To buy or not to buy... 2008/09 WRX

[Mules]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at picking up my first WRX this September. I have a few questions though. I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the '09 model. I know that they just redesigned for '08, so there probably won't be many changes for the next model year. I've done a lot of research on the WRX, and was wondering what everyone thought about the '08's. I've read reviews that say people don't like the new feel to the ride, that it's more "mature" and "softer". I've also read the ongoing debate about the hydraulic clutch and people burning them early. I've seriously wanted one of these vehicles since they came out and I'm finally treating myself. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome. Thanks!

[wrxtreme06]

Originally Posted by Mules

I've read reviews that say people don't like the new feel to the ride, that it's more "mature" and "softer".

stop reading reviews and go out and test drive one. just because billy bob and mary joe dont like it, doesnt mean you wont.


test drive the sedan.. test drive the hatch... and if you like it, buy it. as far as the clutch, i've heard lots of people having problems with it too but hey.. thats what the warranty is for!

and like you said, i dont think there will be any changes at all in 09. i'm sure in 2010 a new body style will come out though.

[Timdog1650]

Originally Posted by wrxtreme06

and like you said, i dont think there will be any changes at all in 09. i'm sure in 2010 a new body style will come out though.

Actually, I'll disagree. Look at the differences between 02 and 03...engine wise, they revised the shim-over-bucket design in the heads and made the valvetrain more reliable. Tranny wise, they did "something" (not sure what) to make the gearboxes a little more robust than the first 02's.

04 to 05 STi, they made a LOT of changes...transmission/differentials got a lot of changes, the exterior got some revisions with the addition of fender flares and the color the headlight housings were painted, the wheels got a new bolt pattern, and there was a brand new interior design. There were also changes to the suspension/steering rack design in 05 that solved some of the problems inherent in the 04's.

06 to 07 was not very different for the WRX, but again, the STi got a different turbo, injectors/fuel rails, totally different ECU tuning, and different gear ratios.

So...not to be a total contradictory ass hole, but I would count on some revisions to the 09 that will improve on some shortcomings of the 08's

~Tim

[wrxtreme06]

shut up tim! god....


i was just going off of exterior changes... sure they might tweak a couple of things but i was trying to focus on the fact that they're not going to re-design the whole body until 2010. =)

[Timdog1650]

Originally Posted by wrxtreme06

shut up tim! god....


i was just going off of exterior changes... sure they might tweak a couple of things but i was trying to focus on the fact that they're not going to re-design the whole body until 2010. =)

naturally, and when they do I'm sure it will look even MORE like a Saturn

[Mules]

[quote=wrxtreme06;2310262]stop reading reviews and go out and test drive one. just because billy bob and mary joe dont like it, doesnt mean you wont.


A test drive was something I'd like to do, but they don't have Subaru dealerships in Afghanistan

Anyone drive an '08 and an earlier model to compare? The last one I test drove was a '05.

[SR240]

I'm in the market for a new WRX as well. I have test driven 2 different 08 wrx's at 2 different dealerships. Things I liked about the car, the seats, interior is pretty nice, and the power makes it a lot of fun. There is a lot of body roll in these cars, I havent driven a older WRX so I have nothing to compare it to but all of my cars right now have coilovers so that's semi bias. In addition, I was pretty unhappy with the brake feel. It was way squishier than I like. Last, the styling is turning me off the more and more I look at the car. The older models had a lot of character to them whereas the new ones not so much. This is just some food for thought...

[SonicWagon]

Originally Posted by wrxtreme06

. thats what the warranty is for!

i thought the warranty was for throwing out the window the first week you owned the car by putting a kartboy short shifter on the car.

[wrxtreme06]

Originally Posted by SonicWagon

i thought the warranty was for throwing out the window the first week you owned the car by putting a kartboy short shifter on the car.

what does MY warranty have to do with anything? haha

[RayfieldsWRX]

Originally Posted by Bounce

I like the 03 still but even little things like road noise and significantly improved.

...if I have one complaint about my bugeye, that's it..I'm glad that Subaru has finally addressed it. I like feeling the road as I drive, but I don't want to hear it every minute.

[Mules]

Originally Posted by Bounce

If you're not stateside, don't buy a car. They tried to talk us into that with Harleys when we were over in Korea. Buyt it at todays prices (before they go up). Yeah right. Turns out those were the AMF days of HD and the build quality sucked more than usual.

Roger that. I wasn't planning on getting one while over here. I actually can't, AAFES just has american car manufacturers. I was pretty much going to do exactly what you recommended.

I'm not a young private who just wants to go home and get a "deployment car" , I can actually afford one. Thanks though.

[ayyada]

I just got my WRX a week ago. The biggest thing I dont like about WRX is the placement of the center arm rest. They have put the trigger right in the middle front of the arm rest. So sometimes I would accidentally hit the trigger, and lost support to my shifting arm. Of course the fact that I'm new to stick doesnt help the matter.

Overall I really like the power of the car. You can feel the car really pulling you forward when it's over 3k rpm. I've drove an auto bmw 335 b4, it doesn't feel as fast as WRX.

[yukka03wrx]

After first hand experience with the 2008 sti I would recommend getting an 02-07 wrx/sti. The new 2008 models are full of problems ranging from fading paint to defective breaks, cluth.... huge disappointment after owning 3 different wrx's.

[CJ05]

Why would you buy a car without test driving it first? I'm sure you're pretty ancey (sp?) about getting the deployment car with your deployment money (been there, been down that road) but it's better to wait so you can see exactly what you are getting. See what the new 09's have and compare to the 08's if you choose to get a brand new one. Plus you'll get a better deal in person with negotiating a price.

Why is there such hate and distain for the new MY? Looks like a Saturn, looks like a Corolla, yadda yadda yadda. Still a Subaru still a WRX. Personally i like the new models. Driven an 04, driven an 07. It's a much smoother, quieter ride. Meant to reach out past the teenager/yound adult to an older more mature crowd (i'm sure for business and money reasons) Plus was still able to average over 30mpg for the majority of my trip from E.P. to Klamath Falls OR and back.

Where in afghanistan are you stationed at? Was there in Qalat at FOB Lagman 05-06. My old unit (173rd) is up northeast of Kabul in the Kunar province, Korengal Valley area. They were the group that just got hit this past weekend. 9 KIA and 14 wounded. My old company actually!

[Jimmi]

At this point I would wait. Not that long until Oct/Nov when they hit. If they have not changed much then you can get an 08 for cheaper as they will still be around new. If the 09s are better then you will be glad you waited. Win win either way it goes.