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2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
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You can't have it both ways, Mike. EITHER those who know get Subaru and Subaru delivers it, not the wannabes, or they try to get those wannabes at expense of those "who know". I say go and get them brother, but don't expect that those "who know" will sit quiet and stick around.
You said - of you want good stuff get STI. I'm a realist and outside of 6-speed tranny, I don't expect super-dooper powertrain for 30K-. I'm fine with the one they give - LSD removal is disapointing, but I could live with it. But they're shuving useless and overpriced Nav down my throat, while they could get me something that actually matters to me, like sunroof, leather, HID and just a bit better interior. Legacy shows they can do it for not much more so why in the world did they think grey on grey with grey (and did I mention grey?) was a good color scheme for sporty hatchback?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
So those tailights in '08 are fashionable for you ? :sick:
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Heck we were happy in the day with NA engines. Real old school folks drove RSs, OBs, XT6s, SVXs, etc.
We added turbos to car that never were meant to have turbos.
Those were the days!
-mike
-mike
Legacy Wagon owners are part of the market that Subaru no longer serves.
The interior of the 08's are OK. I look at the 08 WRX 5 door and the hood scoop is the only Subaru identity I see, the rest of it makes me think that it was switched at birth with a Mazda or Kia.
The softer handling of the WRX is not appreciated.
Cool, then all the wanabes can go back to hondah and mazda and those of us in the know will stick with Subaru.
That is EXACTLY the market Subaru is now trying to capture.
Soon there will be nothing recognizable to stick with.
My first Subaru was a 1978 BRAT. Second was a 1986 GL Hatchback.
Inexpensive and built to stay that way. Old school.
Eitherway there is not much we can do about any of the things people want or don't want. I guess I'm just so old school that I don't have to have exactly what I want, when I want it. AKA, I'm not spoiled. So whatever they sell if it fits my budget and gets the job done, I'm all for it. Heck I wanted a sedan, but got stuck with a wagon, I'm actually in agreement that there isn't a big market for them and they shouldn't produce a LGT wagon for my own personal needs.
-mike
Of course not. They have an aging Forester in the lineup.
Remember, when you look at overall sales, the Forester historically has outsold the Impreza 3 to 1.
A new Forester is about to arrive. That should reverse the skid.
More importantly, complaints of the WRX "going soft" won't hurt the Forester nearly as much, in fact it might help, because that customer wants the comforts and probably thinks an LSD is a drug, not a differential.
Tribeca sales are up with the refresh.
Impreza sales are up with the re-design. So far so good.
The Forester is a critical vehicle for Subaru, far more important than the Tribeca and WRX combined.
Also note that the last 2 months, when the new Impreza was available, were both good months. So the down 6.5% was before the 2008 WRX arrived. Give it time.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/subaru/impreza+wrx/12194/1
Does anyone know about these models?
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/subaru-forester-sti.htm
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/subaru-forester-sti.htm
Thanks for the link, yes that sounds just like what he described. They apparently have them new in the Philippines now. I can't see why they wouldn't bring it to America, but another mistake by Subaru out of so many who would notice. :sick:
I'm considering the '08 Impreza and the 5-speed auto would make it the number one candidate.
as for the "soft" suspension, I live in area where roads are really crummy, so that sounds like a plus.
I'm pretty sure we'll see it in '08 or '09... Subaru has essentially said they want to spread STI models throughout the lineup.
Well I NEED a car soon :sick:
I'm kind of hoping all the good stuff come out before I need one. Early 2008 is not going to be a good year for me. Price of course is a factor but my wife saw it and liked it right away. Too bad another 1-2 years.
Quote from the link;
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,22734112-5003140,00.html
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STI project manager Hiroshi Mori has also foreshadowed the creation of another model that would sit between the 169kW WRX and 221kW STI. "There is the potential for an intermediate model but we have to be careful to think the the whole situation through," he said.
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The current articles say it's good but not great and considering it' a new model. I think it should have been a lot better with more improvements. I'll reserve final judgment until i drive one but the projected date of when it will be in the showrooms in April 2008 so it's off my list much to the delight of my wife and I need a car soon.
2008 so far is very dissapointing for me new car wise across all the marques. :sick:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=123381
Bob
I was hoping for a lower price but not expecting it. Edmunds was fairly upbeat about the car but they also drove the Japanese only version same as other mags. The real test will be the US version whenever it's allowed to be driven. Supposedly won't be in showrooms until April. So looks like Subaru and a few other makes are off my list because they won't come out until my current car is long dead. Ah well at least the Mazdaspeed 3 kicks serious butt and while not AWD it about all I can hope for until the next crop of cars after 2012.
Sounds to me like you're looking items to fault, as you've already got your mind made up. No car is perfect. You can always find something to complain about if you look hard enough. I wish the new STI had a monroof option; that's my main complaint.
April delivery? I heard February, or thereabouts.
Bob
I'd like leather too. A lot easier to keep clean with kids and dogs.
It sounds to me as if you don't like any one who has a differing opinion than you do. Of course new cars get the faults pointed out when they come out as well as the good points. I haven't driven the car and considering the cost my wife isn't likely to let me buy it anyway.
Subaru as many have said has gone soft and while some of that can be corrected it's their loyal fans they've let down the most. Very few changes from 2007 to 2008 and that's a full redesign not a minor model change.
Since no one has officially tested the US version nor do they have prices I'll wait and see.
I've also heard about the Feb delivery as well as April, nothing firm yet. If they can't be bothered to announce it at the LA auto show this week then it won't matter as far as buying it for me anyway. I can't play games like this when I need a car and am just holding off to car makers who are delivering late into the new year are delaying everything more and more.
I love my Speed 3, but it too has it's drawbacks. No sun/moonroof option. I belive it's for chassis rigidity reasons. The gasp for breath at about 6000 rpm. The sometimes balky shifter, etc. It's not in the same group as the STi in terms of performance, but it excels in the bang-for-buck category.
Being notoriously thrifty, a.k.a. 'steenking cheapskate', the numbers alone are what keep the STi out of my serious consideration. I get that it's better hardware and LSD AWD. I understand it's worth it to some folks. It really would be cool to own such a fine machine. For me, it's thinking about my kids rapidly approaching college education, or another payment on a car 7000 or so above my comfort range. Hmmmm....
And I say go all out, give it the STI wider body work.
Take a page from Porsche's book. They tend to offer a turbo body kit model that isn't a turbo. Give it the suspension and the wider track, too.
I bet the regular WRX outsells it 8 to 1, but at least the autocross crowd would have their option.
Well from what I have seen, all cars have drawbacks, the question is can I as the buyer live with them?
I never want a hole in my roof. I live in New England and maybe all those bad experiences won't repeat themselves but I don't want to find out. So that's a non-issue for me. I've heard about the shifter and haven't heard of a Fix for it yet. maybe eventually?
6K rpms is ok by me, it's not a Civic Si.
It seems like my best compromise at this time. bang for the buck the new WRX is nothing like my old one. I finally drove one and didn't like it but can see the improvements. I'd take the Mazda over the new WRX as it's a no brainer.
Being notoriously thrifty, a.k.a. 'steenking cheapskate', the numbers alone are what keep the STi out of my serious consideration. I get that it's better hardware and LSD AWD. I understand it's worth it to some folks. It really would be cool to own such a fine machine. For me, it's thinking about my kids rapidly approaching college education, or another payment on a car 7000 or so above my comfort range hmmmm....
Well my wife will in no way allow me to spend that kind of dough on a car and we pay cash for whatever we buy. The STI will need some tweaking like sway bars etc... But looks like it has a ton of potential. The price is just so high that I just can't justify it.
My kids have decided about their careers and are pursuing them so no more college bills for me except the youngest who hasn't decided yet.
I think the other guy who is hardcore about subaru doesn't get why anyone would complain about a car that cost big $$$ and yet find faults. I guess for me to spend that kind of money it has to be dead on, or buy cheaper. I will take a Speed3 for a test drive soon. I've delayed because my buddy says I'll drive home with it that day if I drive it.
My wife wants a Mini Cooper, nice cars, small very small she says no they are just fine, but 2 hour drive to the dealer each way means a day out of work. :surprise: :sick:
I can't afford that! The car yes, the day off no. Too bad Mini has such a small dealer network. It's just not viable at almost 2 hours away with traffic Rt 128 always has traffic and Rt 93 is no picnic either. I can head up Rt 1 but that's not a world of fun either. My wife does not drive long distances.
I guess I've gotta get a diesel eventually gas is too expensive now.
I don't mind the styling on the outside, it's the inside I'm not crazy about. And the trim levels and equipment could use some tweaking. Nothing that can't be fixed as the model cycle continues.
That's why I have high expectations for the Forester - same improved interior, yet a distinct outer shell.
Funny thing is I like the interior better than the exterior.
That's why I have high expectations for the Forester - same improved interior, yet a distinct outer shell.
That's why I have concerns about the Forester, Subaru can not exude cheapness at the price levels they are at.
These are not really high prices.
I test drove a Saturn Vue Redline yesterday. Guess how much?
Over $32 grand. :surprise:
Over $32 grand.
I just looked at the pricing on Edmunds. I'm not a Saturn fan or anything, but I think you probably drove the most expensive Vue available. In terms of model/trim positions, would a Vue Redline, with apparently all availble options, be better compared to a Forester STi?
The Vue was nicely loaded. We usually sample a high-end model and then delete the features we don't want. That way you don't miss anything.
Let's Build My Own...Redline AWD, add cargo cover, NAV, TAP shift, $32,120. Can't bargain that down, either. They have 0% but only on 2007s.
The Subaru is not out yet, and the current model doesn't have NAV, so it's hard to compare directly. The local dealer has an XT Ltd for under $26k. The new one will boost that price quite a bit, as NAV is an expensive option from Subaru.
I have to wait and see, basically.
I liked the Vue, I just didn't love it. The wife liked it even less, not sure why.
Good first step in improvement, though.
Are you actively shopping to replace the Malibu Maxx?
FWIW.. Black leather interiors in central Texas are not much fun in summer, unless you're entertained by seared flesh when you first sit down. Shorts are for the true masochist.
Problem with black interiors in summer is they outgas, and fog the windows (all that heat's also shortening material life). Also concur with networkguy that they get hot enough to burn skin.
And yeah, AC helps but has to work a __lot__ harder with black than light interiors.
Nothing __wrong__ with having black for an interior (two of my cars were that way) !! But having been through the pain and no longer needing the "statement", it's nice to be offered a choice in a performance car. Subaru doesn't offer one here.
...and yes, ateixeria, I am looking to replace my 4-year old Maxx, which is having issues with Oregon weather and is now "orphaned" (GM discontinued it in '08). We don't have a huge number of true AWD choices up here, though. Audi has ___one___ dealer here serving a 150 mile radius .vs. several Subaru dealers.
Not sure where you are in Oregon, but if you go with a Subaru, Carr in Beaverton has a reputation for nearly impossible to beat, no-dicker pricing. They're also one of the largest volume Subie sellers in the nation. I have some friends down in Portland who purchased an Outback there with no complaints. Even if Beaverton's too far away from you, taking Carr's pricing to other dealers to match (or at least come close) gives you a strong hand to play.
As far as sportier Subies go, taupe or ivory interiors are available on Outback XT, Outback 3.0R LLBean, Legacy 3.0R, Forester XT Ltd. All of those are leather... no non-black cloth options on H6 or turbo models.
-mike
However I did hear a rumor from one dealer that the WRX is supposed to be getting a 5 speed auto by early next year (I'm considering the Outback XT because it does have a 5 speed, though its very expensive).
As for my 4 yr old tan interior Maxx, the only dirty area is the driver floor mat. But I will rethink that a bit for the much wetter Oregon area.
jeffmc,
though I am near Beaverton so far I've avoided Carr (I've read bad things about them) and have visited Capitol Subaru in Salem; No nonsense pricing and very courteous staff - a huge improvement over the Calif. dealers I was turned off by.
The custom leather option sounds like a good way to go to me. :shades:
-mike
I saw a Katskins leather interior on a Forester when we had a Subaru themed event at a winery in VA. The leather was nicer than the OE stuff, though the fit isn't quite as good. Still more than acceptable to me.
Subaru –5.9% at 14,868 (11/06: 15,800)
What thread are we in? Oh, right, Impreza. :P
Subaru Impreza
Oh, right, Subaru makes the Impreza.
Subaru Impreza sales are way up for the 3rd month in a row. Every single month since the new Impreza has been out. That's not bad news for the Subaru Impreza no matter how you try to spin it.
That's like me saying you are skinny because your uncle lost weight.
You should be here instead:
ateixeira, "Subaru's fortunes sinking - can they turn it around?" #2617, 19 Nov 2007 7:07 am