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Another word of advice is to go to a dealer that doesn't go on test drives with you.
I've been on 3 test drives already and I'm still several months away from a purchase. :-)
-Dennis
-mike
-juice
I have had one dealer make a very interesting comment to me about break-in. He claimed that keeping RPM's below 4000 for the first 1K miles was not necessary and actually limited the long-term performance of the vehicle.
In his experience, he said to keep below 4000 RPM for the first 300 miles, then to occasionally redline it after that. His rationale was that he had personally had 3 WRXs as demos, and the cars felt "faster" after a harder break-in.
I'm wondering if anyone has similar experience? Also, even if this approach actually helped with pickup, might it also hurt longevity? I plan to keep this thing for many years and miles, so I don't want to cause myself a problem later on due to impatience the first month!
Thanks.
IMO, you can't really base longetivity on short term break-in "feel" of a demo.
-Dennis
-juice
I am a strong believer in a gentle break-in, not just for the engine, but even more importantly for the brakes!
My VW Golf was a good example. At 60,000 miles and six years it was getting very used. The clutch was on it's last legs (2 kids learned to drive on it!), the exhaust system needed work, the brakes were nearing their limit yet again, etc, but the engine was significantly BETTER than new. It got better gas mileage, ran smoother, was faster and used less oil than at 20,000.
Ross
In answer to Richleto's earlier question about which paint might be the most chip resistant; my blue paint scratches very, very easily. The other day I lightly rubbed a little glob of "who knows what" with the tip of my index finger... and I do mean lightly! It took three or four doses of Meguire's clear coat polish to get rid of most of the fine rub mark. If the paint swirls and scratches that easily, I doubt it is going to be very chip resistant.
As for a test drive, you can do what I did. I always take at least two test drives. On my second one with a Forester and without a salesperson present, I got a bit carried away and had it out for an hour. When I got back, the salesman joked that he was just about to call the police because they had just made a deal to trade it to another dealer for a car they needed. I left quickly before they saw that I put over 50 miles on it. The next day, I ended up buying the one I had previously driven.
-juice
As a side note regarding a bra for the car: I have installed bras on all of my cars over the years and have never had any negative effects (scratching, hazing, etc). I'm REALLY retentive about paint, too. I take it off about once a week to clean underneath and the paint looks great. About the flapping: last week I installed the bra but forgot to insert the plastic tabs between the grill and the body; as soon as I got on the freeway it began flapping around so bad that I immediately pulled over to check it...tabs in, no flap now.
Thanks.
Stephen
Thanks in advance for comments....
Dependability of the Subaru *should* be good. Past Subarus have rated very well. I haven't heard of anybody being stranded yet. There were some minor issues with earlier models but they are resolved with current production.
Gas mileage is a bit on the weak side. With a full tank, I get 250 miles in the city. So figure gas mileage around 19-25 mpg for city and highway mileage. My combined mileage (mostly city) is around 22 mpg. Of course, this is what I'm getting on winter formulated gas and colder temps. Some people may be doing better than I am though. Other people seem to be reporting around 24-26 mpg for the highway.
As for auto vs manual, go with what makes you comfortable. The 4 speed automatic makes the car feel much slower to me, but you get the advanced VTD AWD system. If you like manuals, go with the manual just because it's more fun to row your own gears.
1) Comfort: Is very good. I did not think initially, that the comfort over long distances would be good. But I regularly make 50 mile round trips and the car is fantastic. Recently made a 400 mile round trip, which to my pleasant surprise was really comfortable.
2) Dependability: Subarus have traditionally been very reliable, as per consumer reports' long-term reliability statistics. I have been driving mine for the past several thousand miles and it has been perfect till date.
3) Mileage - Been getting about 290-375 miles for a tank (till it reaches near empty - as per the gauge) and the gas tank fills upto a little over 12 gallons. So the mileage is approx 25-30 depending on the city/highway mix (and how aggressive I am with the throttle) which is usually 25%city/75%hwy. The mileage mostly hovers around 290-300 (with more city in the mix than normal) rather than the normal high of 375 (with more highway in the mix). During a recent trip to DC and back (approx 400 miles), I did not need to fill her up till right before I reached back(392 miles/12.3 gallons), which takes the mileage to about 32mpg during the trip, with speeds ranging from 60-105mph (mostly around 75mph) during the entire trip.
Also, I keep my car running for at least a minute every time at start-up and while coming to a stop after a hard drive, which should be contributing to reducing mileage. So mileage is much better than what I see around in these forums. Does the Automatic, which traditionally should be getting worser mileage than the stick-shift, be contributing to this mileage ???
Later...AH
Dependability should be good. All Subies are better than average, and so is the 5/60 powertrain warranty. I know that will only last you 1.5 years, but a Honda would not even last one year.
Mileage: ah, the catch. You need premium. Don't mess with 87 octane on such a high powered turbo, so fuel costs will be higher than an Outback Sport, for example. That actually may be a good alternative for you.
Auto vs. manual: if you drive 90% freeway, and it's not bumper to bumper, I say manual. The auto is better for city commutes and crawling in traffic.
-juice
No problems yet, but I haven't had it long enough to do any damage.
My Nokian Hakkapelitta NRW snow tires are on order. I plan to run these in winter only (Utah mountains) and keep the RE's for summer.
I will report good/bad impressions if anything noteworthy happens.
-juice
(Oh, and the car's pretty cool).
Jim
-Dennis
How long of a trip is the WRX wagon comfortable in?
Highway Noise? Get out of car after long trip refereshed or aching?
My main drive - 8 miles to and from work - intra-city 2 lane.
Dare I ask it? Auto or manual? Wife wants Auto -- is there a point in getting the car like this?
Other uses -- camping, biking day trips with rack.
Would you take a WRX on a 4 day trip of 2000 miles? A 500 mile day trip?
Want performance and utility.
Deciding between Maxima 02 and WRX Wagon.
I am 35, married, kids will be in picture in next 12 months god willing.
Maxima feels like a 42 year olds car.
WRX feels like a 25 year olds car.
Where to go when one is in between?
Really torn between 2 neat cars.
Love the comfort of the max but like the sporty, utility and value of the WRX -- plus AWD for upper midwest driving.
Thx.
PS - bonus question -- magic 8 ball -- will new Forrester fit 6 foot 4 guys? :-)
Drive what you like is the best motto! And I like the WRX.
Am I off in my assessment that a WRX is a car that appeals to a younger driver?
I say this because at the 2001 auto show a Subaru rep explained the demographic they designed the car for as a 25 year old male. Single or married no kids.
At 35 that I am way off the demographic for this car.
But sometimes they get it wrong and a car has a broad appeal.
My Buick driving father in law would never consider such a car, for example. Mid 70s his tastes are set.
I would have loved to have this car when I was shopping for small 2 door Honda Civics and Preludes in the early 90s. You get so much car!
Any other folks mid 30s or older buy the car?
I bought an Audi A4 in my twenties and I got bored with that, so the WRX is its replacement.
I say buy what you like. I have two cars at the opposite ends of the spectrum: a Miata which is mostly owned by empty nester older males and the WRX which is owned by twenty somethings. The WRX is a performance car designed for drivers. That's the demographic that I fit into.
I've taken a 4-day, 2000 mile road trips with no problems. Took a short break every 2-3 hours, no backaches. It's no Lexus LS, but the ride's is much less jolting than my previous Integra. Highway noise is pretty good for a compact, a tick under 3k rpms at 70 mph.
The car does seem to attract attention from the younger guys - every kid in his hopped up Civic wants to race.
I suspect the WRX wagon is better in the snow than the Max. The Maxima's a nice car, but I would trade it for my silver wagon.
good luck with your decision,
Phil
For longer trips (>500 miles in unfamiliar regions), I prefer the Acura just because it has the superb Navigation system. If the WRX had a Navigation system, I would hands-down have preferred the WRX-sport-wagon for those trips.
The longest trip I made in the WRX was a 400mile round trip and I felt as refreshed in it as when I undertook the same trip in my Acura. Made no difference in stress/strain to me. In fact, the WRX is surprisingly quiet and pleasantly refined on the highway - maybe not as quiet as the Acura but definitely quieter than many other cars I have driven. Also, in any speed other than right off idle, the WRX is a beast. On the highway, it is a literal kamikaze, going from 60-105mph in an instant, when needed.
I am 32, married and hence may have skipped the demographic by a bit.
You could even consider the VDC-Outback Wagon, which has the same AWD as the Auto-WRX (no other Subarus have it) has a 6-cyl engine and provides a similar ambience to the Maxima. Maybe that is an option you may want to consider ??
Later...AH
TWRX
:~)
Ross
my WRX wagon because it was the best combination
of performance and value in an AWD on the market
today. Didn't think about the "demo" the car
was aimed at. Just said no to Audi, BMW, and
Volvo.
SKIREX
Get a Garmin StreetPilot III for the WRX and you could leave the Acura behind for those unfamiliar trips. :-D
http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/
It's portable too.
-Dave
Sounds interesting. Actually, I did test a few of these systems, including the "neverlost" system from Hertz, but found them wanting. Also, I did own one of these but had it attached to my laptop (using Rand-McNally maps) but left it at home after the initial enthusiasm had worn off. When the satellite signals (based on which these systems work), grow weak or non-existent like when going through a forest or thick clump of trees or big buildings/tunnels etc., these systems are well-nigh useless, and certainly not comforting on long trips nor can they be relied on like I rely on my Acura Navigator.
High-end systems like the Acura Navigation system, works through Gyro-sensors (7 gyro-sensors present in the frame of the car) and dead-reckoning technology and work even in an underground parking lot. Thick forests, big buildings etc make absolutely no difference to the Acura Navigation system. They work everywhere including in thick fog, pitch darkness etc., which is especially comforting when you are 500 miles from home, in the boonies. In addition to that, the Acura system (which is considered the best system by any automaker), works on a single DVD for the entire continental US. When on trips, my wife and I have the freedom to change our route and maybe go to an entirely different place (off from our current route) on a whim, since we know that the Navigator would get us to our final destination, regardless of where we decide to go en-route. The Garmin system would need us to change CDs as soon as one covers a geographical area and moves into the next one, and needs about 10 cds to cover the US, which does not make it terribly convenient while making long trips (the Acura does more coverage than all 10 CDs combined on one single DVD disc). Also, it restricts you to the specific route that you plot, before undertaking the trip. I prize flexibility during trips, especially after being assured of it when using the Acura Navigator.
In such things, you get exactly what you pay for; and after experiencing the very best, like the Acura DVD Navigator, it is tough to go back and use these other ones. Portability of the low-end systems does not assure anywhere near the functions, capability or the utility of the high-end ones. Systems like the Garmin are neat Toys while the Acura Navigator is a professional setup. Hopefully, within a few years, systems like the Garmin will be technologically advanced like the Acura system of today. Someone on the VDC wagons board had fitted an Alpine DVD Navigation system (same as the Acura OEM one) but it costed him 3500 dollars, which is a bit too steep for my taste.
Later...AH
I do agree that the StreetPilot does not do everything the Acura Navigator does. Tall buildings does pose some problem but, I have gotten lost yet. I haven't venture into thick forest - moderate foliage seems fine. With the Garmin, you'll actually have to plan ahead (where you're going and will be) and then load up the street level details (from one CD) into the memory card (they come in 32mb ->128mb). 64mb memory card, which I have, is enough to load up street details for all of NYC; NJ; CT; and part NYS/PA/DE. You could plot your route in advance on the PC if you want to, otherwise, just indicate your destination and let it guide you there.
I think it'll still be a worthwhile investment for the WRX. :-D
-Dave
Anyway, any input on this purcahse will be appreciated. I was also quoted 23800 on a car that msrpd at 25117. It still seems high to me, maybe I am wrong...
Subaru carries the reliability advantage, while VW pampers you with upscale materials. But forget practical comparisons and pick the one that is most fun to you.
-juice
I love my GTI, I am just trying to figure out if the WRX will be more practical for me and still be as fun!! The interior dimensions are very similar, except for the WRX having a lot more space available when the seats are down. There isn't a true advantage in leg room in the rear seat...
Thanks in advance,
Later...AH
Here's where I bought it from http://www.selectzone.com/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=GPAM0101030600
I Paid......Now*
$920.00....$899.00 StreetPilot III - 64mb
$199.00....$175.00 City Nav. N. Amer. Cert (ALL)**
$ 16.40.................Bean Bag Mount***
$ 37.55.................Shipping/Handling (Next Day)
* could shop around for better price.
** good for two units... wanna share ;-)
*** not too great, the newer bean bag mount should be better.
Things that bugged me:
-Software not MAC OS compatible.
-Direct load (maps only) to memory card via USB under 4mins, but full load direct to unit at least 4 hours!!!
-The temporary/permanent adhesive melts in the sun and make a mess of the dashboard!!! Good thing it was a rental car. :-D
-Starting engine with GPS 'ON' and connected to power outlet crashes the unit.
Hope you have better luck with price.
-Dave
I like it cause it doesn't need to be loaded with any maps for an area, is fully upgradeable in-expensively. I'm sure the Acura system is nice, but how much is it to upgrade it ever 2-3 years? Does it have every nook and cranny of the country in it? And can you watch DVDs on it?
-mike
All I do in the Acura is key in the destination address and go. Takes less than a minute for an address. I can also save all my previous destinations and all I need to do is to choose from the saved destination list. If I need to go to more than one destination in a trip, all I do is to order all those destinations and the car would go to one destination after another till I finish my trip. No downloading, no CD/DVD changing, nothing !! If I need to reach a hotel in some Ramada in CA, (from VA), all I do is key in the telephone number of the Ramada, and hey presto ! the car guides me to Ramada's doorstep (in CA) from my doorstep (in VA) through verbal instructions and picture maps with turn by turn instructions. It is so easy. If the route it plots, takes me through Cincinnati, OH, and while nearing Cincinnati, if I decide (on the spur of the moment) that I need to visit some place in Columbus, OH or somewhere else, all I do is to re-route my trip through Columbus through the touch of a button. No map checking, no down-loading nothing !! Takes the planning and worries out of the trip. Also, provides a lot of flexibility during the trip.
Before exits approach, it gives a warning 5 miles away, warns again at 2 miles, warns again at 0.5 mile and just before the turn it does a countdown from 1000ft...800ft...600ft...400ft...etc. You just cannot miss your turn. If I miss an exit (inspite of all these instructions), it instantly re-calculates my position from my new position and guides me to my destination. I could maybe give other options like avoiding a hwy/street, take a direct route, easy route or minimise toll-roads, minimise freeways etc (default is "Direct Route"). But otherwise nothing else. If I find a traffic jam en-route, I just hit the "detour" button and the car guides me through a different route to my destination. No hassles, nothing ! Simple, fool-proof, idiot-proof !! When verbal instructions come along, it dims the cars audio so that the navigator's (sweet voiced Japanese lady) verbal instructions are heard clearly and then resumes the full volume of the car audio as soon as the instructions are completed !!
Paisan:
I had the laptop based system before I bought my Acura. After having used both systems, let me tell you, if you use the Acura kind of Navigation system, you would junk your laptop based system in a hurry. The difference between the laptop based systems and high-end systems like the Acura Navigator is like the difference between a Chevy Cavalier and an Mercedes Benz S55. Both are cars and will get you from point A to B. But they do it kind of differently !
The Acura system is upgradeable for $150 for every upgrade. I don't think we need to upgrade every year or anything like that. How many roads/streets change that frequently ??! The upgrade is optional and you could do it maybe every 3-4 years or so.
It may not have every single minor road in every nook and cranny of the country in it, even though every single major road in every nook and cranny of the country are present in it. Most cities have every nook and cranny of it covered, including micro roads that wind through apartment complexes !!! Every upgrade covers more micro-roads in every nook and cranny of the country, and hence within a couple of years, there would not be any nook or cranny left un-covered !!
Also, due to liability concerns, Acura does not allow DVDs to be played on the Navigation system since it can be viewed directly by the driver. But a lot of people in the AcuraTL forum have the conversion done (place in NJ does it), so that they could watch DVDs on the high quality screen and through a switch, can move from navigating to viewing a DVD film.
Later...AH
*Key in the destination address and go*
-A little crude, but it does it. Or you could point at a spot on the map and it'll route you there.
*Takes less than a minute for an address*
-Maybe a little over a minute.
*Save all previous destinations and choose from the saved destination list*
-You could do that too.
*More than one destination in a trip, order all those destinations and the car would go to one destination after another till I finish my trip*
-Need to plot out on PC then upload into unit as a save route. Don't know if it could be plotted directly from the unit - haven't tried that.
*To reach a hotel in some Ramada in CA, (from VA), key in the telephone number of the Ramada*
-Not that sophisticated, but it'll find the hotel.
*Doorstep to doorstep with verbal instructions and picture maps with turn by turn instructions*
Does that.
*Before the exit approaches, it gives a warning*
-Available @ ~1.8 miles, warns again at ~0.8 mile, quarter mile and then 500ft...etc.
*If I miss an exit, it instantly re-calculates position and guides to destination*
-Does that.
*Other options like avoiding a hwy/street, take a direct route, easy route or minimise toll-roads, minimise freeways etc*
Does that.
*Traffic jam en-route, I just hit the "detour" button and the car guides me through a different route to my destination*
-Does that - up to 15 miles detour.
*Simple and fool/idiot proof*
-Quite.
*Nook and crannies*
-Not everything is there. Found that out in Arizona and during the "Covered Bridge Sunday Drive" led by Ed (lark6). But the popcorn trail it leaves helped when backtracking to where you came from.
*System software upgrades*
-Available on-line for free.
*Map upgrades/updates*
-A different story haven't found anywhere on their sight that this is offered.
-Dave
The only downsides:
1) It's not in-dash
Upsides:
1) Whole laptop it far cheaper than the acura unit probably about $500 less and that's for a whole PC!
2) I don't own an acura, so it's not really an option for me.
3) It won't get stolen, unless they come in my house
4) If i change cars I can bring it with me.
5) Screen is bigger, brighter, clearer.
6) Finds address in 5 seconds or less.
-mike