A $50 MBC (or less) drastically improves the turbo spool up, and along with other small mods (intake, silencer removal) the car changes into a surprizingly more sprity beast
Somehow I don't think some of you fully understand the concept. There's no way a 2.0L 4-cyl with 217 ft-lbs of torque is going to match the highway acceleration of a 4.6L 8-cyl with 302 ft-lbs of torque. If you want pure brute straight-line acceleration, then the Mustang is the car for you. On the other hand, if you value the overall handling package and/or the all-weather driving capability, then the WRX is the better choice. And while a Mustang GT is cheaper than the WRX, it'll cost considerably more in the long run due to the increased insurance premiums.
For all of you that live in NJ, I would like to share my recent WRX purchase experience with you. After getting hassled by a local dealer, I got my deposit back and emailed Marty Garland at World Subaru in Tinton Falls, NJ. After a short phone conversation with Marty, he called me about 5 hours later with a quote for my REX. I ordered a 5spd, rear spoiler, air filter, dif protector, compass mirror, security upgrade and premium sound package. All I can say is that I was stunned when Marty came back with a quote below Van Bortel's infamous prices. I met with Marty yesterday and he was a pleasure to deal with. He has been selling cars for 20 years and was especially patient with all of my tedious questions. I will be a proud owner of a new REX come mid-August.
Special thanks to the person that originally posted about their experience with Marty. You have saved me time, money and made the buying experience a dream come true.
Those of you who wish to contact Marty, send him an email at martygarland@monmouth.com. He can also be contacted through www.worldsubaru.com. Just request a quote from their website and you will promptly get a call from Marty.
I'm helping my sister spec her WRX and we are undecided as to what are worthwhile options. She only has an additional $2000 to spend on options over the $25,000 base. I was thinking the suspension upgrade ($1800) and security system ($200). What do you guys think? Is the suspension upgrade worth it?
The stock suspension on my WRX sedan is already great. It's hard to imagine that the improvement from the performance suspension upgrade is going to be that much. The car hugs corners very nicely as it is. The car might look a little more cool lowered a couple inches though.
The security system is worth it ... The compass electrochromic mirror is a waste of money ...
Get the short shifter!!! Either the SoA/STi shifter or an aftermarket one like Kartboy. That's the single best mod I've done to my WRX yet.
Seriously, I'd probably go for the short-throw shifter (assuming it's manual). We've got the electrochromic mirror in our Forester. At first, I too thought it was a waste of money. I've since grown to like it. I'd also recommend the center armrest extension, security upgrade, and perhaps audio upgrades.
I'll keep my eyes open to the improvements. If that's all it is why the hell did subaru build it that way? Is the turbo larger than the stock GSX's T-25?
They built it that way to keep reliability and mileage up... and the Turbo isnt very big.
For $2000, I would do the security system ($120 or so from www.subaruparts.com and its easy to install yourself), the suspension upgrade (Just the springs/struts and front sway bar, total about $1100 from www.subaruparts.com, not including installation... Unless you can find someone you know who can do it free/cheap), maybe get some foglight covers/protectors (A vendor on I-club was selling them for $50 a pair), a rear strut tower bar ($150-$200), a new air-intake (Drop in for $50), a boost guage (from Subaruparts.com for $200 I think), and a manual boost controler ($50 or less)... Save the rest for new tires after the stock ones wear out too.
I am looking to buy a sporty sedan, but I am not an enthusiast. I noticed that the hp and weight are similar to the Maxima. Of course, the WRX is not compared to the Maxima since the WRX is an AWD car. Is AWD one of the primary reasons to buy the WRX? Will the average driver benefit from AWD?
I traded in a 1999 Maxima 5-sp for my present WRX sedan 5-sp. The two are very different cars. In short, the Maxima doesn't come close to the WRX in terms of handling, and that's what really won me over. I actually preferred the Maxima's rev-happy V-6, although there was constant slippage due to the relatively high torque for a FWD car (mine was 190 hp, 205 lbs/ft, but substantially lighter than the new models). On the other hand, the Maxima has a roomier interior, nicer options, better finish and fit, and is more comfortable while cruising on the highway. It just can't corner worth a cent, and didn't inspire the same confidence at all in bad weather.
Really, it has to do with your needs, I think. Care to see my prior post on this topic? (#910)
By the way, I"ve put about 5,500 miles on my WRX so far, and now feel that a lot of the concerns about turbo lag are way overrated. People interested in the car should try to get a ride in a WRX that's been broken in at least 1,500 miles. The spool up is much faster, and most likely, the driver will by then have learned the characteristics of the car better. By now, I can confidently say that after you get a 30 minute ride as passenger in my car with me driving, you will swear there's NO turbo lag. (Not to mention my dropping gas mileage. "Turbo lag where are you now?!?")
Yeah...know what you mean. There wasn't a whole lot of turbo lag experienced on my 15.6 mpg tankfull about a month back, but definitely a whole lot of ear-to-ear grins. :-)
I've gone as low as 14.5 mpg a tank while using up the whole tank in city/NYC freeway driving (one drives VERY aggressively on the freeways here just to keep up), and as high as 28 mpg on a road trip averaging 75-80 mph. I try to always use 94 octane from Sunoco.
The problem is, once I figured out how to get nice launches without feeling any of that "lag", I do it all the time, especially out of toll booths (thank God for EZ pass). But on the other hand, I really do appreciate that the car is able to easily inch forward too, as I encounter a LOT of bumper-to-bumper traffic here. All around, I'm very happy with the mulitiple personalities of this car!
Just a response to the poster who inquired about snow/ice handling: I picked up my wrx wagon in mid-March, and was driving a snow-packed canyon road within two hours. I've since had it on fun snowy roads about half a dozen times, but never on true ice (the occasional patch, but up here we mostly get snow). On the gas and in the twisties it handles about like it does on dirt, which is to say that it's looser than on dry pavement (actually quite steerable with the throttle once I quit trying to counter-steer), and the edge of the envelope is far enough out there that I have no plans to go looking for it. Braking is less impressive, but on loose stuff (like snow) that is largely a function of weight and tire, and the stock RE92s seem to be true jack-of-all-trade types which do not perform particularly well on snow (or dry tarmac, or wet, or dirt, or gravel, though they are somewhat competent on all of the above).
Also, I'm now closing in on 6,000 miles and have had zero mechanical problems. I _still_ can't force myself to get decent mileage for a full tank, though I know it's possible since I once refilled after 150 miles of freeway cruising and got over 25 mpg.
Finally, if any other rally-driver wannabes are looking for a nice road, Kebler Pass, between Crested Butte and Paonia, Colorado, moved to the very top of my list last weekend. It's just mile after mile of curves through an enormous sun-dappled Aspen forest, with the surface varying from hard-packed dirt to gravel to the occasional bit of tarmac, with almost no traffic. I've rarely had so much fun burning gas....
would like to add driving lights but would like to keep factory fogs.
Preferred option would be to put 6" or 7" round Cibie or Hellas on top of bumper next to headlights... they'll look and perform better than adding small projectors in air dam area.
However, everything on or near bumper seems flexible plastic and lamps should have solid mounting... any suggestions out there?
Keep in mind that the new Maxima out this fall will offer 260 horsepower and should be good for sub 6 second zero to 60 times ( the new Altima, which is bigger and heavier than the Maxima does it in 6.3 with 20 less horsepower. The Max will also have a 6 speed). I agree however that it won't handle as well. The size and structure of the WRX is perfect
Not all the time, you can just set it at a low setting and it wont hurt the car much but will be a drastic improvement over stock boost... Go over to I-club and check the Turbo Powertrain forum for all the folks that are using them.
On a side note: Imprezer, the head of the I-club, just got a TEC II for his rex and had it tuned for his car... Ran a 12.8 1/4 mile and 4.4 0-60!!! :O
I wonder, though, how much more stress that puts on the engine, and how long it'll stand up. Also what it does to mpg/emissions. I know that you can just pull off these custom pieces before inspection etc etc, but it's just more to fiddle with.
Despite going from 160hp to 190hp, then to 222hp, then 227hp, the 0-60 time has always hovered around 7 seconds because of weight gain. The 190hp SE was actually slightly quicker then the current one.
Plus, despite Nissan's best efforts to call it a "multi-link beam", face it, it's a torsion beam rear suspension derived from the Nissan Quest minivan. It's not even independent.
Can someone post the address for this i-club you all are talking about. I read thru past posts for it but I can't seem to find the darn thing. Oh..and how is everyone posting flags by their usernames?
The i-club is helpful when trying to get into touch w/local Impreza/Subaru clubs and finding info on performance modifications ( a lot of good links too) but as Juice pointed it there is a lot of "noise" to have to filter through and (my take)a lot of smart a_ _ es at times.
To get a flag w/your name you have to make sure that you have a city and country listed w/your name in your profile. I'm not actually from Ireland (live in Seattle) but wanted to show my heritage so I said I lived in Dublin, Ireland...hence the Irish flag. Have fun w/it.
The car's body won't change so any additional weight should be from the bigger engine. The body will change in 2003 however. Nissan just doesn't want people to forget the Maxima when the new Altima comes out this fall. As I mentioned, the new Altima is bigger and heavier than the any Maxima and will do 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds with 240 horsepower. A 3200 or 3300 lb Maxima with 20 more horses and a six speed should good for less than 6 seconds. It will likely be the fastest production Max as the subsequent versions (after this year) will be much bigger and heavier.
what is the price that I should expect to pay for a WRX (Wagon or Sedan). I've seen postings that range from MSRP++ to a few hundred $ below MSRP to a few hundred above invoice. Is the best deal at a local dealer or through an online buying service. Looks like some great deals in the NE, but I live in the SE. I just don't want to be had by the dealer. Thanks
I want to thank you guys about pricing info. I ended up spending my money with Russel Subaru in Ellicott City, Maryland. The dealer is local to me so I figured why not. They also have been pretty nice to me. They talk some [non-permissible content removed] but I assume most dealers do. Anyway I am very happy. I am just curious...has anyone purchased those 17" wheels? That price is rediculous. I got every option except the wheels, carbon fiber trim, and the extended arm rest. The arm rest just looked like it was in a bad position for shifting although I never drove one with it installed. I love the looks I am getting as I drive it. I am going from a 98 Maxima SE to this car. Funny how people here are mentioning the Maxima's new and old to this WRX. The Maxima is a fantastic performance FAMILY car. It handles like my 60 year old Mom! If you have a family then the Maxima is a wonderful choice. If you don't have to lug the little ones around all the time the WRX beats it hands down in the fun category. My Maxima 5 speed was fun until I drove the WRX, now it is a piece of metal waiting to be returned in a month to Nissan (lease). Lets hope Subaru keeps this up. I can't wait in 6-7 years what they will have to offer!
Just as a side note. I saw they have a trunk net for the wagon. Do they offer that for the sedan too? I play tennis, would be nice to keep some junk in there!
BTW...it is very hard during the break in period. I have 178 miles on my car. It is killing me not to open it up! I am being good...reluctantly so!
All depends on the dealer. It pays to check around. The two closest subaru dealers to me wanted MSRP (I live in northern California). I found an ad from a dealer 60 miles away advertising discount WRX orders. Their standard deal was $500 over invoice on a factory order - now 3 months out, or $1000 over invoice off the lot. They finally enticed me to drive down last Sunday with an $800 over invoice offer on a stocked model I wanted. It was a painless no haggle deal. In an hour I was driving back in my new WRX 5 speed wagon.
i have heard from several sources that the sti impreza is bound for the united states. the japanese sti has the h.i.d. headlights and i was wondering if anybody knows if the u.s. bound version will have them to? if not, any clue on how easy it is to do a swap? do they have the same power requirements, wiring harness, fuse block etc? any info would be appreciated.
"After a week of piloting the 325xi it became clear to this driver that if an all-wheel-drive wagon offering a thrilling driving experience is what you're after, save yourself eight grand and buy the WRX wagon (and revel in the fact that this "poor man's BMW" has an in-dash CD changer as standard equipment)."
tee-hee. My roomie's boyfriend (I share an apartment with a woman, but this isn't 'Three's Company') is full-on to get a 325; he and I have have been involved in a friendly debate about "aura de Roundel" vs "5-star logo magic." He'd been saying "just wait til BMW puts an AWD system into the 3s and then we'll see what the verdict is." Next time I see him I'm going to show him this.
To anyone who's interested in that custard yellow color, I thought I'd let you know one's available here in RI at Paul Baileys Dodge , Subaru. Not my first choice, but since it's rare I thought someone might be interested. I believe it's been sitting on their showroom floor for at least a month now. Brian
I'm a naive, young 21 year old who's planning on investing in a brand new Impreza. I was wondering if anyone can alert me as how to order a WRX or RS for that matter. Do I go straight to the dealer? Does anyone have any information regarding how long 'till Japan stops shipping these bad as*** over here?
You can go through Internet services too... But I prefere just finding a dealer and salesman I like, OR just going straight to the Fleet Salesman at the dealer (even just calling him) and ordering what you want... They can get you the best price cause you leave the salesman out of the picture
Went to the dealership and she said it goes for $36,000 Cdn. That's $24,000 US. I found that often the exchange for cars is closer to 1.3 instead of 1.5. For example, TL-S going for $31K in US is about $43K in Canada.
Didn't test drive it cuz the dealership here were a bit uptight about casual test drives. My buddy said last time he went they asked for a deposit. Had a good look. I am sure the performance is nice, and the handling is great. The lack of roof wasn't thrilling though. I guess this one isn't for me. Can't get to like it if I don't get to drive it :-)
Does anyone know how big a sunroof can be put in without cutting through the rollbar? presumably only a flip up one would work? Any experiences with sunroofs on the WRX would be welcome.
Vonbonds, I got the 17 inch wheels from the Bill Kolb Dealership ( see post 2053 ) There not exactly the same as the 3k ones that Subaru is attempting to sell but nobody knows that but me. I have just 100 more miles till my break in peroid is over.
I saw my first WRx on the road,2 actually,one ilver and one dark blue.The blue WRX was keeping pace with a Maxima when they passed me on the expressway.I like the look of the car,the bulged fenders are very attractive. I may be in the market for another subaru in the.Is their any drawback to the turbo,versus the 2.5RS.
Premium fuel is required, your real-world mileage won't be as good if you flog it, and you may feel it has less torque before the turbo spools up. Plus price.
But I doubt any of those except price will even matter.
Hello Everyone: It's my first post on this board (hopefully the first of many ) - picked up my WRX 4-door in black tonight. Yeouza - what a machine! Definitely gives my '93 MR-2 Turbo a run for its money (though the Rex's turbo is much quieter than the MR-2). Very impressed with it, though, I can see a short-throw shift kit in my future Paid $500 over invoice - was that a reasonable deal?
Anyone know of a good deal on a yellow WAX in the West or the Northwest?
Also what is the invoice price and does that include the shipping and destination charge (some ~$500 or so)? Does the MSRP include the destination charge?
I have a Black Sedan, short throw, all the carbon fiber goodies, alarm, diff protector, mirror w/compass. I now have 2,800 miles on it. Two weeks ago I took the Rex to the Western North Carolina mountains (anyone in the west will call them HILLS) the car performed flawlessly!!!!! I use to have an Audi Quattro this car is much faster and it handles MUCH better! I am older than the most of you on this board (53) I will use the car mainly for Solo (autocross) with the sports car club of America. It will not be used for everyday transportation. I'm hoping that it will become a classic and hold its value over the years. I hope you all are enjoying the Rex as much as I am!! See ya
Comments
-Frank P.
Special thanks to the person that originally posted about their experience with Marty. You have saved me time, money and made the buying experience a dream come true.
Those of you who wish to contact Marty, send him an email at martygarland@monmouth.com. He can also be contacted through www.worldsubaru.com. Just request a quote from their website and you will promptly get a call from Marty.
Good luck to all.
Thanks subies!
The car might look a little more cool lowered a couple inches though.
The security system is worth it ...
The compass electrochromic mirror is a waste of money ...
Get the short shifter!!! Either the SoA/STi shifter or an aftermarket one like Kartboy.
That's the single best mod I've done to my WRX yet.
Seriously, I'd probably go for the short-throw shifter (assuming it's manual). We've got the electrochromic mirror in our Forester. At first, I too thought it was a waste of money. I've since grown to like it. I'd also recommend the center armrest extension, security upgrade, and perhaps audio upgrades.
Bob
For $2000, I would do the security system ($120 or so from www.subaruparts.com and its easy to install yourself), the suspension upgrade (Just the springs/struts and front sway bar, total about $1100 from www.subaruparts.com, not including installation... Unless you can find someone you know who can do it free/cheap), maybe get some foglight covers/protectors (A vendor on I-club was selling them for $50 a pair), a rear strut tower bar ($150-$200), a new air-intake (Drop in for $50), a boost guage (from Subaruparts.com for $200 I think), and a manual boost controler ($50 or less)... Save the rest for new tires after the stock ones wear out too.
Stephen
Really, it has to do with your needs, I think. Care to see my prior post on this topic? (#910)
By the way, I"ve put about 5,500 miles on my WRX so far, and now feel that a lot of the concerns about turbo lag are way overrated. People interested in the car should try to get a ride in a WRX that's been broken in at least 1,500 miles. The spool up is much faster, and most likely, the driver will by then have learned the characteristics of the car better. By now, I can confidently say that after you get a 30 minute ride as passenger in my car with me driving, you will swear there's NO turbo lag. (Not to mention my dropping gas mileage. "Turbo lag where are you now?!?")
Stephen
The problem is, once I figured out how to get nice launches without feeling any of that "lag", I do it all the time, especially out of toll booths (thank God for EZ pass). But on the other hand, I really do appreciate that the car is able to easily inch forward too, as I encounter a LOT of bumper-to-bumper traffic here. All around, I'm very happy with the mulitiple personalities of this car!
Also, I'm now closing in on 6,000 miles and have had zero mechanical problems. I _still_ can't force myself to get decent mileage for a full tank, though I know it's possible since I once refilled after 150 miles of freeway cruising and got over 25 mpg.
Finally, if any other rally-driver wannabes are looking for a nice road, Kebler Pass, between Crested Butte and Paonia, Colorado, moved to the very top of my list last weekend. It's just mile after mile of curves through an enormous sun-dappled Aspen forest, with the surface varying from hard-packed dirt to gravel to the occasional bit of tarmac, with almost no traffic. I've rarely had so much fun burning gas....
Preferred option would be to put 6" or 7" round Cibie or Hellas on top of bumper next to headlights... they'll look and perform better than adding small projectors in air dam area.
However, everything on or near bumper seems flexible plastic and lamps should have solid mounting... any suggestions out there?
$50? I didn't think you could even get aftermarket stickers for that little.
-juice
-juice
On a side note: Imprezer, the head of the I-club, just got a TEC II for his rex and had it tuned for his car... Ran a 12.8 1/4 mile and 4.4 0-60!!! :O
DjB
Despite going from 160hp to 190hp, then to 222hp, then 227hp, the 0-60 time has always hovered around 7 seconds because of weight gain. The 190hp SE was actually slightly quicker then the current one.
Plus, despite Nissan's best efforts to call it a "multi-link beam", face it, it's a torsion beam rear suspension derived from the Nissan Quest minivan. It's not even independent.
4.4s? Holy cow!
-juice
Thanks
Brian
But Edmunds has a lower signal/noise ratio so I prefer the Town Hall right here. :-)
-juice
To get a flag w/your name you have to make sure that you have a city and country listed w/your name in your profile. I'm not actually from Ireland (live in Seattle) but wanted to show my heritage so I said I lived in Dublin, Ireland...hence the Irish flag. Have fun w/it.
Stephen
-juice
...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Bob
Just as a side note. I saw they have a trunk net for the wagon. Do they offer that for the sedan too? I play tennis, would be nice to keep some junk in there!
BTW...it is very hard during the break in period. I have 178 miles on my car. It is killing me not to open it up! I am being good...reluctantly so!
tee-hee. My roomie's boyfriend (I share an apartment with a woman, but this isn't 'Three's Company') is full-on to get a 325; he and I have have been involved in a friendly debate about "aura de Roundel" vs "5-star logo magic." He'd been saying "just wait til BMW puts an AWD system into the 3s and then we'll see what the verdict is." Next time I see him I'm going to show him this.
DjB
Brian
Didn't test drive it cuz the dealership here were a bit uptight about casual test drives. My buddy said last time he went they asked for a deposit.
Had a good look. I am sure the performance is nice, and the handling is great. The lack of roof wasn't thrilling though. I guess this one isn't for me. Can't get to like it if I don't get to drive it :-)
But I doubt any of those except price will even matter.
-juice
It's my first post on this board (hopefully the first of many
Also what is the invoice price and does that include the shipping and destination charge (some ~$500 or so)?
Does the MSRP include the destination charge?
$500 over invoice is a great deal! Be proud that you didnt have to pay MSRP like most folks
I use to have an Audi Quattro this car is much faster and it handles MUCH better!
I am older than the most of you on this board (53) I will use the car mainly for Solo (autocross) with the sports car club of America. It will not be used for everyday transportation. I'm hoping that it will become a classic and hold its value over the years. I hope you all are enjoying the Rex as much as I am!! See ya