This being the wagon owner's forum, I think I'm allowed to say that I like all WRX's, but I just like the wagons a lot more
Unlike North Americans, wagons are actually considered cool in other parts of the world. In Europe, the Audi RS4 was a 380HP monster that ONLY came in the wagon form. Also, BMW 5 series and 3 series wagons sell very well in Europe.
One thing that always bothered me....the general shape of the back of the sedan resembles a big brother to the Toyota Echo or Kia Rio too much. And I dislike the Toyota Echo with a passion! Echo beside WRX
I tell you whats great about my wagon. On saturday, I can fill it full with landscaping supplies and on sunday take it to an auto-x and race. The beauty of an all-wheel drive wagon. -scott
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!! Picked up my silver bullet Saturday and have already put nearly 300 miles on it. Absolutely love everything about it. A silver wagon has to be the best sleeper out there. Can't believe I finally pulled the trigger and got one. I've been shopping these things for nearly 15 months now. Unbelievable. I'm still in shock... (tears in my eyes, j/k)
Has anyone installed an aftermarket sunroof on the WRX wagon? I'm looking at making a purchase but would really like to have the open air. I'm primarily concerned with the structural integrity since they don't offer a factory option.
Some of the other posters might be more familiar with them, but there are aftermarket sunroof makers that do quite a nice job with the WRX. It had costed him $1000. One guy pictured his on iclub.com with a full moonroof. It was nice. My guess is if you do not want to saw through the roof beam, you may need to get one that slides up and out (like in a sports coupe) vs. the one that slides inside the roof.
Alright, I've owned my Black WRX Wagon since the end of September and just got reminded how much I love it. On my way home from work I was getting onto the Jersey Turnpike South just off from Route 80. As I was passed by two modified Honda Accords. The one I heard before I saw; how silly those mufflers are. Anyway, With my AC blasting (it was ahot day and the AC does kinda suck, so ya have to crank it) I easily blew em away, and stayed cool to boot. I let them catch up and they were pretty bold taking all 3 of us up over 100mph for most of the ride. Did the 10 miles down to Route 3 Toll Plaza in 4.5 minutes.
So, I've made a bit of money since I bought the WRX and my eye has begun to wander to something new. What would a WRX driver be happy with if they do plan to use it for skiing and commutes 30 miles each way to work? Lets say you had an extra $14-15K after selling the WRX? Enter the Volkswagen Passat W8 w/4Motion. So, you get 270HP, AWD, ABS, Side Airbags, Leather Wheel, Power Sunroof, and much more comfort. And an 8 Cylinder with gobs of torque. The W8 gets a bit worse mileage, but not much if you are a regular "pedal masher". Supposedly gets you to 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Pretty respectable for a mid-size family car. $38,500. So, whadda yall think?
At that price, I would look at the G35, if you can do RWD, though that might be limited by your skiing plans. S4's are nice AWD, chippable etc., with some reliability concerns as the only real downside. But, I would think the W8 would have similar reliability as the S4?
I second the reliability concerns. Especially a first year model like the W8. And also, the W8 will be biased toward an extremely soft ride (read: Cadillac like plushness) if that's what you want. I'd stick with the more proven 3.0 V6's in the Passat 4Motion or Audi A4. The G35 and BMW 3/5 series are the only sedans I'd consider buying.
Rob, I've had very good results with the standard Amsoil 75W90 synthetic (not Series 2000). I have an OBS with stock shifter, so my throws are about 2 feet. :-) Not sure how it would work in a WRX, but my guess is it would be fine.
Try some searches on i-club for Series 2000. It *may* be too slippery for the synchros. There are some Amsoil dealers on there that you could ask as well.
I sat in one last night at a VW dealer. It's a *very* nice car, and as far as I can see, nothing on the market here that has all its features: AWD, 5-speed tip-tronic, 8-cylinder engine, and great styling/quality, both inside and out—for $38.5K.
Having said that, I have to echo what others have said about it being an all-new (and very complex) engine with no track record in terms of reliability or service. The salesman also said these vehicles will be as rare as hen's teeth her in the USA, so parts availability could also be an issue.
In addition, it may be a short-lived engine according to the UK's CAR magazine, which mentions in the current issue that W-8 engine may well be replaced, at least in Europe, where it hasn't sold well.
BTW, the one I sat in, the dealer (Fitzgeralds VW in Frederick, MD), won't let you test drive one until they've done a credit check on you, according to the salesman!
>>BTW, the one I sat in, the dealer (Fitzgeralds VW in Frederick, MD), won't let you test drive one until they've done a credit check on you, according to the salesman!<<
With that attitude, good luck selling them. That's not their business unless/until you're prepared to make a deal. Then again they will snag the I-have-to-be-the-first-on-my-block-with-one-of-these crowd no matter what hoops they have to jump through to get one.
And here I was considering them for my next purchase given their fair pricing I've seen online. DC metro is about a 3 hour drive for me.
As you know, Fitzgeralds is highly thought of here by juice and myself, at least in terms of Subies are concerned. Although they also had a (similar) dumb policy when the WRX came out, as I recall. I don't know if that's till true.
If you're interested about the W-8, I would call dealers ahead of time to see what their policy is. I'd also worry about ADMs, since the car will be in short supply. Basically, it's a seller's market for this vehicle.
Been there, done that, not going back. It would be a WRX wagon, Forester turbo (which is sold in UK as 2.0XT, BTW) or higher-performance non-OB Legacy wagon that I would purchase next.
* the sedan has a track 1.4% wider front * the sedan has a track 1.7% wider rear * the sedan is 2.5% lighter * the wagon has 3.2% more passenger space * the wagon has 154% more cargo space
IMO only that last number is significant. Add in the roof rails and the folding seat, which are also significant (to me).
Dennis, Thank you for responding - that's good to know. Does your Outback Sport have the same setup, where the front & center diff. and transmission all share the same fluid? Unless I find out any new and negative info, I think I'm going to take the plunge and swap out the transmission and rear diff. fluid to Amsoil in the Fall. Rob
Is this due to the higher roof? I thought both had the same seating arrangement. This is the first I have heard that the wagon is more roomier for passengers. I thought they were identical.
Yes, it's the same setup in the front. I don't have an LSD in the rear, but I don't think that makes a difference with gear oil since it's a sealed unit (or something along those lines).
I want to thank everybody who has ever posted on this board for helping me understand what the "beauty of All-Wheel Drive" is all about. Ya'll have opened my eyes to a car-maker that is "different" (not to steal a phrase from Dodge) and that puts out a great and valuable product.
Hey there all, this is my first post. Been very happy WRX wagon owner for two months now. Mostly been checking different sites to see what's available and what people do to have more fun in the WRX. Would love to STI mine!
Anyways, anyone have any experiences with aftermarket Timing Advance Kits, like ones that are sold on EBAY that claim +20 HP.
If it is Vishnu, it is a good way to go. There are many others on this board much more knowledgeable than me, but the Vishu Stage --- is always a good way to go, as is STi certified equipment. I believe both are specifically designed to work with the WRX. STi is Subaru's in-house tuner by-the-way (even though you knew this already).
Unless the item on E-bay is a name brand that has a reputation working with Subarus, I would probably stay away. Also hp increase claims can be bogus. Paison (I think it was him) stated that the cold-air intake was basically worthless.
One last thing, just because I bash wagons, does not mean I do not like them. I am just letting out my frustration at the idea of putting my bike rack against my rear bumper and spoiler! :-(
The only way to get a true "cold" air intake, is to stick the intake about 2 feet out in front of the car. :-) Of course, it's still not cold if your ambient temps are above 90F as has been in the Northeast for most of the summer.
Maybe we should call them "fresh air intakes". Then again the air has been stale and humid, so even that is a stretch!
Careful with a timing advance. With forced induction that thing will ping like a wood pecker unless you use nothing but the very best gasoline. You will probably do more harm than good, to be honest.
The timing on my Miata can be advanced manually, which I've done. Stock is 10 DBTDC, I have it at 14. Some folks need to get higher octane even for that small change. Folks advance it to as early as 18 degree before TDC, but then 93 octane is a must.
Going from 10 to 14 trades off some high-end power for a little more low-end torque, though it may be my own optimism more than anything. I guess in theory the turbo would make up for the high-end losses, and the torque would diminish turbo lag.
But it's risky and the payoff is very low compared to the damage it could do to your engine.
or run a duct from the air vent to the air intake and put on the A/C. Hey, I know the A/C slows you down... but on a hot summer day you turn on the A/C anyway, so why not put some hp back in ;-)
Does anyone have the vishnu stage 0? I am considering it and would like some input from wrx owners who have already purchased it. It seems like a great deal (approximately $1500 for the kit and installation) for what you get (about 275 hp).
Comments
Unlike North Americans, wagons are actually considered cool in other parts of the world. In Europe, the Audi RS4 was a 380HP monster that ONLY came in the wagon form. Also, BMW 5 series and 3 series wagons sell very well in Europe.
One thing that always bothered me....the general shape of the back of the sedan resembles a big brother to the Toyota Echo or Kia Rio too much. And I dislike the Toyota Echo with a passion! Echo beside WRX
Sure, take the ugliest sedans around, and compare it to my beloved WRX. Thanks!
I did not think I was flaming wagon owners, but to each his own.
P.S. With your comparison, wouldn't that be like comparing the wagon to the Aztek? ;-)
I don't care what other people (including sedan owners) think. If I did, I'd be driving a RSX instead.
-scott
Seth
So, I've made a bit of money since I bought the WRX and my eye has begun to wander to something new. What would a WRX driver be happy with if they do plan to use it for skiing and commutes 30 miles each way to work? Lets say you had an extra $14-15K after selling the WRX? Enter the Volkswagen Passat W8 w/4Motion. So, you get 270HP, AWD, ABS, Side Airbags, Leather Wheel, Power Sunroof, and much more comfort. And an 8 Cylinder with gobs of torque. The W8 gets a bit worse mileage, but not much if you are a regular "pedal masher". Supposedly gets you to 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Pretty respectable for a mid-size family car. $38,500. So, whadda yall think?
Why not buy a 240hp H6 SVX used, and dump in about $4000 and get a turbo that bumps it up to 300hp+.
Then you get a luxury GT car with all the niceties plus AWD + Boxer + turbo.
0-60 in 6.9s top speed 155mph stock.
Total cost would be about $10K or less. You could probably afford it + the WRX!
-mike
Take a test drive, and let us know how it goes
I have an OBS with stock shifter, so my throws are about 2 feet. :-) Not sure how it would work in a WRX, but my guess is it would be fine.
Try some searches on i-club for Series 2000. It *may* be too slippery for the synchros. There are some Amsoil dealers on there that you could ask as well.
-Dennis
Having said that, I have to echo what others have said about it being an all-new (and very complex) engine with no track record in terms of reliability or service. The salesman also said these vehicles will be as rare as hen's teeth her in the USA, so parts availability could also be an issue.
In addition, it may be a short-lived engine according to the UK's CAR magazine, which mentions in the current issue that W-8 engine may well be replaced, at least in Europe, where it hasn't sold well.
BTW, the one I sat in, the dealer (Fitzgeralds VW in Frederick, MD), won't let you test drive one until they've done a credit check on you, according to the salesman!
Bob
With that attitude, good luck selling them. That's not their business unless/until you're prepared to make a deal. Then again they will snag the I-have-to-be-the-first-on-my-block-with-one-of-these crowd no matter what hoops they have to jump through to get one.
And here I was considering them for my next purchase given their fair pricing I've seen online. DC metro is about a 3 hour drive for me.
Ed
If you're interested about the W-8, I would call dealers ahead of time to see what their policy is. I'd also worry about ADMs, since the car will be in short supply. Basically, it's a seller's market for this vehicle.
Bob
Ed
Bob
* the sedan has a track 1.4% wider front
* the sedan has a track 1.7% wider rear
* the sedan is 2.5% lighter
* the wagon has 3.2% more passenger space
* the wagon has 154% more cargo space
IMO only that last number is significant. Add in the roof rails and the folding seat, which are also significant (to me).
-juice
Thank you for responding - that's good to know. Does your Outback Sport have the same setup, where the front & center diff. and transmission all share the same fluid? Unless I find out any new and negative info, I think I'm going to take the plunge and swap out the transmission and rear diff. fluid to Amsoil in the Fall.
Rob
Ken
But my point was that most differences are miniscule, i.e. rounding errors. Only the cargo space differs significantly.
-juice
-Dennis
You also forgot to mention that the wagon is $500 cheaper!
Ken
:-D
-Colin
Thanks again,
Seth
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/44086/article.html
tia
Seth
I saw 3 yellow WRX wagons on a car transport today, headed west on I-90 between Syracuse and Rochester.
The color looked sharp!
-juice
Anyways, anyone have any experiences with aftermarket Timing Advance Kits, like ones that are sold on EBAY that claim +20 HP.
Unless the item on E-bay is a name brand that has a reputation working with Subarus, I would probably stay away. Also hp increase claims can be bogus. Paison (I think it was him) stated that the cold-air intake was basically worthless.
One last thing, just because I bash wagons, does not mean I do not like them. I am just letting out my frustration at the idea of putting my bike rack against my rear bumper and spoiler! :-(
-Dennis
Maybe we should call them "fresh air intakes". Then again the air has been stale and humid, so even that is a stretch!
Careful with a timing advance. With forced induction that thing will ping like a wood pecker unless you use nothing but the very best gasoline. You will probably do more harm than good, to be honest.
The timing on my Miata can be advanced manually, which I've done. Stock is 10 DBTDC, I have it at 14. Some folks need to get higher octane even for that small change. Folks advance it to as early as 18 degree before TDC, but then 93 octane is a must.
Going from 10 to 14 trades off some high-end power for a little more low-end torque, though it may be my own optimism more than anything. I guess in theory the turbo would make up for the high-end losses, and the torque would diminish turbo lag.
But it's risky and the payoff is very low compared to the damage it could do to your engine.
-juice
"ping like a wood pecker"
LOL! That's a first!
Ken
-juice
or run a duct from the air vent to the air intake and put on the A/C.
Hey, I know the A/C slows you down... but on a hot summer day you turn on the A/C anyway, so why not put some hp back in ;-)
-Dave
I figured it was just the personality of the boxer that makes it shudder like that. Thanks ya'll.
Seth
So hey, if you happen to head this way, definitely look me up !
Later...AH
-Dennis
However, the Honda Prelude Type-SH and the 6-speed Acura 3.2CL-s uses a Helical LSD.
Later...AH