Well in the Spring of 2008 I'm jumping away from the Honda world and finally getting some more power the the "I" WRX. Now the reason for me leaving honda in which were all the cars I've ever owned, is because Im now about to have my second child and a coupe honda civic is not going to do it. So the opition in my mind were a sedan version of the accord or wrx. After looking at the different ones and still wanting to have some fun the wrx was right one for me. Now my 1st question to you guys or girls is how relibiable is this car? My plan is to get an 04-06 version depending on price. Getting one between the price of 15-17K. Now I plan on keeping it stock for a second and maybe to the standard upgrades like tires and wheels and I/H/E. Does this car take upgrades well? Im new to the Sub world and this will be my 1st but ive heard good things about them and I just need info from you guy like anything I need to look out for. Thanks for any help

 

Very reliable car. I bought a used 02 WRX with mods and 47,000 miles and have had no problems with it.

Basic mods are taken pretty well, but if you get going with the exhaust you will need to have the ECU tuned or have an engine management system.

AWD is the key plus to these cars, HIGHLY recommend you go play at the dealership and start taking some test drives. You won't be disappointed.

 

You + your family = Wagon. This was my same equation. I wouldn't change the route that I went (wagon vs. sedan). You can pack up your family and then some.

 

Chicago = snow = AWD family car = WRX

They take to mods well if done properly. You can't just throw parts at it and expect it to be better. The too biggest upgrades are exhaust and engine management. There's already several metric tons of info for both floting around the Impreza forums. Spending some time looking into each mod you plan on doing will go a long way and hopefully we can help you out as well.

The most popular basic upgrade is a full turboback exhaust and a Cobb AccessPort programer. As far as what size and brand of exhaust to go with, that's pretty much your decision. And the Cobb AccessPort isn't the only good ECU programer on the market, but it's probably the most popular and easy to use.

Happy hunting!

 

Now, the WRX is not turbo is it? Just the STI version correct? Also, since ive always been just an civic owner because of its reliability and being able to last a long time, does the WRX hold up as well?

 

There are 3 Impreza lines:

1) Impreza RS
2) Impreza Wrx
3) Impreza Wrx STi

#1 is NA or non turbo'd.

#2 and 3 are turbo'd. Wrx has 227-230 hp, and the STi has 293 hp.

I/H isn't needed for turbo'd wrx's. Well u will need exhaust, and engine management and that's pretty much it for light upgrades. Intake is definately not needed, and headers aren't really needed unless u upgrade to a bigger turbo.

If u take care of the car and don't abuse it, it will be very reliable. Just don't do hard launches, pop the clutch, and you're good to go.

 

id buy a used 06. forget the 2.0l. u dont need a management system for a exhuast

 

You do if you want to get any power from it.

 

never buy a used car cuz you don't know what the previous owner did to it. your best bet is to go to the dealer and ask if they have any 06 models left. 06 models = cheaper. a year ago i got lucky and got my 05 for $21500, but thats when they changed the body and engine.

 

Buying new thereis to much cost involed...i sold hondas for 2 years, buying a new car is not worth it, trust

 

my bad i bought uppipe down pipe catback. i only 2 hp to wheels increase.

 

if you have family get a wagon. If you want more power, get a 06+. They have the 2.5L turbo as opposed to the 2.0L turbo. However, that is not to say that the 2.0L is slow, its still got plenty of power.

A turboback + Accessport will run between $1600 - $2000 depending on which exhaust you choose. You can run an "off the shelf" map or get a custom tune. Custom will get you better reliability and more power, but tuning costs more money. If you run a setup equivalent to Cobb Stage 2, you will have fast car. not the fastest, but not slow either.

And you will be able to find a nice, well cared for WRX. Many WRX owners are not tuners, so its easy to find a stock one. Go for one that was never modded, since it probably wasnt driven as hard

 

I say for family you should just get the wagon. Its the same thing but the butt is sticking up. Personally i regret not getting one >< oh well. But when you do go buy a used WRX make sure u smash it and the Turbo Spools up to .09 on the stock turbo gauge and listen for any leaks of any kind.

 

redstage how many miles does your wagon have

 

02 stage 2 WRX with 100K, no problems and I even have the original clutch. My car is used as an every day driver, auto x and track days.