2008 WRX Owners??

[nottyash]

I am toying with a 2008 WRX for the wife.
The high tax puts me off for a mediocre car, but it looks quite nice interior and a bit better but a bit better built than the model it replaced.
Any owners had any problems with them? what are they like day to day? Mpg? Are they super unleaded only?
Also does anyone know why the top end is only listed as 130mph?, just seems low considering power/ size.
Thanks :-)

[ohtari]

nottyash said:

I am toying with a 2008 WRX for the wife.
The high tax puts me off for a mediocre car, but it looks quite nice interior and a bit better but a bit better built than the model it replaced.
Any owners had any problems with them? what are they like day to day? Mpg? Are they super unleaded only?
Also does anyone know why the top end is only listed as 130mph?, just seems low considering power/ size.
Thanks :-)

The 2.5l engine has piston problems, I'd avoid them tbh. The older 2.0l was far more reliable, without much in the way of downsides. If you need more power over stock, look for a Prodrive Performance Pack version. 265hp vs 225hp, and a ton more torque across the range.

130mph seems a little low, but it isn't too far off the mark. Mine would get to 150ish given a long enough straight, but that's right at the limit.

They're not cars for top speeds though, it's "making progress" down greasy winter where they shine

[nottyash]

Thanks,
I can't see a benefit of a 2.5 wrx versions over the 2.0 with the high tax.
I have had a classic turbo and 2 bugeye wrx versions so am happy with the performance.

I think the newer 2.5 isn't special enough to justify the high tax.

[Ginja]

Bit late on this but I have one and I love it. I believe the piston issues only affect the STI version so that should not be a worry. The WRX is not really fast but kind of eats the road so for the poor A/B roads where we live it is simply unbeatable and vastly preferable to drive in winter than our 335d. Tax is high, fuel economy is poor but the car will win you over

[IvanSTi]

Another late show, but the piston issue is only really (but not limited to) a problem on cars with higher BHP, the pistons can only withstand approx. 360bhp, hence the STi, especially the 330S suffers badly with ringland failure. The WRX's should be fine but there are no guarantees.

[nottyash]

I decided against one in the end. The WRX just isn't special enough to warrant the high tax, The looks are bland and its not tunable without problems.
Sti 330s was another option, but its a lot of money for an old model car with a new model on its way.
I will stick with my old bug for now

[Ginja]

nottyash said:

I decided against one in the end. The WRX just isn't special enough to warrant the high tax, The looks are bland and its not tunable without problems.
Sti 330s was another option, but its a lot of money for an old model car with a new model on its way.
I will stick with my old bug for now

Thats completely understandable. I had to live with ours for a good few weeks before it grew on me and over the winter it was just fabulous!