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Subaru Impreza WRX
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Comments
Ramon - agreed. My best friend thinks BMW hung the moon. When my WRX runs away from his 323i, he still won't be convinced. For many folks, nameplates matter, and Subaru has virtually no credibility here in south Texas. Well put - more fun for us
I would think that because of the lower demand for AWD here, buyers may be able to get a better deal.
We have just one Subaru dealer here that services 550,000 people. I don't even know their name.
I was up in Conn. and Mass. two years ago and was amazed at the number of subaru dealerships in that
part of the country.
I began looking for my first car a couple years ago. I tested the Prelude, Integra, 2.5 RS, Mustang, Forrester, and a 1.8T.
I fell in love with the 2.5RS the second I saw it, and the drive was simply incredible. The deal was practically done, when my parents decided that it was too small a car. I ended up with a Forrester, and really love, the car, but a part of me still wishes for the 2.5 RS.
Now that the WRX is being released in North America, I think anyone would have to be nuts not to by this car. We're talking more HP than a BMW 3 series, or a 1.8T or Prelude. It has better torque transfer than all of the above, plus the AWD.
I am soooo happy that Sube came out with this vehicle... I'm working on my Dad to trade in his car and get one. One things for sure, I'm going to every local Sube dealer and test driving it as much as I can!
BMW dealers are nasty, same with Honda, BECAUSE of that "prestige" thing going on... Harder to pull their legs than even the high pressure Subaru dealer here in Roseville...
Oh, and Spoiler comes STANDARD on the Yellow sedans.
i htink the latest 330i/Ci are pretty quick. Has some finicky clutch tho. Rated at 6.3seconds 0-60. But still for outright performance, the WRX will have it for lunch. Shh.... let's keep this for ourselves.
I'm about to get a 2001 2.5 RS. I test drove it and fell in love with it. I like the styling, performance (for the price), and it's just fun as hell to drive..
But I am in a quandry..My lips are salivating as I read more and more about the WRX. The numbers are just awesome and the price is very resonable.It has S4 numbers for about $10K-$15K less. My wife was actually about to get the S4 last yr but passed on it b/c Audi sales ppl are snobish bastards and got the ACURA 3.2 TL instead. But I digress..
I'm not sure if I really like the look of the WRX..reminds me of Neon..but the performance..WOW. I know I can do stuff on the RS to boost power but I don't want to void the warranty. I'm not very knowlegable in the area of modifying cars..is there things I can to to the RS to boost power and keep the factory warranty?? Is there a good place to get mod parts for Suburus??
Also, what is a good price for the RS? Right now I'm looking at 3% over invoice (about $500). Is this reasonable??
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Also, how much more boost can the engine take before it starts to knock? What octane fuel does it use? Does the engine have a knock sensor? If the engine will knock, then is there a colder intercooler available, or an ECU programmer? I was hoping I could get the HP up to around 260 or so. (I imagine foreigners to the US are most likely to know these answers.)
These are minor things. If I want an awesome car now, I don't see that I have any other choice
I don't think there are any competitors. Nothing else has AWD, handling, and a 14 second 1/4 mile for 24k. This will be a good starting point for road racing (I think).
I'm about to get a 2001 2.5 RS. I test drove it and fell in love with it. I like the styling, performance (for the price), and it's just fun as hell to drive..
But I am in a quandry..My lips are salivating as I read more and more about the WRX. The numbers are just awesome and the price is very resonable.It has S4 numbers for about $10K-$15K less. My wife was actually about to get the S4 last yr but passed on it b/c Audi sales ppl are snobish bastards and got the ACURA 3.2 TL instead. But I digress..
I'm not sure if I really like the look of the WRX..reminds me of Neon..but the performance..WOW. I know I can do stuff on the RS to boost power but I don't want to void the warranty. I'm not very knowlegable in the area of modifying cars..is there things I can to to the RS to boost power and keep the factory warranty?? Is there a good place to get mod parts for Suburus??
Also, what is a good price for the RS? Right now I'm looking at 3% over invoice (about $500). Is this reasonable??
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I have no idea why a dealer would be filling a waiting list for cars at $400 over invoice. While I hope they do the deal, I doubt they will. Or they'll do a common trick where they'll continue bumping people who will pay more above the skinny deal. When the queue subsides in six-months or a year, or whenever, then the skinny deal will percolate to the top of the list and they'll do it, just they would do it for anyone walking in off the street.
Personally, I think MSRP is fair for this car and I'm putting a refundable deposit down with the expectation that the car will sold to me for MSRP. But I fully realize that things could change on either my end or the dealer's end by the time the car comes in. Supply and demand - everything reaches its proper level.
- Mark
I'm also noticing that the car looks, to my eyes, better in the lighter colors - they make the headlights a little less overwhelming.
All personal preference, but I was having a little trouble warming up to the styling in dark-colored sedan form, but I'm fine with a light colored wagon.
I'd bet the dealers have this brochure now, so if you're in the market, you should get one.
Cheers,
- Mark
I suppose that the Wagon's performance would be quite near the sedan's.. But that takes us back to the original question - why is it 500$ cheaper ?
And also, I've heard that the AWD system is different on the manual and the automatic, and that the automatic's AWD is more advanced. That the manual's AWD is almost like a FWD, with a 90/10 FWD/RWD torque bias.. Is that true ?
I do want a manual Wagon, but will I lose AWD's benefits by going with a manual ? And is there any reason why I shouldn't go with the wagon ?
Thanks.
I tend to agree that MSRP seems reasonable. I read one early review in which the author "estimated" the cost would be $28,000. However, Subaru has to be carefully price these cars. It seems like most of those commenting that they have ordered the WRX are already Impreza owners. At $25k out the door for the WRX, there is quite a jump in price points from the earlier Impreza's. Granted, the WRX seems like a special car given that it is priced well below competitors from Audi and BMW.
The former post by Hernick raises an issue. Apparently the front end for the wagon has not been widened 20 mm as the sedan has been to accommodate the front fender flares. Will this make much difference? I have heard detailed descriptions about the differences between the 5 speed's and the automatic's 4wd transfer case but I have not heard of any opinions as to whether the automatic's is superior.
Narrower wagon? I'd guess it has to do with the fact that only the sedan gets the wider front track and fender blisters. As far as why the wagon is cheaper, I asked my dealer the same thing when I left my deposit (for a sedan). He said "the wagon is uglier, and not nearly as popular". For you wagon afficianados, them's fightin' words, I'm sure, but that was his explanation.
I was looking at another forum where they are comparing the prelude and celica. Kostamojen mentioned the WRX and they didn't see it as a good comparison. They are dumb b/c they said that since the WRX isn't a FWD-VTEC-type car, it's not a competitor. Who would consider FWD a good thing anyway, hehe.
It seems that many Americans don't know what Subaru is really about. The rest of the world does. In fact, this same car costs ~$31500 in the UK. Looks and status seem more important to Americans too, which Subaru doesn't have. Performance matters more to the rest of the world, and to smart buyers like us (and Edmund's reviewers). And Subaru does have performance.
I want more sub 6-sec, tail-drifting sedans that are turbocharged (the best way to get more power per unit of gasoline, according to my engine textbook (Heywood). The next best thing will be direct injection).
I'll test drive other cars and might even look at a used Maxima but this car is REALLY pulling me. I want to testdrive one so hopefully I can find a reputable dealer willing to give testdrives.
The Impreza WRX is definately a car that has got my attention.. I've driven a few stick shift cars in the past- namely a Golf and an Integra.. but never owned one, the WRX would be the first.
Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks..
Think again. Its not just 1 or 2 or even 3 dealers doing this, but 3 out of every 4 people whome ive seen order a WRX have it for under MSRP. Some, who dont shop around or check online, have actually paid MSRP.
Of course, your wondering, why would the dealers sell for anything under MSRP for such a high demand car? Well, first of all, the dealers. Most Subaru dealers are low-volume slow-selling dealers. What happens when your a slow-selling dealer who sells most of their cars close to invoice price and all of a sudden people are pre-ordering cars in-mass? You sell more cars! Who cares if they arent MSRP, your making a bunch more money, and your a dealership that has only 2 or 3 WRX's coming the first few months and your list has 8 people... That means your selling more cars than you were going to get in the first place! (SOA is sending the cars to the places that submit orders) Not to mention, if other people hear about this, you will sell even more cars, and attract more people, and make more money! No need to sell for MSRP or above for these dealers!
On the other hand, you have dealers like Stevens Creek Subaru in San Jose, or Roseville Subaru in Roseville California, and im sure, many other dealers like this... Mark ups on all their cars, premium locations, high pressure on their salesman to sell cars for the most they can get... Under MSRP? They laugh in your face. Thats ok though, for every dealer like this, youve got 3 or 4 more to check that are dealers of the first type.
The point is...
Shop around and anythings possible!
The last thing i want to do is get into a car that has had thirty or forty "test" drives by people who have put their name on a list, but may not be serious buyers.
The worst thing you can do to a new car is drive it hard.
I can just see those hot shoes pulling out of the
dealer's lot, flooring it and running it up to redline, in a car that is still cold.
Especially when you consider this car is turbocharged and that it needs all of the free flowing oil it can get. I'll pass for now.
The gauge cluster looks quite good in the car, can't imagine the car without it. No boost gauge otherwise? Very weird.
Another nice item at the Detroit auto show was a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in full rally go-out. The Mitsu rep was talking cheerfully about bringing the VR-4, the Evo, and FTO to the States. I'm assuming that the guy was describing his dream and not reality. Does anyone know anything about this?
manufacture that is highly welcomed by the insurance institutes, try not to abuse the power of the WRX like some CV owner does, therefore we might get a fair quote, maybe that's why the coupe aren't available for now.
Consider the situtation of Mitsu, they really should bring over the GDI engine to give themselves a greener image instead of carrying
Evo. and VR-4 for now, a Legnum will be welcomed, though. After all, I belive the correspondant was
just try to amuse himself as well as the press,
and FTO? As good as the car gets, it's 10 years old, and the states got eclipse already, I really
don't think Mitsu will be that stupid, the overall
situtation for this company is slightly better than 3 years ago, but not that better, guess it will take some years to rebuild it's name, pitty
for this Japan NASA.
Please note the typical looonger break in period for Boxer engine.
If you really love this car, you'll probably drive safe for the first
1 to 2 years.
Current engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in period. Today's engines are built with much tighter tolerances and much improved machining compared to the engines of 10 and 20 years ago. The old concept of "engine break-in" involved two primary elements:
* Removing any metal flashing (called swarf) or abrasive material left inside the engine.
* Allowing valves and rings to "seat" properly.
I always warm my car(1994 Audi 90 CS) before driving(30-60 sec @1800 rpm) and it has been fantastically reliable. I am considering the WRX, but was hoping to buy it back East and drive it home(LA, CA). I certainly won't be redlining it every step of the way, but I still want to have some fun. (Yes, I know all about cooling a turbo) In light of the above advice, directly from Mobil, what do I really have to worry about?
I've actually got a couple questions: 1. How much like the "real" 2 liter WRX engine and turbo is the US version? Is it the same? I mean no variable valve timing tom foolery, I know that much, but I was wondering how compatible the import supe-up parts might be? An easy 300hp WRX makes one begin to drool.
2. I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this or not but does anyone know the actual invoice pricing, not the MSRP?
don't really contain any synthetic binders at all.
I have heard that red line oil is one of the few real synthetic based oils.
Is this true?
Synthetic oil: The bottom line is that turbos run hotter than the flames of hell. Or close to it anyway. Remember that the turbine in the turbo is being spun by exhaust gases coming right out of the combustion chamber. Hot, hot hot. The turbo spins at 100,000 rpm or more, so that bearing has to be well lubricated, or it burns up in no time. Regular oil burns onto the bearing at lower temperatures than synthetic. Once the bearing has had oil burned onto it a few times, it starts to wear rapidly. Synthetic can handle higher temperatures, and can handle them for longer periods than non-synthetic. Bottom line: Full synthetic oil every 3000 miles. WHAT? At $4.00 a quart? Yes. Why are you paying $25k for a car and complaining about the cost of oil changes?
Proper maintenance: Now, a little turbo secret. When you change the oil, the oil drains out of the turbo. When you start it back up, the turbo spins immediately. No oil pressure for a few seconds. Not good. Here is what you do. After you've filled the crankcase. DISCONNECT the ignition. Now crank the starter until the oil light goes out. Now RECONNECT the ignition, and start the car. Let it idle absolutely quietly, no gas, for one minute. You've now changed the oil without causing stress to your turbo. I don't think the goofballs at Grease Monkey are going to do this for you, so change your own oil. I don't know how to disconnect the ignition on a WRX yet, maybe some European owners can help us? On my 323GTX there was a connector going into the ignition control that was easy to disconnect.
Proper driving habits: LET IT WARM UP. I see idiots all the time (mostly teenagers in Eclipses) jumping into their cold cars, revving the things up, and pulling onto the highway at full throttle. Duh. If it is cold, start the car, and let it idle for at least 60 seconds. Do not touch the gas. When you get to where you are going, again, let it idle for at least 60 seconds. Every time. EVERY TIME. Longer than 60 seconds if you have been on the highway. Get a 'turbo timer' if you can't remember or are impatient.
This version of the WRX is only the beginning. When people figure out what they are, and Subaru bumps the power a little, and offers STi parts, these will be very popular.
The new issue of the British magazine Car has some great pictures of the WRX in action on windy mountain side roads in France while taking part in a comparison test with the M-3, Corvette Z06, and Renault Clio V6. The photos give you a much better idea of what the sedan looks like on the road, since the shots aren't so close up. It looks a lot sleeker, and the fender flares give it a nice chiseled appearance.
The testers rated the car very favorably. Here are a few quotes:
"In all fairness, I suspect anyone catching sight of the Impreza flashing through the Lozere might have accused its pilots of recklessness, for when the going gets clear it certainly gets a move on. But the Scooby calls two key defence witnesses. First it vividly recounts just where the safety margins lie. Second, its handling is so brilliant, it's vanishingly unlikely you'll get it accidentally out of shape. And all without electronic intervention."
"There's all the traction you could wish for in a hairpin, but, when you topple down off boost, none of the urge to exploit it. You wait for the blower to spool up... time stands still."
In conclusion: "It is your best automotive mate, the Subaru, backing you up, making you feel better about yourself. It's by your side in the good times; it helps you out through the humdrum. By contrast, the Corvette is vastly more extrovert, and we Brits can't ignore the small matter of an inconveniently sited steering wheel. But it's a bargain like the Impreza, and despite its intensely different technical layout it shares the same accessible cheerines. The M3 is a wholly different character. When it's really doing its stuff, you're witness to a remarkable experience, but with that goes an aching frustration as you can't quite become a part of it. In the Clio V6, you're certainly drawn into the experience, but it's a bit of a stormy one at times."
The same issue has a preview on the new STi, presently only available in Japan.
My 323GTX was fully electronically fuel injected, ect., and cranking it for 10 seconds with the ignition disconnected once every 3000 miles didn't seem to hurt it. I do know, however, that there is a catalytic converter BEFORE the turbo in the WRX, and it would would be screwed up by raw gas. I'm guessing that it will be common to remove it, if it causes any performance decrease at all. The WRX stock gets the LEV label. I can tell you for certain that the pollution checks around here are so lax that a WRX would pass fine without that cat, because they only test the cars hot here in Colorado. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a WRX could pass the tests here without ANY cat at all, unless the person doing the test caught the removal visually. My old 350 Chevy truck with 200K miles passes with flying colors, and it has never been rebuilt, and has 100% original exhaust. I used to have a Mitsubishi with 140K miles that didn't even register on their equipment!
I've babied my RS, synthetic oil change every 3000 miles or so, so that is nothing new, though thanks for some of the tips for the turbo. Anyone know where to get a good turbo timer? Cause I'm lazy and I know there would be that time where I just can't sit for a minute cause I'm in a hurry or something.
I forgot a question, this may have been addressed earlier but what kinda colours can we expect? and where can I see them? any sites yet with that info? I'm thinking I might just get mine in silver cause that's what my current RS is and it looks great, but I always wanted that blue colour.
Just a thought.
Will leather be an option on the WRX or just not available?
Take care.
Joe W>