Test drove a new wrx

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by berettafan

hcoles thanks for that link, watching the EJ vs FA video now. This guy is pretty cool.

There is a lot of interesting info. out there regarding these engines and how well they hold up. The later versions seem to have addressed many of the past issues. I like the later version that uses cam chains and hydraulic lifers with the finger followers. There might still be an oiling issue for the middle connecting rods - that was discussed in the video. I also like the custom exhaust that was mentioned that eliminates the "Subaru" exhaust sound.

[kevin993]

If Subaru would ditch the black plastic cladding and offer a hatchback with a stick shift for the WRX, I'd throw money at them for a new one. Even more for an STi. We bought a BRZ two years ago which has been a great car.

[RANDY P]

the new VB looks a lot like a VA once the cladding is body matched. Not bad.

[berettafan]

really doesn't seem to be many alternatives out there. manual transmission (or really good smg), good headroom, sub $40k, room for golf clubs or dogs...

if they'd do a wagon version I would be unable to resist. doubt we'll see that though.

[berettafan]

Originally Posted by hcoles

There is a lot of interesting info. out there regarding these engines and how well they hold up. The later versions seem to have addressed many of the past issues. I like the later version that uses cam chains and hydraulic lifers with the finger followers. There might still be an oiling issue for the middle connecting rods - that was discussed in the video. I also like the custom exhaust that was mentioned that eliminates the "Subaru" exhaust sound.

Watched the entire video, possibly the best engine walk through I've ever seen. soooo well done.

[Bugsinrugs]

My 04 WRX with 311,000 miles has been a really fun car. It badly needs some suspension work but on a recent road trip it got 33 mpg. Besides some irritating oil leaks it has been a great car.

[berettafan]

So every comparison I find says civic si or Hyundai Elantra. I had a civic and loved it but I can’t see buying fwd if I have a choice. No thanks on a Hyundai.

I feel lost here. Nothing fun for cheap that isn’t fwd other than the wrx?

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by berettafan

So every comparison I find says civic si or Hyundai Elantra. I had a civic and loved it but I can’t see buying fwd if I have a choice. No thanks on a Hyundai.

I feel lost here. Nothing fun for cheap that isn’t fwd other than the wrx?

Mazda 3?

4 wheel drive and 250 hp (premium fuel turbo, about 190 hp non turbo). Nicest interior in a compact. Nice Bose system. Drives fine. Imo infotainment controls suck. I little on the high side for the top trim 4 wheel drive and 250 hp. They will deal on 2024 price.

[unclebilly]

Golf R?
Civic R?

Those were the 2 competitors that I saw when I bought my WRX.

[berettafan]

I'll mosey over to the Mazda site and see what's up on that.

Stopped at the VW dealer after driving the WRX. To me the materials/feel of the interior were pretty cheap feeling and I didn't see anything without a sunroof. will dig more on the R.

Civic R way too pricey and still fwd right?

[UconnTim97]

I think only the base and premium WRX come without a sunroof (optional on the premium). It's standard on the limited and GT.

[kevin993]

I still don't understand why VW can't make a Golf R with a stick that isn't a rolling ipad. Just make a good old basic three door hot hatch. They've tried everything else and wonder why it isn't working...

If they want to go for bonus points, they've made an AWD stick shift Sirocco and sell it in the US.

[RANDY P]

2019, 25K, base. only issue is the obnoxious ricer exhaust-NO MODS. Otherwise immaculate.

it's everything I swore I didn't want (newer, silver) but I love it . Looked at 3 others in town (Roaches, all of 'em) and this thing was below KBB at the local Audi dealer.

[masraum]

Nice!

These newer models are a bit less boy racer than they were a while back IMO (which is a good thing to me).

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by masraum

Nice!

These newer models are a bit less boy racer than they were a while back IMO (which is a good thing to me).

Thanks!

Of course, it being a new-to-me car means it must test me on the way home. I hit the mother of all nails and managed to roll into my garage, on a flat. New car, of course, I did.

Oh and my ears are ringing from the awful ricer (But $$$) exhaust. Going away, I'll probably advertise for a trade with a local with a backwards baseball cap.

shortly

[RANDY P]

New tire on order :/

Oh and a PSA:

[berettafan]

watching some s4 videos on YouTube. pretty nice drivetrain it seems. maybe too low roof for helmet and at newest gen prices I'd have to trade my truck on it. don't want that.

gonna see if I can drive a civic si to rule that out (or fall in love, anything is possible I guess).

[TimT]

I have an 08 WRX, currently has 298K on the clock...

The interior is cheap.. there is a lot of road noise..I once put Nokian  Hakkapeliitta winter tires on it when I was spending a lot of time in Vermont, and the road noise drove me crazy...

It really has been a reliable sleeper.. the 4WD and traction control takes the car places you can't imagine...

It did lunch the turbo at around 250K spun the impeller right off



I found a replacement blueprinted turbo for $450.. Which isn't bad

https://hillcountryforcedinductions.com/mhi-td04l-subaru-2008-wrx/


And Ill buy another one when this one wears out...I'm looking forward to 500K

[berettafan]

I think the torque of the new 2.4 motor makes it very easy to putter around mid RPM range and not redline at every shift every day. It certainly felt that way when I drove it. Perhaps that will contribute to a 200+ thousand mile motor

[RANDY P]

They need to work on low-end grunt. Everyone (at least for a 4 pot) has more TQ and HP figures. Perhaps a limitation of the flat layout like the 911.

Turbo Lag was required before, not now.

rjp