Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

drew_ · May 2001

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seamus3 · May 2001

i was sitting in front of the tv last night and i saw an ad for mazda. it was for this new station wagon based on the protege. it looks like it might be competing with the 2002 impreza RS wagon (is that the same as the TS?). anyone know anyhting about it?

himiler · May 2001

It's on sale now. It only comes in ES trim--2.0L 130-bhp, 16-in. wheels, 3-spoke steering wheel from the Miata. Mazda is hoping it will make up 20% of all Protege sales at a sticker under $20,000. It will offer very sharp handling. Seems like it's more of a Focus or Toyota Matrix(base model) competitor than an option to the TS wagon, but the price is right. I wish there was a RS wagon. I like the TS but it needs the better brakes and suspension bits from the RS sedan. If an RS wagon were available, I might be tempted away from the WRX wagon.

kostamojen2 · May 2001

Base MSRP for the Protege wagon is like $16k, you can check mazda's web site for exact numbers... It definatly doesnt compete with the TS though, since the TS has AWD, 35 more HP+torque, and bunchs of other stuff standard the protege doesnt...

driver36 · May 2001

The TS wagon does not comes with 4wh dis-brake and alloy wheels which Protege-5 has it.
TS wagon has more hp plus AWD, however, it cost about $2000 more on MSRP.
If you do like to have a subies, get the WRX, nothing will come close to compare in terms of values per b$$k. The TS wagon has too many close compeletion players suck like Jetta wagon, Protege5, Toyota Matrix, even mini SUV.

Do what you want and be happy about it!

kostamojen2 · May 2001

The Protege 5 has the Anti-lock brakes as optional along with side air bags for close to $1000... That, and you can get a TS wagon for close to invoice if not at invoice already, which makes it more of a compeditor than you think.

The Jetta wagon costs $$$$ especially if you want the 4motion and the V6 (puts it up past the cost of a WRX!) and the Matrix/Vibe wont have the AWD with the 180hp engine... So, in reality, the TS and Outback wagons still are the best, cheapest AWD wagons you can get. And if you can afford the Rex wagon, of course you sould get it!!! But for alot of people, thats not an option.

ateixeira · May 2001

Myron: I dropped by a VW dealer and the Jetta wagon they had, admittedly loaded up but not a 4Motion, was ... TWENTY SEVEN GRAND! Holy Cow!

Hardly comparable to the TS. Actually, not even comparable to the WRX!

-juice

driver36 · May 2001

Thanks for your info Juice! Actually, I am in market for a mini SUV or a mini wagon or a Hatchback that price range around high 10K's and below 20K. Not much of choice for me here,
due to my budget. I was thinking about the TS wagon all along, and I could not get a good price
for it at this time, maybe after a couple of months things might start deads down a bit. That
is the reason why I am looking at other alternatives like Protege5, GTI 1.8T, Toyota
Matrix or even a mini SUV like GrandViltaraV6(selling at $15,999).

If I have the money, I just get the WRX period. End of story here if only if lol.

hondafriek · May 2001

I still have a hard time understanding all this preoccupation with gas milage,

IMHO. if you go out and buy a 227HP road rocket you are not going to be driving it like a little old lady so get over it or go buy a Geo Metro.

I just traded a 1993 Honda Accord Ex wagon which I dearly Loved, But 130HP no AWD and its best milage on an imperial gallon was about 20 city and 30 highway, I have not checked the GT and I don,t think I will unless It appears exorbitant but judging by the hit on my wallet it is not much worse than the Accord.

CheersPat.

newt5 · May 2001

Howdy all,

I got my Sedona Red WRX wagon in March. I have been driving it here in Colorado since then. We've had a few snow storms and therefore the roads have been sanded some of the time. I have about 3000 miles on it now and the front hood of my car has an enormous number of paint chips on it.

My girlfriend has an Audi A4 and has been driving in similar conditions and has 6000 miles on her car. She has almost no paint chips on her car. Morover, I had an 97 Outback Sport before this and it didn't have nearly the number of paint chips on it... even with 60000 miles!!

None of the 3 cars I mentioned has a Bra, Clear Bra, or bug deflector on it.

Is this just a matter of Subaru having thinner paint? Should I complain to the dealer about this problem. It's very frustrating for me because at this rate the car will need to be repainted in a year.

Any suggestions? Should I expect the dealer to help me with this?

Thanks,
Newt

ateixeira · May 2001

Myron: definitely some worthy and interesting vehicles on your list. Have fun test driving them, that's the best part!

Newt: are you driving a lot quicker in the WRX than you did in the OBS? Following more closely, maybe?

The paint is probably the same as before. I would at least bring it to the attention of the dealer, maybe see if they can open a case file on it (for future use).

-juice

drew_ · May 2001

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cptplt · May 2001

I think there is a problem related to certain paints. a 92 winestone red I had had this problem bad, a 92 onyx didn't and neither does my 98 rio red. the winstone was made in Japan the other 2 in the US, maybe the paint process in the factories is different though you wouldn't think it ought to be ! Climate of the factory???

glinski1 · May 2001

I have 2 windsurfers, one weighs 60lb one weighs 40lb; can I carry them on the roof-rack assuming they are tied down securely.... Does exceeding the capacity by 20 lb, pose a problem?
Luke,

ateixeira · May 2001

Capacity is 100 lbs, just make sure you spread it evenly.

My Forester is rated for 150lbs but I've probably pushed that limit, too.

-juice

rsholland · June 2001

Anybody, besides myself, notice that the new Mazda MP3 has borrowed a number of WRX styling/marketing cues such as the big round fog lamps, and they offer a sports wagan in bright yellow?

The price is right, around $18K, but the horsepower isn't (140). And, of course, it's not AWD.

Bob

ateixeira · June 2001

I saw one in person the other day - it's much more tame. Conservative, even, in a cute way.

I think it's far more mainstream than a WRX. Some may cross shop the TS or OBS with it.

-juice

mdimarti · June 2001

I was thinking of getting a bike rack for my WRX wagon's roof rails. I know the dealer offers a rack for about $250, I was wondering if this is the best route to go, or does anybody know of someplace that is better/cheaper.

Any input would be great

Mark

philwang66 · June 2001

Mark,

I believe you can get the OEM bike attachment for $170 at www.subaruparts.com. This is assuming you already have the cross bars to the rails. If I'm not mistaken, they're made by Yakima.

good luck,
Phil

drew_ · June 2001

...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
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jim2741 · June 2001

I just love how the WRX wagon looks. This is a one of a kind car. There is no other car like it. No other car like it. I just love rare or unusual cars. I thought about buying a VW Jetta, but how would I find it at the mall.

gaspasser2 · June 2001

I'm waiting for mine to arrive and the dealer said to expect 6-8 weeks for delivery. It's been 4 weeks now. Just wondering how long did it take for you guys. I don't think I can take this waiting anymore. ARRGHHHHH......

I was actually thinking of buying the new Protege5 until I drove the WRX. No question in my mind which one is more fun to drive. My wife was with me when we took the WRX for a test drive. As soon as the turbo kicked in, we looked at each other and simultaneously said "Oh my God!". I have to give Mazda credit for the design and price for the Protege5 though. Too bad it's not up to par with WRX in power and it's not AWD.

Crazy waiting.

barresa62 · June 2001

I ordered my WRX wagon on Feb 3rd (part of the first allocation in WA State) and got the car on 3/26, about 6 weeks. 6 - 8 weeks seems to be the average. I know...doesn't really matter, I mean it's hard to wait either way. :-) Hang in there! Your next test will be having to keep the WRX below 4k rpms in the first 1000 miles, :-)

Stephen
2800 miles and loving every minute of it!

kostamojen2 · June 2001

Ya, I just saw another P5 today at the dealer... There really nice, but there not AWD and the power is severely lacking... I think there might actually be more space behind the back seat than the rex though.

I'd rather get a TS though...

himiler · June 2001

Based on my experience driving them back-to-back, the P5 handles and brakes MUCH better than a TS, and the the shifter/cluth action is also superior. The P5 comes with cruise (N/A on the TS), has better seats (for me, anyway), and the interior is more nicely finished.

The P5 really lacks the "zoom zoom" of the TS, except when cornering--it is very balanced and tracks well, despite having an iron engine block (boo, hiss). Too bad Mazda won't put the MP3 or Miata motor in it.

There's about 20 cu.feet behind the rear seat, according to dealer literature.

It will be interesting to see how the Toyota Matrix AWD compares to the WRX when it comes out next year. If the weight stays down (only 180HP), it might be fun, even if it isn't a giant-killer like the WRX. By the looks of it, the Matrix will be more of an all-purpose vehicle, and not a balls-to-the-wall sportwagon.

mdimarti · June 2001

From what I have heard, the Matrix and its twin the Pontiac Vibe will only offer AWD with the 130 hp engine. THe 180 hp engine is from the Celica and is only offered on the performance model with a 6 speed Manual, and is a front driver only. That is quite dissapointing because I was thinking that they were on to something. It acutally doesn't really make sense not to offer the AWD, but again I am not a Toyota/GM engineer

gaspasser2 · June 2001

Matrix looks good from the outside. But once again, can't match the WRX in performance and power. There is not one car here in the states that can compete with WRX unless you're willing to dole out an extra 10K.

barresa62 · June 2001

Exactly my thoughts as well. The Matrix would not be comparable to the WRX. It's funny, people tend to make random comparisons between different vehicles but that doesn't, in fact, make them comparable models. I think the true comparison to the WRX (giving true credit to its performance) would be an Audi A4 Avant (on the low end of the scale) to something like the S4 version which is a tad faster but a good $20k more expensive, on the high end of the scale. The fact is there aren't many high performance AWD wagons out there to compare with. I guess you could also throw in the BMW 3-series wagon w/AWD (read: luxury but slower and more expensive). Just some thoughts...

Stephen

hypov · June 2001

Just sit down and recollect/think a moment and let the word "Station Wagon" sink in...
wow! Subaru has the fastest "Station Wagon"
Should had named it "WRX Speedwagon" ;-)

klkrause · June 2001

It's funny what some people will call random comparisons may actually be real world comparisons by real people shopping different automobiles. The WRX does not have much in the way of comparable vehicles when thinking about performance and AWD for around $25k. However, when one takes other things into consideration, other vehicles will be thrown in for comparison. Just because one person doesn't consider two vehicles comparable, doesn't mean someone else won't cross-shop them.

For example, I am a few months (at least) off from purchasing a new vehicle and here is the list I am considering: WRX Wagon or Sedan, Volvo S60, Mustang SVT Cobra, Focus SVT, Jag X-Type, Acura TL-S, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Coupe, and a few others. It's probably not a very typical shopping list, but I still haven't decided how much I really want to sink into a new vehicle nor exactly what I'm looking for in my next vehicle ... something just for fun or something that will be very comfortable when driving 20+ thousand miles per year.

hunter001 · June 2001

I checked the WRX brochure, checked the Subaru website etc., but nowhere have they published the front/back weight distribution of the Subaru WRX Sedan/Wagon.

Can somebody point me to a published article/website where they mention the weight distribution of the WRX front/back ?

Thanks in advance,

AH

kostamojen2 · June 2001

The weight distribution is about 60/40 for the WRX. But the sedan drives extremely neutral, much like a 50/50 car... The wagon is a little more tail happy.

I drove a Protege ES 2001 model a couple months ago, and Im sure the P5 drives very simular... Nice and "zip zippy" but it was as you say, lacking in the zoom department :P
And the TS handling is easy to fix... Just some sway bars and new springs (and tires too I would have to say, but you can just replace those when the stock ones are finished) and it'll handle nice and sharp.

I was also surprized at how expensive the P5 was with any options... I saw one with the auto, Moonroof, Abs/side impact package, and floormats for almost 20k! Thats too much IMO with such little HP...

hunter001 · June 2001

Thanks kostamojen2.

But I can't understand why they don't publish these figures in the specifications, either on the website or in the brochure. They provide lots of other stuff but something important like the weight distribution is ignored (?!!)...

Do you have any info of a published figure ?

Thanks in advance.

kostamojen2 · June 2001

I think car and driver or motor trend (or any mag for that matter) had the info in print...

gaspasser2 · June 2001

Hello folks,

Just want to confirm if the WRX wagon has the 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area and also if it has the center sun visor above the rearview mirror. I don't think both features are in the WRX. Can anyone confirm this? I'm still waiting for WRX to arrive.

Thanks in advance.

barresa62 · June 2001

Has the center sun visor (for what it's worth...pretty ineffectual) but not the cargo area 12v power outlet. Hope this helps.

Stephen
WRX wagon owner

gaspasser2 · June 2001

Well, that's a bummer. Why didn't Subaru put one in the WRX? That doesn't make sense. I guess we can't have it all can we?

barresa62 · June 2001

Why didn't SOA put the heated seats and mirrors in the US WRX or at least make them an option? The Canadian spec WRXs have them std. The blank buttons are there despite the fact that we don't get this option in the US of A. Very shortsighted on Subaru's part!! Yes, I've written SOA and they thank me for my product suggestion....whatever! Ok...done ranting. :-)

Stephen

lark6 · June 2001

I have to admit that I have the hots for a WRX wagon even though I've only had my Forester a year and a half, but lack of rear outlet and heated seats are a detriment in my eyes. Oh yeah, something about using premium unleaded, too...

Seriously, I question whether I'd ever be able to fully enjoy the WRX's power given where I live (NE Corridor) and how I do the majority of my driving (in traffic). The minority of my driving seems to favor the Forester's ground clearance over the WRX's raw speed. I tend to treat the Forester like a truck at times by hauling all sorts of stuff; I'd almost feel guilty slinging things around in the back of the WRX.

Still...mmm, black WRX wagon...

Ed

philwang66 · June 2001

I'd have to agree regarding the heated seats and rear power outlet. They should at least be options on the WRX wagon. I assume the blank buttons for the heated seats are the ones near the parking brake lever.

The WRX does give up quite a bit of ground clearance to the Forester, but it compares favorably to most sedans and betters most sporty cars. However, I don't think it gives up as much cargo capacity as you might think. With the rubber cargo tray, I can haul quite a bit of junk in the back without being too worried about making a mess.

All the differences melt away when you find a twisty road, or when a gap appears in traffic and you grab the shifter for a downshift.

Phil

barresa62 · June 2001

Check out the cargo specs on the Forester w/moonroof vs WRX wagon. With the rear seat up the Forester (with or w/o moonroof) rates 32 cu ft and the WRX 27.9. With the rear seat folded, the Forester w/moonroof rates 58.5, w/o moonroof it's 63.1, the WRX is 61.6. The total interior room for a Forester w/moonroof is 84.8 cu ft, the Forester w/o moonroof is 94.3, and the WRX is 90.4. The legroom and headroom figures are really close. In fact, the WRX has a smidge more rear legroom and headroom than the Forester w/moonroof. Curb weights are quite close as well. The Forester L w/5spd is 3140 lbs, the S version w/5spd is 3200 lbs. The WRX wagon w/5spd is 3165 lbs. Fuel tanks are the same size at 15.9 gal. The Forester is a tad longer at 175.6 inches vs 173.4 for the WRX. Wheelbases are exactly the same.

It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to call the WRX a lowered, hot rod Forester (relating primarily to dimensions). I'm sure this might please Forester owners but not necessarily the guys over at i-club...tee hee. :-)

Stephen

barresa62 · June 2001

I have to drive my WRX wagon 5spd in Seattle's sh_tty traffic a lot. I live for the spot openings in traffic. It's at least half the fun of owning this little caffeine injected, Bull dog looking, hot-rod! Wait...maybe that's me I'm describing. :-)

Stephen

lark6 · June 2001

...moonroof not an option in '00, and not sure I'd have gotten it - I'm practically bald on top now. WRX has it all over Forester in aerodynamics, which you'd think would help fuel econ. But since when do you all care about that? Can't believe the WRX is that heavy.

Stephen: Have driven in Seattle rush hour in a '98 Cherokee and a Ford Aerostar of indeterminate age. Not fun. You should take the WRX out to the OP.

Ed

p0926 · June 2001

OP... Mmmmmmm!!!! Twisty rain slickened roads are where the WRX was made to excel.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · June 2001

The WRX wagon indeed just about matches the Forester for passenger room. Well, except for head room, maybe. The only significant different is the boxy rear, which would allow big boxes.

I've hauled a clothes washer with the box inside, hatch closed. The sporty tailgate on the Rex would prevent that, though you have good floor space so you could probably do it if you left the hatch open.

I hope the 2003 Forester doesn't gain too much weight, or the 2.5l won't be as fun any more. Guess it would just have to get a turbo. ;-)

-juice

lark6 · June 2001

With you on that, Juice. The boxy rear, slightly higher ground clearance and use of regular unleaded leads me to stick with the Forester - oh, that and the fact that I've only had it 18 months...;-) Headroom never an issue as I'm only 5' 7".

Ed

barresa62 · June 2001

The Forester w/o moonroof:
Front 40.2"
Rear 39.6

The Forester w/moonroof:
Front 39.6"
Rear 37.2

WRX/OBS/TS
Front 39.7"
Rear 37.3

So, overall the Forester has more headroom than the Impreza wagons but if you have the moonroof the headroom is almost a wash.

Stephen

ateixeira · June 2001

Well, the OBS and WRX don't have a moonroof, so comparing apples to apples, the Forester has more headroom (though the OBS is roomy too).

Though a measuring tape doesn't tell the whole story. The boxiness of the Forester means you have space in places where the tape measure does not go.

It'll be interesting to see where Subaru takes the 2003 Forester. Some say it'll go to the Legacy chassis, and there are rumors of a turbo or H6 engine option. I'm hoping for at least a multilink rear suspension (mostly for better packaging) and a turbo, but in a light and compact package. We'll see.

-juice

barresa62 · June 2001

to show that the new Impreza wagons are much closer to the interior dimensions of the Forester (even exceeding those of the moonroof equipped Foresters in total room) than they ever were before.

Stephen

ateixeira · June 2001

Absolutely. The next Forester will likely grow a bit too, but I hope not by too much.

I say keep the Forester small, then come out with a Grand Forester Plus with 3 rows of seats and a longer wheelbase. I'd have to buy two!

-juice

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

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