Subaru Impreza WRX

bluesubie · May 2003

Congrats to the new owners!

You can buy an extended warranty at any time before your regular warranty expires, so you have plenty of time to think about it.

Yes, the in-dash cup holder is lousy. Use the one on the console or don't use one at all and just drive. :-)

-Dennis

sensei1 · May 2003

Congrats JP. Yeah just drive. You sure didn't get it for the cupholder did you? Besides you're not supposed to drink and drive. ;-)
An older post mentioned getting a center console w/ rear cupholders from the UK if it means that much to you.

It's only an expensive buy if you're not happy with it.

How can you tell an empty shell?
Shake it? (no rattle) Smash it? (not allowed) In this case, forget about it.

ateixeira · May 2003

Saw another 2004 in the flesh last night, thumbs up. Congrats.

-juice

prayerfor · May 2003

Hey guys don't get worked up over the trolls. I suspected that our friend aluben had similar motives to vegoen, and may even be vegoen reincarnated. Nevertheless the questions and issues raised were general and common ones, and thus the responses provided should be topical and informative to many.

For myself, most of what I've learned in forums like this one has come from passively reading questions and responses to subjects pertinent to me, rather than from directly asking questions.

Bottom line, even if the collective wisdom of recent posts is wasted on the trolls asking the questions, it will find its mark with plenty of anonymous readers.

sensei1 · May 2003

makes good activity too..

himiler · May 2003

Your first WRX mod should be tires. The stock rubber makes the car more of a handful than it really is.

qbrozen · May 2003

I seriously doubt most people could ever realize the full power of this car on the streets. A track, yes. But if you are not going to track your car and you don't live in the Nevada desert, than this car is more than you will need on a daily basis. My Volvo T5 is what I ended up buying instead of the ReX and, it took quite a while to face this fact, but I am almost NEVER able to push this car to its max. I did it once and that kind of adrenaline made me realize how stupid it is to do on the open road. The ReX is even faster and handles far better than my Volvo. If I did own that car at this point, I'm pretty sure I'd feel like I was kind of letting it down by not using it to the potential it was designed for.

What I'm saying is that mods on this car are completely useless until (as others have said) you learn to use it to its full potential AND you are racing this thing on a track.

twrx · May 2003

I'm not the mechanical type. Where I teach the teenage boys all know what my car is and everyone always challenges me with "I only spent $200 to get a rebuilt 350 for my Mustang that will smoke your WRX blah, blah, blah" and "why don't you put nitrous on your engine and lower your car blah, blah, blah." (Southern Indiana Redneck Gearheads). I've given up explaining why a 50 year old has a WRX in the first place. Could the word be "warranty", "fun car", and "I don't know a thing about how to work on one"? Indeed, I bought a WRX to get the maximum fun with the minimum bother. Must be fun, my first speeding ticket ever was last fall!

TWRX

paisan · May 2003

A man after my own heart.

A HPDE is an excellent way to go fast. The best part is that it's 100% able to be removed and installed in ANY vehicle!

-mike

beanboy · May 2003

A WOT start isn't all that far-fetched on the street. First in line at a light with a 50 mph speed limit for example.

Passing a vehicle as quickly as possible on a one lane road with a 55 mph speed limit.

Entering the highway from a short exit with a 30 mph speed limit to a highway with a 75 mph limit.

When I test drove the WRX wagon last fall, I was WOT a few times on a divided two-lane road with a 50 mph limit.

Launched from a stop at a light fairly aggressively, and reversing direction at an approved U-turn intersection.

One reason why I want the WRX. A car with FWD or RWD with the same amount of power and I would have been beyond the limits of traction. Having AWD means a lot more power can be used a lot more frequently on the street without getting into trouble.

-B

paisan · May 2003

Boy Racer Stuff. Cool, got to gets me a big wing, and blinging lightup washer nozzles. Just go to http://APC.com they should have all your Blingy mods...

-mike

ateixeira · May 2003

Driving school and tires, bravo! :-)

Try NOPI for aesthetic mods:

http://www.nopi.com/2003/default.htm

-juice

jpnm · May 2003

I know I shouldn't be fixated on the cupholder, but I have a 1.5 hour commute and I am used to drinking my coffe on the way. Damn cupholder blocks the cd player, and it is way too flimsy. Anysway, minor issue.

A more major issue is the black strip along the lower body. Doesn't look so great. I was thinking of painting it to match the body. Anybody done that, and what were the results?

manavi · May 2003

Isn't there a more sturdy cupholder on the console between the front seats?

jpnm · May 2003

The cupholder on the console is kind of overshadowed by the armrest extension and too close to the shifter.

sensei1 · May 2003

Good posts - everyday drivers, and beanboy put the cherry right on top. That about sums up my driving habits.

TWRX - I can relate....

Another good course is Defensive Driver Training, gives you an edge to stay out of trouble.

JP, previous posters have bought painted aftermarket sideskirts. Here's one in CA. And buy you a Starbucks stainless, fits right in the middle console. I know what you mean.

http://www.spimotorsports.com/

Talking about tires, I'm @ 17k on my stocks and starting to feel the handling not as crisp anymore, a little loose. Could it be the tires? Oops upgrade time ;-)

sonya4 · May 2003

Twrx-- I hear you...

Beanboy--Catch me up on what WOT means, please. Maybe I missed something earlier.

Sensei--I wish I could take a defensive driving course, but I don't hear of any being offered in my area...assuming it's not too expensive. Don't they usually cost a few thousand, at least? Add to that the cost of travel, lodging, etc. ...dunno if I could afford it.

I'm near 15.5K miles with my WRX and my stock tires still feel OK...guess I'll have to wait to upgrade!

By the way I also learn a lot just from reading the posts here...some of it's too technical for me, but I still read everything.

--sonya

hypov · May 2003

Wide Open Throttle

-Dave

jpnm · May 2003

Sensei, thanks for the suggestion about the stainless. I'll get one.

I'm not really sure I want aftermarket side skirts, because I really don't want to decrease the clearance. I just want the color to match.

rexaroo · May 2003

especially the discussion on brakes. Now I understand why our 99 Forester S stops in a shorter distance than the stock Rex--better tires!

Anyone out there tried a set of the new ContiExtremeContact all seasons? It tops the charts at tirerack.com, but would be good to hear some more first-hand experiences from Rex owners.

kens · May 2003

sonya,

To elaborate on Dave's answer, WOT describes the condition when you floor the gas pedal causing the throttle body in you engine intake to open to it's maximum extent and putting a smile on your face.

Ken

trevian2 · May 2003

Thanks for your opinions on the extended warranty. I would appreciate a few more.
Does anyone know a place on the web that gives a detailed description of what is covered? The subaru site has a lot of asterisks that say see your dealer. I'd like to think about it at home for awhile before I get hassled by a dealer.

Thanks again.

qbrozen · May 2003

I used to drive that way, too .... when I had a slower car. I find now that I really don't need to push it that hard. 99% of the time, half throttle is plenty to get me out in front of traffic. Anything more is just showing off and wasting gas. And if I go WOT when passing, I end up double the speed limit in a matter of a couple of seconds. One ticket doing that was enough to keep my foot out of it. Just a slight nudge is plenty to shoot my car past the vehicle I'm passing.

See, I wasn't saying that the WRX has too much power now. But I am saying it does have plenty for any of these everyday situations. Any more and you are just wasting gas and rubber.

hell, I lust after an STi, too. But the reality is, having to deal with Jersey roads, I would only be using maybe 60% of that vehicle's potential unless I take it to a track.

And probably getting booted off my insurance recently really changes my view on street driving, too.

sensei1 · May 2003

I just picked up a set for my AWD T&C about a week ago. Yeah Tire Rack caught my eye too and ended up switching from MX4 215x65 r16 to ContiEx 225x60 r16 97V for my minivan. Too early to gauge it yet. Only had one chance to drive it in heavy rain and it felt solid. It's also pretty quiet on dry pavement considering the aggressive footprint. With the switch I'm sacrificing about 50# of load rating.

Anyway, got 'em from a local shop instead,coz TR was waiting for restock shipment. The local shop tried to match with a few $$ more. Still cheaper than the original quote once I mentioned TR prices. So I think I did ok. Would've amounted to about the same if I wanted to wait with TR to restock.

I'll definitely put them on my WRX if they feel ok with my minivan.

Sonya, I was in the service when I went so I don't know how much it would cost. But it was sponsored by some civilian Auto Club.

JP, Trevian, no hurry, let the car grow on you and it will.

WOT - I thought "way out there" (just kidding) but the results are the same - "puts a smile on your face."

rexaroo · May 2003

Thanks for the input, sensei. Interesting that one of the first things you noticed was how quiet the Conti's are. This is a tire that seems to do it all, and at a bargain price. (And here in Colorado we need a tire that handles every kind of weather and road, believe me!)

Only drawback so far is that they are only V rated, but have to admit my WOT tendencies are pretty laid back. Haven't done a 140 mph in awhile ;-)

beanboy · May 2003

"Any more and you are just wasting gas and rubber."

I was responding to the post about when you can use so much power on a daily basis. Whether or not it wastes gas and rubber is a different story.

I for one will gladly trade fuel economy and accelerated wear (hahah) for the smile of getting pushed back into my seat on a daily basis, and their are enough opportunities to do so in my driving environment. Would I be able to do the same with a LS1 F-body? Certainly not, since anything close to full throttle with street on the roads around here would roast the tires, nevermind having to drive it in the winter.

I should have added that the 2.5L turbo in the Forester might suit my needs even better with what appears to be much better low-end power.

-B

c_hunter · May 2003

JP: You can get factory-painted side skirts as a Subaru accessory, but they only come in a few colors (silver, blue, white if I remember right). They're about $210 at most of the internet parts sites (Liberty Subaru, for instance). I would love to get a set for my 03, but they don't sell them in Sedona Red. I have heard that they are available in Japan and UK in other colors, however, but it would be expensive to import I'm sure. Folks on NASIOC report good success with having the stock skirts painted at body shops, so that's another option. Same procedure as painting plastic bumpers.

--

I remember having no problem going easy on my WRX during breeak-in, because it's hard to find a place to hit WOT in everyday traffic. 4000rpm? Not an issue, I generally shift there in regular driving. I do hop on the throttle if I'm first at a light with a healthy speed limit, when merging onto a clear highway, or when passing on the highway. Damn the car rocks. If I'm going 75 and pass someone, it will easily hit triple digits (my Outback might get up to 85 during the same maneuver).

One thing that amazes me is that the WRX actually cruises quite comfortably on the highway. My daily commute is about 35 miles, most on the highway. Despite the stiffer ride, I actually think the WRX cruises nicer than my wife's Forester, but not as smooth as my Outback (LL Bean model). The WRX has substantially less wind noise than the other cars, however. In addition, it has better seats and a better driving position.

Craig

kngjake · May 2003

I ordered my 04 a couple of weeks ago. Got it with WR Blue, security upgrade, performace package and short throw shifter. Anyone know approx. how long the wait is after placing an order?

Thanks for clearing up some concers c_hunter. I have the same type of commute and was wondering how the car's comfort level was. I'm looking forward to having a speedy toll road to drive back and forth from work everyday...

gvmelbrty · May 2003

jpnm,

Here's some cup holder upgrades for your new rex.

-tom

Flip and fold cup holder

Ultimate cup holder system, from $29-$130!

Marine cup holder

This rear dual cup holder fits 02-03 WRXs, not sure about 2004's.

paisan · May 2003

You can take a High Performance Driving Event usually at most road-race courses in your area. Not sure where exactly you are located, but one shouldn't be too far away. Cost is usually $150-200 for the day and you get ~2hrs of on-track with an instructor experience. Check with the following orgs (and others)

http://www.nasaproracing.com/
http://www.bmwcca.org/

It's also a ton of fun

-mike

rexaroo · May 2003

beanboy: that 2.5L Forester engine is nice and torquey down low--you can surprise people all the time with fast stop-light getaways, especially against bigger SUVs. It kind of runs out of steam around 5000rpm. The new turbo Forester should fix that problem tho!

The Rex, as we all know, is just the opposite--not much going on below 3000, and then sha-zamm!--next thing you know you are doing Warp 7.

Both have great rides, although the Rex is definitely on the firm side, especially on cold days. The ride REALLY feels just right when it finally warms up outside and you can take it for a blast on a spring day!

When the WRX came out I had to have one, but couldn't bear to part with our Forester, so now we have both. Told my wife to just go ahead and shoot me if anything ever happens to either one of them ;-)

prayerfor · May 2003

ContiExtremeContacts: I've had a set of 215/45/17's on my wagon for about a month now. So far I'm pleased with them. I wouldn't say they provide the proverbial "corners like it's on rails" sensation, but a noticeable improvement from stock. They're quiet, and no discernable degradation in ride quality. There's no beating the price too; I paid $87 apiece I think. I'd have no reservations about recommending them unless you're going to push them real hard on a regular basis, in which case a dedicated performance summer tire like the S-03 would be better.

sideskirts: As Craig mentioned, several online sites offer the Subaru OEM sideskirts, painted white silver or blue. Try www.subaruwrxparts.com

Mods: I agree to an extent that for a purely street-driven car, some power mods are pointless (like bigger turbos). However parts that increase low-end grunt, improve throttle response and/or decrease turbo lag I think are very worthwhile and useful on the street. As quick as the WRX is above 3500 RPM, it really could use some more muscle below that. In this regard, ECU reflashes, freer-flowing exhaust upgrades, and lightened pulleys all pay dividends that are apparent in the real world of day-to-day driving.

qbrozen · May 2003

I'll buy that. Mods that would reduce the turbo lag and improve street starts would definitely improve daily driveability.

hypov · May 2003

that's a good mod. Expensive though, but it does cut the lag down and bring the torque band down for street driving, and it isn't loud.

-Dave

paisan · May 2003

I can attest to Dave's car being nearly stock quiet. I hope my Magnaflow exhaust we are putting on the SVX is nearly as quiet!

-mike

prayerfor · May 2003

I do most of my driving between, oh, 2000 and 4500 RPM. I think I would appreciate the gains from an ECU reflash and turboback exhaust:

http://www.cobbtuning.com/wrx/images/ae-stage2-dyno.jpg

bluesubie · May 2003

Where'd you get it? Doing the up-pipe soon?
Details, details! :-)

-Dennis

ateixeira · May 2003

I doubt it mike, but it should give you a nice, deep exhaust note.

-juice

hypov · May 2003

Dennis-
bought it off a local. A STi take-off with under 100 miles for $550.
So far I'm liking it. There's improvement at the low end; and turbo appear (sounds) to spool earlier. Anyway, it's still early to access the improvement(s). Only had it on for less than 100 miles, I don't think the ECU has digested the change yet.

Uppipe? That's not on my agenda. As it is, it is working fine for me

-Dave

ateixeira · May 2003

I believe Subaru advertises a 3hp gain. And manufacturers aren't like some aftermarket vendors that make inflated claims.

So you've got 230hp my friend. :-)

-juice

rexaroo · May 2003

I agree that graph looks pretty mouth-watering for just doing an ECU reflash and exhaust. That will safely max out the Rex's performance for less than a grand and is very simple, very easy.

Cobb also recommends the K&N air filter for faster turbo spool-up.

Thanks for the Conti info. According to tirerack, they weigh about 4.5 lbs. less per tire than a comparable BFG KDWS (another fine tire), so that's a total savings in unsprung weight of 18 lbs. for all 4 corners-- another good reason to get them!

hypov · May 2003

juice-
hey, for a linear acceleration and better low end (still short of the 2.5l), I'll take it

rexaroo-
ah... thanks for bringing the K&N air filter up. I knew I forgot to include something on my list.

-Dave

bluesubie · May 2003

If you're thinking of switching the stock air filter, check out the Amsoil too. I used it in the OBS for 4 years and have the K&N in my wife's OB. The Amsoil seems to collect more dirt (foam filters better maybe?). It also passed my extensive water tests. ;-)

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-02/pics/pages/DSCN1219.htm

It looks similar to the ITG and its washable:
http://www.rallyperformance.com/engine.shtml#ITG%20Panel%20Filter

-Dennis

sonya4 · May 2003

Thanks for the tips. I'll check them out.

--sonya

rexaroo · May 2003

Saw a silver Rex the other day with STi style mesh fog light covers. The borders were silver and the mesh part was black but no STi logos, just plain.
Sort of liked the look they gave to the front end. It seemed to soften that bug-eyed styling a little.

Anyone have these installed on their Rex and can say whether there are any drawbacks to using them, e.g., easily damaged by road debris or fog lamps not shine as bright, etc.?

cptplt · May 2003

have you tried subaruwarranty.com yet? its a new england dealer.

have had a 6/100 subaru gold warranty on my 98 GT legacy, have broken even on it after 80K so far and 10 months more to go
I had a 5/60 warranty (not Subaru) on a 92 legacy which was really a spare car my in law would use when visiting us, needless to say everything went wrong after 60K!

Have already broken even on my wifes Chevy ventures ext warranty after 50K!

I bought a 7/100 subaru gold for my 02 WRX, will see if I need it.

One thing I found is that with an ext warranty, sometimes the dealer will throw you a bone (like the timing belt they changed no charge on my 98 when they fixed the oil leak by telling SOA it was damaged by oil, or the HVAC lights which aren't covered!)

I had another 92 Legacy LS I didn't have an ext warranty on and I got killed on some oil leaks and the stupid air suspension it had. Thats why I got the one on the 98.Also an AC repair these days will run you into the hundreds easily.

subaruwrxparts.com sell ext warranties too

axp696 · May 2003

I do not have the covers, but the consensus is that they do a good job of protecting the fog lights from debris and aren't easily damage. Light throughput is 90% or better, and you can get replicas with unpainted borders for $59 online (and they'll even through in the STi stencil free if you ask). The install is also a breeze. I don't like the look, personally, but I better find something to do about them, I think I just got lucky in not having cracked one in this past New England winter.

rexaroo · May 2003

Thanks, I'll do an online search for them. $59 is a heckuva price and probably wouldn't be that hard to paint yourself--the dealer wanted $249 for the OEM STi's.

trevian2 · May 2003

I just picked up my new 03 WR Blue WRX sedan this morning. Wow, this car is awesome. I can't wait for 1,000 miles. Thanks to everyone on this board for your helpful insight to a great car.

I didn't go with the extended warranty yet, but I will reconsider again in a few months.

Once again thanks to all the contributors to this discussion.

Jason/Trevian

himiler · May 2003

I got this stuff after a foglight of mine was KIA:

http://www.xpel.com

You can also order it thru subaruparts.com.

The material is invisible and works great.

Subaru Impreza WRX

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