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Comments
Bob
Even though her 626 had leather and power seats, she's willing to give that stuff up. I think the bottom line is she'd rather spend time with the kids than work, so price is now a bigger factor. We can afford a Bean, but she's thinking ahead.
She doesn't want another green car, in fact most dark colors are out. So I guess a GT would have to be Titanium or white. She likes Silver and Wintergreen (which doesn't really look green) best.
-juice
If ride quality is a biggie look out for over-inflated tires. When I picked mine up from the dealer I noticed the ride seemed really harsh. When I checked the tires they had 40 lbs. in them. Adjusted them to the recommended values and the ride is firm, but not harsh.
I too liked the GT wagon interior, though I agree with Paisan the handling isn't that much better than the L. I would have been happy with it, I'm sure, or a Outback for that matter - they're all winners IMO. I'm happiEST with my WRX, but if it were a matter peace in the house I would have gladly taken any of the above.
I say this as a former multiple Honda/Acura owner - they are great cars but I feel Subies are an overall better value, esp. with the great AWD systems.
Stephen
Plus, what I find sporty (Miata) she finds harsh. And what I find tippy and floaty she likes (CR-V). You never know.
Another thing is that the GT models compete in a tougher price segment. For $17,329, a Legacy L sedan is an easy choice over an $17,999 Camry LE with no ABS. Nothing in that price range has ABS, never mind AWD or the choice of a wagon. It's a slam dunk.
The GT is $20,799, which is still a good value, but at that price point you have a couple of legit alternatives.
-juice
A big disappointment was that the Baja was a no show.
Also, the Mini had the most popular exhibit.
-Frank P.
-mike
Well, time for the WRX to get turned in. I'm desperate for some support to get a great ride for my next test vehicle - tomorrow - - - We can chat tonight so I can see what you all think - and then I can start the "begging process" tomorrow.
See you all tonight?
Patti
I'd love to see you bring an 03 Forester and pit it up against the X5 that will be with us in the barrens!
-mike
Take a breath of fresh air! :-)
Oh no, you need to return the WRX? Well, what have you driven so far:
- WRX (sedan?)
- Legacy GT
- VDC
How about a new 03 Forester or a WRX Wagon?
Ken
decent power from the 6. not faster than my GT though I don't think. The car seems quite a bit heavier.
Light steering with no communication. Comfortably numb. God Bless America. Blech.
grabby brakes, presumably to make safety conscious parents think it has great stopping power which, arguable it does. But it needs it 'cause....
...it understeers like a stuck pig. Who needs side airbags? Only way this thing is hitting anything is dead-on. Nose heavy too. (I know side bags are to protect against that OTHER Accord scrubbing into you).
Wallows under hard cornering. Combined with the understeer and the lack of communication, I sullenly puttered around town all day in this perfectly comfortable, reliable, leather stuffed sensory deprivation chamber. god it was nice to get the GT back today!
;-)
-Colin
hehe
-Colin
(edit)
plus the new one is a 3800lb pig, 343 hp be damned.
used. 1995, 63k miles. Too bad Pat's probably at his summer home, he would laugh to learn it's black. yep I'm stupid.
-Colin
Sweet!! ...but black? You're gonna love to learn to wash and wax regularly. ;-)
So is this going to be a daily driver for you?
Ken
I'll daily drive the M3 but don't plan to put a ton of miles on it-- I ride my motorcycle a lot in warm weather too.
Test drove a new WRX (again) immediately after a test drive in the M3. Sorry, no comparison. Plus the M3 in this case is cheaper! ;-) Sure I could get stung by an expensive repair. I could also get clipped next week riding the bike and never walk again-- so in short, I'm not worried about the 63k miles.
-Colin
-Colin
Care to elaborate on how the WRX felt and where it falls short compared to the M3?
BTW, are you putting the RS completely back to stock? Will you need that shift lever still?
Ken
Plus the new M really is monster pig.
Colin-I agree with Ken, you really have added much. Plan on sticking around? those BMW boards get awfully snotty you know..... :-D
The M3's 3.0L inline six is no V8, but the only time you know that is trying to accelerate hard from low rpm (say going instantly from "cruise" to "romp"). The WRX is even worse in this regard, and both excel when you downshift properly and get on with it.
But there's something to be said for instanteous throttle response. I've always liked it. Point somewhere, put the pedal down and you're immediately getting there much quicker. The WRX's lag isn't terrible but it's there.
The M3's suspension is also quite a bit superior, soaking up highway bumps with aplomb and at the same time offering better cornering grip and less body roll. (This is stock 63k miles vs. stock near-zero miles.)
Those are just a few obvious things I noticed, I could go on and on. Not that the WRX isn't a FANTASTIC new car! Best $23k car available, no one is close. But just not right for me this time.
-Colin
Yeah, I agree that there ain't no replacement for displacement. While it isn't anywhere near the leap to a M3, stomping on the gas on my wife's VR6 and getting that instant throttle response is very nice.
Now I know why you were advocating an H6 Impreza. :-)
BTW, did you drive a 5-speed WRX?
Ken
Also, the E36 M3's 240HP is understated. They make that at the wheels when dynoed.
-Colin
So far in my driving career:
455ci Olds
318ci Dodge
1.Xl Ford Escort
2.7l XT6
3.2l Rodeo
3.5l Trooper
And I have to say that the displacement is nice
-mike
-Colin
Left Switch Panel # 66050AE18A $30.71
Center HVAC Panel #66060AE26A $58.60
Cup Holder #66150AE17A $44.67
Shifter Surround # 92121AE02A $65.87
TOTAL $199.85
bit
Ken
would you really let someone cut into your car to install a moon roof? Just thinking about it makes me woozy! It's a very intriguing thought though -- a moon roof on my base Outback would be awfully nice... Are you thinking of doing it through the dealer? Would there be warranty issues otherwise? Has anyone else had this procedure performed successfully?
Kim
-mike
In a few years, we'll probably get the STi wagon. I could see you in one of those. :-)
-Dennis
I see myself more in a used 2002 WRX wagon. ;-)
-Colin
I don't think there would be any warranty issues with installing an aftermarket sun/moonroof. Also, many of the aftermarket companies offer a warranty against leaks.
Ken
Jim
Ross
Heather
Jim
BTW look what happens when Juice is away, not posting here. Subaru Crew slips behind Daewoo as the most active owner's group. Ouch!
Thanks, Heather
YEAH BABY, a 2002 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 5 speed, Wintergreen, with keyless and carpeted mats. A mind-boggling $17,827 delivered, plus only state tax. That includes freight. I love Fitzgerald, no advertising fee, no processing fee, no nothing. The only surprise was the LACK of any surprises. A+ to the dealer.
That price included 6 free oil changes and a free service loaner car for life. They even put $3 grand on our credit card, so we'll get $30 back from Toys R Us. Buy a wagon, get two free boxes of diapers! :-)
We skipped Nissan. My wife was anxious to see what all the hype was about! Plus I think Carlos "le cost cutter" Ghosn did just that, a little too much. Altima side crash tests were poor, and I'm not sure the new ones will hold up as well as the old ones did.
So off to the Subie dealer.
-juice
On the road, it is refined, quiet, makes the CR-V engine seem like a chainsaw (quick, yes, but LOUD). The ride too, on the highway, much less road noise, less wind noise, better ride control. Much less tippy. No comparison.
Phase II engine is not fast, but peppy, torquey, makes better power before 4000rpm than any other 4 cylinder we've tried, and that's where she shifts, face it.
By now she's already convinced. But I want to be sure, so we drive an LL Bean. I offered the GT, but she said they seemed too much alike. So the Bean was good because we could sample the leather, moonroofs, heated seats, the H6, everything she'd be "missing" by getting the L.
Well, she didn't buy into it. Not at all. She thought the leather was harder, and didn't need all the frills. I liked it - the H6 was so quiet you had to check the tach to see if it was on. It made the Highlander look like a Yugo. I'm serious, the Subie was much more refined, and about as quick, though neither overwhelms.
But $26k and change? Not this time. Maybe when we don't have kids spilling juice in the back seat. Very nice, just not ours.
Surprises? Outside temp gauge at this price level? Sweet. 2 odometers. 60 series tires are actually plenty sporty, I doubt we'll change them because she loved the quiet ride. Dare I say quieter than the Camry we tried?
Also, you do get a cargo cover. Ours had pin stripes. Uh oh. Nope, Fitz got it in a trade with another dealer, and charged nothing for them. OK, fine. They didn't even ASK us to pay for them. Way to go.
L means I don't have to remove the plood, but I wouldn't have anyway.
Moonroof? Maybe. She said she'll drive it for a week then decide if she misses it.
Is it perfect? No, but close to perfect for our needs. I'd like a lit key ring, mud guards, and a leather shift knob. I'll probably address a couple of those myself.
All we need now is one of those "Subaru Parking Only" signs.
-one very, very happy juice
Ross