Views on a NEW Subaru WRX.
Discussion
Anyone here got one of the new Subaru WRX?
Looking at buying one for my wife, it would be the WRX and not the WRX-S as I can't stretch to the extra £2k for it.
Is the current WRX still a good performance car?
I used to have a WRX back in 2001, will it still be as good as it was then?
Haven't been able to test drive one, but did test drive a WRX-S today, I know the WRX is a more basic version than the WRX-S, but will the WRX still feel powerful enough?
All views greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Al.
Looking at buying one for my wife, it would be the WRX and not the WRX-S as I can't stretch to the extra £2k for it.
Is the current WRX still a good performance car?
I used to have a WRX back in 2001, will it still be as good as it was then?
Haven't been able to test drive one, but did test drive a WRX-S today, I know the WRX is a more basic version than the WRX-S, but will the WRX still feel powerful enough?
All views greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Al.
TotalControl said:
Save the cash and buy her one from 2001/2002ish.
Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
Really useful post.Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
I would guess that 200bhp wil be sufficient for your Mrs. Essentially you're getting a 5-door 4wd hot hatch. The interior isn't great, but is acceptable and the outside looks a little bland. I would suggest that the your biggest hurdle is going to come from comparisons with your old car which you owned when you were 8 years younger, petrol was £4 per gallon rather than nearly £6 and road tax wasn't £450. You'll have to check that road tax figure as I can't remember if the WRX just misses out on the top band.
My point is, that there are probably more suitable cars that don't cost as much although there are some good deals to be had. Finding an alternative with 5 doors isn't as straightforward as it should be. What do you need the car to do? Maybe we can think of an alternative.
TotalControl said:
Save the cash and buy her one from 2001/2002ish.
Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
If I had wanted to buy her an old car, then I wouldn't be posting about new one would I, and if we thought it was ugly we wouldn't be concidering it!Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
What makes you think she's going to crash it, you don't know my wife, what kind of driver she is and what cars she's had previously!
Thanks for your useful reply.
Cheers.
SonicHedgeHog said:
I would guess that 200bhp wil be sufficient for your Mrs. Essentially you're getting a 5-door 4wd hot hatch. The interior isn't great, but is acceptable and the outside looks a little bland. I would suggest that the your biggest hurdle is going to come from comparisons with your old car which you owned when you were 8 years younger, petrol was £4 per gallon rather than nearly £6 and road tax wasn't £450. You'll have to check that road tax figure as I can't remember if the WRX just misses out on the top band.
My point is, that there are probably more suitable cars that don't cost as much although there are some good deals to be had. Finding an alternative with 5 doors isn't as straightforward as it should be. What do you need the car to do? Maybe we can think of an alternative.
Thanks, we are trying to down size her current car, which is a big 4x4, she only does about 6000mls a year, and we are currently paying £400 a year for tax at the moment.My point is, that there are probably more suitable cars that don't cost as much although there are some good deals to be had. Finding an alternative with 5 doors isn't as straightforward as it should be. What do you need the car to do? Maybe we can think of an alternative.
We are Subaru fans, and the dealer knows me well has offered me a good amount for her current car.
She likes her cars, and I'm happy for her to have what she wants, she only uses the car for taking our little one to nursery, local shopping and taking the dog beating at the weekends, ok she couldn't do that with a WRX, but she can use my 4x4 for taking the dog beating.
She really needs a hatchback or estate for the general dog walking.
Cheers
I can see why you have arrived at the Impreza. I was looking at them at one point because they have 5 doors and you don't see many on the road. Following your post I had another look at the Subaru website and it would seem that there are now extras available to make non-STI models look a little more exciting. I'd be looking at the diesel, but if you only do 6000miles a year I can't see a problem with a WRX.
If you like them, can get a good deal and they do what you want then the Impreza sounds like the car for you.
If you like them, can get a good deal and they do what you want then the Impreza sounds like the car for you.
tell you what, wish i'd bought one when they were on offer at £12,995 new! i was put off because of other peoples views on the styling.. thing is when i see one on the road now they are actually starting to grow on me as a hatchback car.
sure if you compare apples with apples then the older one is a nicer car, but take it for what it is, a reasonably big engined hatch, it's quite a nice car.
the one that got away
sure if you compare apples with apples then the older one is a nicer car, but take it for what it is, a reasonably big engined hatch, it's quite a nice car.
the one that got away
Indiana. said:
TotalControl said:
Save the cash and buy her one from 2001/2002ish.
Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
If I had wanted to buy her an old car, then I wouldn't be posting about new one would I, and if we thought it was ugly we wouldn't be concidering it!Same performance, not as ugly looks, and you wont feel that bad when she crashes it.
What makes you think she's going to crash it, you don't know my wife, what kind of driver she is and what cars she's had previously!
Thanks for your useful reply.
Cheers.
t humour at that time of the night made me come across as a cock. Really didn't mean to offend you in any way. I'll get my coat.I've not driven a new WRX only either an STi or a bog Non Turbo.. Spent a fair amount of time in both and whilst the interior isn't that exciting it's also not that bad. It's easy enough to live with and if at a later date you get bored there's plenty of STi interiors out there for sale at reasonable money..
I wasn't to fussed at first on the styling but to be honest they do grow on you and there are plenty of nice styling additions out there now to tidy it up a bit.
I wasn't to fussed at first on the styling but to be honest they do grow on you and there are plenty of nice styling additions out there now to tidy it up a bit.
The new WRX isn't even as good as the equivalent Mazdaspeed hatchback and that was a real let down when they first came out. It's slow and it's soft....that's not a WRX IMHO.
They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
ScoobieWRX said:
The new WRX isn't even as good as the equivalent Mazdaspeed hatchback and that was a real let down when they first came out. It's slow and it's soft....that's not a WRX IMHO.
They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
That is very interesting Scoobie, thanks.They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
Where has it been mentioned that they've dropped the WRX? I didn't know that, and its still on Subaru's website. I will mention it too the dealer when he phones me with the figures.
Is the engine in the current WRX not the same 2.5L FI engine that you mention, but without the mods?
Cheers
ScoobieWRX said:
The new WRX isn't even as good as the equivalent Mazdaspeed hatchback and that was a real let down when they first came out. It's slow and it's soft....that's not a WRX IMHO.
They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
At last someone else who thinks the hatchback WRX is not much cop. I agree 100% with what you said here. The GB270 and the RB320 are the only scoobs I'd consider changing my 05 STI for at present. I'm waiting for the appearance of the Toyobaru coupe though.They've dropped the WRX now in favour of either normally aspirated, diesel or STi guise only. To be honest i think the last of the hawkeye WRX's (GB270)in either estate or 4dr guise is the last of the real WRX's well worth a punt and can be had for extremely reasonable money with bugger all mileage.
Not only does it look really good (specially compared to the latest model) but it has that lovely torquey 2.5L FI engine that has bags of torque in any gear and handles so much better than the new WRX. At only 6000 miles a year you won't break the bank on fuel, insurance or road tax costs.
IMHO the smart money is on the GB270 as they won't depreciate anywhere near as fast as the latest WRX and come sale time the GB270 will fly out the door. You've been offered a great part-ex deal on a new WRX because they can't get rid of them quickly enough and they'll sell your part-ex a damn site quicker than they will a new WRX!!
I think everyone has to remember what this car will be required to do. This chap needs something to replace a 4x4 which means on-the-limit handling is unlikely to be a priority and it needs to be a hatchback because you can't get a dog in a saloon. This means choosing between an Newage wagon or the new hatchback. Even if you prefer the look of the older car there is no denying the new one looks more modern. For a lady I would suggest the new looks will be more appealing. It is impossible to argue that the old car is not better value for money, but if choosing the most suitable car is the main priority then I reckon the new one is the way to go.
I'm sure i read that after 2010 they'll stop making the WRX. Yes same FI 2.5boxer engine but much dumbed down in terms of power and torque delivery opting instead for economy rather than grunt. The version 9 WRX is quicker and stops better not to mention looks better and hasn't gone soft although with the state of UK roads at the moment maybe softer is better. Also, have you seen the size of the tiny intercooler in these new hatchbacks, and those sliding brake calipers 
.
BTW...I've seen plenty of women Subaru drivers in Classic and newage scoobs. As already been commented the new Impreza looks more girly friendly....in which case keep it!! You don't buy a newage scoob because it looks more female friendly...thank god!! You buy them because they do what it says on the tin!!
IMHO this is what the latest gen Subaru Impreza should have looked like:
That's more like it!!
.BTW...I've seen plenty of women Subaru drivers in Classic and newage scoobs. As already been commented the new Impreza looks more girly friendly....in which case keep it!! You don't buy a newage scoob because it looks more female friendly...thank god!! You buy them because they do what it says on the tin!!
IMHO this is what the latest gen Subaru Impreza should have looked like:
That's more like it!!
Edited by ScoobieWRX on Monday 9th November 16:08
ScoobieWRX said:
I'm sure i read that after 2010 they'll stop making the WRX. Yes same FI 2.5boxer engine but much dumbed down in terms of power and torque delivery opting instead for economy rather than grunt. The version 9 WRX is quicker and stops better not to mention looks better and hasn't gone soft although with the state of UK roads at the moment maybe softer is better. Also, have you seen the size of the tiny intercooler in these new hatchbacks, and those sliding brake calipers .
BTW...I've seen plenty of women Subaru drivers in Classic and newage scoobs. As already been commented the new Impreza looks more girly friendly....in which case keep it!! You don't buy a newage scoob because it looks more female friendly...thank god!! You buy them because they do what it says on the tin!!
The trouble is that you are basing your argument on what you want rather than what is best for the OP's wife. If she has been driving a 4x4 then the new WRX is going to be a revelation. It will have more than enough oomph and the size and design of the brake calipers and intercooler are going to be as unimportant to her as the colour of her handbag is to you..BTW...I've seen plenty of women Subaru drivers in Classic and newage scoobs. As already been commented the new Impreza looks more girly friendly....in which case keep it!! You don't buy a newage scoob because it looks more female friendly...thank god!! You buy them because they do what it says on the tin!!
Edited by ScoobieWRX on Monday 9th November 16:08
As for women in classic and newage Imprezas, you must admit that these cars have a certain image. The new hatchback does not. Given this lady does not sound like a heavy duty petrol head I reckon she'll prefer the more reserved styling too.
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