Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

ateixeira · December 2001

paisan: our hosts said we won't need a rental, but interesting thought.

-juice

paisan · December 2001

My best friend's wife was dead set on getting a durango. There was no way no how we were going to convince her to get a trooper. Then we were upstate and had a great idea. Make her drive it the 40 miles back to my house from the market. After about 10 miles she could not be pryed away from the wheel, and in fact drove it the rest of the weekend. Then she wouldn't even test drive the durango and my buddy bought an '00 Trooper a month later.

They say if you drive a trooper for a week, you'll buy one. I don't know how true it is, but seems that way.

-mike

ateixeira · December 2001

Sorry to veer off topic a little, but I looked it up and CR had a beef with the 1995-1996 models only. The new ones are rated "Better than average" in reliability, but they haven't tested one in years. JD Power rates it very highly too.

Back to your regularly scheduled program...

-juice

hunter001 · December 2001

I think it became an ego problem with CR and Isuzu. Isuzu sued CR for their reporting, and CR never recommended it again.

I personally feel the Trooper is a very good vehicle.

Later...AH

sunilb · December 2001

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how the WRX does at highway speeds, in terms of noise (engine and otherwise).

As a point of reference, I used to have a 99 Civic SI [R.I.P.] which was turning ~ 4K at 70mph, and just got louder as I increased the mph.

I'd love to get a WRX wagon, but would also something that is relatively relaxed at highway speeds.

Thanks.

hunter001 · December 2001

The WRX is pretty relaxed on the highway and is relatively quiet. At 70mph, I believe it is at 2900rpm or so (Auto-WRX). This certainly is a lot quieter than my earlier Acura Integra, which was a lot more noisier on the highway.

Later...AH

paisan · December 2001

but my XT6 does about 2800 rpms @ 76mph.

-mike

dill6 · December 2001

You have hit on one of the things that decided me on the WRX - you can drive it as sporty as you want in the twisties, but on the freeway its quite calm and a lot quieter than my old Integra, for instance. My WRX wagon turns just over 3,000 RPM at 75 MPH in fifth, which means its geared quite a lot taller than the Acura was - about 500 RPM-worth, maybe a bit more. The difference is very noticable. And it has enough power to scoot very nicely, of course, even with the tall gearing.
Its not whisper-quiet but road, engine and wind noise are all low. Some people complain that they'd like a MORE prominent exhaust note!
The wagon will definitely give you a more pleasant high speeed cruise than a Civic Si.

twrx · December 2001

Boy you guys got it right about those RPMs. 4th and 5th are both tall gears on the WRX. You only turn the engine about 2000 RPM at 40 in 4th. I go back to one of the original Integras, '87 model. I remember about 3000 + RPM at 65 mph in 5th.

Also having pleasure of getting to drive my choice of a '98 RS or a 2002 WRX it is amazing how much quieter the WRX is.Subaru did their homework in making a nice interstate cruiser.
TWRX

ltcolumbo · December 2001

I am going to test drive the WRX wagon this Saturday. I would like opinions on auto trans vs manual. I can drive either. I don't usally get stuck in traffic. I drive 2000 miles a month. 60 miles round trip to work on the freeway at 80 mph (don't tell) with some hills (I think less than 6% grade). Since I tend to keep my cars for 10 years and put 200,000 miles on them, I am looking for simplicity in repairs, reliabilty, etc. I'm sure it will need a clutch in there (maybe at 100,000 miles). How reliable are the drive trains (too new to tell?). What is the difference between the man. and auto. "transfer diff"? Since I have been an auto mechanic for over 30 years, I know how to drive a stick shift vs. just "operating" stick shift. Thanks for your help!!

hunter001 · December 2001

I think either choice is fine and that you should make that decision for yourself. I have been driving my Auto-wagon for a while now, and find it fantastic. The stick-drivers love their cars too. So it is for you to decide what you want to drive.

I too normally keep my cars for a long time, and my earlier 1986 Toyota Camry (Automatic) with 288,000 miles (when I donated the car) with every single original component in it (except brake pads, battery and tires), testifies as to how long I keep my vehicles. I religiously did regular 3000 mile oil changes and all other scheduled maintenance, however. Also, always warmed the car for a minute after start-up and drove gently till the engine and sub-components reached operating temperature. I always applied the hand-brake and allowed the weight of the vehicle to rest on it in neutral, before shifting the transmission into "Park" - thus not putting any strain on the transmission during parking. The car for its part, never hesitated even once during start-up (except when the original battery needed replacement at 210,000 miles). Hell, it behaved like a new car until the day I donated it. I intend to follow all of the above, with my Auto-WRX too.

Later...AH

ramiller1 · December 2001

dill6--the quiet engine sound really does make for more relaxed highway driving--I thought it was too quiet at first but have since changed my mind.

The way the car catapults you effortlessly out onto the highway without a lot of fuss and noise is really kind of fun and makes for less tiring driving day-to-day, IMO. To me, the WRX almost has the playful personality of a fun-loving dolphin (OK-I know I'm getting a little weird here) rather than the ferocious shark-like personality of a lot of performance cars.

ITcolumbo: I've driven the auto and it seems to have more of a slingshot effect when you get on it--no power at first, then-whooosh! it really takes off, more of a contrast than the stick. It really is a matter of what you like--some people need the hands-free driving and others (like me) like working the 'box.
--RA

ltcolumbo · December 2001

I guess what I'm really wondering is about the durability of both transmissions and clutch given the turbo power. I guess the man. has been around longer? Also the electronic clutch in the "coupling" vs the viscous fluid type. I drove a TS auto last Saturday and felt it was considerably slower than my Legend with similar hp/torque/rpms. Also a bit noisier and stiffer riding (not the Legend was anything special). I know the preference is up to me, just trying to take all things into consideration.

ltcolumbo · December 2001

I went to a dealer to test drive an auto and manual WRX. I took a peek under the hood. It's very crowded and lots of plumbing. Anyway the exhaust (cat. conv.) is VERY close the inside axle boot on the right axle!! Are these cars too new to have had problems with the boots? If so, I think there will be problems. Is it a covered item on extended warranty? Oh, no decent test drive yet(traffic and dealer not willing to let me go more than a few miles) and none with automatic.

ramiller1 · December 2001

should be very good with both the auto and manual. These cars are tough-as-nails as many long-term owners will testify and Subaru really puts the money into engineering the motor and drivetrain. The boxer engine is almost legendary for being bullet-proof, and the AWD system is as good as any out there, IMO.

I'm sure the tranny will hold up just fine, even with a high performance turbo like the WRX (this is the same basic set-up that won the World Rally Championship) but as others have said here before, a lot depends on individual driving habits and how well you take care of the car.

WarpDrive · December 2001

"even with a high performance turbo like the WRX (this is the same basic set-up that won the World Rally Championship)"

I must have talked about this in another thread, but the transmission and turbo in the WRC car have no resemblance to the one that we get in the stock car. The turbo system in the WRC runs up to 36 psi. The in the WRX would probably melt as soon as you get off the driveway if we tried that.

ltcolumbo · December 2001

Not that I would ever drive that fast

but what is the top speed of a WRX wagon auto? Governor limited? How does it feel at speed?

hunter001 · December 2001

I read in one of these threads (un-substantiated however !!!) that the Auto-WRX has a speed governor set at 130mph. I have taken the WRX to slightly above 100mph and it feels rock stable.

Later...AH

WarpDrive · December 2001

It says so in every piece of Subaru literature I've got my hands on (at least in Canada)

paisan · December 2001

How those socialist canadians are, they like to limit everything!

-mike

1subydown1togo · December 2001

Definitely 130

WarpDrive · December 2001

ramiller1 · December 2001

I understand the point you make, but the car that won the WRC was still a two-liter turbo mated to an AWD drivetrain, the same set-up we have in the WRX. For the lesser output of the WRX, the tranny we have is more than sufficient, but you're right, it wouldn't do too well if you popped it straight into the WRC car.
--RA

paisan · December 2001

I guess you could then equate the Legacy Sport (2.2l turbo) to a 22b? haaaaa

-mike

ramiller1 · December 2001

why don't we just say that all AWD Subies with boxer engines (and the Porsche Carrera 4) have more in common with each other than they do with most other cars out there

.
--RA

saintviper · December 2001

Well, after 6 weeks my Blue Wagon finally showed up at the dealership. Unfortunately the day I picked it up was the same day I was left for a week in Cancun. Cancun was great and knowing my WRX was waiting for me made coming back much easier.

I've got 400 miles on it now and have some questions. Can the daytime running lights be disabled, or better yet, hooked up to the parking light switch? Can the standard alarm be reprogrammed not to beep when I lock and unlock the doors? Just a quick flash of the lights would be better.

So far, I love the way the car drives and handles. It feels much more solid and connected to the road than my 2001 Civic did. The interior is a little cheaper, but not so bad that I can't live with it. And if the power over 4000rpm is anything like what it is under, I don't think I'll be missing my MR2 turbo anytime soon. Especially with winter coming.

Well, gotta go drive, just 600 more to go and the fun really starts. Maybe I can get 200-300 in today. hmmmmm, where will I go...

barresa62 · December 2001

paisan · December 2001

If you search the I-club, you can remove the DRLs by jumping a wire. My buddy runs his parking lights as his DRLs on his REX.

-mike

karl1973 · December 2001

Here's a link. You remove a module (unplugging it) and DRL is gone.

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/wrx/drl.php

ateixeira · December 2001

Roger: the stock WRX is pretty close to the Group N rally car that runs in the US Rally. Karl Schieble (ex-New Beetle commercial fame) was the class champ in a WRX, and his is indeed very close to yours, just add a roll cage and change rims and tires.

Karl's daily driver is a WRX, which he calls similar to his rally car (I saw him comment on it in a video preview of this past season).

-juice

sunilb · December 2001

Okay, I know this could be an awful question, but does anyone have any regrets?
In the sense of: something you didn't notice about this car before you purchased, that bothers you now (ie, in a negative way).

I've only heard awesome things about this car, but I want to evaluate this from all sides as I try to decide on my next car.

Incidentally, I love the fact that this car is offered in wagon format!

philwang66 · December 2001

Re: alarm arm/disarm audible alert

Check the pamphlet that came with the security system. The honks can be disabled although the light will still flash once when armed twice when disarmed. I don't have the info sitting in front of me... IIRC, something like opening the driver door and holding BOTH remote buttons until you hear the horn beep.

good luck,
Phil

ateixeira · December 2001

In a weird way, yes, the WRX wagon wasn't available when I bought my Forester in 1998! ;-)

One thing is that Subaru keeps adding content with each model year, and offering more options. To my car they've added standard cruise, cargo cover, outside temp gauge, 2nd trip odo, power mirrors, intermittent wipers, DRLs, etc.

All without a price increase, so every year I find myself wishing I had the new model that comes out.

-juice

WarpDrive · December 2001

I can certainly see them adding the temp gauge and heated seats as options. That spoiler may also become standard (mixed feelings about that one). Sunroof anyone?

bluesubie · December 2001

Congrats! You should be able to disable the horn chirp and only have the lights flash. I'm not sure of the alarm brand that the WRX uses so i don't want to give you wrong info. It should be in the owner's manual though.

Dennis

ateixeira · December 2001

Actually, a moonroof (glass), please. Optional.

-juice

dill6 · December 2001

Well, the safety harness buckle is stuck pretty far down there and tight up against the side of the seat so with a winter jacket on its kind of a pain to get it buckled sometimes. I still want a winter package (will he EVER shut up about that?). I already know the paint chips easily, unfortunately.
Approaching 800 mi. and that's it so far.

barresa62 · December 2001

Dennis is absolutely right. The info you're looking for is in the manual in the alarm section. It also tells you what the number of beeps and/or flashes mean when you disarm the car. It will also tell you how to set it so that a valet park can park your car w/o setting off the alarm.

Stephen

ltcolumbo · December 2001

I called SOA today and they told me the WRX automatic was governed to 112 mph. They said it's because of the speed rating of the tires. So I asked if the cars with manual transmissions had different tires (knowing they don't) and he said, "Uh,no. It's just that they don't know how to govern the manual trans cars". Any comments?

ltcolumbo · December 2001

SOA told me they have had some manual trans failures from dropping the clutch and thereby stripping the teeth off of first gear. Have fun, but be careful...may not be warranty!

beanboy · December 2001

Tires are rated to 149 mph. Autos are limited to 130, while manuals aren't. Trust no one.

-B

paisan · December 2001

If you are that concerned with top speeds, just take it out on a track and see where it cuts out. Other than that the top speed is pretty much infinite cause you shouldn't be doing more than 115mph on the streets IMHO.

-mike

barresa62 · December 2001

The tires are indeed rated for 149mph for all WRXs, auto and manual. I would love to see where the SOA rep got his/her info from...somewhere south of the waist, I would imagine. :-) The automatic has a speed limiter to 130mph. The manual has a rev limiter (as pretty much all cars do)and aerodynamics pretty much limit the sedan to about 143mph and the wagon a couple of mph less.

Stephen

saintviper · December 2001

Thanks for the info on the running lights and alarm. Now that I've read the manual, I've found directions for disabling the alarm beep in at least 3 places including the back of the key fob.

Now for the next question. Those big ugly airbag stickers on the sun visors. Can those be easily peeled off without damaging the high quality finish of the sun visors?

saintviper · December 2001

Speaking of oil leaks, my Audi developed a serious leak on the way home from the dealership when I bought it 2 years ago. Nothing like oil spots on your driveway from your brand new car to take the shine off the new car ownership experience. The dealer was really good about it and fixed it right away. Since then the car has been absolutely trouble free. Problems like that are a drag, but not necessarily a bad omen.

ramiller1 · December 2001

It seems theres not much griping about the wagon because it's such a great package for what you pay. You get the extra room of a 5-door wagon & all-weather fun of the AWD. Plus its a nifty size-- easy to park and nimble in traffic. Then, when you find yourself out on an open winding roadSHE-ZAMMM!suddenly youre driving a Porsche 911. All this and a WRC heritage for $23,500? Are you kidding me?!! The only thing that even comes close is the new Lexus SportCross and that costs thousands more, and no AWD or 5-spd. option.

A couple things I wasnt prepared for were the parking lot dings (theres no protective strip, so you have to park in no-man's land at the mall), and also, never expected so much attention from a car of this type. You get a lot of looks from people saying What IS that? Its like they dont quite know what to make of it. Also, other drivers (especially SUVs and pickups) always want to race you. It's kinda hard on the clutch defending your honor at stop lights everywhere you go

. Is it the hood scoop, maybe?
--RA

brekke · December 2001

maybe it is the hood scoop because my OBS attracts no attention

In fact, I've only seen one OBS during my commute in the last five months and even I was wondering, "Hmm, that car looks familiar, hmm, hey, it's a Subie...D'oh!"

ramiller1 · December 2001

Brekke-The new OBS looks really sharp, IMO, the two-tone gives it a very different look than the WRX, especially in red or black. Uh-oh, looks like we may be headed for a third Subie in the family somewhere down the road.

Juice--SOA calls the WRX a de-tuned rally car for the street. Good to know the Rex is so easy to modify for rallying here in the states. It would be fun to learn more about the WRC car--with 36 psi of boost, it must need titanium connecting rods to keep the engine from flying apart!
--RA

barresa62 · December 2001

I know what you mean about the WRX attracting so much attention. I've resorted (for the benefit of the view times other people drive my WRX) to keeping a cheat sheet of info in the glovebox. :-)

Stephen

ramiller1 · December 2001

Stephen--that's a great idea--you really have to know how to get the car off the line for maximum effect.
Sometimes a big, torquey SUV will get the drop on me when the light turns, but somehow I'm always there waiting for him by the time he gets to the next light. : )

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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