2005 - 2007 WRX experiences please
Discussion
Searching for a decent wagon and am quite keen on Subaru, probably Impreza as its a more economical to buy out here in Aus compared to the Legacy.
I'm looking at MY05-MY07 WRX so blobeye or hawkeye. I've seen both 2.0T and 2.5T engines advertised with a mere 2 bhp difference, stats aside how do the engines measure up against one another?
Many more questions: How do they cope with mileage? Any specific weaknesses? I assume the ride is quite firm? What's rear passenger space like?
Finally, the lazy Aussies love their autos, this for me goes against the WRX grain, any experiences? I'm thinking avoid.
I'm looking at MY05-MY07 WRX so blobeye or hawkeye. I've seen both 2.0T and 2.5T engines advertised with a mere 2 bhp difference, stats aside how do the engines measure up against one another?
Many more questions: How do they cope with mileage? Any specific weaknesses? I assume the ride is quite firm? What's rear passenger space like?
Finally, the lazy Aussies love their autos, this for me goes against the WRX grain, any experiences? I'm thinking avoid.
If you're going to buy a WRX and you don't plan to mod the nuts off it go for the 2.5. The combination of the TD04/13T Turbo and the 2.5 bottom end makes for a proper torque monster when modded although you won't squeeze any more power out of it than you would a standard 2.0ltr with standard turbo and injectors due to turbo/injector limitations.
The turbo spools up super quick though so effortless overtaking and it's a joy to drive relaxed.
With exhaust and a decent high flow flat panel air filter + remap you'll easily see 280bhp and around 310+lbft torque from very low down. The acceleration is a real giggle and very addictive.
If you're going to mod the nuts off it then go for the 2.0ltr. You'll get 320+bhp with a change of turbo and injectors and it should still be reliable at that.
The turbo spools up super quick though so effortless overtaking and it's a joy to drive relaxed.
With exhaust and a decent high flow flat panel air filter + remap you'll easily see 280bhp and around 310+lbft torque from very low down. The acceleration is a real giggle and very addictive.
If you're going to mod the nuts off it then go for the 2.0ltr. You'll get 320+bhp with a change of turbo and injectors and it should still be reliable at that.
Weaknesses: rear shocks failing as they went to "inverted" shocks on the 2005 models. Look for knocking at low speeds, graunching when manouvering, and the car settling unevenly when you park it. It's not cheap to fix because of suspension incompatibilities, you can fix it with 2003 spec parts as top mount point on the car and strut legs are the same, but there are subtle differences in the top mount itself (at the rear at least). Original shocks are something like £500 each from subaru. I replaced my whole suspension for about £600 fitted (after persuading a dealer to give me some of my money back!)
Ride really isn't too firm, quite supple actually if it's working properly. They have a bit of ride height as standard.
Rear passenger room? not so great. I found it would really be short people only in the rear for longer journeys, the front seat backs are close to the squabs of the rear bench. I'm "only" 5'11" but I needed the front seat a long way back. Think japanese proportions and you're not far off.
They seem to wear miles just fine if well maintained and serviced. Beware cambelts- they're 50k miles or 5 years, and are often neglected or sold on at that time as it's about £500.
Oh, and post March 2006 you get into the £460 Tax band of course, £270 before that date. May make a difference come resale time (but pre 2006 limits you to 2.0 litre cars IIRC).
See my garage for my experiences with mine. It was a great car.
Ride really isn't too firm, quite supple actually if it's working properly. They have a bit of ride height as standard.
Rear passenger room? not so great. I found it would really be short people only in the rear for longer journeys, the front seat backs are close to the squabs of the rear bench. I'm "only" 5'11" but I needed the front seat a long way back. Think japanese proportions and you're not far off.
They seem to wear miles just fine if well maintained and serviced. Beware cambelts- they're 50k miles or 5 years, and are often neglected or sold on at that time as it's about £500.
Oh, and post March 2006 you get into the £460 Tax band of course, £270 before that date. May make a difference come resale time (but pre 2006 limits you to 2.0 litre cars IIRC).
See my garage for my experiences with mine. It was a great car.
Edited by WeirdNeville on Thursday 18th October 03:08
Having had both a 2005 (178K miles) and a 2007 (78K miles) I can tell you that reliability was excellent. Other than a clutch at about 165K miles I had no issues other than brake rotors. Subies really hold up well to miles. You can generally expect to replace a turbo around 120K, but now a replacement turbo isn't that bad and gives you the chance to upgrade if you want. I recommend a tune and downpipe that will get you about 35-50 more hp, plus better mileage. As the other posters have mentioned the struts/mounts on the wagon is the weak point, but plenty of companies offer aftermarket solutions that work very well. I might suggest replacing the endlinks if you get the chance, and if you can find a set, swapping to front STI brakes really helps. My experiences are based on the US spec, so keep that in mind. The 2.0T really likes to be rev'd and the turbo surge is quite fun.
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