Few WRX questions (right vehicle for me?)
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Few WRX questions
Howdy,
I'm contemplating a WRX wagon as a replacement for my old giant SUV. My SUV was overkill for my needs, but it's entirely possible that the WRX might be underkill in some very important aspects.
I have a feeling that asking prepurchase questions here might be - as one fellow put it - like asking the Pope if he believes, but I don't know where I'd find more folks who know details on the behavior of these beasties without a bias one way or the other. Anyhow, got to take a stab at it, so here goes...
1. One of the tasks my SUV had was to carry us into the back of the hills in BLM land around Maricopa, CA to go quail hunting. The roads into the sites I go to start easy enough - reasonably smooth and flat, much like a rally special stage, but they get much steeper and badly rutted (I'd guesstimate a 25% grade). It sounds like a severe challenge for the WRX's limited ground clearance, gearing, and street-oriented engine. I'm very concerned I may end up damaging it trying to play SUV, or grounding it like the Valdez from lack of ground clearance and having to walk out and hire an off-road tow for $$$$, then having the underpinnings repaired for more $$$$. What are your experiences with the off-road limits of the WRX?
2. My daily commute is a nasty 80 mi round trip. Every day, five days a week, I spend an hour stuck crawling in literally stop and go traffic. The WRX I test drove was a ***** to shift into 1st gear, and that doesn't bode well for my sanity on the commute. I've heard that this seems to be a common issue. The Honda Civic I used to own and my friend's Toyota Celica shift in and out of first far easier and weren't an issue in bad traffic for this reason. If you have experience with a Honda/Toyota passenger car 5 spd and the WRX short throw 5spd, is bad traffic and the sticky shifter just something you have to endure or what?
3. With such a long commute, you can imagine I rack up the miles, over 20,000 mi a year just going to work and back doing nothing else. I may conceivably hit as high as 40,000 a year when I start attending grad school, so I really need to be thinking of longevity in the 200,000mi neighborhood without getting a rude shock in maintenance time and bills. I plan to get a turbo timer, but regardless, is this turbocharged beast really going to survive that kind of heavy-duty use without ugly service dept bills?
I suppose the conundrum I face is that as much fun as it is to drive, and as much as I'd like one... part of me strongly suspects trying to make the WRX fit my life might be like trying to force a square peg through a round hole, but I'm interested in any relevant experience you gents have here.
I'm contemplating a WRX wagon as a replacement for my old giant SUV. My SUV was overkill for my needs, but it's entirely possible that the WRX might be underkill in some very important aspects.
I have a feeling that asking prepurchase questions here might be - as one fellow put it - like asking the Pope if he believes, but I don't know where I'd find more folks who know details on the behavior of these beasties without a bias one way or the other. Anyhow, got to take a stab at it, so here goes...
1. One of the tasks my SUV had was to carry us into the back of the hills in BLM land around Maricopa, CA to go quail hunting. The roads into the sites I go to start easy enough - reasonably smooth and flat, much like a rally special stage, but they get much steeper and badly rutted (I'd guesstimate a 25% grade). It sounds like a severe challenge for the WRX's limited ground clearance, gearing, and street-oriented engine. I'm very concerned I may end up damaging it trying to play SUV, or grounding it like the Valdez from lack of ground clearance and having to walk out and hire an off-road tow for $$$$, then having the underpinnings repaired for more $$$$. What are your experiences with the off-road limits of the WRX?
2. My daily commute is a nasty 80 mi round trip. Every day, five days a week, I spend an hour stuck crawling in literally stop and go traffic. The WRX I test drove was a ***** to shift into 1st gear, and that doesn't bode well for my sanity on the commute. I've heard that this seems to be a common issue. The Honda Civic I used to own and my friend's Toyota Celica shift in and out of first far easier and weren't an issue in bad traffic for this reason. If you have experience with a Honda/Toyota passenger car 5 spd and the WRX short throw 5spd, is bad traffic and the sticky shifter just something you have to endure or what?
3. With such a long commute, you can imagine I rack up the miles, over 20,000 mi a year just going to work and back doing nothing else. I may conceivably hit as high as 40,000 a year when I start attending grad school, so I really need to be thinking of longevity in the 200,000mi neighborhood without getting a rude shock in maintenance time and bills. I plan to get a turbo timer, but regardless, is this turbocharged beast really going to survive that kind of heavy-duty use without ugly service dept bills?
I suppose the conundrum I face is that as much fun as it is to drive, and as much as I'd like one... part of me strongly suspects trying to make the WRX fit my life might be like trying to force a square peg through a round hole, but I'm interested in any relevant experience you gents have here.
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1. will it go offroad and up hills? Hills, not a problem, if your SUV engine can do it carrying probably thousands of extra pounds the wrx wont have a problem. Ground clearance is good, but it all depends on the trails your on. If ruts > clearance = your screwed.
2. Shifting into first is difficult, you almost have to be stopped, at least its that way for me. Someone else may be able to point you to the answer why. I think there is a physical reason why, like a device that is supposed to limit your shifting into first to under 20 but is out of adjustment or something.
3. Take a look for yourself at how many subaru's on the road you see that were built in the early 80's. Theres a reason that they are still on the road. Subaru's are very reliable. WRX is too new to see many with 200k on it on the US roads but I see no reason to think the WRX would be less reliable than any other Subaru. If the turbo does go, you would be able to bolt-on a new one for under a grand easy. It's not like adding a turbo to a non-turbo car where you would need to install many other parts.
I almost forgot. You will get some people from here that are die hard Subaru and claim that nothing is better. But read down on the mazdaspeed thread. The consensus from this board was that he should hold onto his mazda instead of getting a subaru at this point. My point is that most people especially the ones with higher post counts, will give you there honest opinon.
2. Shifting into first is difficult, you almost have to be stopped, at least its that way for me. Someone else may be able to point you to the answer why. I think there is a physical reason why, like a device that is supposed to limit your shifting into first to under 20 but is out of adjustment or something.
3. Take a look for yourself at how many subaru's on the road you see that were built in the early 80's. Theres a reason that they are still on the road. Subaru's are very reliable. WRX is too new to see many with 200k on it on the US roads but I see no reason to think the WRX would be less reliable than any other Subaru. If the turbo does go, you would be able to bolt-on a new one for under a grand easy. It's not like adding a turbo to a non-turbo car where you would need to install many other parts.
I almost forgot. You will get some people from here that are die hard Subaru and claim that nothing is better. But read down on the mazdaspeed thread. The consensus from this board was that he should hold onto his mazda instead of getting a subaru at this point. My point is that most people especially the ones with higher post counts, will give you there honest opinon.
Last edited by zunus; Feb 8, 2004 at 09:32 AM.
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If you've got the money to spend, you might look to wait for an outback wagon, which I think comes out in about 6 months. That car is NICE looking and has more ground clearance than a Ford Explorer (it's rated as an SUV for 2005).
1. Dirt roads are a blast in this car, but you if those ruts are too big you may be stuck. You'd be surprised at how much stuff you can go over with stock ride height though
2. My car shifts in to first pretty easily - you just have to give the throttle a little blip and coax the car in to gear. I've heard some transmission fluids work a bit better than stock to let you get the car in to first a bit easier.
3. I know your pain on the commute - I drive about 50 miles per day to work and back. I've had my car since February 25, 2003, didn't drive the car for a month and I'm already over 18,000 miles. My car hasn't had a single mechanical issue and I've taken it to auto cross and drag raced it. I know some people from these boards (personally) with over 40k on their cars and not a problem to speak of.
Beware that your attitudes may change after buying the WRX. The car is so easy to modify and so easy to get power out of that you may find yourself spending a lot more than you want to fixing up the car
I say get a WRX wagon and a cheapie beater truck for quail hunting
1. Dirt roads are a blast in this car, but you if those ruts are too big you may be stuck. You'd be surprised at how much stuff you can go over with stock ride height though
2. My car shifts in to first pretty easily - you just have to give the throttle a little blip and coax the car in to gear. I've heard some transmission fluids work a bit better than stock to let you get the car in to first a bit easier.
3. I know your pain on the commute - I drive about 50 miles per day to work and back. I've had my car since February 25, 2003, didn't drive the car for a month and I'm already over 18,000 miles. My car hasn't had a single mechanical issue and I've taken it to auto cross and drag raced it. I know some people from these boards (personally) with over 40k on their cars and not a problem to speak of.
Beware that your attitudes may change after buying the WRX. The car is so easy to modify and so easy to get power out of that you may find yourself spending a lot more than you want to fixing up the car
I say get a WRX wagon and a cheapie beater truck for quail hunting
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1. i have done more off-roading in my wrx then most people do in their 4wd suvs and pickups, and my car has the damage to prove it. it is a blast off road, but it is not a truck. i have gotten confused on that a few times by trying to do things i shouldn't have. 25% grade shouldn't be a problem, i have done some pretty steep hill climbs, but at the same time i have done some really steep ones in some off roading areas where i couldn't make it up and a stock 4wd s-10 pickup could make it up. it dosen't have the torque down low like larger displacement engines. the biggest thing to remember is taht you only have about 6 inches of clearence. that is your biggest restriction. getting skid plates and rear diff protector will help that and i strongly suggest getting them. i really regret not having the skid plate. i only have the rear diff protector.
due to off roading i have many dents on the car, had the mid pipe ripped apart from the downpipe (fixed under warrenty), dented full tank, bent cross member, possibly bent control arms, busted an oil pan, went through a clutch already, damaged power steering pump. all this in less than 2 years and 42k miles. the car still runs fine, but i am scared, i try not to take it off road anymore as i have broken too many things and need my car to last me a few more years.
2. i dont' mind driving in traffic, it does suck getting into first while rolling, but thats about it. my previous cars was an integra and a prelude, so i am familiar with honda clutchs/trannys. those were easier but i dont' mind the shifting in the wrx. and i do have the kartboy shortshifter. for me i fit in the wrx seats great and it is 10 times more comfortable than my previous hondas, so long drives and stuff dont' seem as long as they used to.
3. the mileage itself shouldn't be a problem, but if you plan on doing a lot of rough dirt roads, its going to pay its toll after a while.
in conclusion: depends how much off roading you plan on doing, the best way i look at it is can other cars make it through the areas you plan on going? not wether they should but if they can. if you wouldn't take any other car through there, you probably shouldn't take the wrx (although i have done that numerous times). off roading puts a lot of wear on the car.
if i was in your spot i would go more for something like a toyota 4runner. unless your off-roading is limited and within the capabilities of the wrx. the wrx is a very fun car and i love mine, but my next vehicle should probably be a suv or truck
oh my gas mileage that i get is 20mpg city and 25-30 on the highway (depending how fast i cruise at)
due to off roading i have many dents on the car, had the mid pipe ripped apart from the downpipe (fixed under warrenty), dented full tank, bent cross member, possibly bent control arms, busted an oil pan, went through a clutch already, damaged power steering pump. all this in less than 2 years and 42k miles. the car still runs fine, but i am scared, i try not to take it off road anymore as i have broken too many things and need my car to last me a few more years.
2. i dont' mind driving in traffic, it does suck getting into first while rolling, but thats about it. my previous cars was an integra and a prelude, so i am familiar with honda clutchs/trannys. those were easier but i dont' mind the shifting in the wrx. and i do have the kartboy shortshifter. for me i fit in the wrx seats great and it is 10 times more comfortable than my previous hondas, so long drives and stuff dont' seem as long as they used to.
3. the mileage itself shouldn't be a problem, but if you plan on doing a lot of rough dirt roads, its going to pay its toll after a while.
in conclusion: depends how much off roading you plan on doing, the best way i look at it is can other cars make it through the areas you plan on going? not wether they should but if they can. if you wouldn't take any other car through there, you probably shouldn't take the wrx (although i have done that numerous times). off roading puts a lot of wear on the car.
if i was in your spot i would go more for something like a toyota 4runner. unless your off-roading is limited and within the capabilities of the wrx. the wrx is a very fun car and i love mine, but my next vehicle should probably be a suv or truck
oh my gas mileage that i get is 20mpg city and 25-30 on the highway (depending how fast i cruise at)
Try a forester, outback, or i've even heard that the baja is really cool. I do know that they make lift kits for the baja. I just think that meilers is right. Also Subaru may be a little expensive for offroad damage. If you really wan't a subaru great. the first gear problem does get better with miles. My wrx is a great car, for me. In fact the best car i have ever owned. It just does not sound like a good car for u.
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Originally posted by codemonkey
Lots of good comments. Thanks very much for the input guys.
Lots of good comments. Thanks very much for the input guys.
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Yeah, forester might be a better choice. .1 Slower to 60 and probably better for offroading
btw anyone know if there will be a legacy wagon in 05-6 with a tiptronic tranny? that might be a good idea(if it is in fact coming out and you can wait that long)
and with any suby you odnt have to worry about reliability...there are people with over 100000 miles whose biggest problems are a few rattles and squeeks
btw anyone know if there will be a legacy wagon in 05-6 with a tiptronic tranny? that might be a good idea(if it is in fact coming out and you can wait that long)
and with any suby you odnt have to worry about reliability...there are people with over 100000 miles whose biggest problems are a few rattles and squeeks
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I didnt read all the post to this thread but I would suggest the Forester XT if you want something similar to the WRX and more ground clearance. The XT model is Turbo charged or you can go with the H6 engine model. I am not Subaru bias but I do respect the fact that they have very versitile vehicles. I personally have a WRX Wagon 04 and I would get the Forester XT if I were in your situation.
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Well there are some other cars you could also get...but who doesnt want a subaru? 
If you go to any website such as www.caranddriver.com and look up the wrx wagon they should also tell you other cars to consider...try looking up a few cars and see all the other recommended vehicles
If you go to any website such as www.caranddriver.com and look up the wrx wagon they should also tell you other cars to consider...try looking up a few cars and see all the other recommended vehicles
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mileage overkill
i think i post my mileage almost everywhere i post. 32,000 miles in one year- and my car still rocks with no rattles(only that signature window weatherstrip squeek). i feel your pain in terms of shifting. 1st although seemingly difficult @ rolling(my friend went synthetic in his and it makes 1st a doozy)-haven't tried it in mine yet. if you are gonna seriously do lots of "off-road" use....i suggest waiting for the outback turbo but also keep in mind that subaru will not cover warranty work if the car has been used in serious off road applications. good luck in your decision
but also keep in mind that subaru will not cover warranty work if the car has been used in serious off road applications. good luck in your decision
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Re: mileage overkill
Originally posted by gdogg
(only that signature window weatherstrip squeek).
(only that signature window weatherstrip squeek).