had the same problem, but it quickly went away. Reset the computer and drive the car hard. It will smooth right out.

mnevin

Now that it has gotten cold in Upstate New York, where I live, I notice two issues with my '02 WRX.

One issue is that it consistently gives off a raw gasoline smell for 15-20 minutes on cold days. This seems to happen consistenly when the temperature is in the 20's or below.

The second issue is that on very cold days (probably below 10 degress F, I get an occasional antifreeze smell. The car isn't vaporizing enough antifreeze to be a huge concern, but it is definitely present.

Anyone else experience either of these problems?

c_hunter

There's a TSB on the 02 WRX for exactly that problem. I think it's a clamp that needs to be tightened. Have it checked out by the dealer, I assume it's a freebie within the basic 3/36 warranty.

Craig

schiza

I to have the Gas Smell, I brought in last winter and they told me that it has something to do with a sensor and the gas additive they put in gas for the colder regions. Switching gas seems to help. I don't remember which brand helped the most. I'm trying diferent ones. I believe Moblil or Shell might help. I'm trying those next. The gas smell just started as temp's dipped below freezing up here in Boston. It only lasts 20 minutes as well. I notice an anti freeze smell occasionally but I'm not concerned about it. Since my levels never change.

silverex1

I also had a fuel smell in cold weather. Dont know what the cause is yet, my car is still at the dealer, but they told me there is a TSB on it and that they are replacing my fuel lines. I did find a leak left of the alternator (facing the engine).

paisan

Yup, I have the TSB downloaded. They shorten a hard line by 30mm and lengthen a rubber one by 30mm.

-mike

schiza

I'm making an appointment to bring it to the dealer as well, the smell is much worse now. This should have been taken care of last year. Thanks

kevin111

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?step=step4&- amp;year=2002&make=Subaru&model=Impreza&style=WRX+AWD- +4dr+Sedan+%282.0L+4cyl+Turbo+5M%29&zip=91766&popup=curre- nt&synpartner=edmunds&tid=edmunds...mnt.step2.9.Subaru*#5

dgman

If I do a turbo back exhaust modification, will my rear O2 sensor that plugs into the midpipe still function properly or will I get a check engine light? I plan to buy a system that still has a cat in the mid pipe such as the XS package. Can anyone with experience on ths please comment. Thanks.

c_hunter

If you can install the O2 sensor into the new mid-pipe, it should be just fine. I think many of the popular turbo-backs have a threaded bung for the O2 sensor. Just be careful not to damage it.

Craig

prayerfor

dgman --

Oddly enough, it seems that some WRXs with turbobacks throw the P0420 Catalyst Inefficiency code, and others just don't, and thus going into it, it's impossible to say what will happen with any individual car. The type of driving you do will impact things too: most frequently it's highway cruising that causes the code to be thrown.

The other thing is that many of the aftermarket "high flow" cats have a tendency to degrade over time and lose their effectiveness. So, even if you don't have CEL problems right away, you could start getting them after a year or two.

As you probably know, there are a few active fixes for the problem though. You can splice a MIL eliminator into the rear O2 sensor wire, or you can handle it through an ECU reflash. Or you can do what I've done, which is purchase a scan tool that can read and reset the codes when they show up.

thody

Is it?

ateixeira

C&D's benchmark for the XT is 5.3s, for the WRX it's 5.4s, but other WRXs they tested were slower. So it's close and would probably depend on driver skill.

IMO the XT has the edge because of 25% extra displacement and better low end torque, making launches easier.

-juice

stupendousman

Are their 1/4 mile times for each out there?

c_hunter

XT is faster in a straight line, no question about it. However, throw some curves in there and the WRX will easily get out in front (assuming all else, namely driver skill, is equal).

Craig

andmoon

To me the XT feels like it takes off harder but tapers off after 5000rpms or so while the wrx keeps pulling to 7000rpm. I think the two are quite close in actual numbers but I prefer the feel of the wrx. Subjective. I'd love to overlap the two powerbands.

Don

kevin111

The XT is generally considered to be faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile due to the initial low-end torque and bigger displacement. Once the vehicles get going, it is a virtual dead heat (50+ mph).

Someone posted a link comparing the two side-by-side.

Handling is another story altogether.

merrycynic

This may be a dumb question, but, does it stand to reason that since the Impreza's all wheel drive system delivers more power to the tires that have more traction and is front heavy, that the extra weight would offer more opportunity for traction at the front and hence the all wheel drive system would be biased towards front wheel drive? Perhaps my premise is incorrect or perhaps this has been calculated in/out to maintain better balance to avoid the inherent understeer that might (again my premise may be wrong) be expected? Furthermore, if my premise is correct(?) does that mean that the adjustable rearward bias of the all wheel drive system in the STi really just permits an equal balance between front and rear to compensate for the weight bias, or is the STi when set up this way really behaving more like a rear wheel drive car with inherent oversteer qualities? I realize that there is more to front wheel/rear wheel drive under/oversteer than these simple paramaters, but I think you can get my drift.

c_hunter

On WRX manual-trans cars, the nominal power split is 50% Front / 50% Rear and redistribution only occurs when there is slippage somewhere. The weight distribution is about 60% F / 40% R. If there's any FWD bias, it would be very small. I think most people would agree that the WRX has more of a neutral to oversteer characteristic, with some minor understeer in some cases. Suspension and tire really control that as much as power and weight.

If there was significant understeer and you pushed the car hard, the front wheels would probably break loose, triggering power transfer aft. That would probably keep the understeer in check.

I have not pushed my WRX too hard, but I do take curves fairly agressively. The car has been very well planted, but I can steer actively with the throttle. Feels more like a neutral to oversteering behavior to me. My previous sports car (FWD Honda Prelude) was neutral to understeering in behavior, so I know what that's like!

Craig

ateixeira

The VC tends toward neutral but can wag the tail.

The VTD tends towards RWD and can definitley wag the tail. :-)

-juice

andmoon

Power understeer (oversteer when slippery...I am guessing this happens because the open front diff. lets one wheel slip making the car think the front has no traction and then sends power to the rear at which point the rears break away...at which point I thought the power would be routed back to the front but the rear just keeps spinning) and lift throttle oversteer is what mine does. Fun but not the best situation when hard braking and turning at the same time.

ps. I played around in an empty snow covered parking lot where a Police officer came by and instead of a ticket or warning, asked me how the awd worked!

regfootball

so, many of you WRX drivers are over 30? According to mr. logic the WRX is not an appropriate car for someone not of youth. So far as to even call the WRX a childish vehicle.

Be interested in knowing what makes the WRX so inappropriate for someone like me, 35 y.o. with a new kid, wants a fun to drive car with some utility (wagon might be preferred for me) and maybe doesn't mind the safety and traction of AWD.

It seems as though its socially unacceptable for someone like me to drive a car with a spoiler and fancy gauges.

twrx

Yes there is no doubt that the WRX is better left for a 51 year old such as myself. I have a 5 speed 03 Sonic Yellow seddan (Yes it has the spoiler, a fancy gauge--turbo boost, momo shift knob to match the momo wheel, carbon fiber trim, and a Webasto power sunroof.) I am a high school science teacher and the stdunts seem to be more in awe of the car than my teaching. Of course there is no thing as age specific car. How about a bright red 1998 Honda Civic 5 speed hatch? My 91 year old mother drives that.

Why be bored with a Buick or Ford? I can't drive a boring car. I gotta go to work every day and driving to and from is the highlight of the day. By the eay it is a very practical car. The gas mileage is reasonable, super safe, room for four and good luggage room even in the sedan, and find weather conditions that can stop it. This summer I am heading to Utah with my wife in the WRX. I have never had a turbo to drive at high altittude but I know that there can't be a more fun out there.
TWRX

c_hunter

WRX is awesome. I've had it for a year, and every time I drive it feels like a special privilege. It's also become a fun hobby for me -- I like buying accesories and mods for the car, and usually have 1-2 projects going on every month, as my budget allows. It's the perfect commuter car, and I can get 22mpg while having a blast (or up to 28mpg when I go easy). Seats are awesome too.

You only live once, may as well have fun, and the WRX is just what the doctor ordered for me.

Craig

merrycynic

Some people are so gullible. They buy into all that Madison Avenue cow dung. It makes them uncomfortable when people don't fit into all the little cubbies that who knows who decided was appropriate for who knows who decided demographic slices. Why is it that only middle aged people are having a crisis when they buy performance cars?

twrx

I bought an '84 CRX when I was 31, a '94 Delsol when I was 41 and my 03 WRX when I was 51. The one that bugs me is that I am supposed to be listening to soft rock or redneck country music at my age. Most chat people know of the discussions that Patti and I have about King Crimson, Tool and others. I bought my first mountain bike at age 40, went dog sledding for the first time at age 41, whitewater rafting at age 45 and got a new road bike at age 50 last summer. I did only 300 miles on it last summer. I want to do more next summer.

TWRX

Told the wife to take me to a mental hospital if I ever bought a Cadillac or Lincoln.

regfootball

thanks for the affirmation. I love that you buy what you want and what you enjoy.

Bet those teens keep you on your toes.

"I am a high school science teacher and the stdunts seem to be more in awe of the car than my teaching."

too funny. but I'll bet it keeps your image up around school. Image is everything to teens.

I just don't see the WRX being a car that only has appeal to the under 20 set. I've always figured it had broader appeal.

For me the car is a little small and tight and I would need the wagon version. How quick is the WRX in normal traffic? I've always assumed the mags got the killer 0-60's on the REX by abusing the clutch on dropclutch starts.

Yeah, and what's with the notion that middle agers are supposed to listen to soft rock? YECH.