Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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Comments

  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Hey gang,


    Check this out:


    http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/typeEURO/top.htm


    Porsche design has tweaked the Impreza wagon for a new look. Kind of gives it that minimalist look with some hints of the B4.


    Ken

  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    Thanks all for the tips.

    It appears that the WRX wagon appeals to just about anyone who can appreciate what it is.

    Nice to hear that it is functional as a daily driver and long trip hauler.

    Hunter001 -- I appreciate the comparison to the Acura TL. That is high praise.

    Test drove auto and it did feel like it lost something in the translation. Looking out over the hood scoop made me feel like Mad Max!

    Wife does like cloth seats, wagon configuration. Is not hot for stick though.

    Going to try the stick tomorrow to see if it is worth convincing her.

    Anyone else find that the larger arm rest gets in the way of shifting? I will definitely skip that if I do get one.

    Thanks for the help all!
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    By the same token, if you were to do a comparison of the AMG tuned Mercedes Benz S55 (S-class tuned by Mercedes in-house division AMG - $100,000) and the Chevy Cavalier ($12,000??), you would come up with something like this:

    1) S55 has 4 doors and also a trunk.
    * So does the Chevy Cavalier.

    2) S55 has an engine and a transmission.
    * So does the Chevy cavalier.

    3) S55 has 2 bucket seats in the front and a bench seat in the back.
    * So does the Chevy cavalier.

    4) S55 has ABS brakes.
    * So does the Chevy Cavalier.

    5) S55 has 2 outside mirrors and a rear-view mirror.
    * So does the Chevy Cavalier.

    6) S55 can take you from point A to point B.
    * So can the Chevy Cavalier.

    .....you get my drift ?? So, the S55 must be the same as the Chevy Cavalier, right ????

    Later...AH
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    AH-
    That was funny :-D
    Reminded me of a pal who said somethting like,
    "If you can drive a VW, you certainly can drive a Rolls Royce".
    In my case, I'm contented driving a Subaru.
    But seriously, I wasn't knocking the Acura's Nav. system. Just providing what I know of the SPIII for your consideration if you're thinking of getting a GPS for your adventure(s) in the WRX.

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Why can't you accept the fact that the PC versions are nearly as good as your oh-so powerful acura system? How can you dispute the fact that the delorme software does every single thing the acura system does, and has a bigger screen, yet isn't built in? I guess you are just no man-enough to admit that there is something out there as good as what you have, kinda like your usual AT-MT arguements...

    -mike
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Dave:

    I am seriously considering the system you mentioned, since it does have a lot of features and seems to be good, considering the money they charge for it. Especially since other products like the Alpine, charges $3500 dollars for their admittedly great product. $3500 is a bit too rich for my blood, especially since I already have something that duplicates it.

    mike:

    No comments. Enjoy your PC based system, especially since you seem to be happy with it.

    Later...AH
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    AH, you would do wonders in sales.

    -B
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    here's another place that offers a pretty good pricing for the SPIII

    http://www.nvlt.com/strpilot3.htm#access


    -Dave

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I've driven in NJ, DE, VA, WV, MD, NC, SC, NY, CT, NH, RI, PA, MA and have been fine with an atlas.

    My $.02. :-)

    -Dennis
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    I did that too for a while when driving the subie to unfamiliar places. Found myself less relaxed and overly attentive to enjoy the drive.
    Where am I? Where's that street sign? What does it say? When is that street to turn coming up? Did I just missed it?... you know what I mean.

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I usually only whip it out when I'm on a trip in unfamiliar territory, or if we're watching DVDs. Also for offroading it comes in handy to re-find places :) BTW, we found that place we went to last time That was near the burning trees (see the pics http://isuzu-suvs.com/events ) I'm assuming the burning trees were the work of the Jersey Devil!


    -mike

  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    isn't that illegal???
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    Susan..she is incredible with navigating
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What do you mean? Last I checked using a laptop in a car isn't illegal.

    -mike
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Serge-
    I can't, or could I, imagine how the "off-route" prompt sounds like. :-D

    -Dave
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    mike,

    it's certainly illegal to watch TV while driving though. along the same lines as reading a book while driving, IMO.

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well yeah I don't watch DVDs when I'm driving alone. Usually I'll pop in the DVD for the passengers/co-pilots to watch. I do use my GPS while driving alone to unfamiliar territory. No problems with the GPS along the 48hrs of Tri-state.

    -mike
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    I'm wondering where you put the laptop while you are driving. I was looking on the delorme web site and it looks a good system.

    Thanks...
    Eric
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I love it. What I usually do if there is a passenger, they get to hold it, and I stick a cassette converter into the deck so we can hear the DVD. In my trooper I'm working on making a bracket that attaches to the floor so that I can have it sit on a "table" For now in the XT6 and trooper when I fly solo, since the screen is 15" I can see it pretty far away, I push the passenger seat all the way up and basically prop up the laptop inside the laptop bag so that it doesn't slide around and angle it so I can glance at it. Works out nicely. I have the older version of the software but I think I'm due for the newer version which has more features. You are in NYC right? Sometime I can drag it along to a meet and show it to you.

    -mike
  • cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    I think we really need a few more distractions in the cockpit. Cell phones, palm pilots, GPS sytems, DVD players - no - that is just not enough to push the highway death rate over the bar. How about big screen TVs? Maybe someone could figure out a way to display a virtual pinball machine on the hood. They could integrate the flipper handles in the steering wheel for safety.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Why must we put the blame on the device? I know people who can't drive a car w/o any distractions. Let's put the blame where it is deserved on the person driving. If they can't handle smoking or driving a stick, then they shouldn't do it. I haven't seen them outlaw smoking while driving yet... And I know a few wives/husbands who if sitting in the passenger seat can make driving quite difficult! :):)

    -mike
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    chill fella :-)
    Everything in moderation and responsibly.
    But if you do feel strongly about it - rip the radio out of your car. No. 1 distraction culprit per AAA.

    "And I know a few wives/husbands who if sitting in the passenger seat can make driving quite difficult!" Er... make backseat drivers the No. 1 distraction culprit. :-D

    -Dave
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    the statistics-- making no assurances to the validity of them, of course-- actually bear out that passengers are far more distracting than anything else. adjusting the radio is #2, cellphones way down on the list. I think #3 is looking at things outside of the vehicle. (people, cars pulled over by police, etc.)

    if he's looking at a GPS for directions, I don't know that it would be any more of a distraction than using a map, in fact probably less of one.

    vehicles that have a factory DVD in the front console area though do have a safety interlock so that the vehicle can't play DVDs while in motion.

    -Colin
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Just as a heads-up, I rarely have to look at the screen while navigating my car using my GPS. Everything is done using the voice instructions (through the Bose speakers) and maybe a dart of a glance once every now and then or so, just before the turn. My friend who happened to share your viewpoint about GPS systems, was amazed how little distraction is present with such well designed GPS systems, when he drove along with me in my car.

    The rare glances I dart to the GPS system, is the type of glance you generally do when briefly darting a glance at the rear-view mirror every now and then. Nothing more than that !

    Later...AH
  • cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    You are correct in stating that moderation is the key. But so far no studies (at least that I am aware of) have equated listening to the radio with the level of impairment induced from alcohol. The same cannot be said for cell phones. If radios are the number one distraction, it may be simply because every car comes with a radio.

    I'd be surprised if you hadn't noticed that normally when you observe a driver driving erratically during the day (weaving, crossing into oncoming traffic, making sudden turns without signalling) - that driver is using a cell phone. While even a radio is a distraction, some distractions demand more attention than others.

    Didn't mean to push buttons on anyone's gadgets - I was just having some fun expressing concern over the increasing number of distractions appearing in cars. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when the trend is to buy larger and more unwieldy (and potentially more destructive) vehicles. I might feel better about the whole thing if all were required to take drivers ed, and those courses emphasized the hazards of distractions, but obviously, such is not the case.

    A good driver understands that even driving an unfamiliar vehicle is a major distraction and compensates accordingly. That is why I thought my comment would elicit some positive responses instead of good natured attacks.

    I didn't know if other readers of this forum were like me in noticing the proliferation of distracted drivers swerving into oncoming traffic, or if we were mostly doing the swerving.

    Didn't mean to offend.
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    I refuse to own a cell phone on principle (there's really no one I NEED to talk with so badly I can't wait until I'm at work/home) but am all for limiting the amount of gadgetry available to the horrible drivers in this country.

    In the past 4 years, I have been rear ended 3 times on the freeway by *women* chatting up a storm on their phones. Radios, phones, spilled beer, whatever...people have a hard enough time driving as it is without a seat full of toys to occupy them.

    It's just like in school when the whole class got into trouble because of a few kids screwing off...sometimes that's just the way it has to be.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Lets remove radios, Manual transmissions, ban drinking/eating/smoking, and heck while we are at lets take out those mirrors behind the visors, and put a plexiglas cage around the driver so he can't hear the other occupants in the car. The would vastly improve safety. Why can't people be responsible and if they aren't why can't they be blamed and not the actual gadgets? Of course blame the gadgets its so much easier than actually blaming a person.

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    insurance companies know how to blame the person appropriately. ;)

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Tru Tru At least that is one thing they are good at! :)

    -mike
  • chaynes1chaynes1 Member Posts: 27
    OK, so my WRX 5 speed wagon is perfect...for now. Mere coincidence, because it's a machine and will eventually turn on me. Let's hear some gripes. What's wrong with this car? Anyone out there with 20K on theirs? What's gone wrong with yours?
  • philwang66philwang66 Member Posts: 61
    Before I get into the downsides, let me just say that I love this car (silver 5sp wagon), and wouldn't trade it for anything in it's price range!

    Downsides/nitpicks... I've got a bit over 6k miles FWIW.

    Thin paint - prone to chipping. I think this may be the case with many new cars. I hear that most newer cars are using more environmentally friendly paints which are not as hard.

    Slightly balky shifter... sometimes doesn't want to go into reverse and needs a re-clutch to get in gear. I've owned a few stick shifts, and this one's a little rougher than my previous Integra.

    Hip bolsters - while great for keeping my butt planted while driving, I fear the fabric may wear out faster than the rest of seat from getting in/out of the car. Maybe it's just my fat butt...

    Attracts unwanted attention - every Playstation playing kid in their pimped out Civic wants to race.

    That's all I can think of...
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    To be fair a better driver will always be a better driver, but my suspicion is the guy talking on his cell phone while changing the stations on the radio, slurping his coffee and watching a movie is probably not the most responsible individual to begin with.

    I think that it is fair to blame gadgets when they are being used by folks that don't have a long enough attention span to drive in a straight line while enclosed in one of those plexiglas cages.

    I'm not putting down Paisan's prodigious driving skills, but contemplating the guy or gal that is now in my truck because he or she was glancing over at the computer or navigation screen.

    Just my 2 cents (or maybe 3)
    Eric
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I use a cell phone too while driving, although when I'm on the phone 99% of the time I will be in the right lane doing around the speed limit.

    -mike
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    Where the driving is in New York. I do think that the use of hands free devises improves things some at least.

    You are still proving my point Mike.._you_ may be able to drive responsibility while on phone, but that doesn't mean that the person behind you or me can, who is really engrossed in his conversation and hoping the force will supplement his diminished driving skills.

    Eric
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They he/she should be responsible enough to not drive while talking. And if he doesn't his insurance rate will pay the price. Again, the device doesn't cause the accident, the driver does. As long as we are eliminating distractions, we should be universal and eliminate the radio, passengers, etc. etc. Heck even the dash board should go too! My point being that a cell or DVD or GPS is no worse than a radio, cigarette, passengers, or billboards.

    -mike
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    Then we wouldn't need pesky things like laws...for cell phone use or for maximum speed. I believe there are statistics (I'll find them later)that place cell phones use as a much riskier past time while driving then listening the radio. In any case, irresponsible drivers are the reasons why we need such restrictions, not the good ones.

    Eric
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    From the driver to the devices. It is the demise of our society that we have to have laws for every single little thing. (of course I know you and bedabi love the laws ;) as well as my GF)

    I guess most drivers out there are just bad drivers :(

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Bravo. I completely agree with you Mike. More personal accountability, less laws. And less lawyers.

    -Colin
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    Put governors on every vehicle so that they can't go over 20mph. Think of it! Fuel costs would go way down. Cars could crash head on and occupants would likely survive. Cars would only need one gear.

    Yea yea, I think I'll start a crusade!
    If it saves a single life...
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    There are statistics by AAA. Cell phones were rated rather low though. I think Dave (hypov) posted it.

    -Dennis
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    but was scratched due to copywrite issue.

    "Governors" on every vehicle? I don't think you want to go there. My days back in Singapore, they had that on commercial vehicles (taxi, pickup, trucks) which were outfitted with blinkers on the roof that will automatically blink when the 35mph speed limit is exceeded. Cops will just stop you and say, "You were blinking", forget about radars. Yes, mandatory 35mph speed limit for commercial vehicle, and I think SUVs are classed there too. In addition, inside the vehicle an annoying buzz and ding alarm will sound loudly until you slow to or below 35mph. Currently, I think the passenger cars are fitted with chimes to remind drivers that they are exceeding 45 mph speed limits.

    I don't think that will work here. Everybody is going to be blinking, buzzing dinging, and chiming... :-D

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    But dave, it will be safer... whine whine whine.... :) :P

    -mike
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    I know it'll be safer. It worked in Singapore. But, you don't want to be in the vehicle when it goes off. Dang those things are annoying, even the chimes. :-)

    -Dave
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    Let's not get crazy here. I hope we're not advocating the repeal of all vehicle and traffic laws and safety regulations applying to motor vehicles. Mike, I know you've seen the crazy drivers in NYC. Could you imagine if they removed the speed limits, turned off the traffic signals and get rid of laws requiring seatbelts and airbags..*shudder*...I know you'd have fun..it would be like the auto-x every time you take the car out, but seriously...:)

    Eric
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Every day is an auto-x in NYC! :) I'm not saying repeal them, but if we are going to get into outlawing distractions, we should outlaw all distractions... Smoking requires you to have your hand off the steering wheel, same as holding a cell phone, as does operating the radio, shifting a gear, or holding hands with someone else in the car. C'mon give me a break, why single out cell phone users? I still use my phone, and don't plan on getting a ticket for it ever.

    -mike
  • shaulkeshaulke Member Posts: 2
    I got 6K on my wagon, excellent car with a handy cruise control to prevent me from developing bad driving habits...
    The only annoying thing is the fuel gage sensitivity. I can only top off 10gal after the light is on which means there are 6gal left. The odometer readings are consistent with 10gal number ~ 240miles between refueling. Has anyone experienced the same?
    Thanks, - ST
  • ponmponm Member Posts: 139
    a blue wrx wagon and decided against getting the turbo gauge(figured I could get it cheaper in aftermarket). Here is my question, How long does it take for the turbo to warm up when starting the car in the morning. Now I'm sure weather plays a part in this, but any information would help.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    FYI: Mike is a dyed in the wool anarchist and you're not going to change him. Besides, Edmund's already has topics devoted to these type of discussions. So can I suggest you continue there and let's get this one back on track singing the praises of the WRX?

    Scott- The turbo doesn't require any special warm-up procedures. Just drive with moderation for the first several minutes until the engine warms up (as indicated by the temp guage) and you'll be fine.

    -Frank P.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Not really far from it. But how can I keep this on WRXs...hmmmmmm

    Oh yeah which one are you getting ESQ? It'll be cool to have another NYer with a rex on here besides Bedabi.

    -mike
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    You should be ok if the temp gauge reads normal. Just keep the RPM's and gas throttle on low while doing so. The idea is to wait for the oil to warm up also, but it will be warm enough if the engine reads full temperature.
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