Subaru Impreza WRX

kens

If you click the link to the topic above, you'll see that the graph was actually created by one of the VWVortex forum administrators.

I believe the intent of the graph was to see if VW could find an engine in it's current product line that could compete with the EJ20 and keep the price to below $25K.

Just thought it was cool to see a snapshot of some engines.

Ken

mmcbride1

For an engine and under $25k. I agree about the TT engine (225 hp), but I doubt we'll ever see it. Audi would either have to up the hp on the TT, or sell the VW for big $. Unfortunately for us, they're not going to take the engine out of their $40k roadster and give it to us in a $25k VW.

the_rock73

I was wondering if anybody who bought a Impreza WRX, got it below MSRP or got some other kind of a deal.

patchin1

... is big enough difference to just eyeball it. Are you sure you measured the right bar?
Or, you can measure the circumference and divide it by 3.141592654.......

wil02

I paid 4.5% over invoice for a yellow one.

bedabi

I did (invoice + $400, $22,444) and so have many others. In fact there's a whole list of where people had done so in i-club.

http://www.i-club.com/

In the "General" forum section, entitled "I need a list of every dealer that sold a WRX under MSRP", last post 4/1/01. Good luck.

jacklock

I purchased my Silver WRX Sedan 5 speed manual w/ the following options:
1) Spoiler
2) Security System Upgrade
3) Sound System Upgrade (Subwoofer/Amp + Upgraded Speakers)
4) Carbon Fiber Patterned Trim
5) Armrest Extension
Before taxes my price was $25450 (incl dest charge). So if you do the math, I got it for roughly $500 off MSRP. This was through Planet Subaru in Norwell, MA.(great people, honest, no hassle) Most of the other dealers I was working with in Massachusetts were selling at MSRP. One was even selling for $2000 above MSRP! I too was looking for a deal and hoping to purchase for 800 over invoice or better, but I was not willing to drive far to do so. In the end, it didn't matter all to much to me and I just pulled the trigger. At least I have the enjoyment of watching people giving me the "Hey, isn't that the new Subaru in the commercials?" look.

kostamojen2

I guess it is a 13mm bar...

Well, anyone know how much it costs for the WRX 21mm bar + parts neccesary for it? My cousin just got an RS, and I think he might want to know...

mi_25rs

kostamojen2-

If you refer to message #1183, locke2c suggested I contact Ryan for the WRX bar. He quoted me a price of $159+shipping for the stab bar including bushings. He also suggested that I could wait for an adjustable bar with urethane bushings that would come out in a few weeks. I have seen adjustable bars for the previous Impreza run in the $150-$180 range. I am going to wait for a little while to see what else comes out.

-Eric

ateixeira

Guess it's up to the VW aftermarket to challenge the WRX's power - and they will.

jack: those commercials are sweet. Actually, Audi had a similar one come out just before it - same ad agency?

I would not pay $160 for a non-adjustable bar with rubber bushings. Not worth it. The 18mm bar for my Forester was exactly half that much. Wait for the urethane bushings and adjustable bar.

-juice

jeffr1j

If you want to keep this discussion off the thread, feel free to e-mail me at jeffr1j@netscape.net. I'm in the process of buying a silver wagon from Planet Subaru. I didn't get a discount but they gave me a fair trade-in and are willing to take my factory wheels and tires and give me $500 for them. I've got some ASA 17X7's and Bridgestone RE950's coming.

How do you like the armrest extension? Is it worth the amount charged and can it be added at any time? Did you buy the extended warranty? After talking to Tina and Dan in Planet's business office, I was quoted a fairly high price. I found a dealer in Florida, http://www.mastrosubaru.com/ that quoted a much lower price and Tina said they'd match it. If you didn't do the ESP, you might want to reconsider at the lower prices.

Jeff

drew_

Just a reminder of the Subaru crew chat tonight at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern. Yours truly will be hosting once again. Looking forward to it, and I hope to see some of you there!

The link to the chat is near the top of this page, just under the topic title.


Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

barresa62

For me, it was totally worth it. It does two things, 1)brings the armrest up to the same height as the door rests , and 2) gives you more storage space in the center console, something it really needs since space is tight.

You can put this extension on at any time. It doesn't seem to be that difficult of a task. I had mine put in before I bought my WRX.

Stephen

drew_

Check out Edmunds' just posted video review of the WRX here:

http://www.edmunds.com/video/roadtests.html


Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

revdrluv

I had a crazy experience testing an impreza. The car I drove was one of the yellows with every performance option subaru offers right now. The dealer took me to this road close by that nobody seemed to be using and once we pulled on to it he said, "alright go ahead". I punched it through the roads nice curves and corners but stopped myself at about 70 mph. I was a something like a 35 mph road and it wasn't my car so you can understand that hesitation. The car was simply amazing. At the end of the road the dealer told me to stop the car. He got in the drivers seat and before I could even get my belt on he said, "now let me show you how to take those corners". While I was fumbeling with the belt he reved the engine up to 6000 rpms (i understand thats the only way to get the tires to squeek) and launched. He hit those same curves at 100-110 maybe more at points and I for some reason still couldn't get that belt on. The wrx didn't even flinch, no tires squeeking, zero body roll and I didn't hardly move in my seat, amazing. My girlfriend was with me and she used to drive her friends supra and was very impressed and even thought the car felt more stable and solid. After that i got back in the drivers seat and drove it back to the dealership.
I know you are thinking I would hate to be the chump who gets that car but the car was already sold. Some guy who owns and races porsches in his spare time bought the car after one test drive. He negoitiated some deal with the dealers to give him 500 $ off the car if they could let people test it and get orders since it was their last one. They just had to keep the test miles down which is why i could only go to that one road.
Another crazy thing is that the dealer i drove with didn't even have a licence. He also races and owns several modded cars. He lost his licence for excessive speeds racing down city streets.
The worst thing about this otherwise fun experience was that I have found out now that the car is out of my price range. I am going to have to go for a used prelude or 2.5rs or something. I have serious WRX envy. If you are driving down the road someday and you see some poor sap racing to keep up with you wrx owners just to get a look and drool a bit, it will probably be me. If you are nice you might even let me drive it a little ; ) Oh and for all you auto jounalists and critics out their, I think this is a beautiful car leaps and bounds ahead of the previous gens dated styling. sorry about the novel

focus18

the wrx is selling at a premium in canada; most import car used a 1.25 formula (hey, we are not as well off), but the wrx is 1.4. both the wrx sedan and wagon are selling for $35,000 cdn $. Some dealer will give you a gesture of say, $500. They are making a killing on the wrx.

kostamojen2

Sway bar: The WRX bar is perfect for the car, but rubber bushings? I think i'd have to get a aftermarket one just for the bushings

rev: Every performance option? You mean it had the STi Exhaust, STi suspension, short shifter, gauge pack, and BBS rims???
Anyway, go test drive one of the new 2002 RS's, theyre a heck of alot like the rex in terms of how they drive minus the turbo of course.

rockribbed

Hores power is a wondrous thing, but it is torque that gets you moving. 200lb/ft of torque @ 1500 rpm will light up mosts car's tires, while 250hp at 4500 rpm will eat up a lot of clutches to get the same action.

hersbird

good thing the WRX makes over 200lb/ft of torque.

gam2

Sat in, didn't Drive, a WRX. Very nice package but short on rear seat space (I could not sit in the rear with the front seat adjusted for my 6'-0"
frame). And who designs the armrests? Even if I had monkey arms they would do me no good, even with the armrest extension. Otheriwse, way cool.
A poor mans BMW or Porsche. 24 grand loaded. I do question using the same tire size on the Outback Sport. I also hope everyone who buys super low profile 17" tires for their WRX's don't ruin their ride quality too much. Not a good choice here in Wisconsin unless you have a set of winter tires. Maybe Subaru will win over a few Honda drivers who are lamenting the loss of the Civic SI.
GAM

sajohnson

I'm 6'2" and had no trouble fitting in the rear seat of either the wagon or sedan with the front seat adjusted for a comfortable driving position. The wagon does have slightly more head and leg room. May be a difference in torso vs. leg length.

kostamojen2

You think the WRX back seat space is sparce... Go try putting a Jetta or A4 driver seat all the way back and try fitting in the back! The WRX/New Impreza has more than you think back there, but not as much as the Civic or Focus.

qbrozen

I agree with #1224 about the back seat being roomier than an A4. I drove both in the same day. In the A4, with the driver's seat set to fit me (6'5"), I was maybe an inch away from the back of my seat actually touching the rear seat!!

As far as the arm rests go, I guess I have arms longer than a monkey's because those arm rests are almost perfect.

perrito

Rumor has it (OK, it's confirmed) that SOA is going to release in April 2003 an even more powerful STi version of the WRX. The car will have 270+hp, and around the same amount of torque, and will start (MSRP) at 29,995.00.

Gentlemen (and ladies, of course), start your waiting lists....

perrito

hersbird

Do you know how many additional features the STi has over a WRX? When Subie trys to get an extra $3000 for a set of BBS wheels do you really think they'll put in a revised valvetrain, turbo, intercooler, engine internals, suspension, brakes, incooler water coolers, wheels and tires, etc, etc, etc, and the biggie, the 6 speed manual all for a measely $5000? I'm sure it will be at least $35 if they do bring it here without watering it down quire a bit.

ateixeira

I thought the WRX had the same internals.

Any how, someone reported Mitsu will bring the EVO here for $25k, which I seriously doubt. But if they're even close, Subaru will be pressured to price the STi close to that.

-juice

perrito

Yo hersbird,

Truly, the price will start somewhere around $29,995 for the 2003 WRX STi model, and this was given by a reputable Subaru dealer, from S.O.A.

The fact that they are trying to charge $3,000 for BBS wheels is little surprise, considering how reasonable the WRX costs from the get-go: dealers make a lot of money off their OPTIONS, so it's pretty logical.

I remember when we first heard of the WRX coming state-side, and most publications were putting the price at somewhere between 27-28K, and it turns out to be a bit less...

It's coming... mark my words.

locke2c

I think the BBS forged wheels were simply a very bad choice. There are many 17" wheels in the FHI stable, besides the possibility of going with something new for the NA market... I think a reasonably price model would have been a better choice, instead of the pricey BBS forged wheels. Forged wheels are expensive yes... and the BBS prices are not unexpected... but is it the right thing to list as a 17" option?

No way.

-Colin

ateixeira

Look at it another way, the wheels may cost $3000, but if they all came that way, you wouldn't need to be replacing the $1500 16" wheels and tires. So they'd add $1500 to the retail price, not $3000.

Same with all the suspension upgrades. You only pay the difference in cost. Not to mention economies of scale.

That plus the WRX is $24k, so they've got $6 grand to spend on upgrades.

-juice

rsholland

the WRX, except North America, the WRX comes standard with 17" wheels. Why not here? It makes no sense, whatsoever.

I saw a WRX on a dealer lot with the 17" wheel/tire package. It costs $4200. YIKES! And... that's the only WRX I've seen, outside of a car show or in a magazine, with that wheel/tire comb.

I'd be very curious to find out what SOA's thinking was on this marketing fiasco. Patti, what's the inside scoop here?

Bob

locke2c

Yeah, but the no one else has those forged BBS wheels as their 17". They have considerably cheaper cast aluminum wheels all around.

alkdarf

Hi,

Would anybody what the invoice price is for a 2002 Impreza 2.5RS up in Canada. I mean I can do the conversion but the CAN$ sucks right now so it wouldn't be accurate.

I know it's no exactly the perfect conversion to bring this up in but I fogure the more people to help the better right?!

Thanx a lot!!

WarpDrive

Somebody posted this on i-club.com He did not say what his source is.

WRX wagon = $31,660
WRX sedan = $31,660
Outback S = $24,120
TS = $20,605
RS = $24,675

rsholland

What the advantage of forged alloys vs. cast alloys? Stronger?

However, given a choice of $4200 forged BBS 17" wheels vs. the cast 17" wheels found on other markets, for me the answer is real easy. And.. I actually prefer the looks of the 17" cast wheels over the BBS wheels. They're certainly easier to clean.

Bob

locke2c

Weight and strength.

The thing about it is you can get even lighter-- and wider, very useful for a WRX or 02 RS sedan's huge fenders-- forged wheels for a whole lot less than the BBS. That's what's so odd, I mean you can get 17x7.5 Advan RG's for less (about $400-450 each). $3000 is ridiculous for someone shopping for a $24,000 car... fine for someone shopping for a $60,000 car.

-Colin

ateixeira

i Clubbers have reported paying $2200 for the BBSs. And they are a fine wheel. Still, I agree that making a cheaper 17" wheel standard would make more sense.

Early Miatas had a BBS option. The stock 14" alloys weigh about 12 lbs, while the half inch wider but also 14" BBSs were something like 9 lbs. That lowers unsprung weight, and remember they are wider than stock so there is more metal.

No surprise they are still sought after a decade later.

-juice

locke2c

I think that was only the 95M that had the forged BBS wheels you're talking about, Juice. Any 95M without those wheels isn't worth boo.

-Colin

ateixeira

Were they 14"? I'm pretty sure when I looked that they were the same diameter as mine. Didn't the '95s have 15"s?

-juice

ladybugnova

Hello and good morning. I have owned 2 Subies (an 80' GL and an 89 XT) which I greatly loved. So when I read about the WRX, I was pretty excited, especially after I watched a rally race on TV.

I hate to post negative things, but I had a terrible dealership experience at Farrish Subaru in Fairfax, Virginia. I e-mailed J. Delgado yesterday at Farrish Subaru, and expressed an interest in test-driving the WRX. He wrote back and told me arrange a time. I called and made an appointment to come in between 7 and 7:30 p.m. to test drive the WRX.

So when my husband and I got to the dealer, this affable enough young man greeted us and asked if we would like to look at the car. We said yes, and looked at the WRX, sat in it, etc. I was a little disappointed with its homely appearance, but I expected this, and knew that performance would be the real selling point--and since our other car is a 325xi, that's what I really care about.
I said, okay, so I would like to test drive it now. Delgado said, "you're going to shoot me, but my manager said that no one can test drive it if they weren't interested in buying this particular car." I paused, increduously, and said, "Well, maybe I am interested in buying this one, or ordering another one--but I gotta drive it first." Delgado hesitated. "But my manager is worried about all the miles on this car (36) and I have had to turn away 30 other people or so." Again, I said I might be interested in buying the car but I had to drive it first. When he didn't answer, I exclaimed, "Well, yes or no, can I or can I not test drive this car??" He shook his head. "Well, it's not like this is a Porsche! It's a $25,000 car! And if you knew I couldn't test drive this car, why didn't you call me before I rearranged my schedule and took off from work early to drive this car?" Again, Delgado muttered an apology and I threw my hands up, and we left.
I gotta tell you, Subie owners, I am disgusted! Please tell me this is an anomaly! Do they just not want to sell these cars? Does Subaru not want to emerge from it's quirky solid car but low volume reputation? Well, off to work and g'day.

qbrozen

WooHoo!! I ordered my WRX last night. After finally convincing my wife (that included having her drive an automatic model just so she could see how incredible of a car it is), the search was on to find any kind of a deal.

After drawing up a list of every Subaru dealer within 100 miles of where I live in Jersey, I started contacting those that I could via email. I hit up about 11 of them on my first round. 6 responded with "MSRP - no negotiation", and 2 responded with ok prices, but not great (I was seriously figuring that I was going to end up driving 6 hours to Van Bortel Subaru to take advantage of their web-advertised prices).

On my second round of hits, I got about 5 requests sent out before I was contacted by World Jeep and Subaru in Tinton Falls, NJ. Marty gave me a great price right off the bat. And, best of all, its only 20 minutes from my house. So I went over there last night and he already had everything written up for me. I signed and left a deposit and expect my car to arrive in mid-June.

Here's the dirt:

Blue 5-spd Sedan
Security Upgrade
Armrest Extension
Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
Premium Sound (amp/sub & upgraded speakers)

MSRP as equipped: $25,433 My price: $23,878

Sure, Van Bortel is $40 less, but I'm definitely not one to drive 13 hours round trip for $40. I am very happy with this deal and excited that I will have this wonderful machine in 2 months. So, if anyone needs the info., its Marty Garland (he's the internet manager) at World Jeep & Subaru martygarland@monmouth.com.

sorry for the length of this, but I'm excited, what can I say. A Forester and WRX in my driveway, that will be a sight.

qbrozen

What you ran into isn't exactly uncommon, but its not, by any means, the standard. All I can suggest is to keep looking for a good dealer. In my case, I test drove both a 5-spd and an automatic at one dealer, but then they turned out to be asking OVER MSRP. So I stormed out of that place. The dealer I purchased from doesn't even have any in stock to test drive, but I got a great price and bought from them.

I really stands to reason. If the dealer has the car there, then they are probably asking too much for it. Those dealers that don't have any in stock probably have better prices. That's what I've found so far, anyway.

Good luck. Don't give up.

ateixeira

I wish you had asked! I also had a bad experience at Farrish: major bait-and-switch in my case. I had to raise a ruckus just to get the deal that had already been promised to me.

They were STOOPID! I've sent literally a dozen referrals to other dealers, so they've missed out, big time! My dad, my cousin, friends, folks on-line...

Farrish is primarily an Oldsmobile and Jeep dealer (coincidence that Olds has done so poorly and got the axe? You tell me...), so don't let them sour you on Subaru in general.

The sales guy had no right to promise you that test drive. Call a different dealer in the NoVa area and try to find one in stock that meets your wants, so that it could be the one you end up buying. Make it clear you are a serious buyer, and will take no more of this nonsense.

If you buy one, make sure you drive by to visit Mr. Delgado, and let him know you got your test drive (and a someone else got his commission).

Rob: I am so jealous! I'm half way there, with a Forester we've owned and loved for 3 years.

-juice

roninjouten

I was blown away by that. Takes a lot of nerve. So I test drove one at another location. Still mad as hell about that.

ottos

Did you blast the manager or supervisor? It's fun to do.

ladybugnova

Ottos and others,

Thanks. Yes, I blasted the manager, the salesperson, and even sent an e-mail to Subie N.Am. I do feel better, but I sure would like to hear back, even an "F-you" response. Everytime I think about the WRX, I feel angry (maybe I need to pop a valium or something--just kidding of course--as it seems unproductive to vent like this. See ya later.

beanboy

To say no to test drives up front. I can see the reason why a dealer wouldn't want people clutch dumping an unbroken in turbocharged AWD car when people are paying a premium for them.

However, saying that you could test drive and then rescinding that statement is ridiculous. Best compromise fom the I perspective is a have a demo car that is used for all test drives.

-B

bruticus

I echo what others have said about test drives. I visited a dealer in State College PA (my hometown) recently; they had a red auto and blue 5spd. My dad and I walked in and a salesman immediately latched on to us. My dad simply walked past him, and I said "I'm already sold on it, it's just a question of getting the down payment in my bank account (which should happen soon) but I'd like to have a test drive in the 5spd."

The salesman said "no, this one's sold; if you put in a down payment now you could test drive the red auto on the lot." I was fairly stunned; I mean, I've read lots of great press, and I'm 95% sure I want one, but to even think I'd drop my $10K down payment without anything more than sitting in it and pushing buttons? Come ON!

I've sent a message to a place in Mechanicsburg PA asking for info. I'll post when I've a reply from them.

Cheers!

DjB

locke2c

I can certainly understand them not letting you test drive a car that had truly been sold. (generally those don't sit on the lot for long though.)

The other part of his statement is quite offensive though.

-Colin

mikemajesty

want any of you to drive my sweet new wrx, dropping the clutch at 3000 rpm's and hurting my baby. i say cudos to subaru dealers. they know they will sell them eventually so they dont care how pissed you get.

hersbird

Well I got a test drive no problem. My brother was buying an automatic and when his came in he was out of town. I went to check out his which was of course off limits to test drives (he took delivery with only 7 miles on it). His salesman offered for me to test drive the other car that came in at the sme time a red 5-speed sedan. I would have had pretty much unlimited time to test drive my brother's car but of course I jumped on the chance to drive the WRX off the lot. My brother is still going through the 1000 mile brake-in and can't wait to run it up to redline a few times. I only took the test drive up to maybe 6000 in 1st and 5000 rpm in 2nd and ran out of room. I can only imagine what a 4000 rpm launch and redline shifting would be like through all the gears. I'd love to have one and maybe the dealer thought the test drive would make it a must have. I do think the dealers should supervise test drives to keep people from really trashing these virgin cars but the test drive is what will really sell the WRX so they should get as many people driving then as they can.