2011 WRX and Subaru turbo 2.5

[rationull]

I'm constantly looking for my "next car" and at the moment, I'm debating the merits of the 2011 WRX as a practical sporty daily driver and utility/dog car. It's got some things going for it, but some things going against it too. Here's my short list:

Pros:
- AWD (primarily for handling since I almost never have to deal w/ bad weather)
- Boxer engine (for low CG, symmetric drive shafts, and for uniqeness factor which I do appreciate for better or for worse)
- Plenty of power
- Hatchback versatility


Cons:
- AWD (for weight/fuel economy penalty, tire matching issues, etc).
- Boxer engine (for ease of maintenance)
- 5 speed manual trans (vs 6 speed)
- Comes with summer tires -- I'd much rather have all seasons.
- Timing belt (but a 105k mile interval makes this almost a non issue).


Some of these aren't a big deal (5 speed MT is really fine with me, summer tires can always be sold and replaced although a PITA) but some could nag after a while (boxer maintenance issues). Overall it seems like a good all around vehicle. I haven't had a chance to test drive one yet but I'm hoping to do that in a week or two.

One thing I keep coming back to, though, is that it seems like everywhere you look there are horror stories about engine problems with Subarus. There's the infamous head gasket issue which supposedly has been fixed on the newer 2.5 engines and there's something I remember hearing about a bad batch of bearings. Are the current Subaru turbo 2.5 engines in pretty good shape or are there still known problem areas?

 

[shpankey]

Just remember, the internet is a bad place to take a personal gallop pole as it's mostly filled with written stories of bad experiences. Generally speaking, most people that have no issues don't really comment on it. Unless some magical feat has been made (300k + miles, etc) which are rare and don't show themselves for a long time. For a great car to be understood as great, it has to stand the test of time.

I've also found this to be the case for medical issues. Never go to the internet with a list of symptoms, you'll read all kinds of horror stories that will scare the crud out of you. Go to your doctor. lol

I say take the test drive and also try to get out to test drive comparable cars. Lots of hot hatchbacks out there to sample. If you have a better half, see what they think too. Then negotiate and then sleep on it to be sure. You will generally have a gut feeling of which one you want.

I also am a family man that picked a hot hatch. To me they are really great cars that are very practical with decent gas mileage and great performance and looks. They really do well at everything... even price.

 

[Solo2driver]

Funny, I have a 2011 WRX with 19 miles on it in my driveway.....on loan from the dealership until I decide if I want the 4-door or 5-door hatchback (I KNOW I want the hatchback, but they dealer does not have any!).

Lots of research here as well, I am going to pull the trigger as long as the bank stuff goes through.

 

[rationull]

Good advice, shpankey, thanks. I will probably test drive a WRX this weekend (a sedan, my dealer doesn't have any hatches either!). Incidentally, the MS3 is on my list too and I'm going to try to drive a friend's close to when I drive the WRX so I can compare the two.

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: Solo2driver

Lots of research here as well, I am going to pull the trigger as long as the bank stuff goes through.


Good luck! I'm hoping we'll see pictures when/if it goes through!

 

[shpankey]

Good luck with your decision. I am confident you will be happy with whatever you get. And pics definitely in order all around! I love the WRX's!

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: shpankey
Good luck with your decision. I am confident you will be happy with whatever you get. And pics definitely in order all around! I love the WRX's!


Most likely I'll get a few more years in my current car anyway!

 

[Al]

The 2.5 Turbo is a very solid engine. It also is almost immune to HG leaks. It still has the belt and of course it is a DOHC . The non turbo now will be a DOHC with a chain. It seems obvious that both engines will be the same except for the turbo.

 

[Solo2driver]

I ended up getting a 2011 WRX 5-door hatchback, had 3 miles on it when I got it and now has 10 miles

Driving home last night in the borrowed WRX Sedan solidified my choice, it was POURING rain and there was standing water everywhere. Narry a slip or slide, car was great.

Could not be happier, I say go for it!

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Solo get out the camera please...

If you cain't show me any pics then waht color did you get?

 

[rationull]

Solo, you're not helping my bank account's future

I went to the dealership last night, looked at an Outback sport (to get an idea what the cargo space is like on the Impreza hatch) since they didn't have a WRX hatch available to look at. Luckily they did have a sedan on the lot and I test drove it. Thoughts:

- The test drive was at night, and the red cluster lights looked better than I expected.
- The sticker said it had the STI short throw shifter on it. I wouldn't have known (the throws felt pretty long to me) but I assume the sticker was right. Whatever shifter it had though, I liked it. It's positioned very well and had a very nice mechanical feel to it despite reviews I've read saying it's rubbery (maybe that's without the short throw kit?).
- PLENTY of power especially in first and second gear.
- The clutch and steering were very nice and light. Easy to drive (and I think easy to drive fast).
- The cargo space was a little smaller than I expected but I guess that's the price you pay for a smallish car and a nicely raked rear window.

Comparing to the 2011 5.0 Mustang I test drove a few weeks ago, obviously this car has less power but it actually compared more favorably than I thought in that department. On top of that the WRX felt *much* more planted and confident on the road. A much more "comfortable" driver IMO, although to be fair the Mustang is a bigger, heavier car.

On a whole I liked driving this car better than the Mustang GT, even ignoring the increased utility of the 5 door.

So tempting. Just gotta decide if I want to add AWD and a turbo to my car's complexities and if I can justify spending all that money to replace a 2007 Civic that's perfectly adequate (but that I'm constantly bored with).

 

[Solo2driver]

I got the World Rally Blue....this is my 6th Subaru, and I had never owned that iconic color!

I have some pics, need to find the cable to my wife's camera or the memory card reader, both are MIA at the moment grrrr

-JW

 

[SteveSRT8]

The little Subies are great cars. It's mostly the tuner types who blow them up running more boost than stock.

Keep it stock and take care with it and it's a great car. I love the hatchback body style for its versatility.

Great choice. Definitely NOT an appliance.