Subaru Impreza WRX

esqknight · November 2001

I am serious considering buying a WRX, but am wondering how insurance companies classify the vehicle. Is it treated like a sports car? Just how pricy is the insurance? The WRX is in my price range, I want to make sure that the insurance is also.

bluesubie · November 2001

Yeah, AH 3 cross-posts is a bit much.

Eric - It depends on your insurance company. Some (like Geico IIRC), have added a "performance surcharge" to WRX drivers. Your best bet would be to pick 10-12 insurance companies and get direct quotes from them. Try to avoid going through an agent because your rate will include their commission. You'll be surprised at the differences you can get by make a lot of phone calls.

Dennis

thecat · November 2001

Esqknight - Dennis is dead on. GEICO added a "performance surcharge" to my policy renewal. I went shopping and cut their premium significantly with Progressive. Your premium cost is dependant upon many factors - age, driving history, location, etc. so there is no simple answer to your question. I can tell you from experience that shopping around pays. I had been with GEICO for 16 yrs. with a clean driving record. Since they felt no loyalty to me, it was only fair that I respond in kind. They're history now.
- Hutch

barresa62 · November 2001

I think it pays for all of us to remember that the consumer rules (especially w/insurance cos.), not the other way around. :-)

Stephen

lark6 · November 2001

hutch: Good move but be careful with Progressive. I do not want to be a rumormonger but I understand that in handling claims they aggressively push for the use of non-OEM parts in repairs.

As for me, I was with Liberty Mutual from the time I got my driver's license until not quite 3 years ago. Then I married an Army brat and switched over to USAA.

Ed

barresa62 · November 2001

I'm with USAA too. I, however, am the Army brat (my dad is a retired Army Intelligence Officer)

USAA has been really great for me and those in my family.

Stephen

lark6 · November 2001

Stephen: I swear we must be on parallel tracks or something. Father-in-law retired Col. in 82nd Airborne.

LM was good for me when I had the two major accidents in my life. The first came when I was 19 and the brakes failed on my Mustang while at college. Clipped the corner of (ironically) an auto parts store as I came to a stop. The "good student discount" helped me too. Second was at 33 when someone ran a red light and hit my Jetta nearly head on, totaling it. Can't beat USAA rates, though - have our homeowners with them as well.

Ed

nschulman3 · November 2001

I live in New Jersey where Geico, Progressive, et al are not available. I am married, 36 years old and have a clean record. Still, my insurance went WAY up when I purchased my wrx sedan. The rate is higher than my 2000 Audi TT coupe and is higher than the acura rsx i was looking at. Also, my former car, an a4 was much cheaper, despite listing for 5000 more. It seems a lot of kids are wrecking their wrx's and in turn penalizing responsible drivers.

thecat · November 2001

"I understand that in handling claims they aggressively push for the use of non-OEM parts"

I don't think that's a serious problem with the WRX. I bet getting OEM body parts is gonna be tough enough. I doubt that anybody is selling non-OEM parts.

- Hutch

beanboy · November 2001

I'm betting there is a difference between the WRX wagon and sedan in terms of insurance costs. Yet another reason to get the wagon,

mjvchicago · November 2001

I've been looking at wheel upgrades for the WRX and have been wondering what the consensus is on 17" vs 18" wheels out there. I've seen 18" wheels on the WRX and they look great... but I've heard there's a ride penalty for 18s or even 17s. I'm looking for improved handling over the 16" wheels and don't want to give up too much on the ride quality. Anyone willing to share?

WarpDrive · November 2001

..IMO. You said "I'm looking for improved handling over the 16" wheels and don't want to give up too much on the ride quality." 17's will easily give you that because you can move up to 225 width tires without hurting the ride too much. 18's will definitely be stiffer because you will have less sidewall to play with.

Not to mention that 18 inch wheels with those ultra low aspect ratio tirs will cost a significant deal more.

thecat · November 2001

mjvchicago - if Chicago is your location, I wouldn't even consider the 17's. Potholes are going to eat (read bend) wheels that size. There just isn't enough rubber to protect them. 18's would make the tire profile so small, it would be like a rubberband around a tin can.

If you're still running the stock RE-92's, I would suggest improving your tires 1st. Almost anything would be an improvement.
- Hutch

barresa62 · November 2001

you really want to upgrade to 17", I would suggest Prodrive P1s or P7s. They both are extremely strong wheels that take more than a pothole to bend them. You can read about them in the i-club forums. You can have your cake and eat it too. :-)

Stephen

WarpDrive · November 2001

...and I'm comfortable going to the 17's. However, Stephen is right....the Prodrive rims are very strong. The P7 is a bit too heavy and you'll get too much skittering over bumps with them....if you get rims that are as light as your stock ones, then the ride difference is minimal. Skittishness may happen if you have too much unsprung weight for your suspension so you want to stick with light rims. I'd suggest the OZ Superleggeras which are lighter than stock rims and well made/very strong. BTW: The Prodrive P1 is actually made by OZ also but the P7 is made by Speedline.

However, if you REALLY are very concerned about the ride, stick with the 16's. You can get a substantial improvement in grip by going to some high quality summer tires like Bridgestone S-03's, Michelin Pilot Sport or Toyo T1-S.

lark6 · November 2001

Point taken. WRX/New Impreza hasn't been on the US market for a year and Subaru's market share is so relatively small that non-OEMs may not see producing Subaru parts as a profit center.

Good luck,
Ed

paisan · November 2001

Are definitely a no-no in chicago or NYC. 17" is even pushing it but should be doable.

-mike

thecat · November 2001

O.M.G.! Paisan and I agree on something. I'm gonna have to re-evaluate my position .. I'll get back to you.

- Hutch

paisan · November 2001

We agree on a lot

-mike

rsinger2 · November 2001

Drove both an A4 1.8T 5 spd and a WRX 5 speed sedan back to back yesterday. Both were serious fun, and a considerable improvement over my '86 Audi 5000 Quattro. Now I'm torn: which one? (the other candidate: an '02 Altima). The primary descriptors that come to mind: the A4 was silky, the WRX was brash. I have to admit, I'm old enough to remember seeing Jimi Hendrix live, so the picture of me driving around in a snarling bulldog like the WRX is a little unsettling - but: who cares? The WRX handled great, and I had the feeling it would offer a new world to explore at higher revs.The A4 was really sweet, though, no real noticeable turbo lag like my 5000. And: flat-out beautiful in the dolphin pearl gray, and a subtle, solid interior. I'm looking to buy in the immediate future, so - input sought: I need perspective!!

Thanks

saintviper · November 2001

Do like me, I've got both.

(Wife drives the A4 though)

jim_loves_cars · November 2001

Bob,

Tough decision. I've just read up on the new A4 and it seems like a really solid vehicle. Loads of technology and free scheduled maintenance for 4years/50,000 miles. Lots of value for the price. Plus you might be able to swing a 1.8T Quattro with the sport package for a hair under 28G. Very tempting.

The WRX is more visceral (read harsh) than the Audi, which I'm sure is more refined. Plus (forgive me) you get the curb appeal of a truly elegant car with the Audi. But the WRX is a handsome vehicle in its own right and certainly does not suffer from "me too" German styling.

Either way you'll do fine. I like the WRX because it's a great performance value for the price and the AWD should make winter driving fun. From what I can tell the A4 is a real value vehicle too - it's bristling with safety features and has a wonderful Audi interior. You pay more, but you get more, too. It's win-win either way.

Good luck and keep us posted!

barresa62 · November 2001

Overall the WRX will be more reliable than the Audi...you can quote me at that prediction. :-) Addtitionally, if you keep the Audi past its free maintenance period, it will cost a lot more to own than the WRX. Either way, it boils down which car you prefer, probably for more emotional reasons as both cars offer a lot in that arena.

Stephen

hunter001 · November 2001

I think if you are leasing (especially if you own a business), the A4 is a very good choice, particularly when you factor in the "free" maintenance. Since you are leasing, you can un-load the car before the "free" maintenance ends.

If you are purchasing the car, I would go all the way with the WRX. As for myself, since I normally purchase a vehicle (cash, since I am not a fan of leasing or financing) and run it into the ground before replacing it, the A4 was not even an option - it was WRX all the way, without any ifs or buts.

Later...AH

PS: I think the "free" maintenance is a fiction, since they charge for it up-front during the sale of the car.

hunter001 · November 2001

How are your Dunlop Sport 5000 asymmetricals doing? Have you driven around with it in the snows, yet ? Any difference while driving with the dunlops in the wet, when compared to the stock tires ?

I am still mulling the tire purchase and was wondering if I should wait till the stockers wear out.

Later...AH

barresa62 · November 2001

Haven't received the tires yet from Tirerack. I actually ordered the Dunlop Wintersports. They are good (not the best)winter tires for snow/ice. They also work really well in the dry (better than the re92s...I'm sure, LOL) and the wet. They are equivalent to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM22s. Ok...enough of the promo, I can't wait to try them in person. Hopefully, I'll get a call next week. I had them dropped shipped to a wheel/tire shop near me for installation. I'll let you know my driving impressions as soon as I get them and on the car.

Stephen

nschulman3 · November 2001

I purchased the dunlop sp sport 5000 asymetrical earlier this month for my wrx. I am very happy with the tire. They are great in the wet (much better than the re-92s) and handle better in the dry, too. Also, the ride is not any noisier or harsh. IMO, the handling is about the best you can get for an all-season performance tire. I cannot comment on the snow performance yet. It is supposed to be very good, but we haven't seen snow yet in New Jersey. I'll let you know, for I can't wait!

hunter001 · November 2001

I thought it was Stephen who had purchased the Sport 5000s, since I remembered from a while back about somebody purchasing them. I think the Sport 5000s are the best tires for the money, especially considering they are Ultra-high performance all-seasons. Now just have to convince my better-half about its virtues !!

Later...AH

bedabi · November 2001

I just got mine and drove through 400 miles of heavy rain from Buffalo to NYC. They're fantastic in the rain. I had a chance to run through some fast corners with them in the dry and they are a great deal stickier than those RE92s. I also found the steering wheel to feel a little more "substantial" as though the car were heavier or more grounded.

Right now I have them at 36 psi front and 33 rear. Neil, what do you have your tire pressure set at? Did you set them at different pressures than your RE92s?

rsinger2 · November 2001

Thanks for the feedback, variety of perspectives. Wasn't there an Elvis Presley movie where he flipped a coin to see what branch of service to join? It may come down to that.

barresa62 · November 2001

I'm actually going to purchase Bridgestone S03 pole positions in the 225/45x17 size and some sort of 17"wheel. Haven't decided yet between Rota Subzeros or Prodrive P1s in silver. Won't be purchasing anything until spring. The Dunlop Wintersports on going on the stock 16"wheels as a dedicated winter swap.

Stephen

corkfish · November 2001

You might want to consider the WRX Wagon. The A4 is definitely more of an adult car, but doesn't offer the performance or value of the WRX. I'm in a similar boat. I'm 42 and am hesitant to buy something which is apparently very popular among college and high school kids. I'm leaning toward the wagon because it has a much more sedate and innocuous appearence. Even a guy in his fifties could away with it. I just wish they'd hurry up and offer an STI wagon. That would solve all my problems!

1994corsica · November 2001

is a quote from the impreza wrx brochure. well, that is true because britians richard burns and co-driver robert reid just clinched the 2001 fia world rally championship with their subaru impreza wrc. they were third going into the last event in britian behind scottlands colin mcrae and co-driver nicky grist with their ford focus wrc, and finlands tommi makkinen and co-driver risto manisenmakki (manisenmakki did not participate in this rally because of injuries from a previous event) in their mitsubishi evolution vii wrc. both the mitsubishi and ford dnf the rally. good first year for the new subaru world rally car winning in a very tough form of motorsport. if anybody can think of a form of auto racing that is harder on a car then rally racing i would like to know what it is! check out the results at the fia's home page.

saintviper · November 2001

I was going to say that a demolision derby might be harder on the car than rallying, but after looking at what was left of Mcrae's car, that might not be the case.

ateixeira · November 2001

18" rims are sweet looking, but I agree they are overkill for public roads. Saw a gorgeous set of 18" rims at "Da Big Meet" in Rockville, MD, last week. 50 Subies! It was the only 18" set on the lot. It was also the only rim on the lot that was damaged.

Plenty of 17"s though, and I didn't notice any that were damaged.

A4 or WRX? Ignoring the price and reliability advantage Subaru has for a moment, I'd pick the A4 if I were to be primarily a passenger, and the WRX if I were to be the primary driver.

-juice

twrx · November 2001

you can get by with a wrx wagon at age 42, I'm 49 and now driving one. Don't know if I feel younger with one (when I was 42 I got a Delsol) since I have had several sport cars. I don't like boring cars. Anyway high school students like the wrx wagon too. It is quite popular with the student body at the high school where I teach.
TWRX

eyeball2452 · November 2001

So, I just came off an accident in a Ford Escape. I had it for winter road driving from Boston for snowboarding roadtrips into Northern Maine and NH.

I'm not so confident of SUV's anymore and have been looking into the WRX as something that can still handle winter driving, but be considerably more stable and fun to drive. I was especialy happy to see the standard side impact airbags on the WRX.

Anyway, I'm pretty much set on getting one as the A4 is out of my price range. I was wondering if the the rear wing made the WRX look more sporty or if it's just a tacky addition. It looked pretty good when I saw it in the showroom the other day, but it seems like many of the car mags didn't.

Thanks for any opinions.

cptplt · November 2001

I wouldn't want to be a passenger in the back of an A4 compared to a WRX. Its tight back there in that A4 even compared to a WRX! The new one is not much better either!

krzyss · November 2001

If you (eyeball2452) are looking for winter traction do not forget about tires.

Krzys

ateixeira · November 2001

The spoiler is mostly cosmetic. I personally think it looks like a boomerang glued to the decklid, but who cares what I think? It's whether or not you like it that counts.

-juice

hunter001 · November 2001

I agree. I personally dislike spoilers on sedans but I guess it is just personal preference. I like the sleeper look, that comes with a car that does not come with spoilers or hood-scoops. I would have been happier if they had modified the design of the WRX to eliminate the hood scoop.

The spoiler on the WRX wagon, however looks subtle and I am okay with it.

Later...AH

WarpDrive · November 2001

Tirerack did some testing of the spoiler. As posted on iclub:

"Most people can not feel a 10-15 lbs change of lift but, almost all driver do notice a change in lift or down force of 20 lbs. or more. The WRX has a drag [power requirement of 60.5 hp @ 100mph, front lift is 59.2 lbs rear lift is 70lbs. The addition of the O.E. rear wing has no effect on drag but reduces rear lift by 19.3lbs. and increasefront lift by 12.2 lbs. @ 100 mph."

So basically, the spoiler is non-functional. At least the wind tunnel shows that it doesn't hurt aerodynamics and actually helps to a very small degree.

I don't like the spoiler also, but I equally dislike the sedan without it. But given the fact that it doesn't come standard, I'd take the car without it and maybe add a WRC style one like the previous RS later if I really wanted it. The wagon looks great with the spoiler (of course I'm biased there)

ateixeira · November 2001

I'm the same way - I like the spoiler on the wagons. Even those with two spoilers. It's just a matter of personal taste.

I like the spoilers on the 98-01 RS models, sedan and coupe, and the bi-plane ones from the rally car, too.

-juice

svengali · November 2001

I am considering the purchase of a 2002 model WRX sometime around May of next year. I believe that will be about the time the 2003 models will be arriving and I was wondering if Subaru was planning on making any significant improvements to the WRX (possibly on the interior or stereo system). I asked a salesman at a local Nissan-Subaru dealership and he was not sure, saying only that the STi model will be available for over 30k. That is a bit out of my price range
and has more power than I need. I realize it's rather early to have this sort of info but maybe you've heard something I have not as far as improvements go. Thanks-
Jed

paisan · November 2001

Won't be here til next fall, at best late summer. The WRX was an early intro this year which means a long run of them. Most subarus after initial launch in their 2nd/3rd/4th years of production show up late aug/early sept.

-mike

ateixeira · November 2001

Jed: on the bright side, Subaru is known for offering more content and incremental improvements in each model year. I bet the heated seats and perhaps a moonroof option arrive soon.

-juice

300mlover · November 2001

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I am not up to reading 3700 posts!

Is there an aftermarket way to eliminate the 130mph limiter? If so what is it and where do I get it?

What other performance upgrades are out there?

A soon to be ex 300M owner!

p0926 · November 2001

300mlover- And where exactly do you plan to exceed 130mph? I hope it's on a closed course race track. ;-)

-Frank P.

1subydown1togo · November 2001

The limiter is only for WRX automatics; the 5-speeds have been taken up to approx 143 mph already

thecat · November 2001

Serge said it before I could. Many of the auto magazines have reported exceeding 130mph in the stick. So far, it hasn't been an issue for me.
- Hutch

Subaru Impreza WRX

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