Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

1…100101103105106…115

Comments

  • mikenkmikenk Member Posts: 281
    Yesterday, a WRX wagon turned in front of me. It was a loud mustard yellow with bright blue wheels.

    I actually pulled over so as not to be seen anywhere near that aberration. This would not be so surprising on a sedan - but not on the wagon.

    Mike
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    They've been talking about it over at FXT, and I meandered to it on another post.
    How rattle prone are your Rexes? I diagnosed one rattle and had it fixed. Still two more we're working on. All are interior buzz/rattles. Mechanically it sounds great, but the car is only 7 weeks old.

    Nicholas
  • dsattlerdsattler Member Posts: 135
    This question is mostly for Juice, since he's sort of in my area and has experience, but anyone else who wants to chime in feel free. In a week or two I'm going to but a WRX wagon, and am thinking very seriously about adding an aftermakret sunroof. Any opinions/recommendations about types, brands, installers, pros/cons?
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    After 1 year and 17k miles, my WRX wagon is pretty tight all around. The only rattles that I can't trace down are coming from the rear hatch area. I wrapped the jack in bubble wrap and a towel since it was prone to creaking over bumps, but another creaking noise is still there. It almost sounds as if the hatch is moving around on the striker plate. Otherwise, the car has been absolutely solid, and seems to be built FAR better than my 01 Outback was. The only time the car has been back to the dealer this year was for the recent recall, which took all of 10 minutes to fix.

    Brian
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I think the brand that juice has is ASC. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

    -Dennis
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Rattles:
    1 - middle seat belt fasten in the rear
    2 - third brake light housing
    3 - cargo cover

    Creaks:
    1 - cargo cover
    2 - springs <- I think that's where your creak is since it's mainly over bumps.

    -Dave
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Rattles: I had a 2002 WRX wagon for 2 years and 30 k miles. Very tight car. No rattles. Same applies to the 2003 sedan I now have with 8 k miles.

    Sunroof: I broke down and had one put in my 2003 sedan. Locally the best custom shop in town used Webasto. I am very satisfied with it. Installed it cost me $1100. It looks like a factory roof. In fact the installers managed to put the control panel between the map lights overhead. It is one touch open and close with pinch protection. Also it has a retained power feature and auto close when the key is turned off. (If you want to keep it open afte the key off just wait 15 sec. for it to start to close and stop the close cycle.) There is plenty headroom left. (Look out for the premium package sunroof sedan, very small roof and minus about 4" headroom.) This roof takes about 2" headroom. It is a large sunroof and when it retracts it pulls the entire headliner into the ceiling and less than 1" of the glass is exposed.

    Here are my only complaints: It rattled at first when it was open and I had to take it back and they had to tighten some part to get it right. The fiber headliner is replaced with a fabric one which could someday get ripped. The pinch protection must be set just a little bit too sensitive because sometimes at speed if you try to close the roof it will stop and return to open. Pressure of the wind on it I think. Verdict: I would put one of these in another car with out a sunroof without any hesitation.

    PS-Webasto now has a heated seat kit. I called the local shop and they are checking out the price to instal them.

    TWRX
  • subtonesubtone Member Posts: 15
    hi, im thinking of buying a new wrx (sedan w/premium pack... or the wagon)

    could i fit something 8' long in the back of the impreza wagon (wrx) .. how much would stick out the back with the hatch open

    thanks,
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Maybe 1 1/2 feet or so. ???
    What do you plan to carry? There's always the roof rack.

    -Dennis
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    not forgetting what the other dimensions might be.

    -Dave
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    I'm 6' and cannot lay in the back of the wagon without laying diagonally...if you're planning on putting a 8' "something" back there, it will likely stick out quite a ways.

    Depending on what it is, though, you could lay the front seat down and gain a few extra feet to haul, say, an 8' ladder or something similar. For things like that, though, the roof rack is so much easier to deal with...

    B
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dave: check the Subaru Crew Cafe, we were just discussing that very topic. Brian got a new one installed and posted a link.

    -juice
  • subtonesubtone Member Posts: 15
    Thanks,

    I was planning on putting up some garage doors and using the wrx for the load, I think 1 or 2 doors would fit in the back.....

    but i am still sold on the sedan...

    how are everyone's experience with the Impreza wrx?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Ear<---------------G R I N------------------->Ear

    -Dave
  • cvillatricvillatri Member Posts: 3
    I've got the same rattle/knock in my rear (of the car!). I had it checked by the dealer, they said they tightened the hatchback, but still knocks (over bumbs/cornering). Not a lot, maybe twice a day. I've pretty much eliminated the suspension (that's very tight still after 2 years). Once in a while opening the hatchback will cause the knock. Other than that, no noises except the rev of the engine! Maybe that's why I don't hear anything else!

    Chris
  • roc312roc312 Member Posts: 4
    Since SOA monitors this site, I would like an answer to the question that is posed repeatedly in other postings: Why not a WRX STI Wagon? It is clear there is strong demand for the product, and it would give Subaru bragging rights for the &#147;Fastest Wagon on the Planet.&#148; It seems like a win-win situation that would entail relatively low design costs, given the platform already exists.
    I presently own a 2004 WRX Wagon. I love the car, but am frustrated by the low-end power, and in spite of many modifications, the car needs more punch. However, I much prefer the look and practicality of a small wagon, and will not purchase the STI Sedan. Will Subaru listen to its loyal clientele?
  • karl1973karl1973 Member Posts: 89
    I think the reason there is not an STi wagon, is because the old one didn't sell well (well, at least in the markets that offered it).
    If Subaru offered it in the US, I am pretty sure it would sell well.
    IIRC, Subaru didn't expect the WRX wagon to sell so well in its initial US offering.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I can't see it selling any better than the sedan, which hasn't been a flop but isn't moving all that well either. they are sitting in showrooms.

    most americans interested in the type of car that an STi is, and have the money it commands, aren't interested in a wagon. in terms of coolness, again to the average person, I think it's coupe, roadster, sedan, then wagon. roadster and coupe could be interchanged but wagon *definitely* brings up the rear.

    yes I know it has utility. people don't buy STis for utility unless they were cross-shopping a 2 door or 2 seater.

    ~c
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Colin

    I tend to agree. Besides those looking for more power than an WRX, and want a wagon, will likely opt for the Legacy GT wagon, which is soooo much nicer than an STi.

    Bob
  • flamencoracerflamencoracer Member Posts: 4
    How many others have the problem I have found in the 2002 WRXs I have sat in around here - a ridge that runs across the driver's seat cushion near the seat back, right where you want it to be soft or at least slope down towards the back. It's been there all along and even the service manager noticed it when I brought it in for the cruise clip recall. Is this something I can get replaced? I kept hoping it would go away, but it just bothers me more and more.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    In fact the Legacy GT might hurt the STi even more, for that exact reason. Plus I think the 250hp is understated, it felt more like 270-280hp, and dynos of the Forester XT prove that model is way understated.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    forester XT is probably the same 250ish. 235 at the very least.

    dunno about the GT making 280. doubt it... but I'll drive it back to back with an STi soon and let you know what I think then. :)

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You do that. It's your Crew Assignment. ;-)

    Maybe it's the torque, but the GT makes the Altima's 245hp seem kinda slow.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    it is most definitely the torque. I drove a current gen M3 right after a C32 AMG (same horsepower, basically, but supercharged) and the Mercedes felt a lot faster at anything less than 4500 rpm... because it was!

    ~c
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Looking back, it has been a recurring criticism of some Nissans that they feel like the vehicle has less HP than it's printed numbers. I can remember that going back to researching the purchase of our generation 1 Pathfinder. I've seen it repeated for the new Pathfinder, the X-Terra, Frontier and Altima.

    AND YES, I still want my STi wagon!!

    Volkov
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Altima still feels quick, it just needs a lot of revs to get going. Not so for the turbo Legacy.

    -juice
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    I see several 2005 WRX sedans but very few 2005 WRX Sport Wagons on dealer lots. In fact there may be 20 WRX 2005 sedans wi / in 10 miles of me but only 1 wagon.

    Any ideas why?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    The Saab-aru [9-2] could be hogging up the production line.

    -Dave
  • sergemeistersergemeister Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone feel that the WRX brakes are too weak. The reason I'm asking is that I often get to drive my parent's Legacy L and even though it's a heavier car, I have no problem applying enough force to the brakes in order to lock them and let the ABS to work. Whereas on my WRX wagon I almost have to place my entire weight on the brake pedal in order stop the car in an emergency situation. I don't think there's air in the brake system as the pedal does not drop to the floor. Could it be a leaking brake booster ?
    Th,
    Sergey
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd have the brakes flushed, when was the last time you had them flushed? I always suggest it 1x every 2 years for normal dirvers or 30K whichever comes first.

    -mike
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    The brakes are my least favorite part of my 2004 WRX Wagon. The perceived lack of brake force and the super intrusive ABS are serious faults that should have been addressed in a "performance" car.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The brakes are my least favorite part of my 2004 WRX Wagon. The perceived lack of brake force and the super intrusive ABS are serious faults that should have been addressed in a "performance" car.


    Are you still running on stock tires and suspension? If so that is the reason for your overly active ABS.

    -mike
  • trevian2trevian2 Member Posts: 22
    Mike,

    What kind of suspension upgrade do you suggest? The SPT parts that supposedly void a warranty or some other aftermarket suspension?

    Do you or anyone know if it only voids the warranty on the suspension, or everything (engine/transmission, etc.)?

    Thanks,
    Jason
  • sergemeistersergemeister Member Posts: 7
    The car is 1 year old and it's got only 13K miles on it, 100% stock configuration. It's not that the ABS is overly aggressive, it's the lack of force applied by the calipers to stop the car. It as if I'm trying to stop the car with the engine off and tranny in neutral.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    push harder. if your brakes are well bled, the only other answer is pushing harder-- unless you consider installing a different brake booster to be an alternative.

    ~c
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    No complaints about the brakes. I have no problem pushing the car to threshhold. If they aren't stopping well enough, either there's something wrong or maybe you should work on your leg strength.
    They aren't top racing brakes, but no complaints in a stock road vehicle. I prefer a brake that modulates easily -in my car or my bike. Don't like on/off switch brakes. Is that what you mean by poor power?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Mike,

    What kind of suspension upgrade do you suggest? The SPT parts that supposedly void a warranty or some other aftermarket suspension?

    Do you or anyone know if it only voids the warranty on the suspension, or everything (engine/transmission, etc.)?

    Thanks,
    Jason


    No parts by default will void your warranty. Only if there is a failure that can be associated with the replaced part would the warranty be voided.

    As for suspension upgrades... Our suggestions include (in this order)

    Tires or Tires and rims
    AGX Struts
    Eibach Prokit or Prodrive Springs

    Rear Endlinks
    Rear Sway bar
    Front endlinks
    Front swaybar

    rear strut tower bar

    The AGXs are adjustable gas struts and for the $ can't be beat. Konis are good too but significantly more install and initial cost as well. Eibachs are good road springs that are progressive so they are smooth until compressed, prodrives are linear and stiffer all the time.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The car is 1 year old and it's got only 13K miles on it, 100% stock configuration. It's not that the ABS is overly aggressive, it's the lack of force applied by the calipers to stop the car. It as if I'm trying to stop the car with the engine off and tranny in neutral.


    Definitely sounds like you need your brakes flushed and bled. Either that or an issue with the vaccum lines going to the brake booster. Have you washed the engine bay with a power washer lately or perhaps had some work done where they may have removed a vaccum line? The brake booster works based on vaccum power from the engine, if one of those lines are off your brakes will feel like that.

    -mike
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    If you are concerned about the handling, start with tires. I wasn't too impressed with my car when I got it and started considering all kinds of upgrades. Luckily, I started with wheels and tires. The car handles much much better than it did with the stock wheels and tires, and I no longer feel that it needs any suspension upgrades except perhaps a larger rear sway bar to dial out some of the understeer which has become much more pronounced.
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    Edumunds has a Saabaru review.

    Just based on my own experience with my WRX, I might seriously consider the Saab. I like that it's a slightly more upscale brand name, with the looks that go with it. The extra sound insulation would be a very welcome addition. It sounds like they have a tighter steering ratio too which would be nice. The review doesn't say anything about the steering wheel, but if it's smaller than the WRX wheel, that would be attractive to me. One of my biggest gripe about the WRX is that the steering wheel is way to big. The model shown in the pictures has leather seats and a sunroof which would be nice. They inlcude a longer warranty than Subaru and free maintenance for 2 years. Given that it's basically a Subaru, reliability should be just as good.

    Drawabacks of the Saabaru is that the suspension has been softened. It costs more, and probably weighs a little more. They mention a premium of $2600 over the WRX. Depending on the cost, and how much softer it is, it might be an upgrade I'd be willing to make, (If I didn't already have my WRX which I'm keeping forever;).
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Just curious.

    On the tire side, I just upgraded the tires to more of a performance tire. That significantly increased handling (same size as stock).

    Saabaru interior (looks similiar to the Forester interior):

    http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/- VEHICLE/2005/Saab/100281357/029797-E.jpg
  • nixomosenixomose Member Posts: 95
    Didn't know there was a standing rule about not telling stories in here. I know, ignorance of the law... yada yada.

    This guy said it well enough...

    You're cruising on the highway at say 75mph and see a car in your rearview closing in fast. You speed up, redlining it.
    Are you racing?

    Judge if you want, I'm sure all of you are just as saintly as I. I'm sure you've all gotten stoned or drunk (which I personally find inhuman and disgusting) at some point in your lives. I don't care. It's your life. You don't want to drive fast, don't. I'm not going to pretend that I'm mr. wonderful like others around here seem to be.
    But I was just asking what an evo was in a colorful way. That's all. So be it.

    I also seem to recall somebody giving his review of the wrx by explaning how he crossed most of montana or some other midwest state never falling below 125. And people applauded him.
    Hey, it's a free country, we're visitors at edmunds and they have the right to store whatever they want or not on their hard drives, but trying to guilt us into being safe drivers by saying sorry to the parents of dead kids. C'mon.
    Driving isn't safe, not even at 30mph. Neither is flying a space shuttle, but life happens. People keep doing it.
  • nixomosenixomose Member Posts: 95
    I agree, the brakes are the worst part of the stock wrx. The abs is hyperactive, and I had to replace my front pads at 18K. And rotors because they warped so badly. Must be my fast driving. ;-)
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    More likely, your fast slowing down. ;)
  • saintvipersaintviper Member Posts: 177
    BTW, it was Utah, and it was only 120mph. :)
  • nixomosenixomose Member Posts: 95
    :-)
  • hgutsteinhgutstein Member Posts: 65
    Interesting, I just noticed this issue as well! I am going to a suby meet here tomorrow and will compare with other 02s. I feel a little metal piece that juts up right in my tailbone! This has developed only recently. I plan to take it to the dealer soon. Others with this problem??

    HG
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just curious.

    On the tire side, I just upgraded the tires to more of a performance tire. That significantly increased handling (same size as stock).


    Love em. I swear by the Hawks.

    For the street folks: HPS, less dust, less squeel.
    For those who track or need all out performance: HP+, but be warned they will be squeeky and extremely large amounts of dust, but you'll stop on a dime.

    We are currently selling racingbrake.com slotted Street/HPDE rotors with HPS pads as a pack and bundling the HP+ with the Racing/Enduro Rotors. I use HP+ on my Legacy and Impreza.

    -mike
  • l8apxl8apx Member Posts: 2
    IMHO You might want to consider installing a set of Goodridge Steel Braided Brake lines. They help reduce flex and expansion of the stock lines.
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    My brake pads seem to be alright, but think I will need to replace them around 50-60K miles (WRX). What is the wear life on the Hawk HPS?
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles