Just purchased 2012 SWP Five door WRX

[Bondorz]

Picked up SWP five door basic WRX Saturday. Finding this car has been a journey since last December. Thought I would offer a few observations of what I learned along the way. First, I waited to see what cars would come around rather than ordering a car. This might have been a mistake as when orders stopped in April, the dealers began to jack up the prices, some by over $2000 over MSRP. I finally found a car listed at MSRP and after clicking on the dealer’s Internet price, purchased the car at over $1100 below MSRP. The dealer told me that they still made a decent profit and I was able to add a few features because of this. I don’t know why anyone would pay the outrageous prices some of the dealers are asking. I’m sure when orders on the 2013 start, the prices will come back in line.

I had wrestled for some time with all of the scenarios, WRX vs. STI, four door vs. five, basic vs. premium vs. limited, all of the colors, WRX vs. BRZ vs. something else and on an on. Finally decided that I didn’t need all of the hard-core features of an STI (would still love to have one, though) and didn’t want to pay an extra ten grand. I didn’t find much use for a moon roof, fog lights, leather seats, or navigation package and decided that the basic WRX was the best bang for the buck. The car I purchased came with short throw shifter, dimming mirror and compass, cargo tray and armrest extender. I added satellite radio, all weather mats and rear bumper protector. The dealer was very straightforward and the purchase was as pleasant as I can imagine buying a new car could be. I did have to drive 150 miles to pick up the car. It was a blast driving home.

There were a couple things that I did not expect- just to nit pick a little. Since satellite radio was added on after delivery, the antenna is placed in the upper right corner of the windshield and it’s kind of obnoxious up there. I’m not sure if it comes this way when factory installed. I’m still trying to figure out how to use all the features of the sound system and blue tooth. I do know an eight year old who can probably get it all set up for me. The only other unexpected observation is that the doors seem a little light and hollow compared to my previous car, a 2006 Outback. I was expecting something a little more solid.

Overall, it has been great. Subaru does a great job of putting a package together. There may be other cars that are faster, others that handle better, others that are more fuel efficient, others that are more practical, others that have more luxury features, but this car puts it all together and I think the outcome is far greater than the sum of its parts. More later.

[Drews]

No pics? :|

[scarmack]

[Calvinball]

Congrats and welcome! Most of us agree with the "swiss army knife" analogy of the car.

[ea126405]

Congrats on the purchase, I am happy to see that you found a reputable and reasonable dealer. They seem to be difficult to find. I ordered my '12 5-door after I found a a reputable and reasonable dealer. Some of the dealers in my area were real asshats. One guy told me I couldn't drive one of their WRX's (not even an STI), until the deal was fully consummated, as "the owner has a lot of money wrapped up in these cars". I was flabbergasted and told him that the owner was insane. If a sub-$30K, represents a lot of money for a dealer, then good luck to their longevity.

The WRX is fun to drive and I'm certain, you'll love it. Once the breakin period is over, you'll swear your WRX is a different car. Once you start to get into the boost regularly, you'll find it hard to stop. It will be a different car at the gas pump too. A spirited tank, will get me 18-19 mpg. Ouch, for a car this size and weight. Then again, I obviously did not buy it for the gas mileage, did I?

[Bondorz]

Here are some pics.

[Axex]

Very nice and congrats! I love the white hatches I too spent a great deal of time weighing my options and debating other cars and all that. The whole time I knew the WRX was what I really wanted and I'm very happy with it.

[FMS]

Very nice congrats on the purchase. let us know if you need any parts for that beautiful WRX

[hisdigness]

Nice, you went with SWP. That is the same color that adds 15HP I hear!

Enjoy the amazing ride!