thinking about getting a 2011 WRX

[Aharami]

My 2000 GTI VR6 is dying and I would really like to replace it with another hatch. I really like the styling of the 2010/2011 WRX, even though i'll probably be going backwards in interior quality. The thing is that none of the dealers near me have a WRX in stock, and can't find a non-STi version used. Which means I'll have to factory order one. Does that mean I can't negotiate on price?

Probably looking at the Premium or Limited trim levels. Leather and HID would be nice but I can live with cloth, and I can retrofit the TSX HIDs I have laying around. But I really want sunroof and IIRC the base WRX doesnt come with a sunroof

Anything I should know about the 2011 WRX?

 

[Kroze]

Well you're going to have a tough time ordering a new 2011 WRX since they don't make them anymore. I think 2012 is the one they're making right now.

 

[Aharami]

ah looks like they kept the 2011 styling for the 2012 WRX. They didnt create a WRX version of the 2012 Impreza...which is good cuz I dont like the looks of the 2012 Impreza

 

[Zap]

You can always negotiate, even if you order it. This one was ordered, for $600 over dealer invoice.

(aftermarket cheap wheels to hold snow tires)

I did a purchase request through my AAA membership, and got this as an offer. It had to be ordered.

The interior isn't too terrible, but it is plainly not a luxury car. Ours is a "Premium" model with heated leather seats.

Things I like about it:
Power output and how it pretty much pulls to redline unlike my Mazdaspeed 6, which gives up the ghost a bit under redline.
Corners like stink, and feels just super nimble.
Bucket seats really hug you.
Rear seats actually seem roomy enough for real adults.
Super aggressive exhaust note. Someone who owned an older WRX asked me once if ours had an aftermarket exhaust.

Things I don't like about it:
Gas mileage, but that's to be expected. Still, worse real-world MPG than my Mazdaspeed 6 even though I think they have the same EPA ratings.
I hate the Bluetooth controls sticking out of the steering wheel, like an afterthought.
Factory stereo speakers are IMO lousy.
Dealer installed factory subwoofer option (10" in hatch, not the "under seat" version) is WAY too loud, and Subaru/Kicker didn't see fit to include a gain control.
Leather + wrap-around bucket seats = sweaty backside.
Very small trunk/hatch area.

I'm really just nit picking, because that car is just super fun to drive.

 

[Aharami]

nice! I was considering a dark gray or red. But I think I like pearl white one the best now. Got any other pics of it?

You got leather seats with Premium? I thought those only come in Limited? or do I have my trim levels mixed up?

Is your's a 2011 or 2012? Mind me asking how much you got it for?

 

[T2urtle]

i've been thinking of going with a hatch as well. mainly to replace my G35 AWD.

Zap, whats your and a typical WRX real world MPG? I'm getting 18mpg with my G35. Would like to come up to 22-25. I really like the body styling and i could do without the power of the turbo so a normal wagon is an option for me.

How much different are the 08-09? Have they ironed out all the issues? I know at launch with the 08's many people had issues and some even had bad motors.

 

[CraigRT]

Gotta go for pearl white. White is the best car color!

 

[xSkyDrAx]

i don't know how much time you have to spare but if you got 6 months of waiting then signing up with one of Subaru's VIP partners to get in on their program is a great idea.

I did this in about November and am prepping myself to order in April. I too am looking for WRX in their black color. Will most likely have to order from factory as well since most dealers will carry about 1-5 WRX's at any given time.

Dealers will report wait times as 8-12 weeks but people have reported shorter and longer so ymmv.

 

[Aharami]

what are the benefits of the Subaru's VIP partners program. I am in no rush
how do you sign up?

 

[xSkyDrAx]

http://www.lnt.org/programs/subaruVIP.php

Here is what I signed up for. Minimum donation is $20 I believe and it's good for 1 year.

Main benefit for you is that are qualified to purchase a Suby for 2% under invoice with no hassle/haggle. Only thing is you have to wait 6 months.

Edit: the 2% under invoice also applies to accessories that you add.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

i've been thinking of going with a hatch as well. mainly to replace my G35 AWD.

Zap, whats your and a typical WRX real world MPG? I'm getting 18mpg with my G35. Would like to come up to 22-25. I really like the body styling and i could do without the power of the turbo so a normal wagon is an option for me.

How much different are the 08-09? Have they ironed out all the issues? I know at launch with the 08's many people had issues and some even had bad motors.

The 08 WRX is completely different from the 09 WRX.

If you look around for some history about it much of the fan base was quite upset about the 08 WRX as many people felt it was way too soft and was a step away from what a WRX/STi should be.

To rememdy this Subaru redid the WRX for 09 bumped it up to 265hp from 220 I believe and made things stiffer/better.

There was a also a period of 09 motors that were bad but it was only a specific date of manufacturer (don't know it off the top of my head) but the subsequent ones should be okay if you don't go balls to wall on it all the time.

2011 onward Subie added the STi widebody kit to the WRX and gave it slightly wider tires.

 

[Aharami]

http://www.lnt.org/programs/subaruVIP.php

Here is what I signed up for. Minimum donation is $20 I believe and it's good for 1 year.

Main benefit for you is that are qualified to purchase a Suby for 2% under invoice with no hassle/haggle. Only thing is you have to wait 6 months.

Edit: the 2% under invoice also applies to accessories that you add.

sweet! thanks for this!!

 

[NutBucket]

IIRC the 2012 WRX has halogen projectors for low beams already. The results of installing a $50 HID kit are actually quite good. Just food for thought.

Also, Subaru leather isn't all that great IMHO. I prefer the cloth.

 

[Zap]

Got any other pics of it?

Haha, cameo of my Mazdaspeed 6 in the background!

You got leather seats with Premium? I thought those only come in Limited? or do I have my trim levels mixed up?

No, I have MY trim levels mixed up. Yes, Limited.

Is your's a 2011 or 2012? Mind me asking how much you got it for?

2011 $28,814 after some options, before taxes/etc. Got some minor stuff like all weather floor mats, cargo mat, cargo nets, footwell lighting, etc.

Subwoofer was later, because it wasn't available for a few months.

Zap, whats your and a typical WRX real world MPG?

Straight up pure highway driving can get the EPA 25MPG (even just over 26MPG). Otherwise, mixed driving nets the 22-23MPG range. Well, that's if I don't lead foot it (which I usually do). If so, I get... who knows. Probably 20MPG.

My Mazdaspeed 6 has topped 30MPG on pure highway before. Typically gets around 26-27MPG highway, and 23-24MPG mixed. Leadfooting it gets me around 20-22MPG.

Some of those numbers are estimates, some the car computer, some guesses and some hard numbers. I will often track miles/gallons on long trips.

Main benefit for you is that are qualified to purchase a Suby for 2% under invoice with no hassle/haggle. Only thing is you have to wait 6 months.

Wow, I didn't know this existed.

 

[Jumpem]

I like the power, but they're too aggressive looking for me. I wouldn't mind a Forester XT with the WRX drivetrain.

 

[Zap]

The current Forester XT has the "old" WRX turbo with 224bhp and an auto transmission. Not quite the same.

How about a Legacy GT? It is Subaru's version of the beigemobile. It is only available as a loaded "Limited" but it does come with the newer 265bhp turbo and a 6 speed manual. Heck, even normal WRX only has a 5 speed. Gotta go STI to get the 6 speed.

 

[exar333]

Love my 2011 DGM Limited. It is almost more fun in the winter than the summer! Still, I cannot wait to ditch my 16'' winter tires for the 17'' summers.

 

[Aharami]

Does the WRX dash show information like outside temperature, trip meter, avg mpg, etc?

 

[ballmode]

I'm waiting for the 2013 WRX to decide to keep my WRX or not. I've been wanting to upgrade

 

[Zap]

Does the WRX dash show information like outside temperature, trip meter, avg mpg, etc?

I think it does. I think some of the info is in a little screen above the radio. My daily driver is the Mazdaspeed 6 - only get to drive the WRX occasionally.

 

[RavenSEAL]

My neighbor has a silver one, I hate him

 

[cheezmunky]

i've been thinking of going with a hatch as well. mainly to replace my G35 AWD.

Zap, whats your and a typical WRX real world MPG? I'm getting 18mpg with my G35. Would like to come up to 22-25. I really like the body styling and i could do without the power of the turbo so a normal wagon is an option for me.

How much different are the 08-09? Have they ironed out all the issues? I know at launch with the 08's many people had issues and some even had bad motors.

I just got 26.7 mpg on a hwy trip yesterday. Of course that was across Kansas so it's pretty flat. Normally I get ~22 mpg in day to day stop-go traffic.

Does the WRX dash show information like outside temperature, trip meter, avg mpg, etc?

Time, outside temp, and avg mpg is above radio. Trip meter is same as the odometer (odometer, trip a, trip b)

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I just got 26.7 mpg on a hwy trip yesterday. Of course that was across Kansas so it's pretty flat. Normally I get ~22 mpg in day to day stop-go traffic.

Is ~22 mpg what you're getting when you're trying to shift before boost comes on or just whenever?

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I'm waiting for the 2013 WRX to decide to keep my WRX or not. I've been wanting to upgrade

I keep hearing they're planning on bringing back the 2.0L to the 2013 WRX with a little more hp like ~5 and lighter perhaps. Though like all refreshes the new engine might have some bugs for the first year. That's my main concern about waiting till 2013.

 

[z1ggy]

I'm waiting for the 2013 WRX to decide to keep my WRX or not. I've been wanting to upgrade

Yeah I have an 07 NA and I have been some rumors the new wrx redesign will be much dif. than what the current gen has. Smaller engine ( rumored a 1.6/1.8L Turbo?!?) , and an electronically controlled turbo to name a few things. So will this mean, less hp.. but better mpg? It seems like the new hatches are starting to give up displacement in favor for better mpg. Hopefully the new wrx doesn't give up too much power, but gains a good deal on mpg.