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Subaru Impreza WRX

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  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Yeah, "we can save you 15% or more..". They raised my premium 30% over the previous 6 mos. with a "performance surcharge". I was told it was based upon statistical data .. blah blah blah. That was enough of a bump that I went shopping. DING DING DING .. we have a winner. Progressive cut my bill by $800 yr. while slightly increasing my coverage. GOOD BYE GEICO !!!
    - Hutch
    ps - I want a moonroof, and 261hp wouldn't hurt either.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Roberto: Your WRX STi sounds wonderful and you have a beautiful place in which to drive it. Moonroof? juice is on target about it; my feeling is that SoA will gradually add content to the WRX each year until the next redesign. I have a 2000 Forester, which was the 3rd year of a 5-year cycle; some things I have standard that were not available or available at extra cost in 1998-99, and 2001-02 models have things that were unavailable in 2000. It seems to be the way many car companies operate.

    "Only 265hp"? It seems that 227 is more than plenty for most people given the accident reports I've been seeing over on i-club. I don't think it will be much trouble getting that car up to the 280-300hp mark; it will be more trouble finding mature, qualified drivers who can handle that kind of power responsibly, thus keeping insurance rates down.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It does look a bit small, but some people have been saying even that would be impossible. It's tiny compared to the Trooper's or Forester's moonroofs, but those are rather enormous.

    If they added the moonroof as a stand-alone $800 option to the WRX, it would be very tempting to give Sandy to the wifey.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    There were even pics before or at the time of the WRX launch that had the slim glass roof on it. And my dealer said they explained it to them at their ride and drive that they did have one, but that it wasn't worth the effort since it was soooo short front to rear. I guess they decided a small one was better than none at all. Yep there are no moonroofs like the Forester and Trooper (largest of any production SUVs)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    There is one other giant roof - on the ML. They actually offer a regular moonroof plus the giant sky roof, though it's a pricey option.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    ML skyroof is a waste, unless you live in a warm climate. It's just metal slats and here in the NE you won't be able to open them from Nov->May. The glass roof of the Forester, Trooper and Montero all are able to be used year round.

    I don't consider the metal slats as a good alterantive. Sorry Drew! :)

    -Mike
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I think most everyone was under agreement that a "roof" ahead of the B-pillar was fine. This is in fact what the SOJ and other markets have. It is small...kind of reminds of the front roof in my OB Ltd, size wise.

    Only 265hp for STI?? I can't wait to do the COBB Stage1 upgrade on my WRX. 280hp, 4.6 secs to 60 (sedan), 13.8 1/4 mile for about $2600 plus labor.

    Stephen
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    that sort of crap is for girls :)
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    My wife has one on her OB, but I don't have one in my OBS. Although I might consider it if it's an option on the WRX for '03 (and if I actually get a rex).

    Dennis
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    And, you problem with girl's is..... ;~)

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, then, offer a true convertible instead. Some of us like that open air feel. I'd love to replace the Miata with a future SVX roadster at some point.

    All our cars have some kind of open roof. The Miata is a roadster with a soft top that is down even in 40 degree temps. The Forester got an aftermarket pop up roof. The 626 has a factory moonroof.

    -juice
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I was sitting at a traffic signal waiting to turn, and a white WRX sedan turned the corner and the guy slammed the gas. The sound of the motor spooling sounded good, even from the distance I was. This is my first post on this board, and I wanna know more about the WRX. I know Subarus are workhorses, because all my relatives in the hills of NC have them and beat the heck out of them time after time and they keep coming back for more. So anyone got an automatic WRX yet?
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice,


    You'd be willing to give up Sandy for this puny moonroof?


    http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/wrx/packaging/img/photo_04.jpg


    Say it isn't so!


    Ken

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I was talking about! In front of the B-pillar re-enforments. :)

    -mike
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    "So anyone got an automatic WRX yet?"

    Yup !! Automatic here, and grinning ear to ear everytime, I take her out for a spin.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is better than no moonroof. I like having that ventilation option available to me. Besides, it also brightens up the interior a bit.

    Bob
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    So those must have been all your relatives I saw in old school Subarus around Asheville last week. See my post in Meet the Members and you'll know what I mean ;-).

    Ed
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I actually liked Asheville (of course, I am 23). It seemed like a lot of fun. But those people are nowhere near my relatives, believe me. The Subaru they have now is a lime-green GL series wagon from the late 1980s, and they take it up and down the mountain they live on top of. It was like visiting an episode of Green Acres. I was very glad to be back to Baltimore. :) I have to agree with Mike, it did kinda look like a scene from Deliverance. :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not give her up - just "reallocate" her to the wifey. I'd be driving her on weekends and evenings since that's what we cart the kid around with.

    Though her car is fine now, so we may just wait a year or two longer. By then, maybe a more powerful Legacy? Who knows...

    -juice
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    I am still at it... tire kicking 'em all! The WRX is still like this fantasy drive like a bat out of hell sort of thing. But then I keep looking at alternatives. I am now thinking of simply getting a new model Passat. Why? Roomier, much more solid, better mileage, little creature comforts, but still available in stick and connected to the road. And a lot cheaper too, at least on a lease, due to favorable residual/money factors.

    The solidity issue is one sticking point... I am able to slam Passat doors shut and hear a loud thunk. I am afraid to try that with the WRX... I think the window might shatter because the door sounds so damn tinny.

    The WRX upside is soooooo damn obvious, you'd have to be in a coma to not know. That crazy acceleration is just something to be experienced.

    So, were any of you Rexers on the fence like I am now?
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    rex: If anyone has any technical info on the auto, please let me know! The I-club would be apreciative!

    Anyway, I've spent over 4 hours of ridding around in that rex auto wagon in the twisties with a crazy driver :P Ive also been in a 2002 RS manual, as well as a WRX manual in the twisties, and even a Legacy GT sedan auto in the same twisties and a '96 L coupe modified to a 2.2l and from an auto to a manual in an Auto-x... So ya, I kinda think my personal experience has SOME merrit... Thats why I suggest that test drives/riding in someones car, or driving someones car in serious stuff is the best way to find out for YOURSELF if you dont want to believe me! :P

    Cupholder: I was off the fence a looong, looong time ago on subaru's... Mostly because of what I just mentioned to rex :D
  • rex_ruthorrex_ruthor Member Posts: 140
    I was on the fence for a while..but I never cross shopped the WRX with any VW. I was looking for a car for over a year. I was fairly intent on buying a brand new car. I wanted something sportier than my old car (BMW 525i) , so I looked at Mustang GT, Camaro, used C4 Corvettes, etc. However, my wife was very opposed to a two door car as we just had our first child and wanted it to be a suitable second car for hauling the baby around, so I had to start my search over again. I knew I didnt want a domestic car if buying a sedan. I didnt want a wagon, since we already own one wagon. I didnt really want a 4-banger so I agonized over that. I knew I didnt want FWD in a sporty car, so that eliminated a lot of cars. I was left with 6 cylinder cars that I couldnt afford to buy new. I was on the verge of taking over payments from a friends lease on a 6-speed BMW 540i as a temporary measure until I found something else Iiked that I could afford to actually own, but then I finally saw a WRX commercial and went to the dealer and test drove it and that was it. I had to have one. Problem solved.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Ok folks I need to buy/get donated a set of front 2.5rs or WRX Struts, springs and Top mounting brackets (hopefully all 3 intact together) to mount in my new XT6 to replace the air-suspension.

    So if any of you are upgrading let me know.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I like the Passat, especially the 1.8T, which is mod-friendly. But you can't chip a car you're going to return at the end of a lease. Also, the handling is kind of soft, and again, you can't put on that coilover set that it deserves.

    For a stock setup, you'll be much happier from a performance stand point with the WRX. The tires are the only sore spot, but you may see the ability to break traction as a fun thing.

    So, it's acceleration and handling vs. luxury and comfort. I like the former, but I'll admit the latter can be really nice when you're tired and just want to get somewhere.

    -juice
  • wrxguywrxguy Member Posts: 51
    I liked the Passat too. I didn't look at the Jetta though the thought crossed my mind. The v-6 4 motion passat with many of the extras was more $'s than the WRX though the sales man stated that they would go lower than MSRP. The interior of most of the VW's are nice!

    Final analysis was that I wanted a bit more performance type vehicle and it had to be 4 doors not two. the Subaru name did hold a bit more appeal just from generalized info that was collected and finally it was the test drive(S) that caught me.

    The details of(craftsmanship) the WRX comparo were not high prioity for me as they are you, finish ect ect. I doubt if slamming the WRX door is gonna hurt it!!!!!!;)YOU are conditioned to think sound equals quality. the doors dont have the frame..around the window.....doesnt mean its inferior its just unfamiliar to you.

    I dont have an issue of family needs for space yet i wanted four doors. and leasing idea was not in equation!

    I almost have 800 miles on my WRX. cant wait ! til 1000 !!!!!!!!!!
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Race any Neons lately?

    In Soobie news, saw three silver WRX wagons on a truck this morning... What a beautiful sight!

    -B
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Just had to ask didn't you? :) Nah, I stopped racing when I got a speeding ticket for going 30 mph over the limit, along with 3 points. :(
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    It's getting harder to stand out in the crowd (the car, I mean..) :-)

    Silver WRX wagon,
    Stephen
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Neons are actually pretty nimble, I'd never buy one, but apparently they do real well in auto-x.

    -mike
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Neons and autocrossing that is...

    Looking at a silver WRX wagon myself. Thinking the sleeper look will be a good thing with me behind the wheel, tehe.

    -B
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    ...I ordered a silver wagon too because it was a sleeper. But I'm going to ruin the sleeper look when I put on 17 inch OZ's next spring in the quest for better handling. Silver sedans are a dime a dozen these days...so I'm not overly worried I'll attract too much attention until I drive it.
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    I rented a Neon once. What a heap of junk.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I owned a Neon once. What a heap of junk. (is there an echo in here? :-p)

    Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Silver rocks. It's nice and non-cop magnet. It can go for 6 months w/o being washed and still looks good. How can you beat it?

    -mike

    PS: yes neons are crappolio
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    How about white... Also keeps cops away and looks even better unwashed than silver.
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Hey cupholder 1, I had no doubt I wanted one. Wife has a '98 Impreza 2.5 RS and I owned a '98 Forester until this summer. I liked the Forester alot. Good reliable car, more fun than previous "mini ute" (Sidekick) and no the windows don't break when you shut the doors. In fact I love a 4 door with frameless glass (hint, park on a hill and open one of those light weight doors and you will see why). Anyway I was jealous of the wife's RS. Very fast and stuck to the road like glue. When the WRX was announced I jumped at the chance. Needed a wagon for utility and got the performance to go with. At 5000 miles absolutly no problems. Car is solid quiet and feels very high quality built. Now even the gas mileage is OK. I am getting EPA 20/27 on just about every tank now.

    Buy it.
    TWRX

    PS, Ever owned a cult car?
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    What do you folks feel about the 1st oil change ? In my Acura, they recommended leaving the original oil in the car till about 7500 miles before changing it, since it was supposed to be a "break-in" oil, filled in the factory. Is there something like that in the WRX ? Also, I guess changing to synthetic at 3000 miles (assuming I do the 1st oil change at 3000 miles), may be a bit pre-mature right ? I was told that changing to synthetic before 10,000 miles was not a good idea, since it would, supposedly, not allow the engine to break-in well. In the Acura, I changed to synthetic after 10,000 miles, after having done the 1st oil change at 7500 miles (and every 3000 miles thereafter)....

    Any thoughts on the above ?

    Thanks in advance,

    AH
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    What have people been replacing WRX's with? I keep reading people gush about how fast it is and how great it handles. But if you are replacing a Ford Escort, you'd expect that.

    I'm used to an MR2 turbo which is almost as fast as the WRX and probably handles considerably better on dry pavement. I know from my test drive of the WRX that the MR2 has nicer seats and a better sound system also, but I'd be willing to give those up for a fun car that I can drive year round.

    There's also the recognition factor. I like having a car that looks like it just came off the track at LeMans. I doubt I'd get the same looks in a WRX wagon.

    So the 2nd question is, has anyone replaced a real sportscar with a WRX, and what are your impressions.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I was going to rent a Neon in February for a wedding. I've only driven the older ones. I think the redesign went backwards because it lost it's cuteness and the "Hi" face.

    AH: we queried an SoA rep and a dealer supplier I know, and both agreed there are no break-in additives in the oil Subaru uses. IIRC it was Havoline, nothing special, just SJ rated dino oil.

    I'd do the first change at 3000 miles, perhaps even earlier, to get rid of any metal shavings. I wouldn't go synthetic until it's well broken in, perhaps 15k miles or so.

    -juice
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Thanks for the heads-up.

    I guess I will do the first change as soon as my "break-in" is over. I plan to "break-in" my car for 1500 miles, even though the manual only suggests that we do it for 1000 miles. That should hopefully ensure the longevity of the car. Personally, in my estimation, the car is not truly broken-in until about 10,000 miles of "smooth" driving is over (including smoothly and progressively raising the car's RPM to redline, every now and then, after the initial 1500 miles).

    Later...AH
  • niko556niko556 Member Posts: 1
    I dont know what i should get.. Subaru Impreza WRX Waggon, VW Jetta, or Honda Accord

    PLEASE HELP ANYONE

    -Nick
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    Yes, the WRX is much faster than what I am used to driving. But it isn't *that* much faster than the fastest cars I've owned. So the beauty of the WRX is that it does it all, decent handling, and a good dose of speed, in all conditions. Maybe I should stick that Nike apparel sticker on it ("ACG") meaning all-conditions-gear. Too bad Nike thought of it.

    The WRX does NOT replace my summer car, a Miata. The Miata runs circles around the WRX when it comes to fun and limits in the twisties, but the WRX does quite well thank you and does it almost as well with much less drama (assuming better tires). That's the beauty of AWD and the balanced design of the car. It's got a decent dose of thrill in everything it does any day...rain/sun/snow. Sometimes you want the drama, and that's why MR2's and Miatas exist, but sometimes you just want to get there quickly with a decent sense of fun and security...that's what the WRX is about.

    However, I think most people know that the WRX cannot replace a true sportscar (like my Miata, or S2000, or any of the other raw feeling sports cars), but then again, most people buy the WRX because it just feels capable without demanding the world out of the driver. With AWD and a fairly tuned suspension, it can hang with and even beat some more dedicated cars measurement wise. As far as the looks, some people like sleepers, there's something to be said about a car that hangs with more exotic stuff with a baby seat in back and a non-cop attracting package.

    For those who want the pinnacle of sportscar handling/performance, the Impreza can get them there too thanks to STi parts and the fact there are ultra hot Imprezas called P1's and 22B which don't apologize to ANY sportscars. The fact that the Impreza is a race proven package (see N-group rally cars) adds to its desirability.
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    Decide what kind of car you want first.

    Accord is a reliable workhorse family sedan.
    Jetta is a comparatively unreliable, expensive (to buy and upkeep) compact sedan that feels posh and well detailed.
    WRX is reliable sedan that sacrifices luxury features for performance and has AWD for traction in any conditions.

    No doubt, at least in this forum, the WRX is the best choice!
  • jk111jk111 Member Posts: 125
    I thought about getting Accord EX V6 coupe, but I don't have a family. So I throw that out of the window.
    Too many college students own Jettas around here. It is good looking, but I heard horrific problems with them. Not to mention their warranty sucks (until next year that is.)
    WRX is good all around, I can't wait until it snows. I couldn't move a thing last year here in jersey.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Also can't get a 5-speed in a V6 Honda. If that is an issue, I'm not sure.

    -mike
  • wrxguywrxguy Member Posts: 51
    The posts earlier summed it up well
    the WRX has theraputic value it will put a
    smile on your face. Im not real familiar with'
    a Jetta as far as knowing anybody close who has owned one but I sure have read more than 30 remarks about the "iffy" general reliability of these cars. Accord is like Velveeta cheese
    its soo plain ......does the job...established reputable long shelf life.....cost is nice.....nobody complains..
  • cupholder1cupholder1 Member Posts: 231
    The Accord is a ham & egger car. Point A to Point B, and will never break down. Decent power. If they offered it in stick, the V6 could go under 7 seconds in 60.

    The Jetta has a nice solid interior. Very comfortable and feels upscale inside. As people have mentioned, reliability is more suspect. For a couple of grand more, you can get a Passat -- same engine, but the car is bigger and made in Germany, while the Jetta is made in Mexico. The truly fun VW is the GTI, but it is on the small side. Like the Jetta, the GTI seems like a kid's car.

    The WRX... what is there to say about the WRX? Drive one, and you'll see. When I first test drove one, I was smiling ear to ear and ready to buy it on the spot... but the dealer didn't have the color I wanted in stock... and I have been tire kicking ever since. My main reservations about the WRX: 1. Less than smooth shifter that could be a pain to drive in the city, 2. Cheesey interior, 3. Feel very vulnerable in the car. Car feels like a tin can, and half the cars on the road these days are being driven by 5 foot tall women in 5000 lb SUVs that are putting on makeup while driving. 4. Poor gas mileage, and requires premium. I am told that "sprited driving" will lead to a sub-20 mpg average. 5. Insurance rates.. they're already high, and I am not optimistic about the rates in the future. Go read i-club.com. People are wrecking these WRXes left and right (dumb kids driving out of control, thinking AWD will save them).

    So, if you use your head, you probably won't get a WRX. If you follow your heart, say "hell, I only live once", and just want a big sh-- eating grin on your face when you drive, you know what to do...
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Go do some test driving!!!

    Thats all I have to say about it ;)
  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Cupholder - I'm gonna take you to task on most of your issues.
    1. Less than smooth shifter that could be a pain to drive in the city - It smooths out considerably after some mileage.
    2. Cheesey interior - Ahhh .. that one is subjective but I kinda like it.
    3. Feel very vulnerable in the car. - Again subjective but there is no reason to feel vulnerable. The frequently touted frame rigidity is in large part due to the "Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frames" which disperse energy around the passenger compartment. Also, the boxer engine is designed to go down and under in a front end collision. "Feeling" is very subjective but your "feeling" is just that. The car is extremely safe in comparison to other cars in the price range.
    4. Poor gas mileage, and requires premium. I am told that "sprited driving" will lead to a sub-20 mpg average - I've been averaging 26+. Do you call that bad? Sure if you wanna keep your foot on the floor there is a price to pay but who drives like that all the time. Not even Paisian!
    5. Insurance rates.. they're already high - Well, I might have to give you this one. GEICO raised my premium 30% with a "performance surcharge". I've changed to Progressive and was able to beat my old GEICO rate. So, if you shop around rates are acceptable.
    - Hutch
  • mirthmirth Member Posts: 1,212
    I think this was asked before, but what's the auto trans like? If I got a WRX, it would have to be auto for my wife.

    Also, do the rear seats on the sedan fold down, or is there only a pass-through? I guess there's always the wagon option.

    Thanks.
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