Wrx

[Joey D]

I have bad news.

I drove on today and hated it. It was uncomfortable and a bad inside. I also found the braking to be a little funny. This had been the first drive of it.

Although the performance and handling are a lot better than the Mistu.

I going to have to say no on the car. I need more comfort.

 

[Hooligan]

Originally posted by streetracer780
I drove on today and hated it. It was uncomfortable and a bad inside. I also found the braking to be a little funny. This had been the first drive of it.

A "bad inside"? Did it eat too much curry for lunch? I guess everyone's idea of a quality interior differs.... And what exactly did you mean by "funny brakes"? They're among the best brakes of any compact car. Easy to modulate, highly effective...as long as the ABS doesn't get in the way.

Although the performance and handling are a lot better than the Mistu.

Better than a new Eclipse? I would hope so.

 

[SaleenASL]

im sorry to hear that SR. but that wont stop me from test driving one after im out of college for a few years, and have some dough in my pocket.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by Hooligan


It's not bad. I like it better than most other car's interiors in this price segment. I've had Scooby's for 4+ years, and my family's had one since 1990. The interior isn't VW/Audi clean, nor Jaguar XJ beautiful, but it works enough for me without putting me to sleep. Shines up nice, too, with some simple Armor-All.

I agree it's better than most cars' interiors in the class, but not the price segment (as I find the Toyota Camry's interior suits its purpose FAR better). Yet I find that the exterior styling is called radical (or at least not "bland") by every auto journalist around - they seem mismatched.

 

[sn00pie]

Originally posted by M5Power


I agree it's better than most cars' interiors in the class, but not the price segment (as I find the Toyota Camry's interior suits its purpose FAR better). Yet I find that the exterior styling is called radical (or at least not "bland") by every auto journalist around - they seem mismatched.

I generally don't like Japanese interiors either, I like them Swedish!

 

[Joey D]

Mmm...SAAB. I wish I could buy one.


It was just what I thought of the car.

THe brakes were touchy. And the inside was a little small. Oh well.

 

[sn00pie]

Originally posted by streetracer780
Mmm...SAAB. I wish I could buy one.


It was just what I thought of the car.

THe brakes were touchy. And the inside was a little small. Oh well.

Maybe you just brake too hard.

 

[Sage]

Well, I was going to tell you every little tidbit I had ever read on the car (even got my magazines out to quote from them), but then read your post SR. Sorry to hear of it.

BTW, Subaru does seem to have a problem making comfortable seats. We own an Outback Ltd., and the seats are pretty bad if you're not in the right position (tip: never ride in Subaru seats with them bolted straight up... they need to be at least one notch down if you want your back to survive). They have the nicest seat warmers though!

 

[Joey D]

Maybe I'll try one out again

 

[Hooligan]

Originally posted by streetracer780
THe brakes were touchy. And the inside was a little small. Oh well.

The brakes are considerably stronger than most other import sedans, and do take some getting used to. In seven months of abuse, I have yet to feel any noticeable brake fade.

The inside *is* small, and the seats are *not* all that comfy. However, I do remember last year's Impreza's "leather" seats to be the best ones yet.

It's not a car for everyone. I imagine it best suits those who spend as much time in L.L.Bean as they do finding tight, twisty roads.

 

[StevieMo]

wouldnt this be like your 3rd or 4th car in a month?

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by youth_cycler
BTW, Subaru does seem to have a problem making comfortable seats. We own an Outback Ltd., and the seats are pretty bad if you're not in the right position (tip: never ride in Subaru seats with them bolted straight up... they need to be at least one notch down if you want your back to survive). They have the nicest seat warmers though!

I must admit I would change our Liberty/Legacy RX's front seats - I don't know who needs lumbar support where this seat provides it (I use a small foam lumbar support my physio gave me, and the seat base is to short for full under-thigh support. I always find I start to get the squirms four or five hours into a long drive.

The best seats I've had in a car were those in our old Vectra CD - they were velour and rock-hard, but the shape was perfect - they were fantastic for long drives.

 

[1X83Z]

I've never had a car with really good seats.

I think the Cressida's seats got pretty damn soft after ten years of use.

 

[sn00pie]

Originally posted by M5Power
I've never had a car with really good seats.

I think the Cressida's seats got pretty damn soft after ten years of use.

Or maybe you just got pretty damn heavy!

 

[Sertsa]

I thought it seemed fairly roomy inside, but I wasn't in one for more than a few minutes. And how'd the shifter feel?

Anyway, what I was going to suggest is only quasi-related. But before budgeting for a WRX or other such car, you might want to check how much the insurance will be, especially if you're a younger driver.

The money may not be an issue for you, but you may not want to get blindsided by the insurance payments, either. (Around here, at least, WRXs seem to be winding up smashed into things a bit too much, which may be making insurance agents cringe. Of course, it's not the cars, but some of the people getting hold of them.)

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by rufrgt_sn00pie2001


Or maybe you just got pretty damn heavy!

 

[f50]

i drive it is so good thanks to awd+turbo.
my friend is the owner and he put all he's money on that car i think may be have 320/370 hp

he add this : computer chip,pipes,turbo timer,sparks+cables exaust,boots controler,and a few more parts.

but if you wanna keep the the warranty you can buy some parts sti like: pipes,larger intercooler,18 inch wheels(chrome or gold) etc.
ps this :subaru: is a rocket. :gcar:

 

[GTO_VR4]

ha, wait till the EVO VII comes here...

 

[AltF8]

Originally posted by f50
i drive it is so good thanks to awd+turbo.
my friend is the owner and he put all he's money on that car i think may be have 320/370 hp

he add this : computer chip,pipes,turbo timer,sparks+cables exaust,boots controler,and a few more parts.

but if you wanna keep the the warranty you can buy some parts sti like: pipes,larger intercooler,18 inch wheels(chrome or gold) etc.
ps this :subaru: is a rocket. :gcar:

The parts you mentioned are good for *maybe* 270 hp, IF you are lucky.

Back to the topic at hand:

Yes, I own a MY02 UDM WRX. I've had it since August of last year. So far? I'm impressed beyond my dreams. The car has done extremely well, with only a one major problem (warranty replacement, I'll get to that in a minute), and a few small complaints.

I'll get the complaints out of the way first.

1. The interior does feel a bit on the cheap side. But, who cares?
2. Water gets in the front part of the driver's window, where the rubber is when it rains. This causes the window to squeak when going up and down. Just annoying.
3. Too expensive on gas. But, that's probably just my right foot coupled with 16 psi. In 5th.
4. The clutch assembly on the early WRXs had a problem. No one has figured out exactly what it was, but SOA is replacing it under warranty. A rattling/grinding sound came from the area under deceleration above 3000 rpm in the top 3 gears. Odd, but didn't affect the car's performace at all. I've had the assembly replaced, and everything is peachy.
5. Stock wheel/tire combination is a joke. The RE92s are soft and squishy. I've AutoX'ed on them...much to the pain of spectator's ears.

Now, the good stuff.

1. AWD + ~235 hp = 5.4 second 0-60 times, and many embarassed Mustangs.
2. With a 'snorkelectomy' (intake silencer removal), the car sounds beautiful. Even better when my TurboXS BOV gets installed next week. 110 dB atmosphere vents!
3. Did I mention how quick they are?
4. AWD in the winter (I live in Iowa) is absolutely great.
5. Zoooooom!

Anywho, it's a wonderful car. Sorry you felt it was too small inside, but it is a small car. The brakes are VERY strong, and I think that's what you were feeling. Taking a 3100 lb. car down from 60-0 in 118 feet isn't easy.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[AltF8]

I forgot to list mods, if that makes a difference.

Factory/Dealer install:
- OEM spoiler
- STi short shifter linkage kit (a MUST have)
- Premium speaker upgrade with sub

My install:
- Snorkelectomy (hehe)
- Intercooler guard (lots of big bugs get in that hood scoop)
- Blitz DC Dual turbo timer (with boost gauge)
- ITG Pro racing air filter (better than K&N, never needs cleaning )
- TurboXS Type H BOV (on order...I can't wait...*PSSSHHH!*)

The shifter kit is pricey, but makes an incredible difference in the feel of the shifter.

Even the premium speaker upgrade leaves the stereo system a bit weak, but it works for what I listen to.

 

[f50]

excuse me
1 but any computer chip can make 20/40 hp.
2 a good boost controler can handle a lot of hp
3 pipes is like 7/10 hp
4 spark pluk deliver more energy to the engine.( n/a hp )
5 with 2.5 exaust give a few ponys more like 10/15
6 valvle blow off (is so good wen you modify any motor turbo)


227+40+10+15=289 did you see my post i say and a few more things i talk to him and i ask what more he made to the engine this what sed. a t3 hydrid with t4 wheel,cam ,valves,heads.
and a filter kit
289=t3hydrid+cam+valves+head+filter= a lot of power

do you read this this b4

drive it is so good thanks to awd+turbo.
my friend is the owner and he put all he's money on that car i think may be have 320/370 hp.

and btw he's sister is the wife of the dealer guy so he never loose the warranty.

 

[AltF8]

Well, I love to counter-point!

1. Maybe, but not in the WRX. A properly tuned Unichip ($700! ) will probably only give a few horsepower if it is the only mod. Since it isn't, perhaps he's getting a bit more than normal.
2. Handle, yes. Produce, no. Boost controllers do not ADD power unless you ADD boost. If he's adding boost, great. He's also melting his engine, if he hasn't changed his fuel pump, injectors and maps. Check out www.i-club.com for info on EGTs in the WRX with a manual boost controller.
3. Agreed, if 'pipes' is a cat-back exhaust or a nice set of headers.
4. Agreed on this one too.
5. See number 3.
6. Doesn't add power, but sounds darned cool. Getting mine tomorrow!

Ah, now you say he has a T3 hybrid turbo with 't4 wheel' (whatever that is). Hmmm...

Oh, and just one cam? Last time I checked, the WRX had four. Valves too? Amazing! Where'd he get new valves for the WRX? And which side, intake or exhaust?

Filter kits add about 2 hp.

I'm just playing with you, so don't get all upset. Oh, and warranties are a touchy subject with lots of folks, but the dealer cannot legally 'void' any part of your warranty. And the factory can only void parts of the warranty that have been proven to have been caused by the specific mod. Interesting stuff.

Anywho...got any pics of this car? I'd like to see it.