off roading..what should I expect ?

[-WRX-]

About to buy a wrx sedan but also tempted by the outback. what should I expect off road wise ? Mostly high desert trails here in SoCal/Nevada with plenty of sand and couple holes/rocks...maybe some sand dunes once in while too.
I see the outback has a higher ground clearance. Am I gonna leave the front bumper/exhaust on the trail if I gun it ?

thanks

[SD_GR]

It's a road car. Neither is a truck. Expect better traction but just as little clearance as any road car. No more.

[UEDan]

I would not off road with a 3rd gen wrx. My 2nd gen has more ground clearance(vs a 3rd gen) and I'm still having to drive around medium sized rocks and potholes.

But when its nice and flat go for it(at your own risk and don't forget to check the depth of a puddle ;-)

Posted from a fone.

[Terminal Kuz]

Things will break, or fall off. sometimes

[11blackwrx]

grip wise they are very good but dont have ground clearance. i wouldnt take my 11 wrx off roading period and personally like jeeps for off roading

[rage-wrx]

My 2nd gen has more ground clearance(vs a 3rd gen)

Wait, what?

Ground clearance is 6.1" for a 2005 wagon vs 6.1" for a 2011 hatch.

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX and STi spec page

2012 Subaru WRX and STI research page: WRX, Premium, Limited, and STI, STI Limited, 4 door sedan, 5 door hatchback

[gregroot198521]

My thread: http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=24372

This'll give you some idea of what it'll take to get her good off-road. Stock is still quite capable, but you'll probably have your bumper falling off a few times.

[UEDan]

Wait, what?

Ground clearance is 6.1" for a 2005 wagon vs 6.1" for a 2011 hatch.

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX and STi spec page

2012 Subaru WRX and STI research page: WRX, Premium, Limited, and STI, STI Limited, 4 door sedan, 5 door hatchback

Son of a.... you're right. I think I was confusing numbers with an another Subaru when I was doing research last year. I need to stop killing brain cells =(

[RayfieldsWRX]

My father-in-law's Outback seems to have better-than-average ground clearance, for a road car. Perfect for gravel roads, less-maintained mountain roads, etc. I probably wouldn't choose it as a desert trail vehicle, if deep holes and large rocks are common.

[Rambo]

The Outback Sport, (now called the XV), actually has an offroad section in the manual describing basic offroad techniques. That said, it makes a point to stress it's terrain limitations (basically rougher gravel paths and other fairly smooth surfaces).

The WRX manual explicitly states the AWD system is designed for traction ON ROAD in inclement weather, so plowed snowy passes or heavy rain.

[Sheleileigh Law]

Not wrx if you want to off road a lot. My rex is my first subaru, so I can't say how an outback would do off road. I CAN tell you that a wrangler would be magnificent. It would seem to me that the wrx, aside from being too low, would give you tyre problems ... low profile tyres go POP on too many holes and rocks, esp with aluminium wheels, although you could switch to steels. Also, the paint would ding up really quickly. It's a torque car for the road - stock at least, Just my two cents.

[gregroot198521]

Once again: yes, quite capable, just needs moar high.

That's from drifting between dunes in the middle of the desert.

[-WRX-]

thanks guys for the inputs. I also have a Nissan PF 4x4 for off road but the wife is claiming it..lol

[wrx1234]

The WRX and STi are rally inspired cars not rally cars. Buy a WRX take everything off of it to where you are left with an empty frame replace everything with better parts and you have a rally car but you will be out $200K if not more.

Off roading a WRX will be the same as off roading a civic you might not get stuck as much but you will bottom out and subject the suspension to stresses it was not designed for. Not saying it can't do it... but it will break much sooner than you expect.

[drkhead]

I come from 4x4 SUVs and was absolutely amazed at what subie guys try to do.