WRX Test Drive
02-15-2003 | 09:46 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
WRX Test Drive
Hey,
I test-drove a '03 Subaru Impreza WRX (manual) today. I just wanted to say what I felt about the car. What I liked about the car: The view of what is in front of you...I liked seeing the whole hood and the hood scoop, it was really cool. The steering wheel felt good and the suspension handled the car like a champ. The pedals were in good location and the clutch was short and sporty. What I did not like: Although the clutch was sporty, I could not actually "feel" when the clutch was being engaged. The brakes were good, but the brake pedal seemed WAY too soft. Power seemed lethargic below 3K rpm and when shifting, it was not clear and felt kinda notchy although I liked the short throws. Overall, the drive was pretty cool, I did enjoy it and I bet once I get the car, these little quirks I noticed will go away quickly. Also, I have read in reviews that if you drive around below 3K rpm, it is just your average everyday economy sedan. But when I was driving around leisurely, the car was still screaming "I AM A RUGGED SPORTS CAR AND NOTHING ELSE". Anyone wanna confirm, debate, argue, and/or justify, all the stuff I just said? I would love to hear your opinions and what you guys have to say before I go ahead and get the car...Thanks!
I test-drove a '03 Subaru Impreza WRX (manual) today. I just wanted to say what I felt about the car. What I liked about the car: The view of what is in front of you...I liked seeing the whole hood and the hood scoop, it was really cool. The steering wheel felt good and the suspension handled the car like a champ. The pedals were in good location and the clutch was short and sporty. What I did not like: Although the clutch was sporty, I could not actually "feel" when the clutch was being engaged. The brakes were good, but the brake pedal seemed WAY too soft. Power seemed lethargic below 3K rpm and when shifting, it was not clear and felt kinda notchy although I liked the short throws. Overall, the drive was pretty cool, I did enjoy it and I bet once I get the car, these little quirks I noticed will go away quickly. Also, I have read in reviews that if you drive around below 3K rpm, it is just your average everyday economy sedan. But when I was driving around leisurely, the car was still screaming "I AM A RUGGED SPORTS CAR AND NOTHING ELSE". Anyone wanna confirm, debate, argue, and/or justify, all the stuff I just said? I would love to hear your opinions and what you guys have to say before I go ahead and get the car...Thanks!
02-15-2003 | 10:24 PM
#2
NASIOC Slut
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,723
From: Roseville, CA
Car Info: 1995 Subaru Impreza 1.8 L
Sounds about right 
There are a few simple mods that aleviate some of the lethargic-until-3000rpms problem, namely light weight pulleys (gets you to 3000rpms faster), Boost controler, Samco hoses (both seem to get the turbo to spool and engage faster) and stuff like that...
There are a few simple mods that aleviate some of the lethargic-until-3000rpms problem, namely light weight pulleys (gets you to 3000rpms faster), Boost controler, Samco hoses (both seem to get the turbo to spool and engage faster) and stuff like that...
02-16-2003 | 04:28 PM
#5
VIP Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 488
From: 12.9 / 105+
Car Info: black my03 5mt wrx s/w
i'm about 900 miles into my my03.
the clutch has gotten much better in progression, as can be expected.
the shifter has also loosened up. when the car is COMPLETELY warmed up (as in, not just the temp sensor) the gearbox is MUCH smoother than it was at 100 mi. no short shift kit here. when it's cold (as in 1 degree F) it's a bit stiff, but that's not surprising.
the fun definitely starts at 3k rpm. i don't find any problems with a lack of torque at low rpms.. it's still a 2l 4 banger after all. it still seems like a performance car to me, even at these low rpms.
as far as the brakes, i think they too have gotten a bit better in feel. it's not the same as say a vette with semi-metallic pads, but they're strong. (i'm thinking of adding an abs cutout switch actually.)
i've already started to mod it. right now we have no more DRLs and the fogs will illuminate w/o the headlights.
i'm happy as a pig in ****, i can tell you that!
wait till you drive it in snow!
ken
the clutch has gotten much better in progression, as can be expected.
the shifter has also loosened up. when the car is COMPLETELY warmed up (as in, not just the temp sensor) the gearbox is MUCH smoother than it was at 100 mi. no short shift kit here. when it's cold (as in 1 degree F) it's a bit stiff, but that's not surprising.
the fun definitely starts at 3k rpm. i don't find any problems with a lack of torque at low rpms.. it's still a 2l 4 banger after all. it still seems like a performance car to me, even at these low rpms.
as far as the brakes, i think they too have gotten a bit better in feel. it's not the same as say a vette with semi-metallic pads, but they're strong. (i'm thinking of adding an abs cutout switch actually.)
i've already started to mod it. right now we have no more DRLs and the fogs will illuminate w/o the headlights.
i'm happy as a pig in ****, i can tell you that!
wait till you drive it in snow!ken
02-16-2003 | 06:17 PM
#7
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 45
From: Edmonds, WA
It's pretty much accepted that with a stock WRX, the fun begins when you drive it like you hate it. It took a while for me to get used to keeping the car above 3k just to stay in the fat part of the torque curve. If you think the stock brakes are mushy in this car, you need to drive a Jeep! That being said, I got rid of nearly all my mushy pedal feel with a 100 dollar set of stainless steel brake lines and some high quality brake fluid. I eventually added a master cylinder brace but that was a little overkill. New pads are on the list of things to do but right now the brakes clamp on like a pitbull to your ********. All I have to do is press the pedal down about an inch to throw my passengers heads into the dash.
02-16-2003 | 06:21 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
I too luv m y car
I got a MY02 silver sedan with automatic and i luv it. I think i have seen where the car actually gains af ew horse on the dyno after the computer learns ur behavior and im my case aggressive but not abusive driving. You wont be dissappointed with this car.
.
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02-16-2003 | 08:28 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have to say, initially I was like "I don't understand what the fuss is about"
luckily my saleman was super cool and let me beat on the car pretty hard, 3rd gear I got wound up and floored it, wooo!
I had to shoot across a busy street with traffic coming so I revved it and dumped the clutch, that was pretty brutal
luckily my saleman was super cool and let me beat on the car pretty hard, 3rd gear I got wound up and floored it, wooo!
I had to shoot across a busy street with traffic coming so I revved it and dumped the clutch, that was pretty brutal
02-16-2003 | 11:42 PM
#13
NASIOC Slut
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,723
From: Roseville, CA
Car Info: 1995 Subaru Impreza 1.8 L
Originally posted by MrElussive
Have you personally gotten past the quirks of the car that I mentioned?
Have you personally gotten past the quirks of the car that I mentioned?
) The WRX is fine, you just have to keep the revs up. Personally, I would think it to be an easy car to live with for me, and thats after I spent 6 months test driving pretty much everything on the planet two years back
02-17-2003 | 05:44 AM
#14
VIP Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 488
From: 12.9 / 105+
Car Info: black my03 5mt wrx s/w
Originally posted by MrElussive
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I definitely have to disable the daytime running lights as soon as I get the car. How did you do it, exactly? Is it a hard process? Thanks!
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I definitely have to disable the daytime running lights as soon as I get the car. How did you do it, exactly? Is it a hard process? Thanks!
the most correct way is to disable the actual control module, which is inside the passenger's side dash. you need to do this if you ever run HID headlights. it can be unplugged and therefore is easily plugged back in to reverse the mod. i fished around on my back and i think i saw where it was but i couldn't get my hands in there to do it, and i didn't feel like pulling out the glovebox.
the easier, but less comprehensive way, is to remove the load resistor which is located under the hood, on the passenger's side, near the right front strut tower. it is a small metal box with a quick connect electrical fitting, which is easily unplugged. it took about 2 minutes total. it is also easily reversed. if you run HID lights though this is insufficient and you must do the first method.
i can take some digital pictures, but i know somewhere out there there are some already.
ken