Subaru Impreza WRX

mikenk

I am 62 and have the WRX wagon. I hope I never get too old to enjoy the thrill of active driving. That said, I must admit that the styling of the sedan just does not appeal to me; it does have too much of a 'boy racer' look to it. The STI is totally out of the question, but give me an 'subtle' STI wagon and I will be first in line.

It would be interesting to know the average driver ages for the sedan versus the wagon.

Mike

qbrozen

but what if its a caddy CTS-V? Or even a Cien? If she takes you to the hospital, let her know I'd be happy to take that "old-man's" car off her hands.

subarusaleshou

shows a "young" lady of 73 driving her WRX wagon and stating that stick shift is the only way to go.

c_hunter

I think Car and Driver called it the perfect "point and squirt" car for traffic. I don't normally drive that way, but still find the WRX great for driving around. It will behave like a regular old small car in normal driving (and cruises nicely on the highway) but is just a downshift and right-foot jab away from being a serious sports car. The handling is better than my old 97 Prelude, and it's easier to drive an manage all the power.

I really baby my WRX but still manage some very quick launches. Check out Car and Driver's 5-60 street start specs, I believe the WRX does well (it certainly does for me).

Craig

merrycynic

Gee, I love my WRX wagon, but, I think that lack of low end torque and the time taken for the turbo to spool up makes for some anxiety when using the WRX as a "point and squirt" vehicle. I will say that while the narrow wheels base might be a bit a handicap on the open road it sure does facilitate the "point and squirt" use.

merrycynic

Mike, while the looks of the STi wouldn't rule it out for me, it certainly reduces its appeal. I'm sorry, but, your dead wrong when you say that if Subaru made a subtle STi Wagon, you'd be first in line, you'd have to cue up behind me.

kevin111

"Incredibly maneuverable and agile around town. A real cut-and-thrust king in traffic."
— Phillips Car and Driver, October, 2002 issue.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_- id=2588&page_number=2

merrycynic

Go figure?

merrycynic

Kevin, nearly forgot. Thanks for the link.

kevin111

jim_loves_cars

I too was concerned about demogrwphic bs when I bought my WRX wagon last summer. I'm glad I did. It's a real treat every day -- It's small enough to toss around when I want to and big enough to fit me, my wife and our two-year boy for a day of errands (even to the discount store!). I now have a set of snows on the car (Dunlop WinterSport M2) and it is unflappable in snow and ice.

Bottom line - if you're a car guy who needs a car to be practical, petite, fun and safe, I cannot think of a better car to get into than the WRX wagon, whatever your age.

Keep us posted!

Jim

prayerfor

Think of it this way: most Porsche drivers are 35+ (I'd have to assume)... the WRX is just a practical-man's Porsche!

regfootball

good deal. now if the price would come down a bit.

c_hunter

I think you can develop a system for driving the WRX that keeps it right in the meaty band of the engine. I know I can. I wouldn't drive like that all the time, but the car can certainly point and squirt if you keep the boost on tap. Usually, that just means keeping a gear lower in those situations where you need immediate response. I think it's part of the challenge of driving this car effectively.

If you guys think the WRX has turbo lag, you should have driven some of the late 80s - early 90s turbo cars! Some of the turbo Saabs, Chrysler 2.2 turbos, and turbo Mitsubishis were pretty much on/off with the power. Heck, even my 97 Prelude (non-turbo but VTEC) was a worse dog at low RPM.

Craig

stupendousman

I commute about 55 miles to work everyday. I think the Rex is a great "point and squirt" sort of vehicle.

Just remember the following:
1. point.
2. DOWNSHIFT
3. squirt.

If you forget to downshift, it will be you doing the squirting, not the car.

merrycynic

Gee, maybe we have different ideas on what point and squirt mean. I drive in New York City a lot. Often times one might be at a complete stand still and then there is an opening, now's the time to point and squirt. Now I'm not saying you can't do it in a WRX, but, there sure is alot more anxiety with WRX than a lot of other cars I've had.

c_hunter

If you forget to downshift, it will be you doing the squirting, not the car.

Man, that gave me a real laugh!

Craig

c_hunter

Often times one might be at a complete stand still and then there is an opening, now's the time to point and squirt. Now I'm not saying you can't do it in a WRX, but, there sure is alot more anxiety with WRX than a lot of other cars I've had.

Do you have a 5-spd or an auto? I'm asking because, with my 5-spd WRX, I can pretty much peel my eyelids back when I floor it in first gear. There may be a brief moment of lag, but from 3000rpm on up, it hauls serious A.

Craig

regfootball

is that in the form of #1-ing (and #2 I guess) in ones pants in anticipation of what will happen next or in reference to squirting out of the car upon impact?

tnisace86

I know this question/topic came up early in this thread, but I never received an answer as to how reliable a WRX is. A fair reliability comparison would be against something like a Celica, RSX or eclipse. A comparison against something like an Acord would not be fair.

hypov

I've owned my WRX wagon a month over a year now, I have yet to take her in for anything besides routine oil change

-Dave

tnisace86

Of course a one year old car should have no problems. What I'm concerned about is whether or not it's as reliable as the toyotas and hondas. Looking at long term reliability.

c_hunter

As long as you don't beat the crap out of the car, the WRX will be very reliable. I've seen posts on other forums where people go 100K or more with no major problems. The current model has only been out in the US since spring 2001, so most people have not reached super-high mileage yet. Based on previous models and other Subarus, I'd say the WRX will be pretty good.

I have three Subarus (Outback, Forester, and WRX), and I'd say the WRX has the highest quality of the three, followed by the Forester, then the Outback. I only have 5000 miles on my year old WRX, but it has been a flawless gem so far. I'm nothing but impressed with the car, and the build quality is excellent.

Only complaints I ever hear about are the paint chipping too easily. I probably have fixed about 5-6 chips on my car thus far.

If you're really concerned, check out Consumer Reports data. As I remember, Subarus score very high, on par or better than Toyota/Honda.

Craig

mikenk

I admit I am somewhat of a statistical junkie. I believe the best data for long term reliability is that published by Consumer Reports. It shows statistically accurate year to year data for most major brands. As a brand, Subaru maintains high reliability over all the years, but not quite as high as Toyota/Lexus brand but pretty close to Honda. The Impreza line has been in particular very high; thr WRX is not seperated in the data

Here's the Caveat. Manufacturers are always improving, or hoping to improve, reliability but their long time reliability reputation is built on older platforms. So there is always something of a gamble when you buy a new car from that perspective; however, certainly, you would expect the WRX to be very reliable as it ages. Between Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, I would not pick one or the other just from expected reliability.

Personally, I (or my family) have owned a number of cars from those three brands and my experience has been excellent on all. I currently have 25K on my WRX with no problems and no hint of problems. I also have 30k on an Outback VDC with only a computer reboot against its record.

The bottom line is your reliability odds are with you on all three brands, go with the car that makes you smile.

saintviper

65,000 miles so far. I find the interior rattles a little more than it used to. Had to have the armrest extension replaced as they stripped the threads when it was initially installed and it literally fell off. Not a single mechanical issue so far.

hypov

Other than my WRX, my '99 OBS hasn't made any rattling. Only issue was the rear wiper pump which was replaced.

-Dave

bruticus

What kind are they? Can you share how you bought them/how much $$?

TIA

DjB

c_hunter

They are 17" Mille Miglia Avias, in bright silver. Got them from TireRack on closeout for $120 each, which was a steal -- they normally retailed for $180 each. The only downside is the weight of 21 lbs, but that's not too bad for a stout 17" wheel. So far, they've been great and held up well. I'm sure the extra weight knocked a tenth or two off my 0-60 time, but I haven't noticed much effect (weather seems to impact the WRX more than wheel weight!).

I was planning on some Rotas until I saw the sale on the Avias. The Rota SDR and Tarmac II were on my list (they run about $165 each and weigh 19 lbs or so).

What I really wanted were the Subaru 5-spoke pressure cast wheels. Those went for about $250-300 each and are in the 17-18lb range. One thing I like about the Avias is that they look very similar to the Subaru wheels.

Craig

merrycynic

Craig, I have a manual. There is no doubt that the WRX gets to its pointed destination quickly, its just that the manner in which it does so doesn't initially inspire the most confidence. Of course the more one uses the car the more confidence one gets, but never the less its not exactly my idea of the perfect point and squirt car. Often times I'll be in Manhattan, say E. 42nd street going West and I'll want to make a left hand turn , now there can be up to 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and a mass of wandering pedestrians. Even the best laid plans may have to be reconsidered. The lack of low end torque and the spool time of the turbo can make for a little more stress should one have to suddenly stop and redirect. Remember this can happen a couple of times in very short time. I haven't driven it myself, but I get the impression this (amongst other things) is something that the STi's can handle with ease. Man, would I welcome that. Subaru, how about it, we need an STi Wagon!

andmoon

Make that an STi wagon without all the flares and wings...maybe even slightly softer suspension?

merrycynic

andmoon,
 I agree with with regards to the flares and wings, but, I find my WRX wagon rolls a bit more then I'd like and even though I haven't driven it, I think I'd take the STi suspension despite the comfort compromise. Then again maybe a move from 16" wheels to 17" wheels might do the trick? I sure would like to try both to find out for myself.

c_hunter

17" wheels/tires makes a huge improvement in handlinng and steering feel, but the ride does degrade quite a bit.

Craig

nowakj66

The WRX came to the US in 2001 as a 2002 and was refreshed in 2003 as a 2004. When a can an "all new" model be expected? 4 years as a 2006 intro'd in 2005?

Kirstie_H

Don't forget tonight's open chat -- Our topic tonight is "Driving distractions: what makes you a bad driver?"



http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

bluesubie

17's and the SPT 20mm swaybar were a big improvement on my wagon. The ride was a little harsher, but it also depends on the tires. some tires have a smoother ride than others.

Yes, I think the new WRX will be out in '05 as an '06.

-Dennis

c_hunter

jim_loves_cars

I was sitting at a stoplight on Route 10 in Northern NJ in my silver WRX wagon last night waiting for the light to change. Out of the corner of my eye is see a dark car pull up next to me on the left. As the light begins to change, I see the car next to me nudge up to the white line a bit. Something in my head told me to give her some juice coming off the line, which I did. It wasn't the best launch, but should have been goog enough. But I didn't get the usual results -- the car next to me simply pulls away like I'm not even trying. This is a rare thing when you're trying to go fast in a WRX.

A van pulls out in my lane about a quarter mile up the road so I let off the gas, easily beaten and a bit dismayed. Then I see who beat me -- a WRC Blue WRX STi!! It wasn't a race, it was a celebration of Subie Power!! An act of brotherhood, a display WRX superiority. Man that car was fast!

I caught up to the guy down the road and gave him a big grin. It made my night.

-jim

PS - If they made an STi wagon that guy would have had his hands full!

bluesubie

You forgot to add the dislaimer that you did not exceed the speed limit. ;-)

Since the STi wagon isn't currently made, just bring over the 300 h.p. STi Forester. :-)
http://www.carview.co.jp/tas/2004/car/photo/sti/forester_sti/01.j- - pg

http://www.carview.co.jp/tas/2004/car/photo/sti/forester_sti/02.j- pg

-Dennis

ateixeira

I'm drooling so much my keyboard might short-circuit...)(*^Y(*&%$#(@*&%^(#*$&

It did. ;-)

-juice

jim_loves_cars

...and put a WRX badge on it....

merrycynic

I've said it before. I don't much like the looks, but, man oh man does that ever work for me! Subaru bring it on over!

bluesubie

andmoon

merrycynic,
A lot of the roll you feel is from the tires rolling over. 17's made it flatter and 20mm rear bars from 02 to early 03 (I heard the late 03 on sedans got the 17mm) make it even flatter. Watch out for trail throttle oversteer. I wanted the sti suspension until I rode in one...fun but too stiff for the wife or kids.
Don

buddhabman

Any confirmation on the WRC Championship Celebration Special Edition STi. Reports from SubDriven that a "WR1" edition STi is being made, with special upgrades from Prodrive and 320HP. I wonder if it is coming to the states or if this is the upgrade to the 05 US model.

kevin111

There is a Special Edition of the STI comming out, but not sure if it will have a power upgrade. Also, will only have the 2.0L engine and will only be sold in Japan.

http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/v_limited/
http://www.i-club.com/ (scroll half-way down)

bluesubie

The U.S. got two Limited Editions.

A few hundred Blaze Yellow 02's and a few hundred other kind of yellow 03's. :-D

The WR1 is nice! Don't forget that a big difference is that it has the Prodrive Performance Pack, which comes with a warranty in the UK but not the U.S. :-(

-Dennis

ateixeira

I doubt we'll see it here because the US model uses a different engine entirely. Emissions testing along would delay it.

-juice

buddhabman

They could make one for the US market with the Prodrive suspension or cosmetic bits. I also think they can emissions tune the car to over 320HP with no problems. I think Vishnu is now offering the XEDE system with special exhaust for 360+HP & TRQ(Flywheel)for the STi. Not sure if is emissions legal but probably is. He tunes out of Cali. near Santa Cruz.

andmoon

Anyone hear nasty knock for 1 to 2 seconds once the motor gets load in real cold weather?
Don

ateixeira

On my Miata, yeah...

;-)

-juice