Talk me out of a WRX

[Zargon]

a friend is getting ready to probably win his class at SCCO SOLO nationals in his 2013 WRX with nothing but some koni shocks and race rubber

last event he was fastest raw time over c6's and c5z06's and some 911's on race rubber


they are no slouch and are certainly fun to drive

 

[BurnItDwn]

Regular Impreza would get you where you are going just as well, and cheaper. Is it worth the price premium to you in terms of initial cost difference as well as crappy fuel economy? If so, then get the car.

 

[Wuzup101]

I drive an Evo X myself, and I certainly wouldn't talk you out of the WRX/STI. I really like the wagons, and wish I had that type of utility room in my Evo. They aren't going to be super expensive to maintain; however, as others have said:

- You will get lower gas mileage than comparable but less powerful cars in the same size class (this is obviously the trade-off for the extra performance that you gain).

- Sticky tires (IE: tires with a general tread rating under 200) will probably last for 15k miles and cost you a bit more than comparable but less powerful cars in the same size class (wider / lower profile rubber). That being said, you can certainly go with a nice high performance all season like the conti DW or DWS and get good grip and great tread life (just not extreme track / AX grip). Brake pads may be marginally more expensive (I'm not sure what type of brakes come on the WRX).

- Insurance is generally higher on these types of cars than many others... even those that are more powerful / faster. Insurance on my Evo X is about the same as it would be on a loaded Z06 of the same year... actually I think I would save a little bit. The WRX is probably a bit better, but I'm sure the STI is right up there with the Evo. Make sure you get a few quotes so you know what you are getting into.

IMHO, the fun to drive factor generally outweighs all of the above; however, if you are on a set budget make sure to take those things into account (you really are the only one who can tell us how much your fun is worth lol). You certainly could get a car with a nicer interior for the price (same thing can easily be said about the Evo). That being said, the WRX wagon has a quite a bit of utility and I'm sure will be a blast to drive. Also note that having a good aftermarket is often a good thing when you are looking for replacement parts or just want something to freshen up your drive.

Edit: only major downside is the NY auto show concept was awesome and you will be buying right before it comes out (2015). Personally, if you don't need it asap... I would wait to at least see what the final version looks like.

 

[zCypher]

Do it!!

 

[Zap]

For The Speakers
A quick Search got me here, but its mentioned all over NASIOC
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2270975 Post #10

Also Check out

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2317060&highlight=2011+hidden+menu

Thanks! I guess I'll wait until we finish paying it off (coming January?) and then look into aftermarket stuff. I'd like to keep the steering wheel controls too, if possible.

EDIT: A now much bigger thanks to thescreensavers!

The second link to the "hidden menu" made our stock WRX sound system... sound much better. The Loudness was what made our factory option 10" subwoofer almost unbearable. We would keep the Bass setting at -6 or so to be bearable. Now it sounds better at 0. Much more balanced instead of boomy. Much less bass, of course, but can always raise the Bass setting to get more bass without it being boomy. I was expecting more out of the hidden EQ setting since the frequency response chart looked so horrible. It did improve the sound to my ears, but I can't quite describe it easily like I can disabling Loudness.

For those not wanting to dig through the linked thread, here are some pics from it.

This one is a frequency response chart of the "hidden EQ" setting. It is enabled by default. D: The magenta line is the frequency response with it disabled. The white and green squiggly lines are how Subaru (and Clarion, who makes these for Subaru) ships from the factory.

Here is the frequency response chart of the "hidden loudness" setting. It is enabled by default. D: The magenta line is the frequency response with it disabled. The white, green and cyan squiggly lines are how Subaru (and Clarion, who makes these for Subaru) ships from the factory. Okay, lied about the magenta line, but it is essentially the same as if loudness were disabled (see previous chart).

Note that "enabled by default" is how you get it when you buy the car. Also, "hidden" means THERE IS NO OBVIOUS WAY TO CHANGE IT nor any indication that it exists, other than the system sounding pretty shitty. WTF, Subaru?!?!

To change the "hidden EQ" you need the key in ignition turned so that you can use the stereo, but have the stereo OFF. Press 1+4+right knob at the same time and hold for a moment.

To change the "hidden loudness" you need the stereo actually ON, and press 1+6+right knob.

TBH Subaru/Clarion probably felt that most clueless drivers think it sounds better with the EQ+loudness on. Seriously, seems as if 90% of the rental cars I ever got had bass + treble turned up all the way, which would approximate the loudness setting being ON. Also, the EQ setting was probably to fix some deficiency in the speakers (which may or may no longer be present) or the listening environment (inside of car). However, since we have the optional 10" subwoofer, we are fine with no mysterious low frequency EQ.