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Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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    lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    GO FOR IT!!!

    from an OLD???(52) guy and happy WRX Wagon owner
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    geobumgeobum Member Posts: 6
    just call me Homer. Doh!
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    esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    I have a question for those whose cars are equipped with the Subaru passive alarm. Mine doesn't _seem_ to be working properly. It will alarm itself 1 minute after I turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. However, if I just get something out of my car, without having just driven it, then the alarm won't turn itself on, however long I wait. Is this normal operation for this alarm? I know that my mom has a Ford alarm, which will turn on the alarm automatically regardless of the situation.

    Thank you,
    Eric
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    bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Eric, isn't that a dealer-installed aftermarket alarm? The Subaru alarm doesn't turn itself off or on, IIRC.

    -Dennis
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    locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Actually I am sure that the OE Alpine alarm can be configured that way. (ovoid remote) I'm not sure about the OE Code-Alarm system (rectangular remote).

    However Eric, you are correctly describing the functionality. Almost all security systems with passive arming will only do that after the ignition is cycled to ON and then off again. Simply unlocking the doors, getting something from inside and then closing the door doesn't do this.

    My opinion: use the button on your remote at all times, and if you forget to arm it after driving somewhere then the passive arming will cover you. I would not advise dependence on it for many reasons, but a big one is a door being ajar. Passive arming will not work if a door is not fully shut. If you hit the fob on your remote, the doors will lock and you *might* (depending on the alarm brand) get another chirp or other notification that the system is not ready because a trigger (the door) is still open.

    Hope this helps and it isn't too confusing.

    -Colin
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    brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    I have the '02 OBS and I wish I had gotten the WRX (although I haven't driven one yet). I like my car well enough, it is worlds better than what I had been driving, but...My b/f is not into cars so I let him talk me out of it, in fact, he wanted me to get a Forester. I know the OBS is perfectly adequate for me, etc, etc. so I had a hard time justifying the extra dough.

    Even stupid things like the steering wheel. At first I was like, "who cares? It's a steering wheel." Now I'm all, "why can't I have a MOMO steering wheel?" And the rear drums. Really stick in my craw. My brakes work fine, but you can get 4 discs on a Hyundai Elantra GT.

    I think the OBS is a good car, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't care about the stuff you're missing from the WRX. But I think you should get the WRX :)

    p.s. I've always wanted to drive a BMW also, especially with the way Edmunds raves about 'em, but I keep hearing BMW owners claim they want a WRX. I'm just sayin'.
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    esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    Dennis, the functionality of the passive alarm does appear in the owner's manual, so it seems to be an offical Subaru product.

    Thanks, Colin..I'm glad to hear that the alarm is functioning properly and save a trip to the dealership, although I am a little disappointed that the passive alarm from Ford is more effective, in that, it will even alarm the car if there is an open door and without the ignition being turned on and off.

    With the alarm troubles disposed of, I'm happy to report 400 enjoyable, problem free miles.

    Eric
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    vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    My gotta-have-it's: disc brakes, side air bags, fun and comfortable to drive, enough power to pass on the road or climb a long grade, and (of course) looks. Both cars meet all that easily. WRX is more afforable, Lexus has alot of foofy extras like vanity mirror lights but also some valuable features like full-size spare, a longer warranty, roadside assistance. If you're an owner or just browsing on this board, any thoughts...? By the way, I usually keep a car for at least 7 years, and am neither aggressive or superconservative in my driving style.
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    lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    All Subarus come with 24hr Roadside assistance
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Are we spotting a trend? I saw a 70-80 year old lady in an Outback Sport, looked really comfy.

    I guess a low cowl, big windows, AWD traction, tidy size, wagon practicality, etc. is appealing to them just as it is to us.

    But a WRX is a true fountain of youth.

    -juice
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    WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    I own a WRX and have driven the IS300 five speed. And my honest answer is: both are amazingly fun cars. The IS300 is a bit smoother, and its shifter feels a bit more direct. It has a tossable feel that's missing from most other sports sedans short of the WRX. I would say both are equally fun in handling and sporty feel. So it's a tossup there. The WRX is quicker, but uses a turbo to do so, and its four cylinder is a bit less smooth than the silky six of the IS300.

    For me, I have to drive in snow regularly, and the AWD of the WRX is a MAJOR factor in its favour (both fun and safety). However, since your profile indicates you're in CA, the RWD of the IS300 is plenty of fun in itself (maybe even preferable)

    The IS300 *is* significantly more expensive and for that, you get *more stuff*. You have to decide for yourself whether you want that stuff. So for your dollar: the WRX is something like 90% performance, 10% luxury. The IS300 is 70% performance, 30% luxury. It gives up some outright straight line speed from the WRX, keeps the fun handling of the WRX, but gives you lots more amenities which you have to pay for. Lexus dealers will treat you better in the end than any Subaru dealer, and you know it will be reliable (even though Subaru's are no slouches in that department either)

    It does sound like you *want* that extra *stuff*, so I'd actually suggest you go for the Lexus. The WRX is an amazing car, and one of its appeals is that you get a do-it-all performance car without extraneous luxury frills for a low price, but if you want some of that luxury, then the Lexus is a better bet. There are two reasons why people love the WRX so much: AWD and maximum performance for the dollar. It does this at the expense of luxury looks. The IS300 is a more "balanced" sports sedan in that it gives you amenties and performance in one package.
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    vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    Overall cost is still an important factor, of course, but I think I'll end up with a super car for next 7 yrs, whichever one I go with!
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    locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Caroline,

    I haven't looked at the wheel recently in an OBS, but I did want to comment that some other Subarus for sure do in fact use a Momo wheel-- they just don't have the cute badge the WRX gets.

    My '99 2.5RS definitely has one. It is identical to the WRX wheel save the badge.

    That's a small thing though. It sounds like you are quite happy with your OBS and rightly so, it's a great vehicle. Next time a car purchase comes around though, you should absolutely get what you want within reason. To me a few thousand dollars when discussing something near (or over) $20,000 isn't that much if the more expensive one will make you happy.

    -Colin
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    lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    image

    yet another Serge
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    look brighter.

    Bob
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    lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    The original photos were pretty bad...these are edited somewhat...increased contrast. I used to have ACDSee on my pc, but when they loaded WIndows 2000 last week, I lost it. I tried to reload it, but the install gives me an error message..it doesn't recognize the fact that I have IE 5.5..I found this product called Image Forge...not bad, but only a 20 day trial
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    with the images, you need Photoshop, which is expensive. There are some "lightweight" versions of Photoshop out there that can do much of what the full-blown version can do.

    Bob
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    brekkebrekke Member Posts: 304
    I couldn't agree with you more. I learned my lesson, but it's all good :)
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    Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,148
    image


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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Would be fun but Wednesday is our date night! We have a sitter lined up. Maybe we should change the day of the week?

    -juice
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    bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Colin - Thanks for the alarm clarification. I didn't even realize that and my wife has the OE Alpine.

    Caroline - If it makes you feel any better, the OBS tested by Edmunds stopped shorter than the WRX wagon.

    -Dennis
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    lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    I have Photoshop 6.0 at home on a cd...haven't yet loaded it...is it hard to use?
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    meant for design professionals. I've been using it for several years, and have only scratched the surface as to its capability. If you have any questions, e-mail me off line, and I will try you help you.

    Definitely do the tutorial, and allocate a lot of RAM. It's a memory hog!! Some of my PSD files are HUGE! It's not at all uncommon to have one file that's well over 100MB (if you're working in hi-res).

    Bob
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    cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    Not sure, but I think NBC Dateline is airing crash test results tonight. I think also that the Impreza is one of the contestants.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's what I've heard. Results are excellent to be sure to check it out.

    -juice
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    ltcolumboltcolumbo Member Posts: 40
    I was wondering if anyone is experiencing a slight piston slap BEFORE the engine has reached normal temp. at normal (low) idle, in gear (auto of course). Maybe the Host has an answer? (4500 miles, 10w-40 oil, mild temps 60-70 f)
    Thanks.
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    locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    slight?

    I'd bring it to the dealer, make sure they fire it up first thing in the AM after sitting all night.

    My guess isn't piston slap but a bad timing belt tensioner. Still, it's something the dealer should look at.

    -Colin
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    saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    Photoshop isn't the type of program that holds your hand and teaches you to use it. If you don't have the manual, find a good book and spend some time with it. It will be worth the effort.

    Though Photoshop is probably the most powerful image editing program, it isn't the only one. For under $100 Ulead Photo Impact 7 or Jasc Paint Shop Pro have all the tools and more that a non-professional are likely to need. I have all 3 and tend to use PhotoImpact the most because many of the functions are just as powerful as Photoshop, and much more simple to use.
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    knr5knr5 Member Posts: 85
    Hi!
    I apologize in advance if my question has been answered here or elsewhere before. I am posting after a few years!:) I had to register again -- I suppose it was inevitable. I have been eyeing the WRX fondly for some time and have found the wagon to be more practical and, to my eyes, better looking than the sedan. Yes, like many of you, I like the wagon in silver!!
    My question is whether there are differences, noticeable even if slight, in the feel of the cars from the driving perspective. Handling, stability, interior noise etc., may all be candidates. Thank you, in advance, for your considered opinions!:)
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    mikenkmikenk Member Posts: 281
    In my opinion, I am sure there are slight performance differences between the two cars because of weight, width, cg location, etc, but I doubt anyone would notice except in extreme racing conditions.

    OTOH, the wagon looks much better to me, is much more unique, and is way more practical. Also, to me, the extra leg room in the back is a noticable improvement.

    Mike
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    WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    I couldn't detect any obvious differences besides the fact the view in the rear view mirror looks different. On a track, the wagon understeers more but I couldn't tell (albeit with my uncalibrated butt) when I drove both through a slalom. The understeer can be fixed with an upgrade to the $100.00 sedan rear sway bar that you can install yourself.

    The only drawback in the wagon is of course, it has no trunk, and stuff in the trunk area sliding around will be heard. I bought the optional cargo net to help secure the stuff back there. And the privacy shade may rattle a bit over bumps.

    The wagon is so much more practical (and nicer looking IMO) that even if I could tell the difference in day to day driving, I'd still get the wagon.
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    barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Oh yeah, and I have silver wagon with the 20mm rear sway bar from the sedan too. Additionally, I put on 17"wheels/tires last week. Wow, big difference = really outstanding handling. BTW, the 17"wheel/tire combo is std on the WRX in markets outside of N.America so this is a logical and worthwhile upgrade to get the WRX where it should have been all along in our marketplace (IMO of course.) :-) Additional mods are a 22mm front swaybar (replaces 20mm std bar), dual rear cupholder from UK Subaru, OEM body colored lower side sills, vanity plates, and debadging Subaru on rear tailgate. Pics show ski rack on Yakima lockable towers and round cross bars. Wheels are Volks Rays Gram Lites 17 x 7.5 w/locking lug nuts, 48mm offset. Tires are Toyos TS-1s in 225/45x17 size. Future mods to include window tint, Stongard protection for front and possibly Tein coilovers w/STI topmounts and/or Vishnu Stage 1 performance upgrade. I'd like to say that would be the end of mods but we all know that story...LOL!
    Here's a couple of pics:

    image

    image

    Stephen
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Love the 17" wheels. :))

    Bob
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    barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I'm still in the honeymoon phase w/the wheel/tires (as if ya'couldn't tell) :-) It's like a new car again.

    Stephen
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    vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    Your little silver wagon looks groovy and mega-fun! :-) Off topic: where do you ski?
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    mikenkmikenk Member Posts: 281
    The car looks great, but you need to tint those windows. I have the silver wagon also; here in Texas, we tint the windows as soon as we drive it off the lot. It looks so good with the silver.

    I am determined not to mod, but you are enticing me with the 17 inch wheels. THANKS A LOT.

    Mike
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Looks sharp. Ought to keep the brakes cool, too, with all that ventilation.

    -juice
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    paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm actually worried that the WRX wheels will cause my brakes to overheat. My original XT6 wheels are shaped so that they actually grab air and force it over the brakes whereas the new ones do not :( But I'm sure I'll have to make do with the WRX rims :0

    -mike
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    knr5knr5 Member Posts: 85
    Thank you all so much for the prompt responses to my query, and for the spectacular photos by Stephen of his modded wagon!
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You have the spokes shaped like blades. La machine! LOL

    They do act like fans to cool the brakes. My Escort GT had wheels the same way - the 4 wheel discs had no fade at all.

    -juice
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    barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Vicki: I go at least once a year to Whistler, B.C (Canada) in the 1st week of Feb. I put the winter tires on for that though. :-) I also try to get up to Stevens Pass on Hwy 2 about 2 1/2 hours from Seattle where I live.

    Mike: I know what you mean about the tint. It's definitely on the "list". We don't get too hot and sunny here in the soggy Seattle area so it wasn't at the top of the ole list. :-) Hey, go for the 17"s. The ride is a little noiser and the (dependent on tire tread chosen) tires will tend to follow road groves more than the 16"s but the trade-off in handling is worth it in my book. The looks are a plus too.

    Juice: Besides the fact that I like the clean look of a 5-spoke wheel, the extra air room for the brakes is a definite plus. Oh yeah, and cleaning is easier too. :-)

    Stephen
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    locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Not to dissuade anyone from buying a gorgeous set of 17" wheels, but you can get 95% of the benefits Stephen mentioned by simply mounting good summer tires on your stock wheels.

    -Colin
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    artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    Looks great! Every time I see those wheels I like them better. Thought I wanted someting like the P7s before, as most of the thin spoke wheels looked too spindley [sp].

    Don't remember the ski racks in previous photos. Waiting until March to start skiing? (But then we just had a couple inches of snow here west of Cleveland, OH, which is about as much as we've had in two years...

    I was out your way in September '94. Did 100k of the Wonderland Trail for my fortieth. Wish I was still in the shape I was after that hike!

    Since you semi-debadged the liftgate, take a look at the rear view of my black wagon on the web page <http://homepage.mac.com/subaruwrx> I took the Impreza sticker off, because I thought it emphasized the WRX more. Try a Photochop of yours and see what you think. Just a thought...

    Steve
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    hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Your car looks GREAT with the 17" wheels. They look like they belong on your car. It does not seem aftermarket at all, which is one of my prime considerations in any modding activity.

    Later...AH
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    hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Your car looks GREAT too. In fact, the WRX in black has a more menacing look - almost like a crounching black panther.

    Later...AH
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    artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    Panther, huh? I dunno...I kind of think of it as a bulldog. Sorta stocky and big-shouldered with that all-business look to it. I've never seen a black bulldog though...maybe a boxer. That would be appropriate!
    Thanks,
    Steve
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    corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Very subtle. Not like some of the ridiculous things you see boy racers and wannabee rappers putting on their cars. They look like they could be stock. Since I'm considering an STI wagon ( if they end up making one) I'd like to swap the stupid gold rims with something like these. How much did they cost?
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    artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    I've been noticing a stumbling of the engine when driving in the 2500-3000 RPM range. Not really a miss...more of a variation of power. Happens when cruising along on the way back and forth to work on the 35 MPH residential streets. I've even tried putting the cruise on in second and third. Seems most prevalent right at about 2750 RPM.
    This is on flat roads and streets, and i'm not varying pedal pressure (or even touching it in the trials with cruise.) Is this right where the turbo starts spooling up and I'm feeling some results from that? Really starting to be bothersome, as there are several miles of no passing and the traffic flows right at the speed limit. Have to upshift and bog at lower RPM (or downshift and rev away, but see no sense in that during the morning 8 mile commute.)
    Any thoughts?
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    barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    That's one of the things that attracted me to these rims...the fact that it doesn't look too aftermarket. I definitely didn't want the "bling bling" affect.

    I beg to differ on the handling improvement of 17" tires/wheels vs. good summer 16" tires. I think (vs my 225/45 size) that maybe 80 to 85% improvement instead of 95%. Drive 225/45x17 and compare to 16" summer performance tires and you will see what I mean. I have to qualify this a wee bit as I have a 20mm rear sway bar from the sedan and a Whiteline 22mm front swaybar to add to the mix. :-)

    Steve: The rims cost about $269 each. Not bad, considering they weigh about 16.2 lbs each.

    Stephen
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    locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    stephen,

    we're a little to far apart to set up a "pepsi challenge" of wheels and tires, so we'll just have to agree to disagree. ;-)

    get the smallest diameter wheels you can fit over the brakes, and the best tires you can buy on those wheels. A 50 or 55 series 16" tire gives up nothing to a 45 series 17" except weight.

    -Colin
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