Anyone driven or own an 08 WRX?

Question

A lot of the reviews say it's not quite as fun as older models. I was wondering how you think the acceleration and handling compare to older models with the 2.0L and 2.5L engines.

I also think if I bought it I would go ahead and get the ECU re-mapping from Vishnu Tuning that claims to add 45-50 flywheel hp for $750. What do you think of doing that instead of shelling out the money for an STI? (It would be a daily driver, no racing or anything)

Any other general comments on the model would be appreciated as well.

I don't like the 08 Mustang, and don't want a 2 door. The Focus is too wimpy. Nice car though.

I don't want an Evo either.

I could buy 3 WRX's for the price of one GTR.

Seriously people, I don't care what OTHER cars you like, give me input about the WRX or move on.

Answer 1

I bought an 08 WRX about six weeks ago and have done 5000 kms (3000 miles). I live in Australia - one of the toughest testing grounds on earth! I've owned a bug-eye MY02 and a MY03 that the insurance company gave me when the bug-eye had a tree fall on it!

The MY08 is superb. It is gutsier than any of the two litre versions. It has miles better handling, it's smoother and more refined but has more turbo-whine and a much throatier exhaust than the other two (in standard form). It feels good, superb, to drive and gets a good rex roar up at about 4000rpm.

It takes 65 kmh (40mph) bends at 165 (105mph) and doesn't blink. Is it as much fun? If you think the wheel shuddering in your hand and the front diving into a corner is fun, buy a 1970 Mustang.

Style ... well it doesn't quite do it for me as much as the 03 which I think is the best shape ever in the Rex ... but it's growing on me. (I think the earlier ones looked like 1960's Corollas)

Oh and nowhere near the turbo lag of the previous models. The torque is such that you can overtake from 2500 rpm in fifth up a hill and you're doing 220 kmh before you look back down. Braking, well carry a spatula so you can peel your eyeballs back off the windshield!

Issues - the hatch rattles and the windscreen creaks. I've been getting a slight miss/surge problem at 3000 revs but it's in for its first service and the guy reckons he knows exactly what that is.

Answer 2

I test drove an '08 WRX 2 weeks ago when shopping for a new car and I also test drove a 2002 WRX (2.0) when they were new. Here's what I found:

The new '08's are definitely more refined and generally quieter in every way. Some people may like that better, but I actually liked the more visceral and "raw" feel of the '02. You could hear the boxer-4 much better in the '02 when you wound it up. The interior of the '02 was a joke though - it looked old and outdated when it was new. The '08's interior is much better, but still nothing to brag about IMO.

The 2.0 WRX also had much more turbo lag than the 2.5. The 2.0 really didn't make much power until 3000-3500rpm. The 2.5 I drove seemed to start making power around 2200-2500rpm or so.

Among some of the other cars I test drove was a Mazdaspeed3. While the Mazda was only front-wheel-drive, the 2.3 DISI turbo 4cyl in that thing made the new 2.5 in the WRX feel underpowered and outdated. There was really no noticeable turbo lag in the Mazda at all and it ran like a scalded dog when you got on it. Unless you did a driveline destroying 5000rpm launch in the Subaru, the Mazda was easily the faster of the two. Unless your heart is set on an AWD car, you might want to take a look at a Speed3 too.

Answer 3

Hatchback... well...
As you have stated you are not into racing, then it is the car for you. Subaru tried to make '08 more comfortable thus, the double wishbone suspension at the rear and managed to have more leg space in the process too. It does accelerate faster but we are talking here of +/-0.09 seconds alas fades in the quarter mile again we are talking here of negligible microseconds. If you have the money go for the STI. Not as comfortable though. And forget about the 2.0L it will not suit you.

Answer 4

the accelerating and the handling have both improved, the new wrx has a better suspension and has a liltle more hp and torque (at lower rpm's) than the older versions it also has more room, when i drove it i felt the stiffness of the suspension,(the wrx and sti are not known for their comfort when taking turns after all they are designed with a sports suspension when u go over bumps u ARE goin to feel them)
what i would do is buy a base impreza for $16999 have fun with it until the sti comes out(300 hp and torque AWD!!!!!!) take out the engine and the transmission form the impreza, sell it, buy a sti engine and transmission and put it in the impreza u would have a sleeper sti for less than the prize of the sti! sti costs $35000+ impreza $17000 you'd have $18000 to put in your car! i'd seriously do it if i had money

Answer 5

I'm not sure about the comparison between newer and older variants of the WRX but I saw this article doing a similar comparison on the Mitsubishi Evo. The 2006 model looks like a very good buy!

Answer 6

i wouldnt buy an 08 i would wait at least till the 09's come out they have been completely redesigned and its not really that good to get a completely redesigned car the first year it comes out but i heard it is good and fast

Answer 7

Dont waste your money....... Buy an 08 Mustang GT or an 08 Focus Coupe SES!

Answer 8

i had three of them 2 years ago

Answer 9

i would buy a crappy car and then save up and wait for the nissan GTR in 2009, that thing's sick