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Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, I think they raided the parts bin for the most part. The expense would be in producing different quarter panels for the sedan and wagon.

    But what surprises me is the RS sedan is wider than the pricier WRX wagon, which doesn't seem to make sense. I guess they went wide sedans and narrow wagons to manage costs.

    I think they should have made all of them wide bodies. Apparently you can fit more tire in the wheel well of the sedans.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    they all should have been wide bodies. This wide sedan vs. narrow wagon seems like one of those many "Japanese" design decisions that "Westerners" just never seem to understand.

    It's not just the cost of fenders—but also all the related suspension items too. I don't see what parts bin they would have raided. My understanding is that the both models have new suspensions. They're similar to the old Impreza, but I think most, if not all, the parts are different from the old model.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I thought Colin said something about certain bits coming from certain existing models. I'm sure some is parts bin, some is new.

    Honda and Toyota in many cases design different models for the US - wider, and even with different styling. I'm not sure Subaru has enough volume to do that, though.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    True, but those are for different markets. The US models are generally wider than those found in other markets. The UK also gets some different models from either the USA or Japan. Honda is a much larger company and can absorb the luxury of designing different models for different markets easier than Subaru can.

    Obviously you have to make changes you meet certain legal requirements of each market, but why complicate matters by designing different vehicles—unless of course, the "tastes" of those other markets dictate that.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Did you know that there is no Subaru distributor in Mexico?

    My daughter just recently got back from vacation in Mexico, and she brought me back a Mexican car magazine. In the back of the magazine all the cars sold in Mexico were listed, and Subaru was missing. If you go to the "Sube Directory" there is no corporate site for Mexico.

    Seems strange that our border country to the south doesn't sell Subarus.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe it was pricing.

    The wagon is $500 cheaper, and that is kind of amazing. On Outback models, wagons carry a price penalty of about $1500.

    Now, can you imagine a WRX sedan without the flares costing $2 grand less than it does now? That would almost be priced TOO low. They'd never meet the demand.

    Conversely, what if the WRX wagon cost $1500 more than the sedan, and $2000 more than it does now? I bet there would not be enough demand.

    So, maybe that's what decided it for them.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    but seems odd that Subaru (with the Impreza) is trying to squeeze in the most value for the buck, would then go out of their way with added engineering and manufacturing costs by designing two different fender arrangements, when they could have saved money by just having one. Strange.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, they're transfering the costs to the consumer. That's clear in the pricing strategy.

    Man, can you even imagine a narrow-fender WRX sedan for $21,995?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Unlike most manufacturers that offer both a sedan and a wagon, usually the wagon is more expensive. That's not the case with the Impreza. It's just the opposite with the apples-to-apples WRX sedan and wagon.

    Bob
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    carries a price 500 pounds higher than the sedan which translates to about 750 bucks, so it looks like we're getting quite a bargain here in the U.S. Also wanted to mention that the respected British car mag Evo did a road test on a WRX wagon and said the handling was every bit as good as the sedan, and that the steering was in fact a little bit better. Could be the narrower track has some advantages.
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    May sound like a strange question, but what color is the dash display in the WRX? I have a 2001 Forester, and it's red needles on green background... same as in WRX? Thanks,perrito
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    is motorcycle-style pod with white numbers on charcoal background, yellow needles, silver ringed bezels. The numbers light to blue-green at night and the whole thing looks great with the Momo steering wheel. You feel like your driving some kind of exotic LeMans racer.
    The Forester as I recall splits the temp and fuel guage with one on either end of the display whereas they are both in the left hand instrument on the WRX. Guages themselves are about the same size though.
    One thing I would change on WRX is to put the tach up top center and move the speedometer to the lower right.
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    ramiller,

    Thanks for the input: blue-green background with yellow needles, eh? Just how "blue" is that background, a little greener than the VW indiglo color? Nitpicky, but pertinent. Thanks again,
    perrito

    Dream car: WR blue 5 spd WRX wagon, with 17" gold prodrive rims..... gargle-drool....
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Perrito: I'm a little color-blind and my wife says the numbers light up green on the WRX, just like our Forester, not blue-green. It's still very attractive to look at. You won't be disappointed. The background on the WRX is black with white numbers in the daytime and yellow needles that complement the yellow Momo logo very nicely. Subaru did a great job on this.
    I think WR blue looks fabulous on the wagon. We have a couple running around here in Denver and they are a real eye-catcher.
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Roger,

    How odd, I actually decided to post this question here, because even though my Denver-based cousin has a WRX he is also color-blind! He has a silver WRX sedan, lowered, pushing around 300-310hp now after some after-market goodies... he might be the only one passing you one of these days out on the Denver roads or through Rocky Mountain park.

    best, perrito
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Wow, that is a coincidence! Maybe we're related somehow and don't even know it. I'll be sure and keep a (color-blind) eye out for him.
    Can't even imagine what it's like having 310 horsepower in one of these babies.
    It will be a miracle if I don't end up in jail or having a suspended license with just the 227.
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Perrito: Did your cousin say what he had done to the engine to get that kind of performance and about how much it cost?
    I've heard you can get up to 250hp by changing the ECU chip and putting on a performance muffler, but his has another 50 horses on top of that.
    It would be interesting to find out how he did it.
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    I saw a couple of heavily performance upgraded WRX's this weekend and I can tell you what they did:

    Imprezer, owner of the I-club, has a Vinsu Downpipe, full turbo back exhaust, manual boost controler, upgraded turbo, K+N drop in filter with silencer removal, STi Intercooler sprayer, and a Tec II which I dont know what it exactly it does... (Also has a coilover suspension w/ 17" rims and new sway bars and even the Japenese spec HID headlights)
    Anyway, that car ran a 12.8 sec 1/4 mile and like a 4.4 sec 0-60. It has like 240 or so hp to the WHEELS (not to the crank, to the WHEELS!!!) He can even launch it sideways :D

    Also saw M2 Tunings WRX, and it had all of that minus the STi interercooler spray and Tec II, but had a larger intercooler. Doesnt run as quickly though.

    Good stuff :)
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Roger,

    I really don't know too much, although I know he replaced the stock turbo unit with a ball bearing unit off an old Saab (9-3 unit?) that was able to push 22 psi. He does have a boost control, and a boatload of other goodies. Also lowered, with 18" rims... I could say more if I'd seen it in person, but I have not yet. That's the extent of my knowledge. I think it's pretty insane, but the car seems to be holding up....
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    is a Parallel Engine Management System by Electromotive (Kosta, I'm surprised you didn't know that). Shiv Pathak (Sport Compact Car freelancer) took it and designed(?) it to go along with the 2.5RS originally. It requires a laptop to program and tune. You can check out his company here: http://www.vishnuperformance.com/faqs.htm


    I think Alex was the first to beat Kevin Thomas' OB Sport that did 13.03 in the 1/4 mile with a turbo and nitrous. :-)


    Dennis

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Holy Cow, he was running in the 12's?!

    Nice to know the limits that these bad boys can run. Makes the stocker look tame, conservative, and way over-engineered.

    -juice
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Modifying the car the way you guys describe really puts it into a whole different league--more like a Viper or Z06--which is pretty amazing considering it's a 2.0 liter.
    With my driving tendencies, in something as juiced as that, they would lock me up in no time as a complete public nuisance and menace to society-- but it's fun to think about acing an M3 or S Boxster whenever you wanted.
    The stock WRX is pretty refined--sometimes you can hardly hear the engine, especially at the lower revs. I think maybe another 30-40 horses would be good to have and not too expensive--give it a little more mid-range punch and sportier sound.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You could probably already surpise a few Boxster and (240hp) M3 owners, even stock. The driver is a big factor.

    For the mild upgrade you want - MBC is the answer. Cheap and easy, too.

    -juice
  • phatride01phatride01 Member Posts: 23
    Did I miss something on that abbreviation? Would u implode it?

    Is it a boost controller?

    phat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, manual boost control. People are running it safely, and it's super-cheap, as in <$100.

    -juice
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image


    ...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

    http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html

  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Sounds very persuasive at that price. How does it work exactly and can you install it yourself? Also, will the warranty stay intact if I use it?
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Sorry Blue, im still learning when it comes to car tech :) I saw the Tec II, but I never read exactly what it did... Just that it GREATLY increased Alex's run times :D (and that it took shiv's help to tune right)

    The MBC will void your warranty if you have engine has trouble and you take it in for warranty work... even if you take it out, the Computer will probably still register it.
    But, for $40 or so, its definatly worth it... just dont go over like 14psi to be safe (unless you know what your doing)
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Disclaimer -
    Btw, I'm not a techie nor do I play one on TV. Just like to read a lot.:-)
    Hey, didn't I see that you're one of the top posters on the i-club?

    Dennis
  • kostamojen2kostamojen2 Member Posts: 284
    Yup, I post alot... but thats cause Im reading just like you are, and try to pass on what ive read to others, as well as some of my "few" experiences :P

    BTW, I just got a Impreza today! 1995 AWD L Coupe... I got it so I could learn to drive stick finally :D
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Congrats and good luck. Do a search on the i-club for the guy in MA. that coverted his L wagon into an STi a few years ago. :-)

    Dennis
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Folks,

    Just ordered my WRX wagon (blue, 5 spd) and it will be here in October. Yeeee-hawwww!

    perrito
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Way to go! Now, waiting is the hardest part, that is until you get your WRX and have to keep below 4k rpms for the 1st 1000 miles, heh, heh!!

    BTW, what kind of wheels/tires combo are you going to get for this bad-boy once you get it?

    Congrats!

    Stephen
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    is almost cruel and unusual punishment in a car like this. But your patience will be rewarded--after that you will find yourself transported right into car driver's heaven.

    Congratulations, and have fun!
    Best of luck,
    RA
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    Here is a very complimentary road review on the WRX Sport Wagon from the Wheels24 site. It's a South African publication and they use terms like "bonnet" instead of "hood", "saloon" instead of sedan, power output in kilowatts instead of horsepower,etc., but their model specs are pretty much the same as ours, so its fairly easy to understand.


    Click on this URL to see the review:


    http://www.news24.co.za/News24/Wheels24/Road_Tests/0,3999,2-15-50_989124,00.html

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats Perrito, I was wondering when you'd finally take the plunge. Enjoy it!

    -juice
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Stephen: I will stick with stock wheels and tires for the next year (or so). I'll then put those 16" stocks on my girlfriend's 97 OBS, which should sharpen the look a bit.

    I got the 5 speed blue wagon with:
    short-shift kit
    auto-dimming mirror
    armrest extension
    air filter
    cargo net
    anti-slip mat
    tint (35% all around)
    rear differential protector

    Alarm, stereo: after-market!

    Thanks guys (and gals..)
    perrito
  • dwainwdwainw Member Posts: 1
    I've been enjoying my new WRX wagon for the last 10 days, but I think I've found my first major gripe. After plugging my wireless phone into the cigarette lighter for charging, I arrived at my destination and shut off the car. To my chagrin, the power port shuts off as well. I dove into the owner's manual to see if perhaps I was just having a 'bad head day'. The owners manual states:

    'The electrical power socket located on the lower part of the instrument panel is designed to use only a SUBARU genuine cigarette lighter plug. Do not use non-genuine cigarette lighter plugs or any "plug-in" type electrical accessories in the socket...'

    It goes on to state that 'The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition switch is in the "ON" and "ACC" positions.'

    How does everyone live with this? Anyone have any tips for wiring and installing a real power port? Being from Japan, I would have thought Subaru would be more electroportably friendly!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    On my Forester, it charges my cell phone just fine. My notebook computer is happier when I use the one in the cargo area (which you don't have IIRC).

    The Outback Sport has it, I think. Odd, no? Subaru gives the Outback line such a high priority when it comes to such equipment, likely because they are cash cows.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    No cars from japan ever have cig. lighters that stay on when the car is turned off.

    I usually just wire one in separately if I need it (put in a triple on from RS)

    I charge my cell, and run my power inverter off of my XT6 cig. lighter plug.

    -mike
  • toekneetoetoekneetoe Member Posts: 2
    Yep my new WRX wagon is everything I wanted my old British (and Itilian) sports cars to be...and a lot more!
  • crazy1crazy1 Member Posts: 10
    I just got my silver wagon August 13 and am very pleased with the car. But guess what!! I got the
    automatic tranny. It's not as quick off the line as my 200 HP Mercury Sable wagon but I like the
    the superior handling and the effortless acceleration felt even though I am still 400 miles shy of break-in. Just for curiosity, I did a 0-30 mph run with the air conditioning off and it too 3 seconds. That's only one second more than the 2 second time reported by Road& Track.
    I chose the automatic because on rare occasions my wife may need to use the car if her Diamante wagon is in the shop. Also I like the distraction free driveability and the down-shift to the sweetspot when coming of ramps onto the beltway.
    I've had 2 stich shift cars in the past and admit that it is much too tempting to give it your all at occasional stoplight races. This can't be good for the car in the long run, especially the CV joints, clutch,and all other parts that would take a beating from 4000 RPM launches. I feel the automatic will outlast a stick because it forces self control. I am 48 yrs old and never outgrew the pleasure derived from feeling power underfoot but who really cares about 0-? speed contests. You only get a smile on your face but never get to hear what the other person is thinking. Later.
  • crazy1crazy1 Member Posts: 10
    This is the 48 year old automatic owner again.
    I truly feel that all performance tests should include the times from a 5 mph roll. One magazine does this but I 'm not sure which one. Usually the stoplight races are decided on after both parties are already moving and trying to feel each other out, so the slow start of the automatic is insignificant. But again/who really cares? This car is still a blast to drive and feels just as good at 85 as it does at 45.
    I put the car up on ramps and checked out the underside. Things look just as complicated under there as they do from the top of the engine. I am worried about the cost of having the valves adjusted at 60000 because of all the stuff in the way that would have to be moved to get access to the valve covers. I could only hope the mechanic
    would be good enough to put everything back the way the factory did it. I would estimate 6 hours
    at $55.00 for a cost of $330.00. I am very impressed with the solid construction af the suspension. The lower control arm is a welded assembly much like the Diamante( which feels great at 80 mph also)and much unlike the Sable wagon which is just a piece of formed .090 thick
    sheet metal with no welding to stiffen it and make it flex resistant. So far no rattles. When going over a seam in the road, you only hear a thump instead of a boom like the Sable. Anyone can call me at work. 410-663-8988
    I hate typing. Bye for now.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Car & Driver does the 5-60 rolling start acceleration test. I agree it's more useful as a real-world figure for relaxed driving. Autos come much closer to manuals in these tests, too.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    "I feel the automatic will outlast a stick because it forces self control"
    And the fact the Subaru autos are so much stronger/tougher than the manuals.

    Dennis
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    a second slower to boot. Ah, the joys of a small displacement turbo engine. Just will have to be ready to lauch hard all of the time I guess, tehe.

    -B
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Well,

    The 5 speed, WR blue, WRX wagon (of mine) is due to arrive in Tampa on 9/2/01 and I will pick it up at the dealer (Mastro) on 9/8/01. Ahh... I already feel like a proud father, time to smoke a cigar (if I smoked, that is). I have christened her "SHIGO" for now... unless I think of a better name.

    later speedwagoners, perrito
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I bet she goes pretty fast!

    Congrats. Now the toughest wait of your life!

    -juice
  • taos2taos2 Member Posts: 31
    Anyone find a good source for these?
  • woofie596woofie596 Member Posts: 11
    Hi, Haven't been here in a while. I finally have a little over 9,000 miles on my wagon. The only complaint I've got, to date, is that I've had to have the ECM changed because it just couldn't deal with oxygen sensors (I've had 5 put in it before they decided the problem was "really" the ECM !) No problems since...
    Other than that, it is a wonderful car. Already done a 4,000 mile trip which was a terrific joy. Love that car on long 12 driving stretches. Very comfortable.
    Yes, I agree with the folks that say that you can't (shouldn't) drag race it... very hard on the clutch as the tires "will not" spin... unless, of course, you really get off on clutch smoke *ugh*. But from a roll, the car will take off pretty fast once it hits about 3,000 revs.
    A Note :(drum roll)... after a trip, please clean the fins on the intercooler. Get a standard radiator brush and do it. Do NOT use pressurized water blasters (like at a car-wash) ... the intercooler fins can bend and crush from the pressure. Bug scum will block passages and is a good idea to get out.
    For you folks who are waiting on your WRX.. be calm, take deep breaths as needed. Valium if it gets too tough.
    For the "maybe" buyers... sell your kids, get a second mortgage, whatever... it will be worth it. I have owned some normal cars and some ridiculously fast cars and this little wagon has it on all of them (well, the Hemi Road Runner is a close call, but it can't 'turn')... you won't regret it one bit.
    I got dibs on the Colorado license plate- "T WRX".

    later...
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