I was all set to buy Rotas + tires from Revolution Motorsports (www.revolutionmotorsports.com). They had the best overall selection and prices in my opinion. If you want just wheels, there are a lot of choices.
The Yoko ES100 tires look like a good bet. Toyo T1-S are also good. I went for Bridgestone RE-750's. All are good summer tires with a quiet highway ride.
I got over 35 k on re 92s on Delsol. Bought new ones and totaled it 2 weeks later. Seeing pretty much wear on the re 92s on my 2002 WRX at 30 k. Maybe 5 k more?
Hello to all you STi owners out there... I need help...I'm trying to decide between a 350Z and the STi... With the rising cost of fuel and the mileage reports by the magazines who have tested the STi, I need help to make the final decision.. What mileage are you getting when just cruising down the freeway at 70-80 mph, the normal cruising rate here in the central valley, when we don't have a CHP escort...Not punching it, just going from point A to point B, say 50-100 miles or so... What ever I buy is going to be my daily driver, I'm retired so commute traffic is not an issue... Thank you very much... You 350Z guys are invited to join in as well... Both cars are just great...It's about time we got some real cars here in the good old USA... Thank you Fred Hood
Fred - I think most of us here have the STi on our "want" list. Might want to try the STi board.
Last time I drove a Z was a 260Z or Fairlady Z as they called it in Japan. So couldn't help you there. If you like both cars, go one step further on your choice, AWD or RWD? Hard to imagine you worrying about mpg with these type cars.
prayerfor - got the same tires on mine (17's), had it only a mo. though. So far so good, we'll see when it rains.
Definitely try the STi board. Also, I went to another website and looked at discussions about STi mileage. Here's what people were reporting:
21 19 24 19 23 23 18 23 20 16 23 26 20 21 19 25
The range of numbers comes from different driving styles, and some have more city driving while some have more highway. There was also a post by a guy who gets about 20mpg in daily driving and 5mpg at the track!
I was down to choosing between a Z and a WRX, and you know what I got. Good luck, they are both nice cars. Make sure you test drive the STi thoroughly before deciding -- it's not for everyone. I think the Z (and WRX) are less bleeding-edge than the STi.
I get about 24mpg, mostly highway. If you were really trying to max mileage and accelerate slowly, I think you could see 26. But wheres' the fun in that?
It dips down to 20 in full fun backroads mode. The mileage really varies on go pedal usage more than any car I've owned or driven.
the STi suspension is stiff. I would not recommend it to most drivers, even those that consider themselves "enthusiasts" as a daily driver. There is a lot of road feedback, and it responds firmly to cracks and bumps. Like a sporting car should The engine alone is worth the price difference, but you also get great brakes, forged wheels, and a strong 6 speed, etc. For some people, this sounds like heaven, and these are the people I'd recommend the STi to.
If you're just looking to have a little fun with a comfortable daily driver, I'd look at the WRX to compare with your Z. It's not as hardcore, but still a great car for those that want a more comfortable ride.
Kwrx, where did you get your wheel & tire package? Did you have to purchase them separately from two different places? I'm thinking of either the Rota SDRs or Tarmacs with Pirelli P7000. I can get a good deal from subdydude.com and just purchase the tires from Tirerack.com, but I'm hoping to get the entire package from one place (for convenience).
Dennis--Sorry to hear about your car too. That's tough. Heard from a friend out there that NJ is notorious for car thefts, hence the high insurance.
Fred--I test-drove the 350Z a while back, very smooth shifting and acceleration, handled well. Don't know about mileage but the downside for me was the lack of space in the rear--felt a bit claustrophobic. (Also need the space for the dog, a 70-lb. husky!) Haven't been able to test-drive the STi. But from everything I've heard, I'll probably stick with the WRX instead of getting the STi. The Rex is more of a daily driver that you can take on the back roads and have some fun with when you feel like it.
Thank you for the responses.How do I get to the STi Board so that I can get more feedback from STi owners? My present driver is a 70' 510 with 91'KA24 (240SX) engine, tranny, 280 brakes. It is quick, but I'm tired of it beating me to death and no AIR in the central valley.I have driven an STi as well as the 350Z. I am a sexy senior citizen, who still loves HP and handling. Just not willing to have a BIG GO KART any more. My dime is a lot stiffer than the STi. My wife and I have had an XT6 and loved it. With the ever increasing cost of fuel, we will never see 29 cent premium fuel anymore and I feel that since it will be my daily driver to and from where ever I am going, some REAL WORLD figures will be very helpful in making a final decision. I understand mileage will vary depending on how I drive it, and I will USE IT from time to time, but when I want to take a trip say from Madera to LA or SF I would like it to get at least 25 mpg at cruising speed, other wise the FUN FACTOR will not be worth it. I hope what I did with this post will get to the STi board. Thank you Fred
Oddly enough, I got both the rims and tires from my local Discount Tire store. They had the tires in stock, and ordered the rims from a regional distributor. I only paid slightly more than the online prices I researched, and got the Discount Tire warranty and service package included in the price. As for the durability of the Rota rims, they are a little softer than others, but unless you tend to sideswipe things like curbs or drive over rocky roads, they are fine. (I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading that a Subie racing team goes with the Rotas.)
Cool! You have a 70-lb husky! Good to know I'm not the only Suby owner here w/ a husky. I have 2 Siberian Huskies that I take around using my '95 OBS. I'm still deciding if I'm going to drive them around in my new '04 WRX.
Ah the clown prince of sled dogs. I very much miss mine. Andee was 13 when he died in June. He had been a frequent traveler in my 2002 WRX wagon. That is the main reason I bought the wagon rather than the sedan. The other reason was our Great Pyrenees who at 150 lbs actually fit quite well in the wagon along with the 60 lb husky. I had a metal screen and dropped the rear seat and both fit well. Now with only one dog, even at 150 pounds, she actually fits quite nicely in the rear seat. I have many examples of Andee showing how his DNA was so near that of the wolf, in other word: howling tapes. I have samples of his howling on several of my mac computers here at work as the alert signal. And he used to "den" under the bed. Then there was the rabbit chasing and killing. Familiar?
JB, is yours a sedan or wagon? I don't think 2 huskies can fit into the sedan! And of course when they're shedding, forget it!
twrx: Good idea about the taping. I should try that, although mine doesn't howl very often. She does dig and kill small animals though, to my dismay...She's 12 now and slowing down so she doesn't kill as often.
Getting back on topic, I do wish the WRX sedan had folding rear seats just so my husky can fit a little more comfortably in the back; she's used to the coupes we used to have. I didn't want the wagon just for that reason though...
Sonya, mine is a WRX '04 Sedan. My two huskies (both 3 1/2 yrs old) actually sit in the back seat of my OBS so they each have a window to look out from. They associate the Subaru w/ "fun places" because they either go to the dog park or on hiking trips whenever they get on the OBS.
I guess all huskies love to dig and chase small animals. I think one arm is already longer because of all the rabbits and squirrels near my house in NJ.
I agree w/ you though that it would have been better if the WRX sedans came w/ fold-down seats. The passthrough in the trunk doesn't really do much for me.
Hi again. just some random thoughts about Huskies of course. We can't get another because the Pyrenees would attack it. She can snap, she did several times with Andee the husky and went for his neck. Susan my wife wants another one so bad. Andee was "Galaxy's Andromeda". We got him from Galaxy kennels near Inianapolis in 1990. He was related to a dog named Sierra Cinnar who was the only Husky to win Westminster. Great, great, great, GF. He was black and gray with brown eyes. He severed his ACL in 1998 and had an artificial one put on to save his knee. In June he suddenly developed severe anemia. It was apparently caused by a liver tumor. He only lived for 48 hours after the first symptonms. It cost me all of my income tax refund plus some for his final days. But he was worth it because he was a husky. Both of you know. If either of you have emails listed I will send pictures if you would like to see him.
Sorry, I do not have a husky, but find them to be great dogs! :-)
I believe the 205-55-16 RE92s have a tread wear of 180. I have about 30K on mine, and they need to be replaced. For comparison, I used to have a Toyota Camry V6, in which I would go through tires with tread-wear ratings of 300-400 within 35K miles. Damn, I must be an agressive driver! In other words, I am thrilled with the tires wear! BTW, next tires will probably be the Pirrelli P-Zero Neros. :-)
Rims - Dave, the Formels look sweet, but aren't they on the heavy side ~20-21 lbs. per wheel? The SDRs weigh about 17.8 lbs per wheel (per super sports car mag.) and the Rota Subzeros weigh about 16.5 lbs. per wheel (all 17" wheels). Of course if you get a lighter tire, this becomes a mute point.
nohitterhood - In terms of gas mileage between the WRX STi and the 350Z, for cruising they are going to be close. If you accelerate agressively and keep them up in the RPM range, both will suck gas. Their gas mileages are so close, I am wondering why it is an issue? I mean, the gas mileage by the EPA is average (for +50% of the cars) I am guessing that if you accelerate very hard all the time, the 350Z will get slightly better gas mileage, but again, who knows? Which do you like better? Have you had a chance to test drive both? Any reason for the practicality of the STi or the compliant ride of the 350Z?
The 350Z is completely impractical - 2 seats, nearly zero cargo capacity. At least consider a G35 coupe if you want a practical car, better yet a G35 sedan with the new 6 speed.
I took a far better offer. My weekly calls to Geri at SOA finally produced something. Plus while I had the car back awaiting a new tranny the clutch started acting up again. So SOA put $ into the deal and I was more than satisfied with the deal. The yellow sedan is one wild looking car.
After getting a truck stolen, a cop told my dad the best bet was some hardened chain, wrapped around and locked individually to each pedal (brake, clutch) with a padlock, and then looped through the steering wheel a couple of ways. This would be a royal pain, but would probably deter all but the most determined thief.
1. self-powered siren in the cockpit to throw off their concentration. 2. starter/ignition kill 3. fuel cut 4. distress/alert notification via phone/pager/web 5. blackjax [anti-carjack] to shut engine down when it is started if 2 and 3 is bypassed. 6. user remote engine shut down via phone/web. 7.LoJack/GPS system [last resort].
Hey, if they want it and are determined, they'll take it. but I want them to really really work for it.
Dream feature - steering wheel airbag cartridge with metal plate which you substitute regular airbag whenever you park. Deployable remotely by user via phone/web... and hidden cameras to record and watch that metal plate flattens the thief's face when you deploy the plate.
Hi, don't know how to do the picture thing. But if you have seen one limited edition 2003 Sonic Yellow sedan you have seen them all. OK so it had the center armrest which so far I like. I think I will like it better on the road. Planning on running to Indy on Sat. I'm going to try to get some breakin miles on it, I have to keep reminding myself not to over rev it. It has 300 miles on it--it had sat on the dealer's lot for nearly a year. Turbo boost looks cool; I'll see if it useful. Stereo actually sounds better with out the underseat sub that my wagon had. I probably will swap out the standard speakers for some coaxial ones. I would not have paid for the carbon fiber trim but it looks really nice. I really would not have gotten the titanium shift knob. That barrell shape is not good. Fortunately I had the Momo that matches the wheel in the wagon which I swapped over. So far I don't miss the short throw that my wagon had. I really don't miss the lurching shift lever, the abrupt clutch and the blown head gaskets of the wagon.
Its great, I'm looking for an excuse to drive it somewhere after work next hour. Really looking to Sat. and the rock and gem show in Indy.
There is only one thing I worry about; I got rid of a blue lemon and bought a yellow..... oh no!
I like the styling of the flared fenders and the whale tail style wing. I've seen one online parts outfit that sells the large Sti scoop painted Sonic Yellow. That would make one mean looking car.
TWRX, yes I can now say I am staying with this personalized plate.
Well, Howard's influence caught up with me today -- I installed a Prodrive muffler. The sound is awesome, I would drive just to listen to the noise. And the engine is actually smoother now, especially when engine braking. Really great mod. This was like "acoustic perfume" -- it really enhances the WRX experience. Install was pretty easy too, though I had to run out and get some longer bolts partway through -- the Prodrive flange is about twice as thick as the stock flange.
Anybody have ideas what I can do with the stock muffler? Maybe I will try to sell it. No use to me now!
Craig - I saw the photo of your WRX a few pages back and was wondering where you got those mudflaps, and did you install them yourself? Thanks in advance for any info (from another Sedona Red [wagon] owner).
Those are Prodrive mudflaps, imported from the UK. Cost is about $200, but they fit perfectly and are high quality. They have both sedan and wagon versions. More info is available here:
Thanks for the link. I had heard that the Prodrives were the best fitting, best looking and most functional but I had not seen any pictures of them before. I've always had mudflaps on my cars and am keen to get some on my WRX before the Nebraska winter hits. Did you have to wait long for them, and were they easy to install? (I've not done any mods before).
I think I only had to wait a couple of weeks, but if Arne has them in stock, you can probably get them right away. Usually, he has a waiting list, but it never takes more than a couple of weeks.
Install was pretty easy, though a couple of the screws were hard to line up initially. It would be super easy if you remove the tire/wheel (recommended in hindsight), but I was able to get the flaps on without taking off the wheels (just a little extra grunting, swearing, and throwing tools).
Bamawrx wrecked his 2002 WRX on 09/29/03. Very bad wreck. I am starting to feel much better now but I am still having flash backs, pain, etc.. I picked up my 2004 WRX replacement car today. So 2 fast, 2 furious, 2 wrx, we are in an small club of 2nd wrx owners.
I have 70 miles or so on her and have little to say about the car other than it looks better, sun roof is cool, and the tires suck. One of the many bad parts about crashing my beloved WRX is that I had just put a new set of Sport Pilots on her as some of you will remember. $150/each plus.
Those tires spoiled me so I need to get some more. Do I put 17"ers on her and sell the 16"s or stay with the factory 16's. I would like some feed back on that one. I have pics of the ill fated wrx if anyone is interested. I don't know how to post pics though.
And so you don't have to ask, NO I wasn't doing anything stupid, drunk, or otherwise to cause the crash.
I was working in a rural environment and a stop sign was turned so that I did not recognize it as being for me. I unfortunately did not catch the error until it was too late and entered the intersection. The other car was piloted by a female and was traveling at a high rate of speed (no seat belt) we met at 90 deg angles front bumper to front bumper. Each car then rotated to impact on the sides and separated into different directions. I was traveling at approximately 40 mph and she was traveling approx 70 mph. The intersection was the turn I was looking for as it turned out, which is a small bit of irony.
The wrx performed very well in the crash and protected me from my error as advertised. Side impact and front air bags deployed. To give you an idea of the violence of the crash I had glass in my mouth, lost my sun glasses, and found my cel phone 100 yards away from my car. I have no information as the well being of the other driver. She was life flighted away and in bad shape. Please pray for her.
I'm so sorry to hear about your misfortune, I'm glad that you seem to be doing well and hope the other driver fairs well also. You may have a suit over the stop sign maintance. I've never gotten around to adding 17' wheels, but I might be looking for one 16" wheel. I'm leaning towards the Pilot Sport all seasons myself. Same dilemma re: wheel size. I can't help but feel that there has to be an inexpensive way to get the UK/euro standard 17" WRX wheels here. Perhaps a power buy by a group of us? Best of luck with your new WRX and especially your recovery.
Really sorry to hear about the crash. Hope you're doing okay and that the other driver is too.
I'll probably be going for the Pilot Sport myself later--want to wait until the stocks wear down. Which may be in another year. Or maybe I won't wait, not sure yet.
That is really terrible to hear. Glad you're OK, and I hope the other driver is OK too. No seatbelt in a 70mph impact is a bad situation to be in. It certainly could have been much worse if she T-boned you. I hope the police made a record of that stop sign being turned, because it is certainly the key factor here.
I would highly recommend 17" wheels and tires, however, the ride will be degraded. When I had 16" wheels and tires on my WRX, it was a very comfortable highway cruiser and I was constantly amazed by how easy it was to commute in the car -- you would never know it was a sports car, it just felt like a comfortable mid size car.
Now, with 17" wheels and tires, there is no mistaking it's a sports car. You have to run 17" tires at a slightly higher pressure (the door jamb sticker lists it) and of course you have less sidewall to absorb shock. It takes the highway ride from comfortable to being on the edge of harsh. You get much better handling, turn-in response, and feedback, but those also translate into a harder ride over bumps.
So, I'd say to stay with 16" if comfort and ride quality are important to you, and go with 17" if handling and road feel are important. Also, I think 17" look better, which may or may not be important to you. I'm glad I went with the 17" setup, but also appreciated the smoother ride with 16".
I still have my 16" stocke wheels and tires (with only 3500 miles). I was going to sell them, but the going rate is only $300-400 for the set, so I'm thinking I will just keep them. Garage space is the real issue, of course!
I appreciate all your well wishes. I really should have taken a picture of the old cars 16" rims with the pilot sports. It seemed I got more compliments on the tires than anything else. It really made a difference in appearance. I don't want the car to ride much harder than it currently does, so I think I will stick with the 16ers. Thanks for the feedback. I am hoping the tire guy will give me a good trade in for the factory tires as they are new still.
sonya4,
I wish I didn't wait to change to the pilot sports. When you drive the car for the first time with good tires it is like a different car, just amazing. If you can, spend the $600.
Comments
Thanks!
JB
The Yoko ES100 tires look like a good bet. Toyo T1-S are also good. I went for Bridgestone RE-750's. All are good summer tires with a quiet highway ride.
Craig
I need help...I'm trying to decide between a 350Z and the STi...
With the rising cost of fuel and the mileage reports by the magazines who have tested the STi, I need help to make the final decision..
What mileage are you getting when just cruising down the freeway at 70-80 mph, the normal cruising rate here in the central valley, when we don't have a CHP escort...Not punching it, just going from point A to point B, say 50-100 miles or so...
What ever I buy is going to be my daily driver, I'm retired so commute traffic is not an issue...
Thank you very much...
You 350Z guys are invited to join in as well...
Both cars are just great...It's about time we got some real cars here in the good old USA...
Thank you
Fred Hood
Last time I drove a Z was a 260Z or Fairlady Z as they called it in Japan. So couldn't help you there. If you like both cars, go one step further on your choice, AWD or RWD? Hard to imagine you worrying about mpg with these type cars.
prayerfor - got the same tires on mine (17's), had it only a mo. though. So far so good, we'll see when it rains.
21
19
24
19
23
23
18
23
20
16
23
26
20
21
19
25
The range of numbers comes from different driving styles, and some have more city driving while some have more highway. There was also a post by a guy who gets about 20mpg in daily driving and 5mpg at the track!
I was down to choosing between a Z and a WRX, and you know what I got. Good luck, they are both nice cars. Make sure you test drive the STi thoroughly before deciding -- it's not for everyone. I think the Z (and WRX) are less bleeding-edge than the STi.
Craig
It dips down to 20 in full fun backroads mode. The mileage really varies on go pedal usage more than any car I've owned or driven.
the STi suspension is stiff. I would not recommend it to most drivers, even those that consider themselves "enthusiasts" as a daily driver. There is a lot of road feedback, and it responds firmly to cracks and bumps. Like a sporting car should
If you're just looking to have a little fun with a comfortable daily driver, I'd look at the WRX to compare with your Z. It's not as hardcore, but still a great car for those that want a more comfortable ride.
My WRX was stolen from Sears in Watchung this week. It's the 3rd wagon in the past few weeks and the 5th WRX.
Another WRX in Bloomfield was stolen today.
Watch out!!
-Dennis
Thanks for the warning and good luck!!
Thanks!
JB
-Dennis
Fred--I test-drove the 350Z a while back, very smooth shifting and acceleration, handled well. Don't know about mileage but the downside for me was the lack of space in the rear--felt a bit claustrophobic. (Also need the space for the dog, a 70-lb. husky!) Haven't been able to test-drive the STi. But from everything I've heard, I'll probably stick with the WRX instead of getting the STi. The Rex is more of a daily driver that you can take on the back roads and have some fun with when you feel like it.
--sonya
My present driver is a 70' 510 with 91'KA24 (240SX) engine, tranny, 280 brakes. It is quick, but I'm tired of it beating me to death and no AIR in the central valley.I have driven an STi as well as the 350Z. I am a sexy senior citizen, who still loves HP and handling. Just not willing to have a BIG GO KART any more. My dime is a lot stiffer than the STi.
My wife and I have had an XT6 and loved it.
With the ever increasing cost of fuel, we will never see 29 cent premium fuel anymore and I feel that since it will be my daily driver to and from where ever I am going, some REAL WORLD figures will be very helpful in making a final decision.
I understand mileage will vary depending on how I drive it, and I will USE IT from time to time, but when I want to take a trip say from Madera to LA or SF I would like it to get at least 25 mpg at cruising speed, other wise the FUN FACTOR will not be worth it.
I hope what I did with this post will get to the STi board.
Thank you
Fred
As for the durability of the Rota rims, they are a little softer than others, but unless you tend to sideswipe things like curbs or drive over rocky roads, they are fine. (I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading that a Subie racing team goes with the Rotas.)
Cool! You have a 70-lb husky! Good to know I'm not the only Suby owner here w/ a husky. I have 2 Siberian Huskies that I take around using my '95 OBS. I'm still deciding if I'm going to drive them around in my new '04 WRX.
JB
TWRX
twrx: Good idea about the taping. I should try that, although mine doesn't howl very often. She does dig and kill small animals though, to my dismay...She's 12 now and slowing down so she doesn't kill as often.
Getting back on topic, I do wish the WRX sedan had folding rear seats just so my husky can fit a little more comfortably in the back; she's used to the coupes we used to have. I didn't want the wagon just for that reason though...
--sonya
I guess all huskies love to dig and chase small animals. I think one arm is already longer because of all the rabbits and squirrels near my house in NJ.
I agree w/ you though that it would have been better if the WRX sedans came w/ fold-down seats. The passthrough in the trunk doesn't really do much for me.
-JB
TWRX
stilover "Subaru WRX STi" Sep 27, 2003 7:47am
Or just click on Townhall, then Coupes, Convertibles & Sportscars and you'll see the STi board.
Life's too short, go for it!!!
--sonya
JB
I believe the 205-55-16 RE92s have a tread wear of 180. I have about 30K on mine, and they need to be replaced. For comparison, I used to have a Toyota Camry V6, in which I would go through tires with tread-wear ratings of 300-400 within 35K miles. Damn, I must be an agressive driver! In other words, I am thrilled with the tires wear! BTW, next tires will probably be the Pirrelli P-Zero Neros. :-)
Rims - Dave, the Formels look sweet, but aren't they on the heavy side ~20-21 lbs. per wheel? The SDRs weigh about 17.8 lbs per wheel (per super sports car mag.) and the Rota Subzeros weigh about 16.5 lbs. per wheel (all 17" wheels). Of course if you get a lighter tire, this becomes a mute point.
nohitterhood - In terms of gas mileage between the WRX STi and the 350Z, for cruising they are going to be close. If you accelerate agressively and keep them up in the RPM range, both will suck gas. Their gas mileages are so close, I am wondering why it is an issue? I mean, the gas mileage by the EPA is average (for +50% of the cars) I am guessing that if you accelerate very hard all the time, the 350Z will get slightly better gas mileage, but again, who knows? Which do you like better? Have you had a chance to test drive both? Any reason for the practicality of the STi or the compliant ride of the 350Z?
Just my $0.02
-juice
YWRX
-Dennis
TWRX
I put double-locks on my new rims but I guess if they want it, they'll get it no matter what.
TWRX - good for you. One up for the consumer! So did it qualify as a lemon?
Best regards
-Dennis
Craig
2. starter/ignition kill
3. fuel cut
4. distress/alert notification via phone/pager/web
5. blackjax [anti-carjack] to shut engine down when it is started if 2 and 3 is bypassed.
6. user remote engine shut down via phone/web.
7.LoJack/GPS system [last resort].
Hey, if they want it and are determined, they'll take it. but I want them to really really work for it.
Dream feature - steering wheel airbag cartridge with metal plate which you substitute regular airbag whenever you park. Deployable remotely by user via phone/web... and hidden cameras to record and watch that metal plate flattens the thief's face when you deploy the plate.
-Dave
Craig
The new yellow will make onlookers gawk and rubberneck at you. You gotta groom yourself nicely now! ;-)
Glad to keep you in the Subaru Crew fold. Didn't want to lose you to the [*cough* boring *cough*] mainstream brands.
-juice
TWRX
-juice
There is only one thing I worry about; I got rid of a blue lemon and bought a yellow..... oh no!
I like the styling of the flared fenders and the whale tail style wing. I've seen one online parts outfit that sells the large Sti scoop painted Sonic Yellow. That would make one mean looking car.
TWRX, yes I can now say I am staying with this personalized plate.
Anybody have ideas what I can do with the stock muffler? Maybe I will try to sell it. No use to me now!
Craig
http://www.subietech.com/
Definitely recommended!
Craig
Chris
Install was pretty easy, though a couple of the screws were hard to line up initially. It would be super easy if you remove the tire/wheel (recommended in hindsight), but I was able to get the flaps on without taking off the wheels (just a little extra grunting, swearing, and throwing tools).
Craig
I have 70 miles or so on her and have little to say about the car other than it looks better, sun roof is cool, and the tires suck. One of the many bad parts about crashing my beloved WRX is that I had just put a new set of Sport Pilots on her as some of you will remember. $150/each plus.
Those tires spoiled me so I need to get some more. Do I put 17"ers on her and sell the 16"s or stay with the factory 16's. I would like some feed back on that one. I have pics of the ill fated wrx if anyone is interested. I don't know how to post pics though.
And so you don't have to ask, NO I wasn't doing anything stupid, drunk, or otherwise to cause the crash.
I was working in a rural environment and a stop sign was turned so that I did not recognize it as being for me. I unfortunately did not catch the error until it was too late and entered the intersection. The other car was piloted by a female and was traveling at a high rate of speed (no seat belt) we met at 90 deg angles front bumper to front bumper. Each car then rotated to impact on the sides and separated into different directions. I was traveling at approximately 40 mph and she was traveling approx 70 mph. The intersection was the turn I was looking for as it turned out, which is a small bit of irony.
The wrx performed very well in the crash and protected me from my error as advertised. Side impact and front air bags deployed. To give you an idea of the violence of the crash I had glass in my mouth, lost my sun glasses, and found my cel phone 100 yards away from my car. I have no information as the well being of the other driver. She was life flighted away and in bad shape. Please pray for her.
I've never gotten around to adding 17' wheels, but I might be looking for one 16" wheel. I'm leaning towards the Pilot Sport all seasons myself. Same dilemma re: wheel size. I can't help but feel that there has to be an inexpensive way to get the UK/euro standard 17" WRX wheels here. Perhaps a power buy by a group of us?
Best of luck with your new WRX and especially your recovery.
I'll probably be going for the Pilot Sport myself later--want to wait until the stocks wear down. Which may be in another year. Or maybe I won't wait, not sure yet.
Try to enjoy the new Rex and feel better soon.
--sonya
I would highly recommend 17" wheels and tires, however, the ride will be degraded. When I had 16" wheels and tires on my WRX, it was a very comfortable highway cruiser and I was constantly amazed by how easy it was to commute in the car -- you would never know it was a sports car, it just felt like a comfortable mid size car.
Now, with 17" wheels and tires, there is no mistaking it's a sports car. You have to run 17" tires at a slightly higher pressure (the door jamb sticker lists it) and of course you have less sidewall to absorb shock. It takes the highway ride from comfortable to being on the edge of harsh. You get much better handling, turn-in response, and feedback, but those also translate into a harder ride over bumps.
So, I'd say to stay with 16" if comfort and ride quality are important to you, and go with 17" if handling and road feel are important. Also, I think 17" look better, which may or may not be important to you. I'm glad I went with the 17" setup, but also appreciated the smoother ride with 16".
I still have my 16" stocke wheels and tires (with only 3500 miles). I was going to sell them, but the going rate is only $300-400 for the set, so I'm thinking I will just keep them. Garage space is the real issue, of course!
Craig
sonya4,
I wish I didn't wait to change to the pilot sports. When you drive the car for the first time with good tires it is like a different car, just amazing. If you can, spend the $600.