Subaru Impreza WRX

mmcbride1

It's just hard to tell a person's intentions here because you can't see them or hear inflecitons in their tone of voice.

I will say that the vast majority of you guys are a class act, though. Even with me in here giving you all a hard time.

outrun

Here's an interesting passage:

"Domestic manufacturers (Ford and GM) and the Chrysler half of DaimlerChrysler generally offer dealers a holdback equaling 3 percent of the total sticker price, or MSRP, of the car. Import manufacturers (Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc.) provide varying holdback amounts that are equal to a percentage of total MSRP, base MSRP, total invoice or base invoice."

Looks to me that the answer depends on the car company itself for what the holdback actually is.

-Craig

barresa62

I totally agree. It is hard to gauge one's intention or tone in e-mail format. Sometimes I have to reread a post that gets my dander up to see if I might be off on a tangent. Conversely, I have to reread my responses to make sure they're not out in left field (oops, baseball....go Mariners!) :-) Anyway, we are good eggs (to quote my deceased grandmother) here in the House of Soob, even if some of us have blinders on about our cars at times (yours truly).

Stephen,
Sleepy in Seattle

twrx

SOOB Rules!

bluesubie

It would be better if we could use smilies as easy as on the i-club.

Yes, holdback varies according to manufacturer. I believe that list has changed since I last saw it. Now it says "amount my differ in Northeastern U.S." for Subaru. Hmm.

Dennis

bluesubie

http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=98649&referrerid=767

There's another one in the same thread.

Dennis

pattim3

Thanks for hanging in there with us. However, we have been known to influence opinions and win people over!!!

For me?? I'm driving a red WRX 5spd Sedan and I'm having a blast. People actually look at this car and stop to chat.

Watch out for our lure ;~}

Patti

mmcbride1

I just wish they would offer a WRX with more lux. amenities as options. That way, everyone could be happy. Something along the lines of the OB Limited Sedan interior would be fine with me. If the interior had been better, I might very well be driving a WRX today. I'd be happy with leather, climate control and heated seats & mirrors as options. Even at $26-28k MSRP, that would be a good deal. Call it WRX Limited. I personally wouldn't care that it added a hundred pounds or so to the car.

I would even forego my auto dimming exterior mirrors, my moonroof and Homelink.

mmcbride1

I love the way the car drives. The turbo lag was noticeable but not terrible (you just gotta know how to keep it in the power band if that's what you want). I could even live with the exterior styling. It's not that bad. But I want my interior amenities. Are you listening, SoA? Give me the WRX with leather and a few other creature comforts as an option!

barresa62

It actually boggles my mind that the WRX stateside has the buttons blocked out for the heated seats and mirrors that are std in the Canadian market. This has been my one rant about the WRX. Why did SOA decide the the States didn't need this, even as an option? I have got no answer. I even wrote SOA and some uninformed person said that she would have to forward to Engineering...that was June! As far as leather. It would be nice if it were an option for those that desire it (I don't in a performance car). I do know of dealers offering aftermarket installations. The ones that I've seen are quite nice. I actually like the look of leather better.

Patti....I love ya man, but do you have any answer to the lack of heated seats/mirrors availability in the States?

Stephen

kostamojen2

Wait a year or two for the Legacy Turbo (I doubt it will be the B4 though) We might also be getting a forester turbo too, but I doubt that...

Right now ive had to drive around in my parents 2000 GT Limited sedan cause my '95 impreza is getting a new first and second gear but that car (the GT) is soooo neat to drive around in, I feel like im in a lux sport sedan minus some power :P So I understand your needs mcbride... I just love the looks I get from dudes driving 3-series and IS300's

varig

I'm sort of ambivalent about leather seats. They are nice when new, but if they are not properly maintained, they are not so nice. My current vehicle has cloth seats and have held up very well over the past 15 years. In fact, with the exception of some expected wear, they look as good today as when the car was new. Regarding leather in the WRX, the local Subie dealership had a few WRX retrofitted with aftermarket leather by a local firm that does that work exclusively. The Subie dealership was sending Foresters there to get leather interior before it was an option. Although I have not sat in a WRX with leather, the Forester with leather was nice. I liked the leather better than the cloth seats in the Forester. I did sit in a WRX with cloth seats and it was great. It is definitley one of the high points of the car (sitting still that is). So I have no reason to believe that the leather interior would not nice too. Unless you are afraid of sliding around in the leather seat, it is a valid option. Would be nice to have heated seats though. One of the salesman told me that he prefers aftermarket leather since it is installed over the cloth seats making for a "softer" and more durable seating surface. The cost of aftermarket leather in both the Forester and WRX was the same ($1100). I called the company that does the leather work to find out how much they charge (for the Forester) and they quoted me a price that was about $90 more expensive than was on the dealer sticker. I guess the dealer must get a volume discount for sending them work.

pattim3

I'll pass on all of your suggestions. I just can't predict when (and if) they will be implemented. Please keep in mind that we wanted to get the car going in the U. S. It should steadily improve with the availability of accessories, etc.

I think that the leather seats were low on the priority list. This is my opinion, not necessarily that of SOA (oh - yeah this IS a disclaimer) - but, I think if they were looking at the car as a "performance" car, they'd want seats that did not allow for much slide to the driver. I know when I corner and accelerate in mine, I'm glad I don't have leather to slip on. With my previous car, (a 2K1 OB Sedan Ltd)., I loved the leather, but it did have a certain "slide" factor.

Anyway, I appreciate all of the information here and I do pass it on no matter what my personal opinions are, so you can count on my sharing it.

Stephen, sorry for the misunderstanding. We should have been clearer. We forward the information on to our engineering/product planning group, but we don't get responses from them with ETA's, etc. They gather data and share it with FHI to try to get things implemented.

Thanks!

Patti

rsholland

I'm with you Patti, leather is counter-productive (and expensive) in a price-conscious performance car like the WRX.

However, I completely agree for the desire to have heated seats and outside mirrors as being part of the WRX package; same with an outside temp gauge. In other words, take the current "All-Weather Package" found in other Subies and make it standard on the WRX, and offer it to the rest of the Impreza lineup.

Also, I think the Outback Sport should get the deeply bolstered front seats found in the WRX/RS models.

Bob

pfiffer

Hi there guys/gals!!

FYI - here in Oakville, Ontario the dealer was offering aftermarket leather - black with the lettters WRX in Subie blue just at the top of the seat - they look quite sharp! My wife really didn't like the WRX in the first place but said OK only if we got the leather! I drive the car decently hard and havn't found the slide factor that big a deal but with 2 young children, the leather really does offer me a quick cleanup that the cloth would lack.

Patti, I do wish Subaru offered leather as an option - they could have easily priced it to make some money as I believe, from reading these comments, the demand was there and would have made the car saleable to a larger group.

Regarding heated seats - they are standard fare here in Canada and I'm not sure why that couldn't have been the case in the U.S. Obviously, a good question for SOA.

Ed

cptplt

I hate leather, the memories of sitting on leather seats in my parents car when I was a kid in Hawaii are literally burned into my behind!

As for heated seats, I've survived 15 years in MN and IL and don't see why you would need any! Plus if you live in warm places you really don't want that standard equipment.Is it nice? Maybe if they work right. I had them on an Audi when I lived in the DC area and they had 2 settings, scalding or barely perceptible! And it couldn't have been a problem with my car because the dealer kept saying they worked fine for 3 years! Or maybe my behind is too sensitive to heat due to the burns from the leather!

People want that as an option, fine but please don't foist it on everyone else. I'd rather have more safety features like head air bags etc.

rsholland

Got them on my Forester, and they're nice to have. No, you don't "need" them, but they do make clod weather just a bit more comfortable. Give them to us either as an option, or as standard—just give them to us.

Actually, I value the heated outside mirrors more. On rainy days, you can actually see images, because the mirror is dry and not full of rain drops.

Bob

barresa62

Actually, my question to SOA Engineering was a bit more specific. I wanted to know (actually still do) if the Stateside WRXs are prewired for the heated seats and mirrors, especially since the Canadian models have it std. I still don't understand how the availability of heated seats/mirrors would have prevented the original launch date from happening in the States, especially if it were only offered as an option. I know I'm a broken record but my neighbors (neighbours ?) 140+ miles to the north (read Drew and Ross in Canada) have these options std. They have buttons where I have blank caps. I really want to know if I can retro install and if the WRX is prewired, this would be much easier if so.

Thanks,
Stephen

kostamojen2

There was a leather group buy from www.leatherseats.com over on I-club.com for seats for Imprezas or Subaru's in general, and i think 30 or so people got in on it... It just finished yesterday though.
Great price too, $550 for a full kit including front and back seats and even the door panels, and free TWO tone if you wanted with choice of styles. I think it was $30 for piping if you wanted it, and $45 for the "do it yourself" kit.
Damn good deal... I was very tempted to get it for my '95 cause my cloth is stained, but I just dont have that kind of cash

jim_loves_cars

I've started a board under sedans for the 2.5 RS (mainly because I can't afford a 'rex!). If any Cult of the Six Stars members (i.e. Scooby lovers) have any experiences with or opinions about the 2002 RS, please pop over and contribute.

Now back to your regularly scheduled board...

rsholland

linked to this forum too please. Thanks.

Bob

scottc8

OK, a disclaimer up front: I don't, and won't, own a WRX because I spend two hours a day in my car and like my creature comforts. I lurk here because I'm fascinated by the Rex and it's purity of purpose, and have liked Subarus for years. Recently my 18 yr. old nephew was lamenting the fact that nobody makes a no-frills, straight shooting performance car anymore. I was very happy to be able to set him straight. Hope it's still true in a couple years when he can afford one.

rsholland

Sounds like the upcoming high-performance '03 Legacy might just be the ticket for you. I'm sure it will combine both luxury and performance.

Bob

corkfish

Does anyone have details on this high performance Legacy?

rsholland

only rumors.

Bob

cptplt

check out the Subaru sites there of what Subaru can do with a Legacy!!

I think its www.subaru.com.au and subaru.co.nz. If you can read Japanese you can check out the home site too!

I can't wait for a GTB wagon with sportshift!!!! 60K on my 98GT, an 03 model will be just perfect timing!

dl7265

So, is the Liberty the same as Legacy here i assume ? if so a twin turbo would be nice the list price was 55k Au dollars however, so using currency convertor it makes about 28k US dollars. Anyone willing to step up to 28k for a twin turbo Legacy ? .

Regards,
DL

rsholland

Subaru of Australia uses the word Liberty instead of Legacy. I believe "Legacy" has some negative connotation in Australia. Perhaps Graham or Gus (both from Oz) could clarify that.

Keep in mind that just because another market gets a twin-turbo B-4, doesn't necessarily mean we will get the same thing. Having said that, Subaru is clearly moving towards a performance-oriented lineup, worldwide. It's only a matter of time before we get some neat Legacy stuff too.

Bob

mmcbride1

The LegacyTT would be a little better for me than the Rex. I'll probably have a rugrat or two in the near future and I wouldn't mind a bigger back seat. The Legacy looks nice, just no giddy-up. It could use a firmer suspension, too (although I'm sure SoA would take care of that with the addition of the turbos).

I can see it now. An OB wagon for the wife and a WRX Limited or Legacy TT for me.

I will say that I do believe that Subaru offers very good values.

cptplt

the Subaru pricing of the turbo Legacy in the Antipodes seems to be the same as the H6 down there. If they have one here in the US at comparable price to H6, I'll be first in line, even if its a little higher fine with me!

akinder

I recently test drove a WRX and I think I am in love! However, I drove the automatic because I cant drive a stick (I'm 15 and both my parents cars are slushboxes). I was wondering about the feel of the regular stick vs. the short-throw shifter option. Has anyone driven either or both and could offer an opinion.
Thanks very much -

Andrew

twrx

I had the regular shift replaced with the short throw about a month after buying my WRX becaues it was backordered and did not arrive with the car. There is some difference but the original has a very positive feel too. As far as learning the manual tranmission it is the clutch that you will need to learn. The difference between the levers should not be an issue. BTW it has a very smooth clutch.
TWRX

ateixeira

The latest C&D has a comparo with the RS taking a close 2nd place to the MP3 in a pocket rocket comparo. Not too shabby, especially since the MP3 is no longer available, and the new Sentra was included.

They don't use the name Legacy in Australia because a group of WW2 vets uses that name for their organization.

-juice

beanboy

Clouding my decision-making process about a WRX. Help me folks!

-B

ateixeira

Drive one. That's the only way to judge fairly. Look out for torque steer, which I've heard people complain about, even with the 4 banger.

The styling has grown on me, though. Too bad there isn't an AWD version, or better yet an AWD wagon.

-juice

akinder

I'd go for the WRX, I just dont like front drivers. Thats my bias so my opinion probably should not count as highly. I thought when driving the WRX that the exceptional cornering and exit speed was its biggest attribute. The Altima might fly in the straight but the question would be whether it could hold it in the turn -

Andrew

ateixeira

What do they weigh?

-juice

cupholder1

I am also looking at the '02 Altima.

The problem with the Altima is it is very hard to find a 5 speed to begin with, but then to find one that isn't loaded up with options and needless extras. Or, by contrast, there might be one w/o options, but it is a total stripper that doesn't even offer side airbags! Then, the dealers are still trying to get sticker.

Finally, the lease deals for the Altima suck. The Altima has a low residual. By contrast, leasing is quite attactive on the WRX.

rsholland

is only available on the top-of-the-line model. The dealer I saw said maybe 20% of the V6s will be 5-speeds.

Bob

ateixeira

Nissan's problem is the customers are used to buying Altima GXEs for about $15 grand, and they walk into a showroom with some models close to double that price.

You really have to be in the right mindset, knowing what to expect. Otherwise you'll experience sticker shock.

Demand will calm soon enough. The market overall is very soft. I think a 4 banger for $20k or a V6 for $25k is reasonable, more than that is pushing into near-luxury territory where some serious competition lurks.

-juice

rsholland

was $27K. The I4 was $24K, but it was loaded.

Bob

paisan

I saw the altima V6, fully loaded (less leather and moonroof) for $25K.

Why are you guys whining about availability of the 5-speeds on the altima? Just order one. That is what I did with my silver trooper, cause there were none to be had on the east coast.

-mike

rsholland

said they don't take orders. If you want a vehicle with specific equipment, like a 5-speed, they would check with dealers within their region, but that's about it.

Besides, if it ain't got AWD, I'm not buying...

Bob

paisan

That's ridiculous. If a dealer refused to get/order/etc a car with my specific options, they would no longer be a dealer I dealt with. a $20K purchase should be a car to your exact desires if it's available from the manufacturer!

-mike

corkfish

Maybe you can let me know where you got a deal. I asked about a lease and was quoted over $400 a month with $2000 down and a 12,000 mile a year cap. I almost fell over laughing. This is a $23,000 car and they wanted over $400 a month? Puhleese. My girlfriend just leased a $35,000 Lexus for less.

paisan

Subarus and Isuzus and other non luxo-boxes get hit hard on the residual values which is the #1 determining factor in the lease price.

A lexus/acura/bmw/benz, etc will command a higher residual value, which means that the payments are lower.

-mike

cupholder1

The WRX has a 55% residual on a 36 month/15,000 mile a year lease. Subaru is also offering 2.70 money factor rate.

The residual is 49% for a 48 month lease/15,000 miles a year, with a 2.9 money factor.

You need 700+ credit rating to qualify.

By example, I was quoted $343 a month, 36 months, 15k miles a year. Vehicle cap cost (negotiated price) is $22950, and the driveoff is $2500 (driveoff means money down plus first month payment, license and registration fees, etc.)

Always ask for a "driveoff" quote, or you may be surprised with some bs $500 document fee in the finance office.

There are probably two reasons you got such a bad lease quote: (1) You have lousy credit and don't qualify for the Subaru lease, or (2) The dealer was trying to screw you (wow, that never happens, does it?).

If the reason is #2, go elsewhere, negotiate a cap cost, and then finish your deal. If they still dick around, just buy your lease online... take a look at leasecompare.com

kostamojen2

Ive been learning to drive stick on a '95 Impreza. Its definatly the clutch that is the biggest problem... Takes alot of getting used to.
However, im surprized to find that I enjoy short shifts alot better despite the fact im still learning, cause it makes the whole process easier (if your coordinated, which I assume you are )

rsholland

I have no intention of buying a car from that dealer. Never did. I went there strictly on a fact-finding mission on the Altima. Nothing more. I could care less on how they order their vehicles.

Bob

ateixeira

Rats, wife saw a WRX sedan and said it was too small.

She wants to look at a Maxima but she thinks they cost about $20k (I was LOL, so you can go ahead too).

Remember, paisan, Bob is our car encyclopedia and has to keep up his research. ;-)

-juice