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Subaru Impreza WRX
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Comments
Now I'm running Kumho V700s for auot-x, and they stick like glue
I hear the Pzeros are worth the money as well.
For an All-season I use Firehawk GTAs, decent all-weather.
-mike
No warranty expressed or implied...
Has anyone noticed scoring on their brakes? I took my in for the oil change and mentioned what I perceived as severe scoring. The techs showed me a service bulletin mentioning some "hi-tech" treatment that only looks like scoring as it wears.
Is this right?
Also, I have noticed the same suspension-like noise from my brand new car, and the dealers said they could not replicate the noise.
Don't get me wrong, I love the car, just wanted to, know if anyone else had seen this.
I've also noticed (since the car was new) that there are more suspension noises than I get from my 3 series (which really has no noise but it's not as much fun). I can live with the noises, the handling of this car is really something...and the sound of the turbo under boost is addictive (and limits the attention I pay to other noises).
i-Club Forums > i-Club Classifieds > Private Classifieds
and find thread called:
FS: OEM: Head/Fog protective
covers(clear or carbon fibre "look")
OEM Mud Flaps
by McDade
If you hurry you can get in on a group buy in the $50 to $70 per set range.
Bob
-mike
I guess you could ask are they worth it to YOU?
-juice
I don't understand why Subaru didn't have mf's on the car to begin with. The flaps on my Forester work great and they're not offensive to look at. What could it cost?
Paisan, there is no way those wheels are worth 3k. There are any number of similar wheels available at reasonable prices from other mfg's.
Having said that, my local dealer tells me he can't even get the BBS wheels right now. Go figure.
- hutch
I know they are pricey, and I would not pay the price myself, but at least the ones for the Miata were about 25% lighter then the standard alloys, despite being the same diameter and actually 1/2" wider.
Now imagine reducing unsprung weight by that much, and having a wider rim, all which could be used in a showroom stock class that would give you the edge and allow you to beat that cocky dude that always gives you a hard time.
Then it might be worth it. See that I mean?
-juice
-mike
-juice
I'm glad I was able to drive the car for a few months with the 16" wheels (with the RE92's) -- the difference between the two sizes is readily apparent (better tires make a large part of the difference -- Bridgestone S-O2 PP). It was also very interesting to hold the wheels before they had a tire on them....they are amazingly light. They look much better than the stock wheels.
Did my first oil change yesterday and I was baffled when I looked at the oil fill plug. I've already bought a bunch of washers from the dealership, and the manual states that you have to replace the washer, but I couldn't find one. I looked closely at the washers and they seem to have a form-fitting side to them that may be pressed into the plug when you tighten it.
Needless to say, I just put the plug back in (and checked and re-checked for leaks )
Any ideas?
- Rexman
-juice
Did my first oil change yesterday and I was baffled when I looked at the oil fill plug. I've already bought a bunch of washers from the dealership, and the manual states that you have to replace the washer, but I couldn't find one. I looked closely at the washers and they seem to have a form-fitting side to them that may be pressed into the plug when you tighten it.
Needless to say, I just put the plug back in (and checked and re-checked for leaks )
Any ideas?
- Rexman
Oh well - keep those cards and letters coming to the site folks!!!
-juice
I've been waffling about getting a new car for a couple of years - living in the Rockies AWD is a big plus, but I hate SUVs, and Outbacks and such are fine but I just couldn't get excited enough about one to pull out the checkbook. Audi, BMW, Volvo - too spendy for me to justify, even though I could afford one. Liberal guilt I guess. And I think I'd feel like I was driving someone else's sleek bee-yoo-tifull car.
When I heard the buzz about the WRX I went down to check it out - took one look and said, I can't drive that. Left the dealer without even sitting in it. Went to the Acura dealer down the street and test drove the new RSX and almost bought one on the spot. Whew! that was close. I really liked the new Acura in so many ways, but a couple of things irritated me enough to stop me from doing anything rash - the excessive road noise, which has been griping me in my Integra for the last 11 years, is still there. I can't believe they didn't fix that. The engine, 160 HP or not, still feels weak.
So couple of weeks later I drove a WRX. Ooops! - sold! Ordered a silver sedan w/5sp, can't wait to get it (about another month). I'l learn to live with the styling - actually I'm starting to think of it as a sort of reverse chic. Kind of flipping-off all the haughty Germans, but with a grin.
Yes, I gets my pulse up and makes my mouth a little dry, just like riding a performance bike used to. AND it has a nice smooth highway ride, you can hear the stereo, etc. - which DOES matter to me in my real world where long highway trips are unavoidable.
So yeah, this just more preaching to the choir - I guess I'm just venting my enthusiasm - certainly not contributing any new info. Its good to have this resource though - I'm sure there'll be problems (minor, of course) and questions and you all seem to know your stuff, so thanks for being here. I'll shut up now until I have something meaningful to say.
Speedline GT-1
Prodrive, P1 & P7
COBB CT-1
I'm going to be upgrading to a 17"tire/combo in Feb or Mar. The 17" tire/wheel upgrade is single biggest improvement one can make on the WRX for a reasonable amount of money.
Stephen
-juice
Also, if something is on your mind .. speak up. You never know when something you have on your mind will strike chord with someone else. Besides, I'm sure we will all want to hear about your winter weather driving experiences. Rockies .. eay
- hutch
I hope you survive your "wait" better than I did.
...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html
I love the WRX, but it's a somewhat guilty pleasure. No, I don't own one yet. Why? Because I'm teetering on the wall of indecision.
I currently have a 93 Grand AM GT. Old, yes. Reliable, sure. Practical, to a degree. A top performer? Not really, but it's not bad. So I've been thinking about getting a new car. The WRX shows up, I take a test drive and now I'm hooked. But since then, other cars have come along that have made me rethink this. Cars like the new Mercedes C-Coupe and the new Nissan Altima. I'm 30, have 2 young kids and my practical side is calling to me, but my younger carefree side is still there and must be satisfied.
Where does that leave me? Somewhere between loving the low-cost high performance and rugged good looks of the WRX and the desire for some practicality, a step up in luxury and giving a little on my need for perormance.
I'm hopping there are others out there that went through a similar situation. I'd like to hear what you all went through so I can go one way or the other. Thanks all!
1) How big are your kids? If they are long-legged, or likely to become long-legged (meaning you keep this car at least 10 years), then perhaps the new Altima is the way to go, as the new interior space might make it very practical and spacious for you.
2) If you already have a larger car, then the WRX might makes sense. The trunk on the sedan is pretty spacious (15ft2 I think), and the WAGON version is even more generous. The wagon also has a bit more leg room, and a hatch, and a roof-rack.
3) The Mercedes coupe is...well, a Mercedes coupe. If it has two doors only, you're going to be bemoaning that fact when every time you take a family trip, you are flipping up the front seats, cramming kids in the back, re-adjusting the seats (repeat ad nauseum). So your choice seems easy, it just depends on your needs.
4) If you live in the "snow belt" the choice gets even easier (wait..hear that? I think it's the siren song of a WRX sedan/wagon calling to you...)
best of luck,
perrito
I got to drive one at the M-B Power Trip test drive event. I liked it. The interior is nice, just like the C, and the dual moonroof is awesome, better even than the Outback's. The front goes up and slides back over the rear roof. Slick.
It rides nicely, but the Kompressor engine is not smooth at all. It whines and groans to make power, not Mercedes-like at all. The 240 engine is nicer and the 320 engine was a gem. Too bad it's not offered.
It's not slow, but no match for the WRX either. The back seat felt smaller than the WRX, and access was difficult. Price starts low, but it's far higher when you add a few options.
So buy one if you aspire to own a Mercedes later on. Buy a WRX if you want to have fun now.
The Altima looks sweet. Too bad it has that physical defect: front wheel drive.
Also, Nissan has grossly overstated the power of the Q. They claim 340hp, but in comparison tests, the heavier LS430 with 290hp has been quicker. Gearing can have some affect, but I bet the real hp figure is closer to 300hp.
So you have to wonder about the Altima. They also down rated the Maxima from 260hp to 255hp. The Altima has been quick in early reviews, but still no match for the WRX.
I say get a wagon if you want to be practical.
-juice
-mike
-juice
Mine's going to be pretty bare bones - I ordered the armrest/air filter/cargo net pkg and floor mats - that's it. I'm kind of kicking myself myself right now for not getting the security system - any recommendations onan after market system? I've never had a car with one, and last year lost a nice stereo to the theiving bastards.
I probably will get aftermarket wheels for it after I kill the OEM tires - that way I can keep true winter tires on the stock wheels and summer tires on the others. By the way, do the 17"ers make the ride much harsher?
On the WRX/Altima/Benz question - sounds like you have only driven the WRX so far? If so, go get in those other ones and drive around, I think you'll have your answer right away. Researching on the net and reading magazines (and soliciting other peoples opinions!) is great for narrowing things down but there's no substitute for your own first hand experience.
And, thanks, but no, I'm not enjoying the wait very much at all. Can't wait to get my hands on the beast!
But really I would never give up my WRX wagon for either one. The Rex is just too much fun to drive. Somehow it always seems to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel, something I've never experienced with any other car.
Plus, it's designed to cover ground quickly under any circumstances--in the rain, over dirt roads, etc. that most cars just can't compete in. Those built in World Rally genes really make it a great value for the money.
If you buy one, the only problem you need to be aware of is that you will end up piling on a helluva lot of extra miles because you are always finding excuses to go for a drive somewhere, or offering to run an errand for a neighbor that you wouldn't have thought about doing otherwise.
You will be gone so much, your spouse will probably think you are up to something or have some kind of affair going on. Makes it rough, but it's a cross you just have to bear if you want to own one of these little gems.
this mistress has 4 wheels and requires only periodic maitenance!!!
latah!
perrito
Question 1 - would any WRX owner here ever contemplate having that done to their baby? Any experiences out there with these places? Recommendations?
Question 2 - am I just too anal (don't answer that one )
- Rexman
Going back tomorrow with the wife,if she can handle the manual, good chance I'll buy it, especially after I went to the BMW dealership and the salesman showed me a couple 2001 325s, loaded with add ons to bring the price at 32-33K! He then stated that they don't deal much because of the demand for the car and If I didn't buy it, someone else would!
I'll keep you posted!
jbreez1 in Orlando
Anyway, good luck with the WRX and the wifey!
I actually am thinking of getting a Forrester or Legacy wagon to replace our other aging car (92 Escort), so we'll have a practical car and a fun car... hmmm.. I think I just answered my own question here. With a Forrester/Legacy and a WRX, wouldn't I have all my bases covered? Maybe so. ANyone ever hear of a Subaru dealer giving a little discount if we buy two cars the same day?
The Forester has a great boulevard ride and is nice for long relaxed trips. Plus it can hustle over a good windy road when you want it to--really one of the best handling SUVs on the planet and looks great if you put some nice tint on it.
And the WRX. . .well, you have an idea what that's all about.
Roper Subaru in Joplin, Mo. will sell you either vehicle for $500 over dealer cost, with any options you want at cost (you can verify the prices here on Edmund's). Plus they will truck them 200-300 miles at no charge for you. I imagine you could sweet talk them into trucking them all the way to St. Louis to pick up if you buy both. These are great people to deal with--you won't be disappointed. If you're interested, talk to Jeremy Strup--they even have a toll-free number--1-800-743-0311 ext. 5567 and no, I'm not making any commission off of this.
Or you might be able to find a small town dealer in your area to give you a good deal.
You could buy a loaded Forester S and WRX for about 45 grand, about what you'd pay for the one Mercedes.
Good luck with it, whatever you decide.
Call Elmer Hansen at Liberty Subaru in Libertyville. The number is 847.362.2683. Before I moved to Florida from Evanston this past April, I dealt with Elmer for a number of years. He will work with you and, more importantly, be up front. He knows Subaru inside out and pulls no punches. I have recommended him and Liberty Subaru to at least a dozen buyers over the past few years. I know you won't be disappointed.
If you do call him, give him my warmest (no pun intended) regards!
Don
On paper the new Altima sounds great (slightly better HP/weight ratio than the WRX!) and the suspension is supposedly greatly upgraded too. If I hadn't already bought the WRX then I would seriously consider the Altima. My old Altima was
a nice, solid family car with OK power (about the same as the 2.5RS) that handled like crap.
Sounds like the new altima is a nice, solid family car with LOTS of power & might handle OK for a FWD.
I will need my WRX to get into put in and take out spots on canoe trips and get me to trail heads. Not true 4-wheelin but the roads around here (Montana) can get pretty rough. With the rally past of the WRX, it should be able to handle it, but it sure looks low to the ground.
Also, anyone bought from Montana dealers? Any input appreciated.
Stefan
The Rex doesn't have the rubber door strip most cars do to protect it along the side, and is very vulnerable to parking lot damage.
The Dent Wizard people could probably fix it OK
but a good shop that specializes in Subarus might give you more peace of mind even though they may charge a little more.
But dont take it on the Rubicon anytime soon :P
Even with suspension improvements, the 2002 Altima will have difficulty in tracking the WRX on the twisties will lack the raw edge excitement of the REX given its styling (love it or leave it) and the sweet sounding boxer turbo engine.
So, it depends what you want? A very credible, quiet and fast cruiser with decent handling or a fast, slightly cramped, AWD rally-based vehicle with outstanding handling and tons of personality.
They will be 2 very different vehicles so you choose! Personally, having gone from a Honda Accord (similar personality to the new Altima but slower) to the WRX, I've experience a re-birth in driving pleasure. The WRX handles so well, and excites sooo much, you just want to drive all day. I'm gladly giving up a few create comforts for a soul-stirring experience that has continued for 3 weeks now!!
-mike