Subaru Impreza WRX

mmcbride1

And going out to nice dinners is a poor financial choice, too, as are vacations, etc.

jboske

I hear availability is pretty limited in the west. A friend of mine purchased a 5sp WRX Wagon in Silver from a dealer in Massachusetts. He said he got a good enough deal to pick it up and drive it back to Colorado.

jim2741

The second time a drove the WRX, the guy tried to get me to buy a yellow one. The yellow that Subaru used for this car is kind of a light creamy yellow. I think it looks terrible. I would go for the blue or silver, actually any color but yellow. They should have used the bright yellow used by VW and Audi.

himiler

The car needs a tinted clear-coat over the yellow paint (like the Corvette's yellow). It's a very expensive process, so to do it just for a relatively small number of cars didn't make $$ sense.

Looks like a banana creme pie on wheels!

hunter001

Thanks for the information on the weight distribution. Appreciate it.

Later...AH

kezzie24

I ordered my WRX about 7 weeks ago(it will be 7 weeks this Friday. My dealership claims that they would receive an invoice from the factory and it would be 2 weeks from the time they received the invoice that the car would arrive. The dealership also said it would be 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Is this information accurate or are they jerking me around? Of those who ordered their WRX, how long did the dealership say and how long did it actually take.

pomlover

I ordered one and the dealer said 4-6 weeks. I got it in 7. I've been tooling around in it for a month now - EXCELLENT! What a pocket rocket.

avalanche165

anyone know where to get a ground effects kit for the car? saw some at a show, and there avail. in australia. www.goodesubaru.com
but there mad money plus import fees. any us dealerS?

pomlover

When accelerating, just after I take my foot off the gas pedal and engage the clutch in order to change gears, I sometimes notice that the engine surges slightly by 100-200 rpm before starting to decrease. Is this normal? I would "intuitively" think that when I do this the engine rpms should start decreasing immediately. Is it related to having the turbo? This doesn't happen all the time. It only seems to happen occasionally when I'm accelerating rapidly and when I'm shifting from 3rd to 4rth.

silver_bullet

I ordered, then passed on a WRX at West Houston Subaru back in March. They insisted on MSRP back then, too. Which dealership are you working with? Personally, I didn't care for the "attitudes" I received from any of them.

barresa62

Yes, this is normal and involves the turbo still spooling hence the surge you feel. Next time this happens pay attention to where you're at on your rpms. Chances are you are over 3k rpm where the turbo begins to spool. Remember, as you shift down, you are increasing the rpms. I remember the first time I experienced this in my WRX it caught me a bit off guard. I figure it just keeps one more involved in the act of driving, enthusiastically speaking. :-)

Stephen

carpedick

Hey guys, I designed the following graphic for my SVX, based on the 99 WRX rally graphic, and it can be used on every other SVX, and possibly anyone out there with a WRX. If someone is interested and can send me a picture of their WRX with some sort of scale on it I can make sure that it will fit. I thought I'd check with anyone that may have a WRX if you might be interested in this.

It'd probably run about $350, it's made out of vinyl, which if you're unfamiliar is a sticker like material that can be cut into any shape and is available in virtually any color and has an exterior life of 5 to 7 years. The set consists of both side panels, and then 2 stickers on the front, and 1 on back, one of the ones on back and front is the words "WRX" with subaru logos on either side, and then the additional one in the front just says "Subaru". Anyways, let me know what you guys think.

http://members.aol.com/getta0clue/svxrally.jpg

email me at carpedick@yahoo.com if you have any questions

jboske

My friend from Colorado who came to Massachusetts, got his wrx in 24 hours and got a discount off the sticker price. Sounds like the dealership IS jerking you around! Anyone want the name of the Mass dealer?

woodytx

I've visited two Subaru dealers here in Austin. Both told me (independantly) that any dealership attempting to gouge its customer (a la Miata) will receive no further WRX's.

There may or may not be teeth to that threat, but it may be worth asking the gouging dealer if SOA is aware of their pricing strategy, and then follow through if they try to call your bluff.

Just my $.02.

pattim3

Well, since your post was easy for me to check out, I did yesterday.

"For whom the bell tolls" was clear set on loud (is there any other way??).

I brought my CD out to a WRX in our lot and thoroughly enjoyed it! - Maybe even better than in my OB Limited Sedan - a larger vehicle.

Just my opinion!

Patti

bruticus

I am BRUTICUS!

Okay, okay, so I still love the Transformers.

Patti, taking a CD to the dealer and testing it out has run through my mind. Maybe I'll make the trip Saturday, as long as they have a WRX (or even regular Impreza) with the upgraded stereo package. I just hope the dealer doesn't have an issue with my constant shopping. I am going to buy, but only as soon as it's a wise move financially.

DjB

locke2c

Old Metallica, Patti? Too cool.

-Colin

bluesubie

LOL, Patti is rocking out!

Also, the Sube sub-woofer has adjustments on it for crossover and gain (or something along those lines). There were pictures a little while ago on the i-club and reports of an improved sound after some tweaking. They're tiny controls, but they're there.

Dennis

scottj_bham_al

OK, folks. First I'll introduce. I'm a 30-something enthusiast in Birmingham, AL.

I recently decided to start thinking sports car again after screwing up my chance to keep my '96 GS-R at lease-end (been slogging about in my '90 Fullsize Bronco since December).

I was thinking used E36 M3 until I researched the WRX. Puts up almost the same numbers and can be had NEW for about the same money.

Finally decided to test drive one yesterday. All I could find were autos but I went ahead. I was rather dissapointed by the turbo lag. Floored from a dead stop it spends 2.5 seconds inching along slower than my wife's Cavalier.

Would this not be as bad with the stick? The last M3 I drove was back in '98 and if I remember correctly it kicked you in the back the instant the pedal hit the floor.

jim2741

Let me just start by saying that everything I say about the WRX is in an effort to justify keeping my 2000 RS, not that this is a bad car, bacause in my opinion it is a very enjoyable car to own and drive and I'll probably keep it for many years which is generally not my style, but as someone who seriously considered trading for the WRX, and not being floored by this car as I was with the RS, I'm just voicing my concerns about this car. If you've been reading on this site for even a little while, you've probably come across some of my other concerns, turbo lag to mention one, others have also mentioned this as a concern, not just me. This might seem like a small issue, but if I'm going to buy a car I must be completely happy with all aspects of it, no matter how insignificant. So here goes, the door handles. I really like the door handles where it is an actual handle, like these, but could these have been better integrated into the sheet metel or plastic. Even the door handles on the Forrester are better integrated. Think about the door handles that VW and BMW uses, they don't look like an afterthought. Please feel free to give your feedback as I know you'll gladly do.

barresa62

I'll I can say is: I'm happy you're happy w/your 2000 RS. :-)

Stephen
More than happy WRX wagon owner!

qbrozen

I contacted SOA via email about a particular dealer in NJ who was (is) "gouging." The wrote back and basically told me they didn't care. What dealers charge is out of their hands and that I should shop around if it concerns me.

I did and found a great price (too bad I had to cancel - still looking for a new job)

subaru_team

Okay, okay - Now, I'll keep your identity safe!!

If you get a hard time at the dealer, give me a call.

Dennis & Colin - and here you thought I was just some old lady!! Actually "Ride the Lightening" is one of my favorites right next to the Black Album.

Patti

qbrozen

You will definitely feel less lag with a stick as opposed to an automatic. How much less lag depends on how you drive it. You can launch the car at 4000 rpms and probably feel no lag. Or, you can be nicer to the car and launch it at, say, 1500. Either way, it will be better than the automatic which, by definition, launches at idle. Also, the gear ratios inherent in having that extra cog in the manual box allows for a slightly lower first (which also helps in take off).

scottj_bham_al

Anyone know the ratios in the 5M and the final drive?

jim2741

Actually, if I was going to purchase a WRX, I'd probably go for the wagon, looks more unusual. Actually each time I see a WRX wagon on the road, which has only been twice, I think again about visiting my dealership. Believe me, I'm trying really hard not to buy this car.

locke2c

Looks alone, I prefer the wagon. I think the fenders are much cleaner... even though I fully appreciate the advantages the sedan's huge wheelwells offer.

-Colin

bruticus

I've seen some people say the lag kills the car, others say it's negligible. Auto/manual doesn't seem to have much to do with it.

Also, I first mentioned old Metallica. Sheesh, I never get the credit I deserve.

DjB

p0926

Jim- Hey! Whadaya mean "even the door handles on the Forrester (sic) are better integrated"? Surely you're not implying anything negative about the Forester are you? ;-) After all, It may not have the get-up and go that the WRX has (few cars do, let alone SUVs) but it certainly excels in other areas.

-Frank P.

p0926

Some manufacturers do a better job than others at reducing turbo lag. At the same time, some drivers are bothered more by it than others. Personally, I like the feeling you get when the turbo kicks in and you're pressed back in your seat. Regarding the differences between manual and auto trannys IRT turbo lag, although I don't have any experience with autos, common sense indicates that since the driver has more control with a manual, he/she will therefore be able to wring better performance out of it. Dropping the clutch at high RPMs will certainly reduce turbo lag but you can get similar results with an auto by giving it the gas while standing on the brake pedal. Of course, frequent use of either method won't do anything good to the drive train.

-Frank P.

barresa62

Just give in, man....resistence if futile! :-) Seriously, your RS is one nice car but the WRX, well..., besides we'd be happy to welcome ya to the ranks of the Rexxy Riders. Ok, gotta stop now, getting carried away.

Stephen

barresa62

Jim: BTW, I got a great trade-in amount on my 00'OB Ltd wagon. It made the deal happen on the WRX wagon.

Stephen

jim2741

I already traded a one year old OB Sport for the RS. If I then traded my one year old RS for the WRX people would really begin to wonder about me. I must say that when I bought the RS I really didn't sleep much that night since I really wondered if I made the right decision and I also wondered what people would think. It seems that most people buy a car when they need a new one, not for the sure pleasure of owning the latest most exciting car available. I was happy to learn that so many people on this site have traded what most would call a brand new car for an even newer model. I am probably what one would call a driving enthusiast. I've owned several "GT" cars and enjoy driving, however I was taken over by Subaru mainly for the AWD. Winter and very wide tires just don't seem to go well together. But, unfortunately I probably have to draw the line somewhere. Perhaps I could have done some homework when I had the OB Sport and waited for the WRX, but I'm not sure if two years ago anyone knew much about this car. I must go now since I'm getting carried away.

Thanks all - Jim

drew_

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Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

aquicky

Hello all!

I am a new WRX owner. I have had mine for two weeks now and love every minute of it! It is my first new car. I think I made an excellent choice. I just wanted to say if you get the WRX, you won't regret it!

Nick
Sedona Red Pearl WRX Sedan

pilot16

Having driven both the WRX auto and 5-speed I believe turbo lag is the most over discussed and over rated topic next to virginity. The WRX is pure condom-free fun! Apologizes to any Nuns or other self-contained viewers.

barresa62

Still laughing. Well put.

Jim: I know what you mean. I had some of the same niggling doubts when I traded my 00'OB in on the WRX. The most often heard comment from neighbors and other friends was "but you just got the OB". Actually had the OB for 13 months and 12,000 trouble free miles. I was just thinking that I might be in your shoes when the STI version hits our shores...naw... :-)

Stephen

blueguydotcom

And it's night and day. The auto mutes the car so much that one might as well buy any humdrum boring vehicle. The 5 speed offers far more usable power.

The lack of a 5 speed is what killed my interest in the IS300 too. After a test drive in that boring, tired, dressed up Camry with RWD, I didn't wonder anymore why Lexus can't move them, while BMW continues to sell through the roof.

pomlover

Does anyone know if the speaker & subwoofer WRX upgrade is factory or dealer installed? At around $500, do you think it's worth it?

Thanks

pattim3

TJ - great comment - thanks for the laugh!

Rob - I don't think the Rep. meant to say they didn't care. We do document, track and report on customer comments. The problem with pricing issues is that we can't come between a private business transaction between a consumer and a dealer. We discourage price mark ups, but we cannot require that a dealer sell anything for a certain price. That's why it's a "Suggested Retail Price".

I'm sorry you were treated poorly and I'm sure the dealer will miss your well earned dollars.

Patti

pattim3

I'm sorry - you see, these folks know me and I guess they have trouble picturing me enjoying Metallica. Props to you!

Patti

vonbonds

I have ordered a Blue WRX with every option except for the 17" wheels and the armrest. The price I was given was $25,700...basically I will be paying MSRP. I keep seeing people now paying under MSRP. I live in Columbia, Maryland having just moved here from central New Jersey. What is a good fair price I should pay? I have no problem with the dealer making his share, but I do not want to get shafted either.

Just for the record I was in the market for an Infiniti I30 Luxury sedan and test drove the WRX on a whim. What a whim that was. Russell Subaru in Ellicott City, Maryland let me test drive it for 30 minutes. I fell in love and here I am typing this email up!

Thanks in advance!

varig

The local Subaru dealership does not have much of a selection since the bulk of its business is focused on another Japanese car make. I have not found a WRX, but would like to know if the interior and seats of the WRX are the same as the Imprezza's. If they are, I could at least check out the Imprezza.

jk111

I guess you really can't find a wrx for less than msrp right now. I mean, they haven't even hit the dealer floor yet and people are already ordering.

vonbonds, I actually know where you are at. I moved from Columbia to north jersey a year ago, very nice town. Everything is nice and quiet, with trees and such. Too bad I had to move for job reasons.

rmtrader

You WRX owners may get a laugh out of this true story:

There is a guy at work that recently purchased a brand new WRX sedan which he had waited several months for. Three hours after taking delivery, he proceeded to drive off a 40 foot embankment while checking his radio and driving at a high rate of speed (I can't believe that he is actually telling people this). The REX was totalled (darn), however he was not injured in the least (darn) which says a lot about the solid structure of the car. Clearly he misunderstood what a sufficient 'break-in' period meant.

It gets better. Two weeks later, he bought another WRX sedan (thanks to an insurance payout-not sure what story he told them), but instead of getting on the waiting list like everyone else, he purchased the Sales Manager's car which was "his wife's car." The unit had 8K miles on it and I am assuming 8K very hard demo miles. He actually fell for this crap. And yes, he is a moron.

conrad12

Does anybody know anything about the new chip that is supposed to increase horsepower? A dealer said that a new computer chip for the WRX is coming out in 6 months. If you install the new chip, make some intake and exhaust modifications, you can get the car up to 280 hp. Anybody have any info about this? Cost?

Also, any info on a second turbo and what type of performance gains one could get?

Thanks all

kostamojen2

Thats hilarious, and disturbing at the same time rmtrader! =0 I want to beat him with a stick for being so stupid :P

Anyway, In defense of the Auto, it gets better over break in and time (as all subaru's do cause of the boxer engine layout) and after 5k+ miles, its a VERY sprity auto! The manual will always be faster, but you'd be hard pressed to find a quicker Auto that wasnt on a 30k+ sports car! (The auto Rex is DEFINATLY faster than the IS300 auto, despite the extra gear)

A second turbo? Nobody tries that... They just put a bigger one in :P A boost control and intake+exhaust is the best you can do right now, and that will get you down to the low 5-second 0-60 range and under the 14 second mark in the Quarter mile easy, especially if you Ice up the Intercooler.

Varig, what do you mean? The WRX IS an impreza!!! Do you mean the 2001 model RS, or the 2002 model non-WRX's? Im confused :P
(Note: The 2002 RS seats are identicle minus color to the WRX seats)

bruticus

That sounds like a good price. I was quoted 3 singles shy of 24K for a WRX 5M with just the security, sound, and diff protector options.

DjB

bruticus

I don't think World Jeep/Subaru WOULD give me a hard time about wanting to play with the radio for awhile. It's just that I remember my days of working retail sales, and I absolutely, rabidly, viciously HATED the "touchy-grabby" jerks who open boxes, take crap out and scatter it around, and then suddenly turn and walk away. Marty G at World was pretty cool on my first visit there, didn't do any hard-sell crap; I'd like to return the respect and not do any jerk-buy stuff.

As an aside, while I was at World talking w/ Marty, a couple who'd just taken deliver on a brand new Forrester (I think) came in complaining that the hazard lights were flashing, and they couldn't turn them off. Marty knew immediately why (apparently they'd left their lights on and run down the battery, so the hazard lights were flashing to alert them to reset the security system) and he was able to straighten it out in about 20 seconds (mostly spent trying to find something skinnier than a ballpoint pen that he could use to push in the reset button under the dash). If anybody out there is within reasonable distance of Tinton Falls NJ, I recommed a call or visit to World.

DjB

scottj_bham_al

I hope to find and drive a 5 speed soon.

A friend with a Talon TSi had a point. Being a little flat below 3K RPM's allows execellent gas mileage.

That's a very valid point considering I spend on average $50/week to fuel my Bronco.