Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

ateixeira

Debating the styling of the two WRX front end is like debating which tastes better, corn chips or tortilla chips.

I mean, SHEESH, everyone knows Corn Chips are better! )

-juice

1hokie

I remember the ads when the wrx first hit the states - they had the wrc car come around a corner and morph into the wrx. The freaky thing back then was the wrc car had the old squared off headlights, while the wrx had the bug eyes. I hated those bug eyes terribly. Everytime the commercial came on I would actually cringe when I saw the headlights change from square to bug.

Fast forward to summer 2002. I test drove a wrx. I walked around the car, and thought the front end looked funny, but not exactly as ugly as I once thought. Didn't buy the car.

Fast forward spring 2003. Bought the wrx, love the look of the headlights. Go figure. I guess you can say it grew on me. Then they change it. Doh!

lark6

Am I the only person here who, when people refer to the 02-03 Imprezas as "bug eyes," think of the Austin-Healey Sprite? No comparison. The WRX's round/oval headlights do not protrude above the sheetmetal the way the Sprite's did. See, e.g., http://www.ahbugeye.com/Framesetup.htm.

Ed

ateixeira

I guess it was a modern interpretation of that look. Then again, not really.

I think what doomed it was that it looked too much like the Neon front end, coincidentally or not. That cheapened it in the eyes of critics.

Too bad they didn't put a little more fender into the design, a la Porsche 911 or even Mercedes E class. Those look great with ovals.

-juice

stoner420

4336/4343 -- I would never not wave at another WRX on purpose. Heck, I even wave at 2.5RS/TS and even Forrester and Legacy drivers (who probably think I'm nuts). Also drivers who move the heck out of my way from the left lane typically get a wave ;-). However, I too find it slightly more difficult to recognize at a distance the new face at first (especially at highway speeds). I would personally find it ridiculous to bear ill-will toward someone because of a bug-eyes/wedgies rivalry.. Not like there is even much of a choice anymore anyhow! (I still think the new headlights look kind of like Hyundais though.. ;-)

ateixeira

We do think you're nuts, but that's because you keep putting two Rs in Forester. ;-)

I'm beginning to think that Subaru got it wrong, in fact I think most people spell it with two Rs!

Enjoy your Imprezza. <ducking for cover>

-juice

stoner420

D'oh! Ok, I'm not waving at any more Forresters.. ;-)

kate5000

when they just came out in 1993, one of the largest dealers in the area published a huge whole page ad in the newspaper, and spelled the car "Imprezza"... 10 years later, I still have hard time trying to pronounce it with "z" instead of "tz" :-)

kate5000

I hated the Neon-ish bugeyes at first... but they did make the car more distinctive. They did grow on me. However, there's also a lot of charm in a current "wedgy" design. But what I really like in '04 looks, is the updated tailights. It's a small update but it gives the car a more sophisticated look.

After all, all you can see of the passing by WRX it's her taillights... if you're lucky... In most cases, it's just a blue-ish or silver-ish blur in the sidevision, and then it's gone.

twrx

Being the owner of a 2002 WRX:
1. I never understood how the headlights were ugly to car journalists but it was OK for Benzs to have nearly identical headlight styles.
2. I like the new lights. The styling is very sleek. The car fits in with the the whole Subaru line with the change.
3. Having said that maybe Subarus are too generic. After all Outback, Legacy and Baja are all the same from the front. Now the Impreza looks quite a bit more like the Legacy. In fact the new Legacy coming next year looks much like the Impreza.
4. Subarus are supposed to look different (think BRAT, think XT). The 02-03 Impreza was different. Now it would have been really distinctive if they had the monster scoop on the front like the 04's. So I guess you can't say that an 04 WRX is exactly tamely styled in front.

Conclusion: Given the choice, having never seen either before I'm not sure which I'd choose. Having lived with "bug eyes" for two years I'd probably stay with bug eyes given the choice.
TWRX

msdannyj

Which is the best Radar detector around? Seems like I get a lead foot everytime I get into my WRX...

hypov

Hear that it's worth the money.
To date, since owning a WRX [Dec '02], I got 3 run ins with the Police but with some stroke of luck I haven't been pulled over yet.

-Dave

rsholland

I've said this many times before: There's nothing inherently wrong with the "bugeyes." The new MB E-Class has them. The Mini has them. The new Beetle has them, etc., and they all look great.

The problem with the '02-03 Impreza front end is that good ideas were ruined by clumsy execution. The designers were heavy -handed, and lacked any and all grace when it came to executing the details. To use an artistic analogy: Instead of painting with an airbrush, they painted with a mop...

The 04 Impreza's frontend would, IMO, look better, if if kept a revised version of the bugeyes along with the new hood, grille and bumper.

Bob

twrx

Best detector depends on where you live. Even the cheap ones will detect X and K band for quite a distance. Here in Indiana, State Police seem to only use oldest frequency, X. I've never gotten alerts on other frequencies. Local police use K. For that reason I use a $40 Whistler 911. If your state uses fancier radar and laser (the 911 supposedly detects laser and Ka bands) then spend more.

doctoro1

I got busted big time! I live in Northern va.
I was coming home on I66 and accidentally merged into the Dulles Airport road instead of the toll road. It was late and I hadn't seen 1 vehicle using the road. Noone goes to the airport at 2.30 am. So I decided to "turn it up a notch." I was cruising around 110 mph and was pulled over and the Metro cop said if I hadn't slowed down, he might not have caught up to me. I said I was just putting the Subie thru her paces and she was performing just fine. Now I'm facing jail time and loss of liscense. It is so easy to go fast in this car. But I guess it doesn't pay to do so. I love the car and still am a very happy 2002 Subie WRX wagon owner. I need a good radar detector, any suggestions?

himiler

Get a Valentine One.

I've used mine for the last seven years and havn't been pulled over once in half a million miles.

Then again, there's a big difference between driving fast and driving stupid, which tends to get you noticed much more quickly.

kenoka

If you live in Virginia, my suggestion is that you not get a radar detector at all. They are illegal in your state.

stoner420

I like to cruise at around 90 on the Merritt (double R, double T! ;-)) here in CT when possible -- haven't gotten any tickets yet, probably a combination of dumb luck and the station wagon appearance confuses the cops ;-) (plus everyone else is doing 80 anyhow). I think 110 is really asking for trouble though.. especially at night on a dead road, aside from the possibility of smashing into a deer in the middle of the road at 110 (which would quite possibly kill you) the cops are just waiting for someone like you to bust on.

That said, I have had it up to 110 on very minor occasions (in broad daylight), the car is indeed quite smooth (with better tires than RE92 anyhow)! It's really amazing, I'd be way scared to do that speed in any lesser car.

Well just be careful out there everyone. Nothing sucks more than hearing about a smashed Subie. PS: What kenoka said -- radar detectors are illegal in VA.

ateixeira

Easy Keith, the Toll Road is *full* of cops, every time I see one. It's long and straight, and the speed limit is borderline absurd, but they use it to generate revenues in two ways (tolls, tickets).

Even worse, radar detectors are illegal in VA (commies!), so you probably would have been arrested on the spot, because that would have peeved off the officer.

-juice

1hokie

My friend and I got pulled over in VA. We were coming from MD where radar detectors are legal. Well, we didn't unplug it in time, and we were perhaps driving above the speed limit (who me?) and got pulled over. We quickly stashed the radar detector in the glove box before our car even stopped - literally no way the cop could have seen it. First question he asked - "Ok, where's the radar detector?" Doh! He made us put it in the trunk, and gave my friend a ticket for having one - but didn't give him a ticket for speeding.

Stupid law...

Oh, and the Dulles Airport Rd / Toll Road always confuses me... especially when coming back towards the beltway - I keep getting onto Rt66 by mistake and end up downtown!

ateixeira

Actually, I wouldn't hide it. Cops might think you are hiding a gun.

In fact, do the opposite, open the windows, leave both hands visible. Reduced threat is more important to the officer.

-juice

ateixeira

Right after you pass the Tolls, get in the right lane. You have to exit to the local lanes, then exit soon after a 2nd time, to I-495.

If you stay straight you will end up on I-66 towards DC.

-juice

saintviper

I've got a passport 8500. I'd say it works great and has potentially saved me a few times. It's $100 cheaper than a V1 (Valintine 1 - $400). I've read reviews that say it's better, about the same, and worse than a V1. My experience is that it gives you ample warning when there is a radar around, and not too many false alarms as well. The V1 gives you arrows to tell you where the radar is. If you like arrows, get the V1, if you don't care about arrows, the Passport will do the job and looks nicer. I don't find I need the arrows.

himiler

That's because you've never had the arrows.

saintviper

If the detector is going off, I don't speed. If you have a V1 and the arrow is pointing behind or ahead of you, do you speed because you know where the radar is?

ateixeira

What about instant-on and VASCAR? I think that's what it's called. That's when they use planes and markers at 1/8 mile intervals and time you, then radio to a trooper on the ground to pull you over.

I got nailed like that in Florida, no radar in the world would save you.

Dunno, the odds are stacked against you no matter the hardware. Just do 10 over the limit and let the jackrabbits pick up the tickets.

-juice

rexaroo

rsholland--my wife is an artist and she loves the bug-eye styling!--sounds like we could go on about this one for a long time to come.

BTW, did anyone notice-- BMW is now using tail-lights on their new 5-series that look a lot like those on the Rex sedan. Maybe the WRX styling was just ahead of it time.

IMO, the best radar detector is using your common sense. In the city, stick to no more than 10 mph over the limit, like juice says. Wait till you're out of town to "air it out" and only then when conditions are safe and your "sixth sense" tells you smokey is nowhere to be found. And back off immediately as soon as you suspect otherwise.
Limits the fun maybe, but a whole lot easier on the ol' driver's license.

himiler

If the arrow shows that the radar signal is originating from behind me and isn't increasing in intensity, then yes, I do continue to speed.

In the event that 2 or more arrows are lit and there is more than one radar soucre, the V1 will flash the arrow that corresponds to the most imminent threat. Works like a charm!

rexaroo -- common sense coupled with a V1 has kept me ticket-free for a lot of miles.

ateixeira

Look for white lines in the pavement, running perpindicular to the lane markings. Those are what the aircraft use to measure your distance traveled. You might notice they are 0.25 miles apart.

At least be aware that you are in a zone where they might have a speed trap 3 miles ahead that noone and no device could possibly see.

I may be old or geezin', but I tend to stick with 10 over unless the entire flow of traffic is going faster than that. Still, I try not to be the fastest moving car within sight, so someone else would get pulled over before me!

-juice

gvmelbrty

Lot's of radar talk/info on this Edmunds thread: Radar/Lidar detectors

This site seems to follow fair/proper procedures in their detector evaluations: http://www.speedzones.com/

-tom

doctoro1

...but why do people buy performance cars if they never want to see them perform? I have never wrecked a car in my life and I have driven for over 20 years. I like to drive fast in a car that can handle speed in a safe manner. I don't drive fast in areas with alot of traffic, in fact there was no traffic on the road that I was traveling. I even refuse to race the rice rocketeers late at night when they tailgate me in my Subie. Some of those jokers make me laugh when I see that they think a big muffler makes a car go fast. Go Honda Go! Your Civic has a big muffler yippie!

I was wondering if anyone has a recomendation on performance all season radials with good ride and wet traction? I noticed that Michelin is offering a 50.00 rebate on their performance tire. What about the Pirelli and the Potenza S03's ?

jimmys2

My poor wagon got a big ol' ding today. I saw it happen. I'm in a store with my girlfriend and I'm bored. I'm looking out the window admiring my car. She has new P1's, nice! A green t-bird pulls up to my passenger door. The passenger of the 'bird opens her door too fast! Then she gets out (she's young, maybe 12) and looks at my car, shrugs and goes into the store. I'm thinking it must be no big deal. I go out to my car and whoa, a BIG green ding in my rear passenger door. So I turn to the driver and he's eating KFC. I say "looks like you've had a little accident". He doesn't get out, just keeps eating. I tell him it's pretty bad and he may want to look at it. He keeps eating and says "it wasn't me it was her" (his daughter). Eventually he gets out of his t-bird and say's he does not know what I expect from him "stuff happens". Well, as you can imagine I'm starting to get a little upset. So I ask him what he thinks I should do. His reply, "put some spray paint on it". What an [non-permissible content removed]! He reluctantly gives me his name and phone # and I write down his license plate #. Later I called the # and he wasn't home, but his wife was very nice (stark contrast) and I explained what had happened. She was strangely surprised to hear of his 'advice' to me, perhaps if she had been there he would have been a good boy!

It's nice to know had I not witnessed the incident they would have left me an apologetic note on my windshield, NOT!

I'm going for repair estimates tomorrow, I've yet to get a call from the owner.

Sorry about the drone but I'm venting a little. I'll be happy to listen to anyone's comments.

ateixeira

At least you were vigilant and saw it. Imagine being surprised.

-juice

stoner420

I'm running Continental ContiExtremeContacts .. much cheaper than the Michelins and rated just as high on tirerack.

stoner420

Bummer, dude. I'm amazed that I haven't gotten any dings yet, I don't even park particularly carefully usually. I'm sure I'll get one today just for writing this...

cptplt

S03s are anything but all season!!

besides the Conti Extreme Contact, consider the Potenza RE950 and Dunlop SP5000.

msdannyj

If it makes you feel any better, my NEW car had a dent when I went to pick it up in the lot three weeks ago. They fixed it and it looks as if nothing was there. As long as your paint did not break, you should be fine.

I have decided on a BEL 985. Any other suggestions?

doctoro1

Stoner, how do your Continentals handle?
I am not to familiar with that brand?
Can you take a hard corner and do they hold up
in wet weather? Just curious. I also have been toying with the idea of putting a anti sway bar
acroos the the back of my car in the wagon.
I just don't like the idea of giving up room in the back of the wagon. Has anyone tried this, if so, has the handling improved enough to warrant the inconvience? Just some thoughts for discussion. Thanks.

hypov

Keith-
Although I've not gotten the Contis, yet, I've heard plenty good about them. Continentals is a German Co. that supplies OEM tires for mostly EDM cars.

As for the rear anti-sway bar, they're mounted outside and under the car less you're refering to the rear strut brace. The strut brace won't take away too much room as the bar will skim across the rear seat back rest. Also, there are strut brace with detacheable bars where it can be removed whenever that tad more room is needed. Oh, I haven't gotten that yet either.

I'm waiting to upgrade wheels/tires before working my way to anti-sways and strut bars

-Dave

saintviper

I have a friend with a Bel. The talking alert is kinda lame, but I think you can turn it off. He swears by it otherwise. I went on a long trip with him and it seemed to false more than my Passport, but the detection range was fine.

I've got Potenza RE-950's for my wife's Audi. At Tirerack they state that it is an all season tire suitable for light snow. We found the tire to be unacceptable in any kind of snow. It's great when it's dry or in the rain, but not in snow.

I picked up a set of Blizzaks with OEM rims cheap. Summer and winter tires are the way to go.

cfredrickson

I have had my Wrx Wagon 5spd 2002 for 43K (yes). I love it but just had to drop $1200 (P/L) on a new clutch which was a bummer. But other then that I LOVE the car. My friends always want use it since I can carry big cargo (TV, Furniture etc) a go fast too. The only car close with utility speed and price all balenced is the Gulf GTI 1.8T. When this one dies at about 150K I will deffinately buy another one.

Many Racers (ricers) are horrified that I can out run them with 36" tv in my cargo area. I love the all weather snow driveing this car has too.

I wish they made the WRX STI in a wagon. I would trade my WRX in for it right away. The sedan needs flip down rear seats.

hypov

stoner420

cfredrickson: I wish they made the WRX STI in a wagon. I would trade my WRX in for it right away.

Come on Subaru... 2005 STi wagon, perhaps??!!

43k, wow you drive the heck out of that thing.. I'm just about to hit the 20k mark by the end of this week.. so exciting! What happened to your clutch? (I just had mine replaced about a month ago per the clutch judder TSB)

stoner420

They make some noise taking a really hard corner, but it feels very progressive. Wet handling is awesome -- I seek out giant puddles on purpose. Check out 9903/9904 in the Subaru Impreza WRX board:
prayerfor "Subaru Impreza WRX" Jul 21, 2003 2:08am . I'm about to purchase an OEM sedan rear sway bar from a guy on one of the WRX boards, should help improve the handling too.

hypov

Howard-
hope you're buying off someone with a 02/03 WRX sedan. I was informed that the 04s now share the same rear sway size... 17mm

-Dave

prayerfor

Actually some of the '03 sedans use the 17mm swaybar too. I have read that there was a production change midway through the model year. IIRC, the cars built up to 11/02 have the 20mm bar, and after that have the 17mm bar.

Incidentally I have the 20mm bar on my wagon and it does help out quite a bit.

stoner420

Why did they do that? Hmm.. Well looks like the guy I'm getting it from has an '02 so I'm good.. 25k miles on it. Was going to buy one from a guy with an '03, only 5k miles, but this will be a bit cheaper and he's local so no shipping. I don't imagine the extra miles makes much of a difference on a metal bar like this anyhow, unless there's rust which I doubt, at least I know it will be 20mm!

rexaroo

They make some noise taking a really hard corner, but it feels very progressive.

Not sure if it's the extra firm compound they are made of (good for long wear), but they do seem to squeak and slide more than the OEM's when you are cornering or braking hard.

Also, is it my imagination or do these tires heat up a lot faster on a warm day with fast driving? Never noticed the RE92's turning into rock-hard gumballs as fast as these do when it gets really hot outside. Otherwise, on a cool day, the Conti's are a real pleasure as far as ride is concerned.

ctwrx1

Today a friend dropped by with his 2000 Audi S4. He's had a couple of turbocharged Saabs and he has driven a number of turbocharged cars. The first thing I noticed about his twin turbo 2.7 was the absence of turbo lag. The six speed gear ratios were well matched to the engine, too. The engine pulled equally hard every time.
     The first thing I noticed about my car once it was broken in was how inconsistent the acceleration was from one time to the next under full power. Sometimes it takes off like gang busters but most of the time it's just good. It gets twitchy like it wants to let go but something holds it back. After driving my car my friend commented that his older Saabs came on harder under boost. I mentioned that there are times when my WRX pulls significantly harder. He suggested that my blow off valve might be at fault.
     I remember hearing it pop occasionally between shifts when I let off the throttle around 6000 rpm or so. My hearing hasn't improved any so it could be I just don't notice it anymore. Does anyone notice the same acceleration inconsistencies under boost? After driving his S4 my WRX seems a little soggy.

stoner420

BOV is supposed to 'pop' when you let off the throttle, that's to help the turbo keep spinning when the air stops flowing, if you hear it slightly that's normal. S4s are very fast too, not sure if it's worth $15k more, and dunno how I feel about Audi reliability vs. Subaru though.. The standard recommendation for jerky acceleration is to do the grounding mod, a lot of people say that helps. Plus I'd recommend (if you didn't already) a k&n filter + resonator-ectomy to let it breathe a little easier (also you will be able to hear the BOV pop easier ;-).