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Subaru Impreza WRX
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Comments
Bob
diploid "Acura RSX Type-S Versus Subaru WRX" Jul 16, 2001 12:58pm
1) I decided what I wanted -- the silver 5spd wagon, period.
2) I decided how much I was willing to pay over invoice (including all options at invoice) -- $500.
3) I applied for a "blank check"-type loan (from E-loan.com) for the amount that I'd need.
4) I started calling dealers and asked a) do you have a silver 5spd wagon? and b) if so, will you sell it to me for invoice + $500?
On the 3rd try I got Marcus Smith at Walkers Renton Subaru in Renton, WA and said "OK" -- he had exactly what I wanted in allocation (on the boat), I gave him $1000 earnest money in exchange for some paperwork and I took delivery 2 weeks later.
There are a fair number of WRXes sitting on dealer lots now. I suppose it depends on whether a dealer has what you want, how flexible you are regarding color, how close to the end of the month it is, and whether you can offer a simple deal (no trade-in or low value trade-in). In that respect, the eLoan check is pretty much like a cash deal for the dealer. By selling me mine before it even left the boat, they got to keep all of the Subaru "holdback" money intended to cover the costs of keeping the car on the lot for a few months.
By asking a simple question (over the phone) and expecting a simple answer, you may be able to avoid all of the typical round-and-round car buying BS that some dealers seem to insist on inflicting on people. In my case I told them that I was intending to buy out of state to get a $500 deal (which was true), but that I decided I'd try a few more dealers in my area. Of interest, Priceline.com told me that they couldn't get me this deal (from dealers including the one where I bought it), so personal calls help.
Another way to get such a deal is to go to a known no-dicker dealer like Van Bortel Subaru in Rochester, NY.
Bottom line: If you let the dealer control the terms of the negotiation, they will. It's in their interest to do so.
DjB
Of those of you who have had problems with these, what were the circumstances? Were you rallying and a rock flew up? Is the paint chipping from the same? I don't plan on rallying, just enjoying it on the smooth (well, semi smooth) streets and expressways of Chicago.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
heartbroken, I'm upset to discover that neither the body
shop which will do the work nor the Subaru dealer themselves
can get their hands on the sheetmetal any time soon. In fact,
they can offer no ETA at all.
Has anyone either heard differently about sheetmetal availability
or know where it can be obtained overseas for the US models?
Thanks
You can comparison shop at:
http://www.vanbortelsubaru.com
They are the largest Subaru dealer in the US and sell all cars at a fixed markup. The prices are right on the web site.
Is it driveable? I'm still using my Forester while I wait for a bumper and taillight.
-juice
The same thing has been said by some people about the Outback's glass over the past few years. When my wife's OB windshield was cracked by a rock, my wife mentioned to the glass shop that she heard Subaru windshields were soft. The shop owner kinda giggled and said there's no such thing as "soft glass". It has more to do with the car's aerodynamics and the environment you drive in (at the time she commuted 1 hour to work on an interstate).
OTOH, the paint may be a different story. A lot of people said a couple of coats of wax works wonders though. I definately wouldn't let these things sway me from getting a WRX.
Dennis
And the paint, same thing... Dont get stuck behind trucks on sand-coated roads :P All cars have problems with that...
However, stuff like X-pel and Stoneguard, are clear-bra type shielding plastic that can virtually eliminate this problem for any vehicle (for the paint, not the windshield)
Bob
Is there an English-language version of that link? Or is there a button on the page that I'm not seeing?
DjB
Dennis
Bummer!
later,
phatride01
-Frank P.
It's very frustrating to say the least.
Bob
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=593338035&tc=photo6467
The sales manager at my dealer said that 3/30 cars they've sold have developed a cracked windshield. There've been lots of posts on i-Club about it.
So, maybe there's a greater risk of getting a crack. I wouldn't let that stop me from getting the car. Just make sure you don't have a huge comprehensive deductible on your insurance policy (not a good idea with a new car, anyway). And consider keeping a windshield repair kit handy.
Also, don't be surprised if this car gets more expensive to insure. With all the stories of people wrecking their WRXs, the insurance industry will probably catch on if the accident rates are high (actual rates when I got my policy in June went up compared to an initial quote in March).
The paint does seem to be thin. The bumper has been my problem area. If you get black you won't notice so much. :-)
Okay, enough negative stuff.
I have an Aspen White wagon with the manual transmission. It's unpretentious but comfortable and well equipped if you're not used to $30K cars. It handles well in a very forgiving way, so traction isn't all-or-nothing. It's quick when you want it to be. The AWD gives the handling a nice neutral feel and adds safety (not invincibility!). But you've probably read all that...
Who knows, maybe next year there'll be a $25K car that offers all the fun and performance of the WRX. But the time was right for me, and it's been great.
Some responses/clarifications to the answers I got:
aquicky: Sure, I'll let you know when I get mine. I would be happy to go for a drive if you know interesting roads. There aren't too many of them in Missouri...
mckague: Yes, I drove my Firebird to the dealer. It's just the 3.8 liter V6.
WarpDrive: I thought that the automatic seemed weak at the low end even considering that it's only a 2.0 liter, and it's 3000+ pounds. I actually drove a Honda VTEC (1.6 liter 160 HP) for a couple of weeks many years ago. Too long to remember any details, but I remember it to be very quick and responsive even at low rpm. Then again, I was used to driving a 70 HP car at that time, so everything must have seemed fast...
Thanks,
R.
to make a long story short, i put a $500 good faith deposit on it, because my wife and i had been there for 4 hours buying her forester and had to get back home to the pooch. i have to decide tonight whether or not i am going to buy it. right now i have a 2000 civic si which is pretty fast. however, it's pretty small and i just think it's about time to get a more "mature sports car" (oh yeah, and something with 4 doors).
sorry for the long story, just looking for some feedback about the wrx 5 speed manual. thanks.
You can get low-end power off the line if you slip the clutch. The power gets going around 3000, so you have to slip it around there. You'll barely get any wheel spin because of the AWD. If you do a simple flat start off the line, you'll get beaten by minivans.
Once you're going, you can keep the power going by keeping it above 3000 RPM, and ideally above 4000. Of course your fuel mileage will sufer. There's a good thread on i-club.com about ideal shift points. Do a search on "got data".
beezer:
As far as not getting to test drive a car, that's rubbish. The WRX is not in that kind of demand now, anyway, so they're just shooting themselves in the foot. And the dealer pretty much should write-off a car for above 4000 RPM testing. There's no way you'll know how the power below that. Plus, that car can be a nice loaner later on. :-)
I test drove a stick at Tischer in Burtonsville, MD. I was nervous about going above 4000 RPM or testing the suspension, so I didn't get a strong impression. A friend who owned one said I needed to hammer it, so I went for another test drive, this time at Fitzgerald, in Kensington, MD. They only let you test drive automatics. I could tell that the power was there, though definitely starts are slow with the automatic. The handling was great, and I was sold.
I bought my WRX wagon from Fitzgerald, and I'm getting happier with things. They were a little bumpy in the customer service at first, but they're working to straighten 'em out. I'd recommend them. Fitzgerald is a no hassle dealer, and was charging $1000 over invoice when I bought mine. You might do better haggling elsewhere, now that demand has softened a little.
Tischer did not treat me with the same respect when I went in for a test drive, and when I asked the salesman if they were going for under MSRP, he said the wagon was in too much demand. He didn't say anything to open things up, such as, "That'll be hard, but let's talk a little later..." I don't know why he didn't at least make a play for my business, but he didn't.
You might want to think about the wagon if you want something "mature." It sounds silly, but one reason I opted for the wagon was that the sedan seats don't fold down. It's nice, now, having the additional storage, slightly better legroom, and extra $500 in hand. The other advantage of the wagon is that it's very stealthy, so you're less likely to draw attention from the cops. Insurance rates might end up better on the wagon, at the rate people are wrecking their sedans (at least three anecdotal cases on i-Club).
The sedan is a touch faster, being 80 lbs lighter. And it probably handles a little better because of its wider track. There are more suspension upgrades for the sedan.
Either way, you'll love your car. Good luck shopping!
The rear LSD and AWD, as you know, apply power to the correct wheels at the correct time, which is BETTER than applying the brakes to the wheels...
Stability control might help keep you from spining out, but I doubt while communiting, you will EVER get close to being in a situation, or drive to the limits of the car where it would require stability control to correct itself :P
Beezer: The WRX makes the Si seem slow, trust me (And it is slow in comparison, LOL!)
Not to mention the better neutral handling, and ABS that the WRX gets compaired to the Si :P
Contact Subaru of America(SOA). They will track it for you. That is what I had to do. I don't have the number right here, but check out Subaru's web site for it. Hopefully this helps.
I can understand a dealer asking you not to rev a test car over 4000rpm, because it's in the break-in period and they have to sell it to someone. Would you want to know that several people test drove your new car and bumped it off the rev limiter? Not me. I think having a demo for this purpose makes sense.
If you're going to buy from Fitzgerald's, let me know because I could get a commision and pay for your first year membership for the SCOA (Subaru Club of America) with half of the proceeds. It's win-win. The events are fun and you get parts discounts from several dealers plus a newsletter every quarter.
-juice
I was recently speaking with the co-owner of my dealership (I thought he was just a salesman at the time). My wife's OB lease is almost up and we were looking at the OB VDC (just there for service, not ready to buy). He was telling us how SoA put on an impressive demonstration with it at a nearby racetrack. He said (paraphrasing here), but "in over 20 years of driving Subaru's, I've never been stuck, never spun-out and never felt I needed a stability control system".
To top that off, the 02 VDC's are coming with a VDC OFF button to give the driver more control.
Dennis
-juice
In my experience, with 2 cars equipped with Stability control, it has only engaged after I have lost control of the car... once in the snow/ice in my LX470 and once in the wet with my GS300. If you have SC in your car and turn it off, you are an idiot.
It is also worth noting that almost every high performance car now comes standard with stability control.
As for the WRX...well I owned one of these for 3 years in Australia and although I feel it would benefit from SC, it is not necessary due to the AWD setup.
For many WRX owners, either they are exceeding the limits on purpose (think SCCA RallyCross) and you want it off, or they are driving under normal circumstances at speeds appropriate for current conditions (where it will not engage) and you will not need it.
The exception is in emergency handling or in situations where you get in over your head, but for most people ABS would be enough anyway.
The reason fancy cars come standard with stability control is because the ego of some owners far exceeds their common sense.
Mercedes Benz did a demo of ESP at the PowerTrip event, and it was impressive. A CL coupe drove through a slalom course at 50mph with ESP off and basically spun out. Then he did another lap with ESP on and at a higher speed, this time 60mph, and it made it through.
If ESP can be tuned like that, I'll take it. I don't want it to step in and spoil the fun, though.
-juice
hhhmmm....I did know it was owners of "fancy cars" who were the only ones with egos? And I didn't know these folks were the only ones to get their cars into an oversteer or understeer situation?
One day I was driving my GS300. I stopped at a crossing and then made a (slow) left turn. It was late and I was tired, and as I accelerated (slowly) the tail spun out quite violently. It was just a bad combination of water on the road, a negative camber and a tired driver. As the tail spun out I had virtual no time to react and was sure I was doing to spin...then...the SC chimed in... and the next thing I knew I was straight again. Two things surprised me. Firstly the overseer happened in the first place and secondly how well the SC worked.
The reason SC is on "fancy cars" is because owners of fancy cars value safety and will pay for it. Just the same way they paid for ABS before it became main stream...funny thing is that back then many folks critized ABS by saying it got in the way too much. Times change, technology changes, but people never do.
Thanks Bob
Oversteer is a part of the car, not a hinderince as in most RWD high-performance cars. Drifting this car through corners is what it was meant to do! It LIKES to go sideways, and is VERY controlable while doing so! Thats why we dont want Traction control in it :P
However, in vehicless like a RX300 or performance-RWD car like a Corvette, I could definatly see myself wanting this feature... Theyre just too hard to control when drivin 9/10ths or in emergency situations where the car would be thrown around and into spinout situations, but it had BETTER have a off-switch!
If you call us at 1-800-SUBARU3, we can talk to your dealer to let them know that you are serious. We can't "make" a dealer change their policies, but we can try to persuade them.
Acepero - if you call us, have the name of your dealer handy and we can see what we can find on your order.
Patti
Your example is for a RWD car, and in that case I think there is more value in such a system, because there is far less traction than with AWD.
I like the idea of advanced traction and stability control, then again I'm not shopping for a WRX. Donuts are even called "Scoobnuts" on i Club.
Did you get to read the C&D comparo of AWD wagons recently? They tested a Bimmer 3 series, an Audi, a Passat 4Motion, and a VDC. The VDC was the only one with traction/stability control and no off switch. So they took to the (snow) track.
I'm sure they had more fun with the systems off, but in the end the only car they didn't crash into a snow bank was the Subaru.
-juice
I've been driving my wagon for 2 weeks. Compared to the 2000 OB I had before, the wrx air conditioning appears less powerfull. On a drive yesterday in 90 degree humid weather it cut in and out more than the OB, and at times blew air on the warm side. The automatic sedan that I test drove was also this way.
Lets face it: all that exhaust gas being re-routed through the turbo has got to make for a warm engine compartment. On a positive note......if you live someplace with real winters you will probably have no compalints about the heating.
Overall I would rate the wrx AC as acceptable.
As you may know, our AWD systems are controllable by varying throttle input. I've been in some pretty slick situations and getting on the throttle has pulled me out. The same for my wife who also drives a Subaru and commuted to NW NJ last winter during some nasty snow storms.
I also recall that when the OB VDC came out, some people here at Edmunds were trying to get the VDC to "kick in" and had a hard time at it.
Dennis
-juice
It reminds me of an RX-7 I had, some years back, in that at high speeds the car feels glued to the road.
- hutch
-juice
I have not reached the limit of 100+ mph yet, as I am still "breaking-in" the car...but to get to 70 from an on-ramp is not difficult at all.
There is not much wind noise, but one can expect a little, as the sashless doors allow some air to intrude. However, with the stereo tuned to the right volume, it's minimal.
The car, overall, is very nice, and as I learn the manual shift points for the best "pull," it makes it even more fun to drive in the low-rpm range. There's not much shudder, in the gears, and drivetrain, if one learns the correct shift points in the low-rpm range on local roads.
Other than that, twisties (S-curves), with the wagon, are really fun, and as I read more about "drift," I understand what it means. For a first time owner of an AWD turbo wagon, I am definately learning many new things, and it's TOTALLY fun!
later,
phatride01.