Subaru Impreza WRX

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 1, 2002, 1:21 pm

Anyone have one of these? I like what I see on their site, and like the general look of the car... just wondering if anyone here owns one and what they think of it!

noel · Post by **noel** » October 1, 2002, 1:36 pm

My brother, who's really into cars recommended you check out this site:

http://www.i-club.com

There are some great forums there where enthusiasts will answer your questions about the car, and you can read through the old posts to see what common problems are etc. I've heard really good things about the car and the full time AWD is pure love. I'd think this would be especially handy in FL with all the rain.

My brother also said that it's a good car but Subaru has some shady warranty practices if you want to try and modify it and keep your warranty.

If like me, you have no interest in tricking out a car, shouldn't be an issue.

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 1, 2002, 1:38 pm

Thanks mang, I'll check it out. I don't want to modify it, I just want something that is off the shelf fun to drive. Only car I ever plan on modifying will be my 69' Mach I Mustang when I get it later on down the road. =D

Ogbar · Post by **Ogbar** » October 1, 2002, 2:16 pm

OMG this car is fun to drive. I was seriously considering getting one this past summer (ended up not buying anything). I got to take one out on 2 or 3 occasions. First time in it, the salesman took it off the lot to loading dock area behind the Stop & Shop: then he floored it. Major G forces - I was quite impressed. The turbo is very nice.

Like all Subarus, it has a low center of gravity, so it handles well. You may want to get the wheel upgrade, though, if you are a real speed nut. It's low, and tight, but was comfortable enough for me (~6'1", ~250lbs).

If nothing else, take one out on the road ... er, more like the highway.

Oh, and I will pass on the advice a collegue, and WRX owner, passed on to me: be sure to invest in a good radar detector.

noel · Post by **noel** » October 1, 2002, 2:18 pm

Ogbar wrote:...be sure to invest in a good radar detector...

Don't waste money on a good radar detector. Get the best.

http://www.valentineone.com/

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 1, 2002, 3:07 pm

$400? Yikes.

If I get a WRX maybe I can convince the dealership to throw one in.

They should do that as a promotional deal, that would own.

Sylience · Post by **Sylience** » October 1, 2002, 3:18 pm

I own an Impreza 2.5RS, and when the WRX went out i decided i was gonna trade mine in and get the WRX. I went down to the dealer and test drove both the Coupe and the Wagon version.. the car is freakin fantastic, it has pretty much everything you could ask for in a sporty car.

Good Acceleration
Great handling, nice firm suspension system and AWD make it a pavement clawing bastard
The interior is badass too, espescially if you get the MOMO package
And the car looks pretty cool.

Too bad i couldnt quite make the payments

EDIT: Just wanted to add some stuff. I havent had an major problems with my Subaru to date, its a 2000 model so it isnt too old but it still runs as iff it was new.

One problems with Subarus tho is, if something does break, they have the 3rd highest repair costs out of "normal" car companies (excluding stuff like Ferrarri, Bugatti, etc).

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » October 1, 2002, 11:50 pm

Subaru makes excellent cars. The WRX is impressive. I don't own one but I want one bad.

Only a few cars I would rather have. Audi TT is top of my list.

Aedryn · Post by **Aedryn** » October 2, 2002, 12:03 am

one of my mates works for Subaru in Australia and he "tests' the cars. They are an awesome car to drive and go like the wind.....I took an STi around the block for a spin (the new one) and thought yeah I might see how it goes......before the end of my block I was doing 120................

I highly recommned them

Scotto · Post by **Scotto** » October 2, 2002, 12:38 am

I test drove one. It is a pretty amazing car. I didn't quite like the look of it, but here in cincinnati I see quite a few of them, especially at the local best buy in tricounty.

I ate at an arby's next to a nissan dealership here, and I took a walk through the lot and saw the Sentra Spec-V. Drove it, loved it bought it. I would have definitely bought the WRX if I had to drive anywhere at all in the winter. Since i really do not have ever have to leave my house for anything, I can afford to give up a bit of allweather driveability(sp).

It is a temporary car until I can get something a bit nicer, but I am going to teach my GF how to drive a stick then give her that. If she doesn't want it, then I will sell it to one of my employees.

I will go w/ a 350z or a 3 series BMW, since they are roughly the same price give or take a few grand. the Infinity G35 coupe looks nice as well, I will be looking at that one too.

Scotto · Post by **Scotto** » October 2, 2002, 12:42 am

just remembered that the new lancer is due here pretty soon. That will be an amazing car. not the econobox one, but the EVO7 or 6 or whatever they are bringing here.

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 2, 2002, 1:54 am

I would get a 350Z but not sure if I can afford it.. I plan on going to look at them, at least... and test driving one. =D

Lancer EVO7 should be nice, as well... they're not going to be out till the first of the year, I don't think. It's supposed to be the main competition for the WRX.

Scotto · Post by **Scotto** » October 2, 2002, 3:33 am

there aren't any around here..there are only 4 nissan dealerships in cincy, and all the dealers sold their 350z's to cincy reds and cincy bengals players--so no new ones til next year =/

Neroon · Post by **Neroon** » October 2, 2002, 5:53 am

Buy an American car you Commie!

/snicker Aedari

Emberella · Post by **Emberella** » October 2, 2002, 7:58 am

I own a Subaru Impreza WRX that i had imported directly from Japan to the UK.

http://www.sidc.co.uk is information about many different makes and models. It's important to note that the UK/Aussie/Jap spec WRX's differ seriously in performance.

UK and Aussie Spec is 210BHP and Jap spec is 280BHP - quite a difference. The 280BHP can do 0-61mph in 4.5 seconds.

They do handle like a dream and I've never had a days hassle out of a car that is now 9 years old.

The one huge problem in the UK is that fact that every boy racer / ram raider / joy rider in the country wants to steal one which is why i'm having to sell mine since two of the little fucktards broke into my house at 5AM to get the keys.

Emberella

Cleric
*The Circle of Eternity*

Scotto · Post by **Scotto** » October 2, 2002, 8:19 am

I am sorry but American cars on a whole are just substandard. I would attribute it to the engineering, but normally it is assembly errors.

I will never buy an american car. go Team JPN!!

Phugg_Innay · Post by **Phugg_Innay** » October 2, 2002, 9:48 am

For the "bang for my buck" quotion , I rented a Ford SVT Focus. My normal driver is a Jeep (yes rock ready version lift tires re-geared). I was astonished at the acceleration the little thing had. It would have almost kept up with my Jeep till about 40mph (then leave it in the dust). The little thing cornered like it was I5 in Cali , long and straight. The thing had great manners , just wish it had a higher sping rate right off the showroom floor, but thats what aftermarket is for. I know some of you are saying how can you compare a small pocket rocket to a Jeep ? well when you re-gear a vehicle for crawling the acceleration is Godlike. I routinely go against the "fast cars in town" at the lights , I will take them all off the line till we get to about 40mph , then I'm screwed. Hell I top out at about 75-85mph , but i get there really quick.
I do know enough about the small car quickness seeing as how I used to auto-cross as a youth (16-20). I had of all things a Pinto , highly modified with a Cosworth 1.6l engine. The little thing was a blast, weighed about 2400lbs and would smoke the Porches and vettes on the track. Oh well my 2c worth of info. If I could get one of these great little rocketsa , I would wait about a year or 2 and get the All Wheel drive Focus they are working on.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » October 2, 2002, 9:58 am

as far as performance comparisons go....everything I have read has put the EVO7 out performing the WRX, but the STi outperforming the EVO7.

But it was performance in the more extreme form of the tests (read: track)

Kadaas · Post by **Kadaas** » October 2, 2002, 11:54 am

I own a MY 02 WRX...thought I would chime in my thoughts.

I do not plan any major mods for this car simply because in it's stock form it just flat performs. Although, because of it's open source nature, there are a handful of very reputable WRX specific tuners and plenty of add-ons. My suggestion Z, if you do decide to purchase plan on upgrading the wheel and tire package. This was the single best upgrade I did on my WRX and it's handling is much more predictable. I may decide next year to go with one of the entry level mod packages.

If your looking at a new WRX, obviously you are looking at a MY 03. Subaru made some changes to the clutch assembly and the transmission which was a good move. Other slight changes, but essentially the same car.

The person who suggested i-club.com? Very good resource for owner feedback and vendors. You will hear the good and bad, but keep in mind that each vehicle make has it's issues and the WRX is no different. edmunds.com is another great resource and the site I used to finally make my decision to purchase the WRX. Also, it was one of Car & Driver's 10 best for 02.

As for the person who mentioned warranty issues with Subaru and the WRX? Subaru is only trying to protect itself and attempt to differentiate from the warranted issues and the mod zealot/launch monkeys. This vehicle is highly modifiable and if properly modded and tuned can turn 300-350 whp easily. Now if someone decides to turn this kind of HP w/o say upgrading the transmission and blows the tranmission. What do you expect Subaru to do? These cars are also very popular with the youth crowd and honestly can be easily abused. Best thing to do is to have a talk with the service manager of the dealership you plan on purchasing from and have a discussion with him/her. Every dealership will be different and some are more liberal than others.

We'll see on the EVO. Once it comes over in it's US passed emissions, watered down format. The WRX had to be modified from it's current Euro/Japanese market format to make the trip over. Vastly different stock specs once it was all said and done.

Anyhoot, I love the car and each ride I still enjoy after 6 months of owning the car. The looks are distinctive IMO and I still get head turns when driving around. The only thing that is annoying is the bling, blings or the ricer who wants to race at every red light. Sigh....kids. One launch usually sends them off.

Good luck Z.

Kad

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » October 2, 2002, 12:04 pm

hey kad! what's up man

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 2, 2002, 12:08 pm

Thanks for the info, everyone. Did you get the wagon or the sedan, Kad? I can't decide which I like better, but I'm leaning towards the wagon.

Kadaas · Post by **Kadaas** » October 2, 2002, 1:00 pm

Voronwe buddy

Xouq,

I too was planning on the wagon initially, but decided on the sedan for a couple of reasons. One was the tire width limitation. With 17" rims you can only run 215s max because of a slight difference in the strut tower bracing. You could do 225s but you will get some rubbing during hard cornering. Second, the sedan looked a little more sporty and sexy than the wagon when I was checking it out at the dealer.

On the sedan I'm able to run 17" x 7.5 width rims and 225x45x17 Bridgestone RE730. Stay away from Kumhos. After receiving (2) out of round tires that was enough for me.

Kad

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 2, 2002, 1:12 pm

Okay, guess I need to go check em out in person when it gets closer to the time to get rid of my truck.

Drisanna · Post by **Drisanna** » October 2, 2002, 1:13 pm

Oh, btw Kadaas. Let me be the first to give you the official welcome.

JACKASS!

Hugs,

Kadaas · Post by **Kadaas** » October 2, 2002, 1:19 pm

!!!!!

I am feeling the love

Kad

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 2, 2002, 1:51 pm

That's an impressive car. I'd have to switch out the stock stereo for an MP3 playing CD system but otherwise I could live with it as is. Speedy!

Neroon · Post by **Neroon** » October 2, 2002, 4:20 pm

Less posts about cars, more playing EQ Kadaas!

/glare

Kadaas · Post by **Kadaas** » October 2, 2002, 4:40 pm

The car is a perfect size for a Gnome like yourself Neroon

Kad

Pubin · Post by **Pubin** » October 2, 2002, 6:08 pm

A close friend of mine sold his brand new 4-runner limited to buy one of these after a test drive. For the money, you can't beat the performance.

Searyx · Post by **Searyx** » October 3, 2002, 12:41 am

Cars are meant to get your from point A to point B. PERIOD. Not fuck up the environment because you want to go from 0 to 60 in 0.003 seconds, or because you like to traverse mountainous inclines.

Scotto · Post by **Scotto** » October 3, 2002, 10:42 am

those that have the desire to do so though tend to do it in cars that burn less gas overall than a big piece of shit musclecar. He could be looking at gaymaros or something, but instead he picks a refined car. Those that dont appreciate cars are those that ride the metro, or in your case trains. but not the transportation kind.

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » October 3, 2002, 10:53 am

Scotto wrote:those that have the desire to do so though tend to do it in cars that burn less gas overall than a big piece of shit musclecar. He could be looking at gaymaros or something, but instead he picks a refined car.

There's no substitute for displacement

Frozboz · Post by **Frozboz** » October 3, 2002, 5:50 pm

I've owned an 02 WRX since July 2001, and absolutely love it. You won't be disappointed. So far I've only done a few mods to it (short shift, exhaust, possible suspension soon). That's the only complaint I have - and it's not just Subaru - but if you do anything to it without their consent, it voids the warranty. So you can pretty much put anything on you want, you just have to have one of their dealerships (and $50/hr labor) do it for you.

Top notch car though. I took it Rallying last week out on a track near Outer Banks, NC and had an absolute blast. If you get one, you won't be disappointed I promise you that

My two cents. Send me a tell in game if you wanna know more..

noel · Post by **noel** » October 3, 2002, 6:22 pm

Heya Froz! Glad to see you posting here. JACKASS!

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 4, 2002, 4:06 pm

there aren't any around here..there are only 4 nissan dealerships in cincy, and all the dealers sold their 350z's to cincy reds and cincy bengals players--so no new ones til next year =/

Is that a bad thing? I was always under the impression that you shouldn't get a first model year since they can be buggy anyway.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 4, 2002, 4:21 pm

On another topic...Phoenix Metro police have been burning up in their cars after being hit from behind in their Crown Victorias. That's an ugly way to go.

A study released in the past few days shows nothing wrong with the design of the car. Sucks to be a cop in one of those cars.

http://www.arizonarepublic.com/news/art ... vic04.html

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » October 5, 2002, 10:51 pm

Bicycle, Bicycle, Bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Omniz · Post by **Omniz** » October 6, 2002, 5:22 am

i know you didnt ask about it but im in the process of getting another car and just test drove the new 350ZX for the price this car is fun as hell and looks kick ass.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » October 6, 2002, 8:03 am

I have a porsche. When guys ask me what kind it is, I say it's a red one.

Post by **Xouqoa** » October 6, 2002, 12:13 pm

Omniz wrote:i know you didnt ask about it but im in the process of getting another car and just test drove the new 350ZX for the price this car is fun as hell and looks kick ass.

Yeah, that's what I'd really like to get I think, but not sure if I can afford them. Gonna look at them too, most likely. =)

Aarinu · Post by **Aarinu** » October 7, 2002, 9:31 am

Only one problem with the WRX. No, and I mean no lo end power. The power doesn't set in till about 3000 RPM (when the Turbo really starts doing something). Best bet, get the 5 speed and learn to love dumping the clutch

hehe.

Kadaas · Post by **Kadaas** » October 8, 2002, 8:54 am

The turbo lag can easily be tuned out and it is not because the WRX does not have any low end torque. Replacing the OEM ECU or getting a piggyback ECU is one of the better mods for this car, boost control, exhaust, the list goes on.

Clutch dumping is no good for any factory drivetrain. But yeah, you won't be pulling out in second gear in this car from a dead stop.

Kad

Truant · Post by **Truant** » October 8, 2002, 10:18 am

Also considering the fact that he won't be taking it to the tracks for 1/4 mile timeslips, I don't think spool up time, or turbo lag, will bother him much.

And to be honest spooling up has it's advantages, but really only in daily driving circumstances. Extreme weather for instance, would you want to put all that power to the wheels while leaving an intersection under limited traction? or would you rather the power edge in after you are moving?

if anyone asks what spooling up or turbo lag is, i'll explain later

i'm eating my cheereos now

Aarinu · Post by **Aarinu** » October 8, 2002, 11:04 am

The turbo lag can easily be tuned out and it is not because the WRX does not have any low end torque.

The fact of the matter is, Turbo chargers need to "spool up" or time to spin faster to create pressure. The only way for the turbo to spin faster is to make the exhaust flow faster, the only way to do that is to increase the RPM of the engine. Of course, you could shrink the exhaust piping so you create a higher pressure, but then your loosing more than your gaining due to the back pressure. Sitting at idle, the Turbo isn't doing jack and shit other than causing a LOSS in power. How you ask? Well, isn't a turbo blocking the free flowing exhaust gasses? Nuff said. Superchargers create power all the way thru the power band due to the fact that it is belt driven and isn't dependent on exhaust gas.

Bottom line, no matter what you do, there will always be some lag with a turbo, hense the need for stall converters on autos

VeeshanVault

Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru Impreza WRX

350zx

Re: 350zx