Potential WRX Buyer Has Questions
Guest
Posts: n/a
Potential WRX Buyer Has Questions
Mornin' All:
First, let me qualify my post by saying that I have owned and driven numerous turbo AWD cars (Eclipse GSX, Mazda 323 GTX, Isuzu Impulse XS). I am considering the purchase of an '04 WRX wagon or sedan, but have been less than impressed with the three vehicles I've driven:
1) '04 sedan - after warming up the motor, I proceed to get on the gas. With the pedal to the floor, the motor breaks up above 3,000 RPM. This gets so bad that I pull into a parking lot to make sure that nothing is blocking the intake. It feels as if there is a short in the plug wires, but the dealer's service manager tells me (after test driving the car himself) that everything's normal. Hmmm....
2) '04 sedan - different car. After warmup, I stand on the gas. Slight turbo lag (worse than the Eclipse, much better than the Mazda), but the car pulls strongly to 6,000 RPM. I shift from third to fourth at 6k, and notice a loss of power in the next gear (like it's geared WAAY too tall). Is this normal? This model was not equipped with the short throw shifter, so shifter feel was horrific. I've driven VW Microbusses with better shifter throws. Hmmm...
3) '04 wagon - different dealer. First thing I notice when getting in the car is that the "Check Engine" light is flashing. The salesman has no clue, and tries to tell me that the car was built in Japan and had not been setup for the US yet. Hmm - I guess he needs to convert the metric atmosphere to English.....
In summary, I like the car, but am paranoid about reliability issues and incompetent service departments. Has anyone else experienced these problems? Do any service depts. in northern NJ have a clue about working on WRXs?
Any feedback would be mucho appreciado.
First, let me qualify my post by saying that I have owned and driven numerous turbo AWD cars (Eclipse GSX, Mazda 323 GTX, Isuzu Impulse XS). I am considering the purchase of an '04 WRX wagon or sedan, but have been less than impressed with the three vehicles I've driven:
1) '04 sedan - after warming up the motor, I proceed to get on the gas. With the pedal to the floor, the motor breaks up above 3,000 RPM. This gets so bad that I pull into a parking lot to make sure that nothing is blocking the intake. It feels as if there is a short in the plug wires, but the dealer's service manager tells me (after test driving the car himself) that everything's normal. Hmmm....
2) '04 sedan - different car. After warmup, I stand on the gas. Slight turbo lag (worse than the Eclipse, much better than the Mazda), but the car pulls strongly to 6,000 RPM. I shift from third to fourth at 6k, and notice a loss of power in the next gear (like it's geared WAAY too tall). Is this normal? This model was not equipped with the short throw shifter, so shifter feel was horrific. I've driven VW Microbusses with better shifter throws. Hmmm...
3) '04 wagon - different dealer. First thing I notice when getting in the car is that the "Check Engine" light is flashing. The salesman has no clue, and tries to tell me that the car was built in Japan and had not been setup for the US yet. Hmm - I guess he needs to convert the metric atmosphere to English.....
In summary, I like the car, but am paranoid about reliability issues and incompetent service departments. Has anyone else experienced these problems? Do any service depts. in northern NJ have a clue about working on WRXs?
Any feedback would be mucho appreciado.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
From: Pembroke Pines, FL
Car Info: 2004 Platinum Silver WRX
I just recently bought an '04 WRX Sedan and can't be happier. I did get mine with the short shifter and it definitely makes a big difference in the shift throw and feel, get's even better as you use it a little. Coming from a VW 1.8T Jetta, I can relate to the relative long shift throws on VWs, but at least they are positive shifts. The Subaru with the short shifter is the way to go IMHO. While we're talking about break-ins, I'm surprised they let you rev the engine that high with it being brand new. On my test drive I kept it under 4000RPM (as recommended by the manual) and have done so so far in my daily driving (picked it up on Monday). You may want to let it break in a little if/when you do buy one before you beat on it, but that's a personal choice.
When shifting to fourth, you were probably already going at a pretty good speed, and given the 50/50 torque split of the WRX, it makes it seem like you are accelerating slower than you are because you don't get a definitive "push" or "pull" like you do in a RWD or FWD car and even some AWD cars. The Subaru just has a "move you all at once" feel and that's the best I can describe it so far. I'm not sure about the other two you have experience with (I did test drive an Isuzu Impluse quite a few years ago though), but I know the Mitsubishi/Talon/Laser is front torque biased at like 65/35 if I remember correctly so that might explain the difference in "feel" at higher speeds.
As for the blinking light on the wagon, that typically means that the car has not been PDIed yet(pre-delivery inspection by service department).
I have absolutely no regrets about buying the WRX and would highly recommend one to anyone interested in a fun, power AWD car that's great stock, but also has lots of aftermarket potential.
Dtech
When shifting to fourth, you were probably already going at a pretty good speed, and given the 50/50 torque split of the WRX, it makes it seem like you are accelerating slower than you are because you don't get a definitive "push" or "pull" like you do in a RWD or FWD car and even some AWD cars. The Subaru just has a "move you all at once" feel and that's the best I can describe it so far. I'm not sure about the other two you have experience with (I did test drive an Isuzu Impluse quite a few years ago though), but I know the Mitsubishi/Talon/Laser is front torque biased at like 65/35 if I remember correctly so that might explain the difference in "feel" at higher speeds.
As for the blinking light on the wagon, that typically means that the car has not been PDIed yet(pre-delivery inspection by service department).
I have absolutely no regrets about buying the WRX and would highly recommend one to anyone interested in a fun, power AWD car that's great stock, but also has lots of aftermarket potential.
Dtech
Last edited by Dtech; May 30, 2003 at 06:15 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
From: Pembroke Pines, FL
Car Info: 2004 Platinum Silver WRX
Glad to share my experiences Kurt.
One other note...if you live in a hot climate or it just happens to be really hot when you test drive, you can experience some "heat soak" when you first start off after the warm-up so that it will actually be a little down on power until you get some air flowing into the hood scoop and across the intercooler. Stop and go heavy traffic can also contribute to the heat soak somewhat. Nothing to worry about though, just the nature of the beast with turbo cars, especially intercooled ones.
Oh and definitely test drive one with the short shifter. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Dtech
One other note...if you live in a hot climate or it just happens to be really hot when you test drive, you can experience some "heat soak" when you first start off after the warm-up so that it will actually be a little down on power until you get some air flowing into the hood scoop and across the intercooler. Stop and go heavy traffic can also contribute to the heat soak somewhat. Nothing to worry about though, just the nature of the beast with turbo cars, especially intercooled ones.
Oh and definitely test drive one with the short shifter. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Dtech
Last edited by Dtech; May 30, 2003 at 06:48 AM.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I don't have the short shifter but I agree that it is probably necessary due to the notchy shifter. I have some difficulty when trying to quick shift. Also I do notice the initial lag when shifting gears from time to time during full throttle acceleration. It feels as if the turbo spool slows when you let off the gas then has to speed back up for full boost again. After driving my car for a while and getting used to the shifter I can shift faster than ever. Quick shifting into gears helps solve this lag problem a lot and if your taking the car to 6K rpm then you probably want as little lag as possible.
In the end I think you should buy the car. Not just because I own one but because I love these cars and I don't regret my purchase one bit.
In the end I think you should buy the car. Not just because I own one but because I love these cars and I don't regret my purchase one bit.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I purchased an 03 WRX wagon back in March 2003. Prior to the WRX I drove a 1995 BMW 318 with H&R springs/Bilstein Sport shocks, 214 45 17" tires and a Downing Atlanta (Eaton) Supercharger. The car made about 200-210 hp and weighed 2800lbs. The biggest benefit of a SC is you get boost right off of idle. In fifth gear at 75mph the car took off but the motor was running at about 3750rpm.
When I went and test drove a WRX I also was not impressed. I felt the car was a dog in 4th and 5th gear too.
However after having the car for a while now I am very pleased with the WRX. 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear pack quite a punch especially third from 40-50mph on up. I must agree that 4th could be a little better and 5th gear is really only for cruising the highway for good fuel economy.
All in all though I am very pleased with the WRX.
When I went and test drove a WRX I also was not impressed. I felt the car was a dog in 4th and 5th gear too.
However after having the car for a while now I am very pleased with the WRX. 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear pack quite a punch especially third from 40-50mph on up. I must agree that 4th could be a little better and 5th gear is really only for cruising the highway for good fuel economy.
All in all though I am very pleased with the WRX.
Guest
Posts: n/a
When buying a new car, I make no mistake on getting the car that is right off the truck with zero miles on the odometer. And if they tell you the couple of miles is just from moving the car around the lot, they are lieing to you. You can't add up even a mile from driving it in the parking lot for a couple days for minutes at a time. I heard that there is something about buying cars that were manufactured early in the week because if you were to buy one that was manufactured on a Friday or Saturday, then the factory employee's are not as content on their job, but more on the weekend ahead. I don't know might just be a roomer, 'cuzit does sound kind of rediculous.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks to everyone for their replys. Try though I might, I just couldn't love the WRX - it felt like I was talking myself into it too much.
The Acura RSX Type S is a better fit for me, even though it's down on power and only FWD. I just liked everything about this car a little more than the WRX.
Oh, and Sonic 1: I'm not your typical WRX shopper. I'm pushing 40 and have been involved with cars, bikes and motorsports for over 20 years. I've broken in more cars and bikes than I care to recall, all without a problem. Did I flog the cars on the test drive? In my opinion, no - I would have returned to purchase any of the vehicles I drove. Two or three brief trips above 4k (once the car has been properly warmed up) will not hurt a low mile motor, despite your paranoia.
I doubt your average WRX shopper (male, late teens or early twenties) would show any restraint on a test drive. FWIW, I even let the turbo oil up after the test drive - how many test drivers actually remember to do this?
The Acura RSX Type S is a better fit for me, even though it's down on power and only FWD. I just liked everything about this car a little more than the WRX.
Oh, and Sonic 1: I'm not your typical WRX shopper. I'm pushing 40 and have been involved with cars, bikes and motorsports for over 20 years. I've broken in more cars and bikes than I care to recall, all without a problem. Did I flog the cars on the test drive? In my opinion, no - I would have returned to purchase any of the vehicles I drove. Two or three brief trips above 4k (once the car has been properly warmed up) will not hurt a low mile motor, despite your paranoia.
I doubt your average WRX shopper (male, late teens or early twenties) would show any restraint on a test drive. FWIW, I even let the turbo oil up after the test drive - how many test drivers actually remember to do this?
Guest
Posts: n/a
i couldnt be happier with my 04. well, maybe if it was a skyline, i could be happier, but hey, whose got that kind of money?
it feels to me at least that your looking for something that the WRX is not. i can tell you everyone here loves their cars. you seem to want more refinement than what the WRX delivers. like i said, i couldnt be happier. sorry it wasnt the car for you, cuz if you gave it some time im sure you could come to love this little beauty
it kind of grows on you.
good luck in your purchase, whatever it may be.
it feels to me at least that your looking for something that the WRX is not. i can tell you everyone here loves their cars. you seem to want more refinement than what the WRX delivers. like i said, i couldnt be happier. sorry it wasnt the car for you, cuz if you gave it some time im sure you could come to love this little beauty
it kind of grows on you. good luck in your purchase, whatever it may be.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
From: Pembroke Pines, FL
Car Info: 2004 Platinum Silver WRX
Originally posted by Captain Trash
Sorry folks, but a quick off topic question. Dtech, do you happen to work for DiTech?
Sorry folks, but a quick off topic question. Dtech, do you happen to work for DiTech?
I could tell you who I work for but then I'd have to...well you know...
Let's just say it's a government entity.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PlatNmRex
NorCal Classifieds
7
Nov 8, 2008 08:41 AM