Subaru Impreza WRX

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Comments

  • jpnmjpnm Member Posts: 22
    Those prices are great. How the hell can they make money selling at invoice? I wish I had lived in MD, instead of MA.
  • sonya4sonya4 Member Posts: 92
    freddyx:
    I have 16K miles on my Rex. My a/c works fine. Does take a while for the car to cool down (if you've parked it in the hot sun for a while), but after that it's OK. Doesn't take away as much of the power as I expected.

    dallan1:
    Don't know about Carmax giving you the best price... might depend on where you live. The fiance ended up selling his old car for $500 over what the Carmax here quoted him (it was a private sale though, he stuck a For Sale sign in the window and took the best offer).

    --sonya
  • dallan1dallan1 Member Posts: 8
    Selling it privately is the best way to go, if money is the only concern. However, I don't want the hassle of dealing with people who want test drives at odd hours (My work hours don't leave me much time to do that anyway). Selling it to carmax or a dealer is easier for me, and I think between the 2 Carmax would give me the best price.
  • axp696axp696 Member Posts: 90
    Those prices are great. How the hell can they make money selling at invoice? I wish I had lived in MD, instead of MA.

    Dealer holdback and factory incentives (the latter does not yet apply to 04s, of course) are still a good chunk of money for the dealer. As a fellow MA resident, if you're looking to take a shorter trip, Van Bortel in NY will sell any car (STis included) for $400 over invoice. If you're just looking for a vanilla WRX, it'd probably be easier to just email various MA dealers and ask for invoice pricing and see who wants your money most.
  • kwrxkwrx Member Posts: 6
    dallan1:
    When I bought my WRX I got the same price for my trade-in as I would have gotten had I sold it to the local Carmax. I took it to Carmax and got a written quote, then used that quote as "leverage" at the dealer....saved a lot of extra hassle and paperwork.
  • musamusa Member Posts: 3
    Recently purchased an '04 wagon and thought I would add to the pricing discussion.

    In central CA I paid $379 over invoice for a blue wagon with pop. equip group 2 (security upgrade and auto dimming mirror with compass), short-throw shifter, armrest extension and cargo net.

    Haven't made it to 1K yet but getting there....
  • jpnmjpnm Member Posts: 22
    Trouble is, I already bought mine. :)
    When I bought mine, about a month ago, I was spending all my time finding dealers who had an 04 WRX with a premium package at all, never mind one who would do invoice pricing.

    I knew at the time, I would get a better deal if I waited for more 04s to come in, but the race was on to get a new car before my old one had an expensive problem.

    So, I decided to buy right away, figuring it would be a wash (higher price vs. expensive repair).
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Everyone really came out of the woodwork! :)

    -Dennis
  • dallan1dallan1 Member Posts: 8
    Musa: How do you like the short throw? Have you tried the stock shifter? I haven't tried the short throw, but the stock feels decent to me. I might opt for that if its an improvement.
  • mws1672002mws1672002 Member Posts: 19
    I just picked up my 2004 WRX with the Premium package this weekend. It is an awesome car to say the least. It is WR Blue. has the auto-dimming mirror, security system upgrade,upgraded speakers/subwoofer/amplifier,turbo gauge, and short throw shifter. The MSRP was $27,950. I told the dealer the only option he did not have that I wanted was the arm rest extension. After numerous back and forth offers we finally agreed on a price of $25,600 before tax and tags. The arm rest extension thrown in and installed at the dealer. The dealer told me however that I could not receive the new bike they are giving away because it was in the price of the car. I think this was a very fair price for the car.
  • gottawrxgottawrx Member Posts: 18
    what part of central CA. I am from Lemoore- Fresno area
  • awdnewbieawdnewbie Member Posts: 9
    Just picked up an 04 sedan with the same options as msg 9488 and paid 25,900 in NJ. The dealer installed the Turbo gauge on the right side of the steering wheel in error (2003 model) not on the left for 2004. They have corrected their mistake but stated that the installation instructions for the 04 show it on the right in error. This is just an FYI if your having it put in by the dealer.

    Mario
  • musamusa Member Posts: 3
    Dallan1: Altogether, I drove 2 stock shifter WRX's and 2 short-throws. I thought the stock shifter on the '02 and '03 wasn't as smooth as I wanted so I tried the short-throw in the '04's. The short-throw was smoother and I prefer less travel when shifting.
    So far I am very happy with it. I suggest driving a WRX with the short-throw to see if you like it. To me, the two are quite a bit different.

    gottawrx: I'm in Merced county. Bought my WRX at Livermore Subaru.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    And you folks in NJ keep you eyes out for events.

    -Dennis
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    One thing I noticed is that with the old clutch ('02-early '03 models), the short-throw was rough and notchy. With the new clutch, it is much smoother.

    When escorting a friend to a Subaru dealer, tried the regular shifter in the Impressa TS and it was noticibly longer and notchier.
  • juilinjuilin Member Posts: 11
    Hey guys, I've been cruising this board quite a bit the last few weeks trying to absorb as much as possible before I see if I cant get myself into a WRX. I've been living in Japan for the last year and let me tell you, it's pretty darn painful commuting to college in a sardine can of a train while watching these things cruise by.

    So, I'm 21, looking at my last year of school and also looking for something that's going to give me a great driving experience. That's all I really need in this life anyway. =) Lately, I've been looking at the Celica GTS-S and WRX--2001 and 2002 respectivly. Moneywise, I have none, but as far as that goes a few extra thousand isnt going to break the financing when it comes to something I really enjoy and enjoy building credit paying for!

    Anywho, I'm looking for any and all advice you guys have between these two used cars or others that fit into the 'fun as hell to drive and dont mind paying for' category. =P That, and maybe a good amount of miles to be had on a used 2002 WRX (my heart is really leaning towards it) etc. etc. I'm sure more questions will crop up, sorry I couldnt be more specific this time around.

    First post, thanks for any tips. Hopefully I'll be around these boards more often when I get back state side.

    Juilin
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    The WRX has more room, 227 h.p. and all wheel drive. The Celica's space will remind you of your trips in the sardine can. :-)

    -Dennis
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    But several years ago, so the only input I can offer is that when I put "replace car" into my long-range budget plans, I knew I didn't want another 2-door car.

    In other news (this might be important for you or might not) I took a business trip yesterday between Morristown NJ and WilkesBarre PA. Even with a few high-acceleration starts, hill climbs, and a few miles around the city finding the meeting site, my Rex returned 32.5 mpg!

    DjB
  • sonya4sonya4 Member Posts: 92
    The Celica is a nice car, but a bit cramped and it has RWD, which means: slippery in the snow! (Unless you want to get a set of snow tires; depends on where you live.)

    If you can find a used '02 WRX that hasn't been trashed transmission-wise, I'd say go for it. It's a superior car to the Celica in many ways. Most owners of the WRX, as you can see from this board, love their Rexes.

    --sonya
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually it's a front-driver, but with an open diffy and yes, it's not gonna be nearly as competent in the snow.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hasn't been RWD since the mid-80s.

    I think you are thinking of the now-discontinued Supra.

    -mike
  • axp696axp696 Member Posts: 90
    I'd say it and the WRX aren't even in the same ballpark. It's a FWD, which isn't a bad thing, but it's a Torqueless Wonder (180 hp @ 7600 rpm and 130 ft-lbs. @ 6800 rpm, versus 227 hp @ 6000 rpm and 217 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm in the WRX). The 6-speed transmission was nice, but you need to keep the revs very high to get discernible power. While I was driving it, the only thing that really came to mind was that "It is nice, but I'm going to be stuck paying for premium gas for... this?" My $0.02.
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    I don't think you'll find a pro-Celica post on this site. If you've driven in Japan you should be able to handle a WRX.

    The WRX meets both of your req's. of "driving experience" and "fun to drive".

    The highway patrol still driving Fairlady Z's over there?

    Gambate ne.
  • sonya4sonya4 Member Posts: 92
    OK, so I haven't kept up with the Celica since the mid-80s...more interested in other cars, I guess! :)

    --sonya
  • juilinjuilin Member Posts: 11
    Thanks for the advice guys. Really the only reason I was looking at a Celica is that it goes for a few thousand less, I'm not a huge fan. You're right about the annoying narrow power band'ness Axp696. I'm just a little a iffy about buying a used WRX with any amount of miles on it. God only knows how the poor thing was treated. =(

    Sensei1, yeah they're still driving the same ol' cars. Pretty hilarious.
  • jftamjftam Member Posts: 8
    The wife owns a 2001 GT-S Auto and I just bought a 2004 WRX Wagon, so I'll chime in.

    What I like about the Celica over the WRX:
    - lighter (2500 lbs vs 3200 lbs!!); I didn't think it was a big deal at first, but the WRX feels like a stuffed pig everytime I drive the cars back to back. Oh how I wish Subaru had brought the WRX over in the GC body (2700 lbs)!
    - steering feel is excellent
    - I'd take the Celica's steering wheel in a heartbeat over the WRX's "Momo" wheel
    - looks
    - this may seem like a small thing, but the ventilation is better, particularly on hot days

    What I love about my WRX over the Celica:
    - power and torque, especially down low(er). Which coming from a turbo car tells you how peaky the Celica feels.
    - the turbo rush
    - go anywhere anytime
    - utility; I've been thankful on countless times for the hatch and fold down seats.
    - visibility from driver's seat

    I won't be doing this till the warranty runs out, but the WRX has better price/performance power upgrades.

    A final note, don't get the GT-S unless you want a sunroof or "leather". The GT is just as potent for regular driving around town and costs US$3000 less.

    HTH,

    Jim
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    I just got a sidewall flat on one of my tires and have to replace it. I ideally want to get 17's but the wife won't let me spend any more money on the car for a while (only 3300 miles and 2 months old) so my choices are to replace all 4 tires w/ 205/55/16's or 225/50/16's or replace the one tire w/ stock re92's...Costco will not put one new tire on an awd car.

    Has anyone put 225/50's on the stock rim? The wheel width requirements as per tire rack is 6 to 8 inches. I am wondering if the 225's on the 6.5 rim will cause the car to squirm or the tire to not have ideal contact with the ground thru turns.
  • axp696axp696 Member Posts: 90
    If you're keeping with the stock rims and need to replace all 4 (ugh), my recommendation is Dunlop Supersport SP 5000 in 205/55/16. They're excellent all-seasonals and outperform the RE92s in every way. It stinks to have to shell out so much money so early, but perhaps getting rid of the RE92s before they wear down too much is a blessing in disguise.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Without changing the offset of the wheel, 225-wide tires won't fit on the WRX (they rub against the rear struts).
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    axp696 & himiler,
    Thanks for the info.
    I think I am going to search for someone selling their take offs. I remember some people selling all 4 almost brand new wheels & tires for < $400
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    If you've ony got 3K miles, I'd say you can replace just the one tire -- a 3K difference in wear should be within spec. Save up your money and get those 17s later on!

    Craig
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    c_hunter makes a good point, but paying retail for a RE-92 gives me the heebie-geebies.
  • mgreene1mgreene1 Member Posts: 116
    Good for tire swings and target practice but have no business on a car like the WRX. On the stock 16" rims, Dunlop SP5000s are probably the best bet for the money. If you want the absolute best A/S tire (notably better than the Dunlops based on my experience with both on the WRX and SLK320), then opt for the Michelin Pilot A/S. Consider the price difference a suspension mod without the warranty risk. ;)
  • juilinjuilin Member Posts: 11
    Alright, I'm swaying towards the 2003 WRX or 2002 model if I can find one that hasnt been thrashed. Assuming I go the way of the new, are there any recommended options to go for? I hear a lot about the arm rest extension but what of the others? Short throw's tempting but I think I can do better. Opinions?

    Thankya, Jya ne.
  • rexaroorexaroo Member Posts: 174
    juilin--as the last of the '03 bugeyes disappear from dealer lots, you might be able to grab a very good deal on one. To me that is preferable to buying used--you just don't know what kind of treatment the car has had, or if it's been abused before proper break-in. Given the high-performance nature of the beast, the odds are good most used Rexes have seen some rough treatment along the way. Unless, of course, it was driven to church and back on Sundays by a 70-year old retired school-teacher. Might take a chance there. :)

    For options, the armrest is good on long trips.
    Although a lot of guys prefer the short-throw, the standard shifter is fine and has a nice mechanical feel to it. The compass mirror has gotten a lot of thumbs up, and the upgraded sound is probably a good idea unless you are going to go after-market.
  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    I'm 57, a school principal,pamper my rex,I treat it with love and admiration, drove mine to church today..it's in perfect condition (well, one slight rock scrape on the hood,)and I'll sell it one of these days when I can no longer use the clutch...hopefully no sooner than when I'm 70 !
  • cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    What kind of magic juice are you putting in your tank to be wringing out 32.5 mpg?
  • 2centz2centz Member Posts: 11
    Does anyone know how much the 6 CD head unit costs? I replaced it with an aftermarket system, and now I want to sell the original unit, though I really have no idea how to price it.

    thanks for any info!
    -Kevin
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    I also put in an after market system in my WRX. I could not easily find a place that sells the unit new, but subaruparts.com sells just the add-on 6-disc changer (no stereo part of it) for the Legacy for $471. Obviously, you will not be able to get that much for it.

    I ended up selling mine to a guy for around $150. I think he had a legacy and the unit fit in that car.

    Good luck,

    Paul
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    No magic juice, just lucky I guess.

    I have to make that business trip again this week and I'll post my fuel economy afterward.

    DjB
  • 2centz2centz Member Posts: 11
    Wow- $471 for the head unit? Too bad my dealer couldn't subtract that from the price of the car and not given me the stereo! Anyway, I'll have to find someone who would be interested in buying it from me.

    -Kevin
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Craig is right. The tires are more than likely still within spec.

    According to Subaru, you only need to change all 4 tires if the difference in circumferance is greater than a quarter inch (or something like that).
    Check my.subaru.com for more info.

    -Dennis
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    The fellows at Costco will not replace one tire of certain awd cars...wrx, audi's...Is this just the costco I go to or do all of them have this policy?
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    It could be an overall Costco policy.
    I go to a local tire shop and they're familiar with the Subaru rule, or either they apply the same rule themselves. It probably just makes it easier for Costco to apply it to all AWD cars.

    From my.subaru.com:
    "On All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, it is extremely important that the rolling or outer circumferences of the tires be within 1/4 inch of each other. This means that you must physically measure the size of the tire. This is best done with the weight of the vehicle off the tire and at the tread centerline. Also be certain that the tires are properly inflated since this can affect your readings.

    If you need to replace just one tire, the same holds true. The measured difference in circumference between the replacement tire and the other tires on the vehicle cannot exceed 1/4 inch.

    Depending on the vehicle mileage, it might be better to replace all four tires.

    If the vehicle mileage is low and the tires have been rotated and driven at the proper inflation pressures, then you may be within the allowable 1/4-inch difference in circumference.

    If the difference between the new/replacement tire and the current tires is within this 1/4-nch maximum, then the tire should be compatible. If it is not, then other tires will need to be replaced to conform to the 1/4-inch rule.

    Exceeding this 1/4-inch difference in tire circumference can place unnecessary wear on drivetrain components, possibly causing them to wear out prematurely."

    -Dennis
  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    Race tires are often "shaved" to offer maximum traction (not during rain). I think the same service can be asked to be performed upon lowly RE92s. You just need to specify the tread depth.

    Krzys
  • dop50dop50 Member Posts: 162
    I've got just over 15xxx on my REX, and the best mileage I've been able to achieve so far was last weekend on a trip to visit my son. We got 27mpg running Shell Premium 93 octain. (Cruise set on 68mph) Still on the original RE-92's. Then this past week I got just over 25 running around here, still using the Shell 93. Don't know what the difference is other than the price, but Shell does perform better in my way of thinking. Have been using 92 octain Phillips 66, and only got as high as 24.5mpg ever.

    Just my 2 cents.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    About a year ago, they were selling for $250 or so slightly used. In fact I bought two of them.

    Now, it's close to $140, since they are abundant and many folks who had Subies with a cassette only have already upgraded, so there are fewer buyers.

    -juice
  • 2centz2centz Member Posts: 11
    Any idea where I could post the 6 CD deck to sell it? Right now it's collecting dust...

    -Kevin
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Can't say I completely agree with what this guy says about the WRX, but nonetheless, this is why I'll buy the wagon if I make the leap.

    http://money.cnn.com/2003/06/02/pf/autos/acura_tsx/index.htm
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    From the article.
    Someone needs to study up on demographics.

    "...Sure, those high-strung rally sedans like the Subaru WRX can whip the Acura in pure performance. But underneath the superhero speed and comic-book styling, they're Clark Kent econoboxes. If you're over 30 and drive one, the message you send is that you live in your parents' basement and fight addictions to burritos, video games and Limp Bizkit..."
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