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Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Perrito: oh-uh, a turbo is rumored for the next Forester. That will power is going to be tested.

    Himiler: if you didn't like the manual, stick (pardon the pun) with the auto. A short lever makes the throw shorter, but you lose leverage so the effort required actually increases. I happen to like that, but you may not.

    -juice
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    There will be now STi wagon in the near or mid-distant future... Especially since there arent even plans for one in Japan :P

    Cool! Im not one of the only folks who likes the easy Auto "plop" down to third gear to get the WRX turbo spooled for a quick jolt of accell at highway speeds :D
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Kosta,

    Are you saying there is no STi wagon in Japan?

    http://www.subaru.co.jp/impreza/sti/line/line_wagon.htm

    Dennis
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    was just about to post the same link. :-)

    Stephen
  • 4wdwgn4wdwgn Member Posts: 1
    Hey himiler, tell me where to go for the deal on the new wagon! I have emailed every dealer in Texas plus some big cities I travel to like Chicago, Phoenix and OK City, and all I get in terms of quotes is MSRP or a very small discount. I will be in MD in a couple of weeks, perhaps I should drive back!!!
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    My mistake... I havent seen any pics of the STi wagon in all my travels, or heard about it, LOL!
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Actually, I got both dealers in Syracuse, NY to agree to Invoice+2% with ZERO negotiation on my part. Like I said, the WRX isn't moving in this area like SOA might have expected.

    Here's the dealer info you requested:
    Romano Subaru 315-475-7933 Joel Surace
    (mention my name to Joel, I bought my '00 RS from him)
    Bill Rapp Superstore 800-887-7277 Tom Calahan
    If you can't reach Tom, try Randall Gordon
    (I was a walk-in with Tom, so he won't know my name--Randall knows me, though)

    Romano didn't have any wagons in stock, but can get them from other dealers in 2-3weeks.

    Bill Rapp had 2 wagons in stock.

    Hope this helps.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Hey, I got in-laws near Syracuse. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a visit!
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    I just received my WRX wagon the other day, and as I was driving to work, the check engine light came on. All I could think was "OH F&*K" here I go again. After having been sold a lemon (my previoud Stratus R/T) and winning the arbitration, I decided to go with the WRX. I just hope that this is not a major situation...and wondered what long term effects it might have on the car.

    So, after the light came on, I drove to work, and immediately called the dealer that I bought it from. All they could suggest is to drive it back, but I was at work (40 miles away). Then, the svc. person told me to call SOA roadside assistance, who said they could do nothing, except get the car towed to the dealer. That was a bummer. Then, I called the local srvc. dept. closest to work, and they told me to bring it in. Immediately, I drove the car there, and left it.

    I called them back at about 3 pm and they told me that they have an error code p1443, and have notified Subaru, and that they are looking into it. Then, they told me I could come pick the car up, so I did. Once I got the car, the lady at the svc. dept. told me that it's some kind of "evaportor" situation, within the emissions. Now, they want to take the car back, take out the computer, and send it to Subaru, who will then fix it, and send it back. This is gonna cause me "x" amount of down time, with the vehicle.

    What I would like to know, is if this is going to be another "lemon" provoking situation? Is it a really harmful thing? or something that happens, from time to time? Another note, the dealer where I bought the car, sold the car that I ordered, and found the one they sold me thru a dealer locate. Supposedly, the people had to drive it down from Kingston to Rye, which is a good 200 miles, or so. Of course, I have no idea how these people drove the car, and given it's potential, I am inclined to assume that they
    "tested it out."

    I guess that I am just really worried/paranoid, since I have been in a bad predicament with the R/T, and having seen the check engine light come on after driving the car at less than 60 mph, for a day and a half, really worries me.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated. And goodness only knows that I have been very patient about the whole situation, thusfar, but being this worried about a new car does not help my mind rest with ease.

    Thanks all, will post and let ya know what happens, when I go to the dealer today, and [non-permissible content removed] them out. Let's see what they have to say for themselves!

    phatride01. (I guess I should change that to 02 hehe).
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    phatride01- The CEL is a pretty common problem with latter model Subarus in general and WRXs in particular. I believe this is because of the fine-tuning necessary in order to get the turbo to meet US emission standards. Unfortunately, the slightest variation from spec causes the CEL to come on and it almost always is a problem with an emissions system sensor. As long as the CEL isn't flashing then it should be okay to drive (I drove my Forester for several days before getting time to take it to the dealer). Subaru also got ahold of a bad batch of oxygen sensors that have caused the CELs on a number of vehicles.

    I'd say that Subaru is being extra cautious by having the computer shipped to them. Also, I don't think they're going to fix it (cause it's only doing its job) but simply analyze the error codes. It shouldn't take but a few days and your dealer will give you a loaner. Yes, it's inconvenient but at least they're being proactive in trouble shooting the problem.

    Bottom line: I don't think you have anything to worry about and your WRX is a long way from being a lemon. However, if you want to sell it cheap.... ;-)

    -Frank P.
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    I, too, had a similar experience with my LL Bean wagon a while back. The on board computer was shipped back to SoA, chips were corrected (fuel senders and ECM)and my wagon was back on the road in two and a half days!

    I have not had another CEL experience since that time. I did consider the problem solving and correction of the problem by both SoA and the local dealer (Delray Subaru here in Florida) to be outstanding and certainly not overly long.

    Have faith. I am on my third Subaru. My wife and daughter also own Subarus. This is really a company that CARES about its owners.

    Hope this information helps restore your faith.

    Don
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Everyones having CEL problems. Might be a possible recall eventually.

    Nothings actualy wrong with the car, it just likes to blink the light at you :P
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    I really appreciate it. Another thing that I have noticed is that when I added some "real" gas to the car (of course, I think that the dealer added 87 oct.), it made a world of a difference. I know that the car requires premium gas, but I think that most dealers are reluctant to care about that.

    Thus, after the tank from the dealer was drained, I added some 92 oct. and things seem a WHOLE lot smoother. I guess I shant be worried too much, and will hope that once the ECM is modified by SoA, that everything should be alright.

    Everything else with the car is awesome, and everything is cool with it. I am just waiting for the rear-dif. protector, which the dealer will install, once I get the car back with the "upgraded" computer. Other than that, I dig the ride, and it's a very functional vehicle. Of course, I have not judged the turbo yet, cause I have been keeping it under 4000 RPM at all times.

    One question I do have though, is about the constant velovity issue. The manual almost contradicts itself by saying that the car should not be driven (during break-in) at a constant velocity for too long of a period of time. Then, the manual states that after a certain "driving speed" is reached, the driver should "maintain" that speed. Now, to me, that is really confusing. However, given that I babied my last car, for six years, and bought it new, I never had any troubles, after I broke it in. So, I guess the way that I break it in seems like a good enough way.

    Please advise, and once again, thank you all for your help. At least my mind can rest in peace, for a little while. :)

    Happy driving!
    phatride01
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    phatride01- Follow the first recommendation. In order to optimize engine break-in, you should vary the speeds at which you drive (I.e. a mixture of city and hwy driving) and keep it below 4000 rpm for the first 1000 miles. After that, wind that baby up!

    -Frank P.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    I'm reading some disturbing posts on i-club about fragile windshields. It seems that very minor pebble and bug hits are resulting in growing cracks. One guy said he's already on his third windshield since March. Obviously, the windshield must be highly stressed. There is also speculation that the glass is defective (not likely, but you know how some people like to cry "recall!").

    I'm ready to order a wagon TODAY, and am really bothered by this info. I will be driving on the highway non-stop, and get hit by stuff all the time in my Acura (still on its original windshield, although it's sandblasted now). I'm ready to get full glass coverage for the WRX, but still am concerned. I could be replacing the front glass every month!

    Are these owner reports overblown? Anyone here get a crack yet?
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    I have not noticed anything, and have been driving on a highway covered with pebbles, as they finish construction. I have heard things hitting the windshield, at moderate speeds (60 mph) and have not noticed any cracks, or anything like that.

    Nonetheless, I have not even driven the car more than 400 miles, (yet), and I love the thing. besides the minor issue of the check engine light, I have no complaints. Plus, I have a wagon, and have no idea if the glass in the front is the same as the sedan, but maybe that is a difference. Not sure what kind of cars are having the glass issue, but I hope that it's not a big one.

    Take care, and good luck with the decision.

    And P0926, thanks. I guess I have been taking care of the car, by driving it locally, as well as on the highway. Most of my driving, however, involves Highway commuting (80 miles a day), so I am sure that driving locally on the weekends allows for the car to see some local miles, in which the speed varies.

    Other than that, I love the pull that the car has, from first to second to third, even at low speeds (of course, I have not gone over the 4000 RPM) limit, as I want to provide a lasting experience for the car. I suppose that premium gas totally helps, and once I go over the 1000 mile mark, I may just try a tank full of 94 oct. hehe.

    The only other thing I noticed is people trying to push my patience, and goodness knows how hard it is to stay under 4000RPM...hehe.

    Well, all, happy driving!

    phatride01
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just be glad that we're arguing about CELs and small cracks on our windshields, and not spontaneous combustion on new Bimmers.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Be sure to complain. I don't think it's that common, but when you see it make sure to speak to his/her boss.

    -juice
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Bug hits? LOL! Just normal rock dings that freeze over night causing cracks... Try and just get any minor "chips" repaired ASAP by glass shops for cheap before the glass has a chance to break.
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    Please be aware that I would not try this ANYTIME soon, but in the WRX, most know the power. Now, if one were to really test the limits of the car, at the line, what would happen if an individual revved the car till about 6K RPM and dropped the clutch?

    What adverse effects might this have on the vehicle/drivetrain/engine? I mean, I have done this with a previous car which took me to 136K miles. I was not afraid to do it with that car. I am sure the WRX is MUCH more capable (no offense to my 95 Stratus ES).

    However, since this is the first Turbo & AWD vehicle that I have owned, I was just wondering if anyone had heard anything about this level of power, and it's "true" capabilities?

    Let's stir things up with this one. Does anyone feel that the WRX driver would be able to deny an M3 driver? Possibly present him/her with the pleasure of eating dust?

    Again, this is just for my curious purposes. It's one of those things that I would not "do at home." Take me to the track in about 14K miles...and I may! :)

    Thanks, and happy driving!

    phatride01

    PS... I apologize if I offended anyone with my previous post. It was deleted for masking a "no-no" within the message. I did not mean to be offensive, at all. Apologies to all that took offense. And I will make sure I mention the issue to the Service Manager! Will let ya know what happens, JUICE (cause I think only you and one other person read it...apologies to the host!).
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    ...are not recomended! Try about 3500 or 4000, and slip it dont drop it! It actually gives better times (Go read some of the track stories at www.i-club.com and how they got their times)
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    OK, I promise this is the last time I request this: can somebody with a BLUE 2002 WRX WAGON please provide photos? I can't find good pictures anywhere on the web, and they are nowhere to be found on nearby dealer lots... if you don't want to post, you can e-mail me directly at : perramond@yahoo.com

    thanks, perrito
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Drop the clutch at 6000 rpm and you'll cook the clutch in no time. Plus you'll just get a lot of tires spinning, wearing those down unnecessarily.

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    If you don't see any posted here on Edmunds, go check out the i-club under member gallery or go into members section to see pics of blue WRX wagon. There are quite a few pics.

    Stephen
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    This is a pic of a blue wagon but w/aftermarket wheels.


    http://members.i-club.com/ViewMemberPics.cfm?MemberID=249

    Another blue wagon, but again w/aftermarket wheels

    http://members.i-club.com/ViewMemberPics.cfm?MemberID=109

  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    It's a good thing to know that there are people out there that know what they are talking about, relative to their cars. I mean, some even use abbreviations, some of which I understand, some of which I don't. I am sure I will find the answers to most, but it's cool.

    Still no word on my car yet. The dealer still waiting for the computer to come in from SoA, so hopefully it comes in QUICK! I hate having to drive a rental Focus! GEEZ!

    Later all, will keep ya posted.
    Phatride01
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    Seems to be aok. Of course, I just drove it about 3 miles to work, from the dealer, and it seems alright, and hopefully, I never see that darn light again!

    Later all.
    phatride01
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Rental focus's are fun! I saw one at the local Auto-cross this weekend, hehe ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Focii?

    You saw a rental at autocross? LOL!

    -juice
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    who woulda thunk it?

    I saw a little kid "beating" on his WRX sedan the other day, in a residential neighborhood. Hope he does not damage it.

    Mine is alright, just one other little glitch. The rear windshield wiper fluid does not come out. Any suggestions?

    Other than that, the last 100 miles of break in HAVE to be the WORST! hehe.

    later,
    phatride01
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You must have a leak in the system. I'd try to trace it.

    Is there any fluid on the floor under the car? Do you hear a pump kick in when you try it?

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I don't think a leak is likely. It's probably something simple like they forgot to connect the hose to the reservoir at the factory.

    -Frank P.
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    the hoses, and the system for any leaks. I did not see either. I checked the hatch in the wagon, where there is a plastic peice that opens up to the washed fluid tube, as well as an electric wire. Both seem to be fine, and there is no fluid leaking at all.

    Could it be that it takes a while for the fluid to reach the back? I mean, the first time I tried the front one's, only the left one worked, till the fluid came into the right hose, and started spraying. Yet, even after several attempts to get the rear one working, I could not. Luckily I remembered to pick up the wiper, so that I would not scratch the glass.

    Oh well, something else that the dealer will try to resolve, come Monday, when I have to go get my rear-diff. protector installed.

    thanks for the input,
    happy driving. :)

    phatride01
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I had the same problem but with the passenger side front wiper washer nozzle. I looked and saws that there were no leaks and that everything was connected. I played with the nozzle opening a bit to make sure it wasn't clogged. Didn't do the trick and was ready to have the dealer look at it when I went for my first oil change. Lo and behold it began to work on its own before that and is still working. :-)

    Stephen
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    have you checked your fluid level for your washers? The intake for the pump is higher in the tank than the front intake. When I had a Forester I thought the rear was out of order until I filled the tank. Have not looked under the hood of my WRX but I suspect it is the same.
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    that there is a rear tank that takes washer fluid. I mean, if there is one, where is it, cause it says nothing in the manual? I have also tried to look for it, and cannot find it anywhere?

    Is there some place that I am missing?

    Nonetheless, I will keep tinkering with the nozzles, to see if it finally starts to work, although I have not had any luck yet.

    Thanks for the response.

    phatride01
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think he means there are 2 separate intakes within the same reservoir. Fill yours up all the way and then try it again.

    That may be a way of letting owners know it's low before it's completely empty and you cannot see out the front window.

    -juice
  • tegwjtegwj Member Posts: 51
    Forgive me if this is an FAQ but I haven't yet found an answer -- why is the wagon's suspension track narrower than the sedan's? I'm assuming certain parts are different (control arms, sway bars, etc) and I know the rear bar is narrower-diameter on the wagon, but what are the rest of the details? Would swapping the forged STi units for the steel OEM wagon pieces widen the track?

    I know the body's narrower because of the fender flares and whatnot but the differences in suspension make me wonder about varying geometries, performance, etc.

    cheers,
    twj
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and this is from folks at Subaru—the wagon "looks better" with a narrower track.

    They're nuts! That's the weakest argument I can think of for coming up with this silly two different tracks solution. If they truly believe this, then they really are nuts. IMO, the wagon looks more timid than the sedan because of the narrow track

    Also, on Japanese WRX-STi wagon, because of the narrower track and lack of fender blisters, is forced to wear the smaller 215/45x17 tires of the regular WRX, rather than the larger 225/45x17 that the STi sedan gets.

    Having two different tracks on this vehicle is a really stupid decision on Subaru's part, IMO.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The sway bar swap would not affect the track, because the wheels are not moved, and track measures the distance between the center of the wheels. It would reduce body roll, though.

    Aftermarket rims with a different offset could push the wheels further out, thus widening the track, but you have to watch out for the steering and other issues with suspension geometry.

    -juice
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    is completely full, since the day I picked the car up. I never used the wiper fluid, until I received the car, from the dealership that sent the computer to SOA.

    As far as I can tell, there are no leaks, and I have noticed ALL the black pipes that lead from the resevoir tank to all their respective places. The one for the rear windshield comes out of the bottom of the tank, attached next to this white cylinder. (It may be the motor, but I am not sure).

    Other than that, I was going to try and get a vacuum, and have it "suck" the washer fluid, to then back, while attempting to have the motor crank, in the process. This may resolve the situation.

    Isn't the dealer supposed to check these kinds of things, before they give delivery of the vehicle? Bad customer service from this dealer. Geez.

    Anyway, I will let ya know if it does start working, with the vacuum trick.

    Later, and thanks.
    Happy driving,

    phat.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Tell us how you really feel.

    I think the wagons fenders look much better. If the sedan's fenders would've been more 22B than Forester (no offense :-)), it would've looked a lot better. I also think more wagon than sedan owners also like the sleeper look.

    Dennis
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    cause it's more subtle. The reason I chose the wagon, is because I disliked the trunk of the sedan, as well as those side fender flares.

    The car is awesome, as a wagon, IMO, and I am glad to have chosen it!

    Now all I gotta do is take off the WRX badge in the rear, and it will totally be a "fast as all heck sleeper."

    later,
    phat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    phat: yes, the dealer should have caught that at the PDI (pre-delivery inspection). If they rushed they may have missed it. I guess they have to test it before they wash the car, else it would look dirty and make even more customers angry.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    of extraneous and unnecessary engineering for a rather subtle visual difference. My main concern is not the styling, but the fact that the styling was done at the expense of handling. I'm sure the wider track sedans handle just a bit better than the narrow track wagons.

    To me this just a case of the tail wagging the dog.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I don't think they did it just for looks. Maybe it was so that the WRC car could have big enough fenders for all the wheel travel they require.

    And then the wagon shares body work with the TS and Outback Sport, and those didn't need the more expensive suspension parts.

    I would have wanted wide-bodies all around, but another reason may be the higher taxes in Japan for certain widths.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the tax argument. If anything that makes the most sense.

    Otherwise, why spend all the extra money needed to develop and manufacture a new front bumper skin (sedans and wagons are different), front fenders and all the related suspension components for such a subtle visual change—on a car with a very specific pricepoint?

    To me, it's not that the sedan's fenders look that much better than the sedan; it just seems like a lot of time, effort, and money was spent on this aspect, with little net gain one way or the other. I think the money could have been better spent.

    Bob
  • wrx_alwrx_al Member Posts: 17
    is only 20mm (4/5 inch) narrower than the sedan. I doubt this small difference noticeably affects handling.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But it can affect the taxes in a big way. I remember seeing a chart a while ago, and the differences in tax were eye-opening.

    Engine displacement is the other big issue. That's why they sell so many 600cc microcars, and why most Subies get the 2.0l engine (albeit with 156hp, not bad).

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    how much money went into developing and manufacturing all the parts and pieces for that 20mm difference. Unless juice is right regarding the tax issue, it seems like a silly waste of money IMO.

    Bob
This discussion has been closed.