Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

locke2c · May 2002

max pressure-- 40psi? 44 maybe. whatever it is, the sidewalls will still fold. it's better than running 30psi in them though.

-Colin

gotwrx · May 2002

If you havn't already, read

"Solo II Novice Handbook" by Kate Hughes

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

and

Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry A Watts - $14.95 from most large booksellers. Amazon has it too.

These have lots of good advice. I'm planning to do the same some time soon. Hope you have a great time.

Tim

tmetravler · May 2002

Just curious, Looking at a Subie wag. It was sitting next to a wrx sedan. Wow, I really like the flares & front bumper look of the sedan... was wondering why didn't they use it on the wag. It doesnt look like a major manufacturing issue! They could have done it even, just to seperate wrx wag vs. 2.5 wag??
What do you think? Think Subaru will make the mod in '03?
Thanx Tmeout

wheeldog · May 2002

I'm picking up my new silver WRX wagon on Wednesday. Just wanted to say thanks to the people here, since I picked up a lot of good information while lurking around this Discussion.

Should I be concerned about a fairly long trip (about 450 highway miles, round-trip) early in the break-in period? I know the deal about varying RPMs and staying under 4000 RPM, so I had just planned to stay off the cruise control and conciously vary my speed. We'll probably also make one or two stops along the way, on each leg. If I'm careful about it, should I be OK?

heatherbean · May 2002

First of all thanks to Tim and others who replied to my WRX questions!

I was looking through www.nhtsa.dot.gov at the Problem and Issues section for Subaru's. I found under customer complaints something shocking and very disturbing! Here is a summary of over 20 issues on bad brakes:
"THE BRAKING SYSTEM OFTEN FAILS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE TRAVELLING OVER A ROUGH OR BUMPY SURFACE, REGARDLESS OF SPEED (I HAVE HAD IT OCCUR SEVERAL TIMES, FROM 5 TO 35 MPH). IN THESE CASES THE ABS IS WRONGFULLY TRIGGERED UNDER MILD BRAKING, THEN THE VAST MAJORITY OF BRAKING POWER IS LOST AND THE CAR BARELY STOPS AT ALL. THIS BRAKING IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT IN FEEL AND PERFORMANCE FROM THE ABS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ( I.E. VERY HARD BRAKING ON A SMOOTH SURFACE. THE BRAKES WORK FINE IN THESE CASES.). THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT I AM HEARING ABOUT FROM OTHER 2002 IMPREZA/WRX OWNERS."

Have any of you had this problem? Please reply.
Thanks, Heather

hypov · May 2002

Heather-
I wouldn't zero in on the WRX with that "problem".
I think it's a problem with the ABS in general (industry) and I think it's tough to replicate. The condition(s) has to be right (wrong) to produce such an effect.
I have the '98 OB and had had that experience, so it is not a WRX "problem". I have since I upped the psi on my OB to 34/33 and have not encounter this... until the next right (wrong) condition(s) is met - hope not.

-Dave

saintviper · May 2002

SSC had an article on the WRX abs 'problem'. They basically said that the WRX abs systems was biased toward providing maximum steering control on extremely slippery surfaces, rather than providing maximum stopping ability.

What they found was that when most abs systems engage on ice, they do a decent job of stopping, but don't allow the wheel to respond to steering input. When the abs system releases the brakes on a very slippery surface, it takes a while for the wheel to start gripping and start turning again. The WRX abs system uses less braking force and pumps the brakes slower allowing the wheels to begin spinning again and giving the driver better steering control.

I found this very noticable when driving in snow. On all of the other abs cars that I have owned, once the abs system kicks in, the car slows down better, but almost all steering input is ignored. My WRX retains much better steering response than other my other cars once the abs kicks in.

These things are usually a trade off. Do you want to retain steering input, or better braking. Current technology doesn't really let you have both. That said, Subaru may have gone a little too far in one direction especially when the abs system kicks in on non-slippery surfaces when you would expect to have better traction. The abs system might also be a little to sensitive and engage at times when it's not really needed. Again, a trade off because on really slippery surfaces, you want it to kick in as soon as possible.

This may also provide an explanation for the WRX's less than stellar 60-0 braking numbers.

So basically what you have is an abs system that probably works as intended, but is so different than what people are used to that it makes them uncomfortable. I personally haven't run into this problem. I haven't had the system engage unexpectedly on dry roads, and prefer the way it works on extremely slippery surfaces.

locke2c · May 2002

you forgot to mention that due to the viscous coupling being "live" at all times between the front and rear axles that the WRX's ABS is programmed to pulse ALL FOUR wheels after a lockup is detected at ANY WHEEL.

that's not the best way to stop fast.

-Colin

stoner420 · May 2002

If you search on the NHTSA under 2002 Honda Accord, you will see this too:

Date of Failure: 04/26/2002
Component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:ANTI-SKID SYSTEM
Summary: BRAKE WAS APPLIED AT 35 MPH, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO BRAKING ACTION. ON SECOND ATTEMPT BRAKE GRABBED. DEALER REPLACED ABS MODULATOR.*AK

sound familiar? Apparently it's just a design artifact of ABS, possibly made worse by the 16" wheels, several people have said 17" wheels have helped (though I'm still gonna start with the 16"s); if it is particularly extreme in certain vehicles, it's probably due to an overly sensitive modulator unit.

personally, I didn't get the slightest hint of brake problems on the car I drove the other day at the dealer, in fact the brakes were noticeably stronger than in either of my two honda accords (one too many... ;-)

tmetravler wrote: They could have done it even, just to seperate wrx wag vs. 2.5 wag??
What do you think?

Personally, I think 62hp separates the wrx vs the 2.5, that's good enuf for me ;-)

digidawg · May 2002

Just wanted to pass along a sincere "thank you" to everyone who posts here. You've been a great help in helping me make the decision to go with the Scoobie badge. Prior to this car, I swore that I'd only buy Honda cars.

Like Wheeldog (who posted before in MSG #1904) I'll be picking up my silver Rex wagon this week. I can honestly say that this is the first car since my '87 CRX that I'm actually thrilled to be purchasing.

I live in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area and for $23,950 we got the car with the following options: bumper cover, added security system, mirror with compass, cargo tray and net, air filtration system, rear differential protector, rubber floor mats, and (as a specialty item) dealer installed heated seats. Essentially, we came in about $450.00 above true market value - which is what we're being charged for the heated seats.

So, if you're in this area and are looking for the Rex, the TMV seems to be accurate.

Also, like Wheeldog we're looking to take a Memorial weekend trip - any feedback on break-in and the like?

Thanks again,

DigiDawg

lilbluewgn02 · May 2002

No Cruise control
Vary your speed
Don't go above 4000 RPM
There are more details in the manual

socprofinblrex · May 2002

Digidawg,

I'm in Mpls near the Mississippi and the Falls. Only seen one silver wagon so far. Mine's black (the color everyone says is so hard to keep clean). Buddy at work has a blue wagon. Almost no one around here seems to know much about the WRX except guys in Hondas and Acuras. I'll look for you. Enjoy!

SOCPROFINBLREX (THOMAS)

revka · May 2002

Please keep us posted on your delivery experience. We look forward to hearing more.... Happy motoring. ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

wheeldog · May 2002

Revka,
Thanks - I'm really looking forward to picking up my new wagon. I found an excuse to drive by my dealership today so that I could visit my car. I found it sitting with a 'sold' tag on the rear view mirror, and with the options that I had asked to be added (gauge package and rear bumper cover).

Digidawg,
Congratulations on your new purchase - excellent choice!

digidawg · May 2002

Thanks for the input SOCPROFINBLREX (THOMAS), wheeldog, and lilbluewgn02.

Perhaps, if we go on this trip, we'll just take twisting, turning backroads, etc. so that we can vary our speed - oh, the suffering and sacrifice one needs to make (grin)

Funny that the color gets mentioned in the above post. One of the reasons that we're getting the silver rex is a concession to my wife's sensibilities about keeping the car clean ('course, that's because she's the one who's actually responsible enough to do that regularly -Je m'accuse).

If it were just me, I think I'd probably lean toward the blue or the red, but we're talking shades of a degree here - I like all the colors.

So, have you had trouble keeping it clean? And, any paint chipping issues as it relates to that color?

By the way SOCPROFINBLREX (THOMAS), we're within rock throwing distance of each other here in the frozen tundra. We live on the eastern edge of Lake Nokomis. Look forward to seeing your Rex in the environs...

DigiDawg

stoner420 · May 2002

I hope to be putting a deposit on a red 5spd wagon today...!!

ateixeira · May 2002

Good luck and congrats in advance!

-juice

swampdak · May 2002

Hello I am thinking about a wrx wagon 5-speed, I have a few questions. Can you run reg gas at all, say when you are not pushing the car hard ? I hear all diff 1/4 mile times for this beast what will it do stock? I put a lot of miles on prob 50,000 a year, would WRX be ok for this?What options do you recommend?Will auto trans be a lot slower than 5-speed? Sorry for dumb questions , any help would be appreciated.

locke2c · May 2002

After I read your question about regular my mind was already preparing to compose a note about the tiny cost (compared to the whole cost of owning a car) increased gas price between regular and premium for an average person...

...and then I saw 50k miles per year. well, I'll shaddup now because that's plenty to feel the $.14 - .20 difference in US dollars.

-Colin

stoner420 · May 2002

Just put down a deposit for a red 5spd wagon at Subaru of Stamford, should get it by the weekend...

add-ons: electrochromic mirror, security system upgrade, cargo net, bumper cover, rear diff. protector, roof cross bars, armrest extension, wheel locks

final price: 22,950 (a fabulous price on its own, but don't be too jealous tho, cuz they pretty much socked it to me on the trade-in... but what can ya do, I GOTTA HAVE THIS CAR)

hys

nixomose · May 2002

The one thing that was hurtfully missing from my wrx was the armrest. I've gotten lazy in my old age, and I missed the feel of leaning on my elbow and still holding the shifter. ~$110 later, all is fixed.
Break in periods (I recently passed 1000mi.) seem to take forever, but you've been without the car for decades, a few more weeks won't kill you. I kept it under 3000 for the first 500mi and under 4000 for the next 500, then I couldn't resist, and have been winding it out every chance I get. :-)
(Don't look for the spark plugs, it's depressing to think that you'll have to pay somebody to replace them.)
Good luck and congrats to all you new owners. I know I'm enjoying mine.
My dealer has a new-owners meeting once a month, mine's tonite. See what useless things they have to say to me.

ateixeira · May 2002

Congrats, hys.

Russ: if you ask about using regular gas in one sentence, and then 1/4 miles times in the next, this may not be the car for you. If you're ever going to explore those 1/4 mile times, stick with premium.

I imagine a knock sensor will retard timing with regular, but you would lose even low end torque, not just top end power.

That plus an auto tranny would sort of kill the whole purpose of owning a WRX. IMO the 2.5l engine in the RS or Outback Sport may be better suited to your 87 octane needs and 50k miles/year pace. You'll likely get 26-30 mpg on those highway drives on cheap ol' regular.

-juice

digidawg · May 2002

Hey folks,

2 days with the Rex and I'm quite happy. Couple issues with which we are dealing that I thought I'd pass along; my wife and I are in the 5' 7" range and have found that the armrest extension clunks into our elbows while shifting. In fact, while test driving this was quite the turn-off, but we were told it was an option not a standard feature. The car we purchased came with the extension and is to be removed next week. In the two days of driving I've whacked myself pretty good, so - if you're "stump daddy" size - you might wish to reconsider.

Also, we decided to get the clear coat finish after talking with a local rex owner. He's got a beautiful blue sedan that's less than five months old that has little paint chips in the front fenders already. He wishes that he had clear coated his too.

So far, we love the car a lot. Waiting for the first thousand to pass will be a test of patience...

DigiDawg

paisan · May 2002

What kind of snake oil are they selling you?

-mike

stoner420 · May 2002

I've read a lot of people recommend the stonguard protective film, maybe that's what he's talking about?

paisan · May 2002

Cause all cars have clear coat finish!

-mike

barresa62 · May 2002

It sounds as if the dealer has just increased their profit on this WRX deal! Stongard is quite different than a clear coat finish. There's usually no mistaking the two. :-)

Stephen

paisan · May 2002

The Clearcoat Finish could be part of the DIO-appearance package, I've heard about it, it includes:

Paint
Clearcoat Finish
Fog Lamps
Black Rocker panel protectors
REAL Glass windows
caps for the valve stems
headlights and taillights

-mike

p0926 · May 2002

lilbluewgn02 · May 2002

You forgot to add the ENGINE to your list

nixomose · May 2002

The arm rest fits me perfectly, so I can see where it would be a problem for somebody 5'7". I'm 6'4" :-)

qualityguy · May 2002

just don't go together.
Automatic tranny - this is up to your taste... Performance is still very good, it's just less fun. From what I remember, Corvette sells more automatic transmittion cars than manual. But WRX ain't no Corvette.

ponm · May 2002

Question for all...I have been pondering the thought of upgrading to 17" wheels and noticed several places have the rota battle wheels for 600.00 for the set plus free shipping. They weigh a little over 17lbs and I like the look of the grey, but I always believe the ole' saying of you get what you pay for. Considering some, ok, most wheels cost in the range of 250-350 per wheel, this 600.00 thing seems extremely low. Bottom line, are the rota wheels junk?

WarpDrive · May 2002

Some people on i-club have reported vibrations with their Rota wheels, probably a bad batch. So it does seem you get what you pay for (some risk of badly made wheels). Diagnosing vibration problems is not fun I tell you. I've been through it...the tire maker blames the wheels, the wheel maker blames the tire. I was considering the Rota wheels at one point and now am glad that I spent a bit more. Most people will opt for the Prodrive, OEM, OZ, Volk, BBS brand wheels. Yes they cost more but replacements may be easier to find down the road.

digidawg · May 2002

Hey Folks,

For Paisan and company - as far as the clear coat goes, -yes I'm aware that clear coating is quite common. This is an extra layer of protection that I was willing to buy after seeing (on sites like this) and speaking to (neighbor with a Rex) folks who've had paint problems with the car. As well, the Subaru guarantee (if I understand correctly) does not deal with rust caused by road salt. Well, in Minnesota, that's THE main cause of body cancer on cars. We got a ten year warranty on rust-through pertaining to any and all forms with the added layer of protection.

A local auto scribe, Paul Brand of the Star Tribune (who's quite respected),recommends this in our climate so we felt that this was the only dealer add-on that had any merit. Seemed to us rather prudent after seeing a five month old Rex with a few chips. Dunno - I guess time will tell on this one.

You folks have had negative experiences with this type of service? Its not something for which I would have typically bitten but, based on the a priori info, I thought it might have been a good decision. Comments welcome.

Nixomose - thanks for the insight. They must build these cars for Americans of standard height. Being short, (by American standards) I run into this type of thing often enough. Glad that it works for you. If they could just saw off two inches I'm sure I'd enjoy it as you are! :-)

Great group - appreciate it.

DigiDawg

locke2c · May 2002

interesting point about automatics Qualityguy, but the problem there is that the Corvette's large naturally aspirated V8 works a whole heck of a lot better with an automatic than Subaru's small turbo H4 does.

-Colin

gary32 · May 2002

Having almost convinced myself that at 45, I wouldn't look silly driving a WRX, my next hurdle is practicality. I put on 30,000 miles a year with a 150 mile round trip commute a few times per week. My current vehicle, Saab 95, is very comfortable on the highway. Anyone else have experience with this kind of a daily drive? I worry that the Wrx may be fatiguing after a while. Are the seats comfortable for the long haul? How about road noise? Still considering Passat but my heart says Wrx.

Gary

cptplt · May 2002

I'm not sure any clearcoat will actually help prevent paint chips but maybe this is a new product. I bought my first Sube in MPLS 10 years ago, got some protection package add on then from the dealer - Morries. Have never had it on another one since and live in Chicago now where there is far more salt used as its always slushy here compared to MN (so much for moving to warmer climes!). Make sure you touch up all those paint chipped areas with something and you will be fine. My 11 years of reading Brand and comparing with well known car magazines would suggest he isn't quite the authority he makes out to be and is out of date on some topics but I haven't read his column for over 5 years now.
All manufacturers rust warranties are for rusting from inside out. If you lose paint and primer and have exposed metal on any exterior surface which is not repaired, there is no manufacturer which warranties that. Also any after market rustproofing which involves drilling holes in closed compartments will automatically void your factory rust warranty. Some of those box sections once galvanised and painted aren't supposed to be messed with ever again and if you do, you are on your own as far as the manufacturer is concerned.
Do you need to have annual inspections for this protection package? The one I got made you do that. Only good thing about it the first few years I complied was that you got a hand carwash in January! Had to pay some token fee for that inspection though. The company providing the warranty went bust too,found that out when the inspection place no longer did inspections! But for a price they had another product and company to reprotect my, by now, slightly old car!

karl1973 · May 2002

Well, I do about 45 miles one way daily, and the WRX is a very comfortable highway cruiser. It is quiet inside (much quieter than my previous vehicle, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and my current other vehicle, a Mazda Miata). If you are good, and keep your foot off the gas, the gas milage is respectable too. The seat is also very comfortable (at least for me). I am 5'11" with 34" inseam and I don't use up all the seat travel.

paisan · May 2002

Most of that was just me joking with yah. In all seriousness I'd be interested in the exact product they are going to apply etc.

-mike

philwang66 · May 2002

I think the WRX seats are great! I've taken it for road trips and the seats are quite supportive. While the ride may not be as plush as the 9-5, it is very comfortable and not at all harsh for a small car. It also feels very stable for a small car.

good luck with your purchase decision,
Phil

subaruwrox · May 2002

I've had my Rex for 2 months now, and have only given it baths that I did myself. I heard that I should wait before doing a wax, because of the clear coat. Is 2 months sufficient to wait? I was going to take it in today or tomorrow for a thorough going over at a professional car wash place.

Thanks in advance for any assistance. (PS: I complained earlier about the shifting, and as several of you predicted, I'm definitely getting used to it, and I think it's actually changing\easing a little after 2500 miles.)

rmerkel · May 2002

As a proud WRX owner (the sedan) for nearly a year now, I had the same misgivings and have been thoroughly pleased to find it a practical daily driver. I find it quite comfortable as a commuter. As Phil said, it's unlikely to ride as smoothly as your Saab, but the best way to describe it is "firm" rather than "harsh". It's not by any means uncomfortable. If I recall correctly, though, the Passat is also rather stiffly sprung (Germans and their autobahn-burners).

The seats may feel a little firm at first, but I have found them very comfortable on long trips (considerably more comfortable than softer seats) as well as very supportive in harder driving. If you're a bit large, the bolstering may be a little tight, but you can get your dealer to change that for you.

There is a little road noise from the big tyres, but, again, I find it quite acceptable at freeway speeds.

I quite regularly do a 250-mile trip in one stint and have found the WRX more than comfortable enough for the purpose, and have done several longer trips, and have had no complaints.

So, yes, it's quite practical as a daily driver. But, on a Sunday morning, find a stretch of deserted, twisty road and go a drive. If you don't come back smiling I'd recommend a visit to your doctor

hunter001 · May 2002

interesting point about automatics Qualityguy, but the problem there is that the Corvette's large naturally aspirated V8 works a whole heck of a lot better with an automatic than Subaru's small turbo H4 does.

The Corvettes naturally aspirated V8 also works a whole heck of a lot better with a manual transmission too, than Subaru's small turbo H4 does. So what is the point ??

The Automatics and the Manuals both have turbo lag right off idle, but both of them take off like bats out of hell, when the turbo spools up, which is at any speed about 15mph, which is where I do 99% of my driving.

The Automatic is a great commuter car and offers thrilling acceleration when needed and superior handling, when compared to a lot of others on the road, including the manual-WRX, primarily by being equipped with sportier springs than the manual-WRX and by the better power re-distribution afforded by the kick-[non-permissible content removed] AWD system of the Auto-WRX, that the manual-WRX lacks.

The manual-WRX however, offers better control over the gears, which is a big plus, inspite of its other lacks when compared to the Auto-WRX.

Later...AH

lilbluewgn02 · May 2002

Not again!

p0926 · May 2002

p0926 · May 2002

Digidawg- I'd have to know the specifics of what they did but it sure sounds like you got "chumped".

Additional rust protection is usually sold as "under-coating" or some variation of the term. At best this procedure (if it's even done, dealers have been known to charge for such things and never do anything since its hard for the buyer to tell the difference) may provide a slight improvement in reducing road noise. At worst if can actually void the manufacturer's warranty (as pointed out above). In fact, improperly applied, it can actually accelerate body/frame rust by trapping moisture next to metal. The statement that the manufacturer's rust warranty doesn't cover road salt is also false.

Re clear-coating: In the past, this term has meant nothing more than the dealer waxing the vehicle (which could actually cause harm if the paint isn't fully cured). Also as previously mentioned, Stongard is a clear acrylic product that is applied to the front end and reportedly provides excellent protection from paint chips caused by road debris. However, I've yet to see a dealer offer to install Stongard so I suspect that what you really paid for was a very expensive wax job.

-Frank P.

wheeldog · May 2002

Just picked up my new silver WRX wagon yesterday, and it is great! Staying south of the 4000 RPM limit is a challenge, but nothing I can't handle in the short term. I've found the handling and power delivery to be as-advertised. One pleasant surprise is the looks of the car. Even though I was convinced I would buy a WRX, I kept having second thoughts about the funky front end styling. Now that I own one, I can't believe what a great looking car it is, and much more 'distinctive' then the styling of many Japanese sports sedans. The only negative I've encountered so far is the stereo - even at moderate volumes I seem to get some random buzzes (from the dash?). I'm not too worried about it though.

Rob

narenji · May 2002

I have a set of gunmetal Rota Subzeros... I ordered them thru America's tire co, and they were supposed to be hubcentric, but arrived non hubcentric. They're on 225-45-17s Kumho Supras. I never got much vibration, but was peeved that they arrived non hubcentric, when Rota said to the Tire store rep that all Rota's with the 48 mm offset are hubcentric, because they're basically made for Subarus. The tire store since has installed hubcentric rings, and the wheel/tire combo feels about as good as stock, except for the tire, which wants to track undulations and cracks in the road.

They seem very well made, but yet they're reasonably priced. A lot of the cost of the more expensive wheels is in the brand. The OZs and BBS are lighter than Rotas, but they're double the cost per wheel. I've been very pleased with my investment.

paisan · May 2002

My buddy Scott just put Rotas on his Yellow rex and his are hubcentric, pretty nice with the sumitomo tires on it I think it was $1000 delivered.

-mike

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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