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Subaru Impreza WRX
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Comments
bluesubie: Yes, it's a subcompact, and it may very well be an improvement, but it's still lacking, IMHO. It's probably unfair to focus on this too much, considering the driving dynamics are clearly what this car is about.
If you buy the M3, chances are you will have to put money into the car right off the bat due to age. I do not think you can get a certified used M3 for under $20K. If you can, it is a completely different scenario since they usually give you a warrentee with the vehicle.
One other comment. There have been complaints about the flimsiness of the BMW center-console. FYI.
If you buy the A4, there is a chance of needing to put money in the car rather soon.
IMHO.
As far as interior materials, I guess I am just spoiled. I think the Impreza lineup, in general, looks a bit chintzy inside. They spent all the money on mechanicals though, so that's a good thing.
I think you need to drive all three cars, and go with what feels right to you. They are different types and classes of cars, each with unique traits. Also, how do you picture yourself driving each car, say 4 years down the road? Will you outgrow the WRX? Will you grow into the M3?
Craig
I just wish they would throw some lumbar support into the seats.
I guess styling is subjective. I like the interior of the WRX a lot. But then again, I also like the interior of the Outback, and numerous car magazines have called it bland and 90s-styled. I guess I appreciate interiors that are functional, easy on the eyes, and that get out of the way. The WRX does that for me. Contrast it to dashes of Pontiacs (way too busy and freaky), Nissan 350Z (inside of a super-hero's spaceship?), and the Saturn Ion (busy, ugly, non-ergonomic), and you might see why I feel like the WRX is a safe bet. It may not be a work of art like the Accord, but it gets the job done and is not offensive!
Craig
I have a suggestion for improvement on the buttons and switches - using brill (sp), those use by the blind. No, not for blind drivers. It will allow the driver to feel the controls without taking their eyes off the road.
-Dave
Oh well, was a good thought while it lasted.
-Dave
Let's see more refined interiors, 5 speed automatic, H6 across the Legacy line, a boosting of power and fuel economy in the standard 2.5L, a top-of-the-line Legacy that's actually worth the asking price, improved low-end response for the WRX...
It seems that Subaru has got the message, the improvements to the 2004 WRX are exactly that--improvements. Hopefully they can keep the ball rolling.
-B
Aside from that, I found both those cars to be much more cramped than the ReX. Forget about anybody sitting behind you in the A4 if you are over 6'.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If you buy a used S4, you might be getting one of those examples. Just be ready to deal with more repairs and higher running costs.
Luxury car, luxury price for parts and service. New or used doesn't matter.
-juice
Hertz -- airports in the northern half of the US
Dollar -- Seattle and Portland, WA
Budget -- northern NJ
Avis -- Chicago area
I'm not a WRX owner, but my 2002 CRV's brakes engage much further into the pedal travel than my 1996 Altima. I get used to it after the first or second stop after switching cars
riptide - My WRX doesn't do that. Maybe it was out of adjustment or low on fluid???? Subaru's do use dual-stage boosters though.
-Dennis
Expect the dealers to try for MSRP on the '04 when it arrives, they'll take up to $1000 under invoice on in-stock 2003's, and there are a couple of used 2002's around for under $20K.
-mike
-B
I'm wrapping up business in Stamford, if you need numbers send me an email and I'll make up a quote for you based on something we have if the other dealers check it out. I know it's too much of a drive, you should get someone closer to home to match it.
Let me guess. Their favorite car is a Mustang GT, Corvette, and a Viper???!!!
Bet they are crying in the fact that the Camaro and Trans Am are no longer with us.
I tend to agree with them about the lack of low-end grunt, hence the 2.5L turbo comment. Drove around in a 5-speed Forester this weekend, amazed with the fact you can leave it in second coming out of slow turns. Too bad it starts slowing down about 3K.
-B
I don't really see the lack of low end grunt -- it's just just that the high-rpm pull is so much more! Since I am breaking in my WRX, I spend a lot of time below 4000, and the car drives fine to me.
The normally aspirated 2.5 definitely has more at the low end, but it really runs out of steam past about 4500-5000 rpm. A turbocharged 2.5 ought to be the best of both worlds.
Craig
What performance parts are up for sale?
e-mail me
Thanks
-Dave
-mike
-mike
I'm reminded of Subiegals motto...."any fool can go fast in a straight line"
OK...my .02
The SVX only came in Auto, so I'm not sure where the 7.3# came from.
In a race situation, you are already rolling so the 0-60#s are not significant at all.
-mike
Bah, forget an old XT6 beating people, you should see their reaction when a 1981 Omni beats an E46 M3 on a fairly fast course. Talk about red faces!
-B
-mike
On Saturday (3/8/03) at about 12:30pm I turned the key for the very first time on my very own [well, mostly still SoA's ;-)] 2003 WRX, Sedan/blue/5MT.
I'm still in shock about this. Many of you were around when I first appeared here asking questions etc, and some took time to offer advice and even correspond directly with me. I appreciate all your help and advice.
I was planning to include a strong recommendation for the dealer I went through, as he was very patient with me through the whole process. However, there are a couple of issues I need to bring up and resolve (when their service techs installed the upgraded speakers they forgot to re-attach the door-handle trim rings on the rear doors, and it seems like my radio's aerial isn't hooked up as I can't get any radio reception); how that goes will determine what I say.
DjB
BMW had an ad for their roadster where it started to rain and the driver speed up substantially to keep rain out of the cabin. This on curvy Highway 1 in Cali, where one slip means you slide off a cliff into the ocean, basically.
Why pick on the WRX? There are far better examples to pick on.
-juice
-juice
Anybody know a good resource to get this kind of material?
TIA
ps: as I expected, my purchase of an AWD car appears to have put an end to winter here in the north east. I hope you all realize the debt you owe me. For those who (shudder) like winter, I must share some of the blame with the Canadians, who are hoarding their remaining cold air for some twisted reason.
DjB
Would the be he, or she?
-Dave
-juice