the new wheels

[nostatic]

A few quick shots. On some levels I'll miss the Audi - the interior aesthetic is the best in the biz. And it was a fun car. I won't miss a few interior quirks and of course I got out before the warranty was up.

I could have just held on to it for another 2.5 years until the CPO warranty was up but I wanted something I could thrash a bit more, prefer AWD for some light off-road, and what the heck...

With the current market now is the time to buy a car if you're so inclined. My payment is actually less that I had with the Audi due to being able to buy for well below invoice along with 2.9% long term financing. My feeling is we won't see low consumer rates for much longer so goodbye Audi, hello Subie.

I admit to a bit of buyer's remorse during paperwork, but once I pulled out of the lot I remembered how much I enjoy the way a Subie handles. It just sounds and feels different than any other car. My old Impreza was fun but ran out of breath. This one won't breathe so hard. Next up is some bike racks for the top and I'll be set.

[Don Plumley]

Nice gun hauler.

Todd, honestly you trade cars like I, well, I can't think of anything I change that often other than my boxers.

[nostatic]

Another goal is to do the Sept STS event at Streets in this. And chase down some higher HP cars

[Moses]

That's such a ridiculously great car. You can take it to the track or haul gear with it. Such great cars. I love the way they drive.

My buddy Joe has a huge assortment of aftermarket wheels for Subies if you're interested.

[daepp]

I love the wheels it's sportin' now!

[nostatic]

Those are the stock wheels. 17x7 with 245/45-17 tires.

Honestly, I can't think of a better car for the money right now ($23K as equipped). The only downside I've found so far is that the stereo sucks. There is a better factory one but it is part of a package that pushes the price up.

It doesn't feel quite a solid as the Audi, but it does feel more sturdy than my old Impreza. Part of that is due to the fact that they now have window frames on the doors on this model (the old ones were frameless). There is more body roll than the A3 but AWD keeps it stuck better. And the 2.5T engine has more grunt off-boost so it isn't as jumpy as the 2.0T engine in the A3.

In the end it is still a Japanese econo box. But the interior is on par or better than any American cars I've seen for under $30K.

Seems like they got it pretty right with the '09. The engine break-in period is frustrating though...staying under 4K is no fun.

Another set of wheels would be interesting. One set with R-compound tires and another with more off-road tires. My budget has to recover first though...been an expensive couple of months.

[KarlCarrera]

Nice looking ride. Color looks great! Future son-in-law had the STI, (and it was an older one) man that thing screamed. And I thought my car was quick. (well in 1988, IT WAS)!

Karl
88 Targa

[Bill Douglas]

It's quite a nice looking car - doesn't look too much like an Impreza. I mean that in the nicest possible way.

Plus with the AWD you won't get stuck out in the desert (or stuck in the dessert).

[HardDrive]

Thats a heck of a lot of car for 23k. Nice.

[Tobra]

Without a doubt there are plenty of braces for that car that would stiffen it right up, tuner shops galore for Subarus. Always did like the Subie wagon, but they were always underpowered, until they started up with the turbo thing

[aigel]

No engine compartment shot?

George

[aigel]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Thats a heck of a lot of car for 23k. Nice.

993 territory these days! (Just saying ...)

George

[nostatic]

I'll get you the engine compartment shot later.

Are 993s down into the low 20's? For a good one? Yeah, I bet that would be cheap to keep running

[Jakester1168]

Love it!

[Sarc]

Love the rims. Kind of an anthracite finish, no?

[porkee]

Nice! . Subie is finally getting it. And you've got the Audi-ish style rims to boot.

Congrats.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Honestly, I can't think of a better car for the money right now ($23K as equipped). .

Lots of car for the money, enjoy it.

[vash]

hey. same color as my mazdaspeed 3.

great car todd, i was really at the crossroads between the two models. i went with the less expensive car, and got the ZOOM ZOOM.

[TimT]

I have the same car... well except that it is a 4 door, and I opted for a slush box tranny instead of stir your own.. I got the auto for my commute home from NYC....

Same color... same wheels (stock)

Its a great car... mine just turned over 25K and I bought it in April '08

The the only maintenance has been oil changes... I plan on changing the ATF and diff fluids this weekend...

Its a really great little car.. and the power is quite linear. No lag at all...Tip in the throttle and you get moving nicely...Mash the throttle and you get pushed back in the seat with authority..Stereo is meh as mentioned before..

On complaint is a little squeak has manifested itself in the dash.. its part time squeak, Its annoying, then it mysteriously goes away?

I was eye spying a Mazda Speed 3 but local Mazda dealers were dicks.. The Subie dealer was very accommodating

[Vipergrün]

Love it! I miss my 06 Impreza Sport Wagon. Plus Subie is a 'green' car company. BTW, did it come with a lesbian? Or was that just included with the Forrester? hahaha....