overheating

[y_p_w]

Insurance actuaries are one step away from witch doctors - who knows
what they take into account. The diff may have more to do with parts
prices than horsepower.

Similarly powered cars appeal to different segments of the population.
My guess is that average age of new Mustang owner is higher, and
overall they're driven less aggressively. I recall Camaros/Firebirds
were very expensive to insure, and had some of the highest driver
fatality rates for all new cars. It didn't have as much to do with
how inherently dangerous the car was, but rather the "average" driver
of the car.

Like it or not, the WRX is popular with younger and more aggressive
drivers.

 

[David Betts]

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

All rubbish. One of the strongest and most reliable cars on the
planet. Obviously a car of this sort of performance will go through
consumables like brakes and tyres at a great rate if driven as it is
meant to be driven, but then you expect that. Clutches come under
enormous pressure in a powerful awd car because it can't spin its
wheels on a fast launch and has to slip the clutch, plus these cars do
require a modicum of driving technique. Ham-footed drivers destroy the
clutch in 25,000 miles or less. They should last around 60,000.

You should realise that this car will be an enormous step up in
performance from what you are used to. I would seriously recommend
taking some high speed driving instruction. Ignore the occasional
prats posting in here about their so-called problems. The vast
majority of owners are more than satisfied with their cars.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[BlueSTi]

This carrier quoted me far lower rates (i.e. $400 lower) for other 300 HP
'aggressive' cars, such as the 2005 Mustang GT. The quote for a plain WRX
came in second ($200 lower) behind the STi and above the Mustang. I've got
a clean driving record.

Any data or consensus on this?

-John

I too had the same question. Here is a link with some interesting
information. It has information on how to reduce you insurance costs
as well.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/insure/basics/9409.asp

I'm going to change insurance companies in the near future.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

 

[Dundo]

This smells like a total crap. But that's what an ordinary troll's mouth
smells like since it's feeding on the exactly same diet...

I have a 2002 WRX Wagon with 45000 miles on it. Driven in all possible
conditions (both commuting and occasional racetrack fun). Never done any
mod on it. The only problem I noticed was a well known clutch shudder
issue. This could not be considered as a serious problem because it
vanishes after a couple of gear changes. So far, after 45K on it, I
still didn't have to do any serious repair. The only maintenance
required is a regular oil change. Once I had to change brake pads after
A LOT of racetrack fun (expected)....Used to drive european cars before
but never had a more reliable and more fun one than WRX...the only one
that was comparable to the fun level was an old souped-up Mini-Cooper
(not BMW one)....

 

[JD]

You have to ignore Fafoofnik. He is still pissed because his Ford truck,
with a 351, got smoked by a WRX. So, he hates Subarus of any kind. The
reason his breath smells bad is because he is full of shit.

I have an STi with 60,000 KM (36,000 miles) and have had no problems. I got
the car on the recommendation of several of my freinds who own WRXs. None
have had any problems at all. The cars are pretty easy to maintain, and
very reliable.

 

[Sfbonus]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

I have a 2003 WRX 86,000 miles. Never raced, about 60% of my driving is
freeway, 25% highway the rest city. Paint is holding up just fine (WR Blue).
Still on origional brake pads. Interior is holding up ok. No mechanical
problems EXCEPT the car is on its 3rd clutch. The 1st one went about 45,000
miles the 2nd only made it 25,000. Is it my driving? I don't think so. My
previous car made it 230,000 miles on one clutch. Only other negative thing I
would say about the car is that the windshield cracked for no apparent reason.
Glass was fine one day the next it had an 8 inch crack, and no it was not a
supper hot or cold day.

Gary

 

[The Gadget Shop]

Ham-footed drivers destroy the clutch in 25,000 miles or less. They should

last around 60,000.

So what are people's driving tips then? Besides losing the ham...

 

[DragonRider]

Let me add another question. Insurance costs? I called my company about
several sporty/sports cars and the WRX or STi run several hundred more per
year than other cars with similar horsepower. Is this a universal problem?

Wonder how old/where you live/driving record, etc. An STi for me is
going to run $480 per 6 months with full (lease plus levels) coverage.
(State Farm Preferred)

 

[KLS]

So what are people's driving tips then? Besides losing the ham...

When using a clutch, do the following:

Depress it FULLY, all the way to the floor, not part-way (which is
called "riding the clutch"), each and every time you shift.

ONLY depress it when you need to change gears. Do not sit at a
traffic light with the clutch depressed while waiting for the light to
change; depress it, put the car in neutral, release the clutch, then
depress it again when you're ready to shift into first.

Make sure your selected gear is engaged fully before finally releasing
the clutch.

Just take that extra split second or two to make sure you complete
each of the necessary actions for shifting; the half-assed sloppy
stuff is what kills clutches. I've never in my driving life had to
replace a clutch, and I've driven more than 300,000 miles on 6
different cars with manual transmissions. Even my 1989 Dodge Colt,
which I put 83k miles on, had a perfectly good clutch when I sold it.

 

[Generic]

problem?

Wonder how old/where you live/driving record, etc. An STi for me is
going to run $480 per 6 months with full (lease plus levels) coverage.
(State Farm Preferred)

That's a little bit lower than my quote, but our brand new SUV runs under
$500 per year. I'm in N. Cal. and have a clean record.

I'm calculating the total cost for several 300 HP cars. Haven't made up my
mind. With my present insurance carrier the Mustang GT would save me $1,200
vs. an STi over 3 years, the Infiniti G35 Coupe would save closer to $1,500.
[Yes, they each have radically different images and driver profiles.]

-John

 

[JD]

When using a clutch, do the following:

Depress it FULLY, all the way to the floor, not part-way (which is
called "riding the clutch"), each and every time you shift.

ONLY depress it when you need to change gears. Do not sit at a
traffic light with the clutch depressed while waiting for the light to
change; depress it, put the car in neutral, release the clutch, then
depress it again when you're ready to shift into first.

Make sure your selected gear is engaged fully before finally releasing
the clutch.

Just take that extra split second or two to make sure you complete
each of the necessary actions for shifting; the half-assed sloppy
stuff is what kills clutches. I've never in my driving life had to
replace a clutch, and I've driven more than 300,000 miles on 6
different cars with manual transmissions. Even my 1989 Dodge Colt,
which I put 83k miles on, had a perfectly good clutch when I sold it.

I drive approximately 60,000 KM per year (36K miles) and my cars last me, on
average, five years. I also have sold cars with 250,000+KM (150K miles) on
the original clutch, and only ever replaced the clutch I learned on.

I agree with everything you have said. However, as long as the clutch is
FULLY depressed, sitting at a stop light with the car in gear won't hurt it
(sitting at a stop light in neutral in some juristictions is illegal; mine
included). I would also add that you should avoid slipping the clutch. All
too often you see people "holding it on a hill" with the clutch; you'll wear
it out in no time. Also, if you are not going to use the clutch (ie. to
shift) don't touch it. Even a slight pressure will wear it out faster.
Next, bring up the revs only to where you need them. Winding it out and
dumping the clutch will wear it out very quickly, and it is hard on
everything else in the driveline as well. Lastly, match revs on the
downshift. If you don't, you are essentially using the clutch as a brake;
brakes do wear out.

 

[BlueSTi]

So what are people's driving tips then? Besides losing the ham...

IMO, the largest cause of premature clutch failure is "slipping" the
clutch. There is a HUGE amount of heat generated on the face of the
clutch when you slip it at high RPM's. Which classically happens with
an inexperianced driver in a AWD vehicle when they are trying to
"launch" hard. Another really common occurance is that most drivers
will slip the clutch and almost never fully engage it when in reverse.
Reverse is just as hard on a slipping clutch as when going forward.
Except that few people do hard launches in reverse. At least not on
purpose!
BTW, in my earlier post, I said a clutch should last around "60,000"
miles. It could very much last much longer. It all depends on the
driver. The clutch is just like the brakes in that, the harder you
flogg them the shorter their life will be.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

 

[The Gadget Shop]

Some good tips there guys, thanks...

Illegal to sit in neutral? Only in the US eh?

Cheers, Jason
Folio: www.gadgetaus.com/photos

 

[BlueSTi]

Some good tips there guys, thanks...

Illegal to sit in neutral? Only in the US eh?

Cheers, Jason
Folio: www.gadgetaus.com/photos

Well, even if it's not illegal, it's not very smart to sit in neutral.
If you see a car closing on your rear end at a stop light you better
be ready to do something right now! I've had plenty a bozo start
backing up when I was stopped behind them. I've had to slam it into
reverse to get out of the way.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

 

[k. ote.]

60,000 kms; (6) sedans appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems
with the engine idling during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002

The engine seemed to idle just fine for me in -30C weather. Sure it needs
to be warmed up, but then what car doesn't? Just get a block heater and
you're done.

The paint does seem to chip excessively, I was annoyed with that. However,
given the conditions I was driving in, I'm surprised a few chips were all
my worries.

I don't know anything about the clutch wearing out. Mine was fine the
whole two years I drove it. I do know a friend of mine (who drives
*spiritedly!*) who has a WRX whose 1st gear is grinding a little, but I'm
not convinced it wasn't just him being rough on it.

As for the trunk, I had numerous people tell me my trunk was remarkably
large for a sedan of that size. My STi trunk is even bigger (at the
sacrifice of some backseat legroom) but at the time I never had any
trouble dumping tonnes of luggage, a full-size spare tire (still had the
doughnut also,) maps, extra windshield washer fluid, octane booster, the
tire changing apparatus from my old '83 Chevy Caprice, emergency clothing,
and a midsize toolbox.

*shrug* That's not big enough for you?

Anyway, go to the lot and find out for yourself. I'm sure they'll let you
look in the trunk.

 

[k. ote.]

And my STi runs and idles fine in the cold weather. The boxer motor
does feel different at idle. I seem to have plenty of room for groceries
and such. I guess if you are really looking for room you can get the
WRX wagon. Subaru's are not known for their great gas mileage. I get
between 20 and 24 mpg.

Yikes, I wish. With all the weather we've been getting here, I've had to
use the a/c a lot to desfrost the windows a lot, and my gas mileage sucks
as a result. Sucks to be me I guess. But not really.

What was your range on a tank of gas? At about 50 litres, in my STi with
pure city driving and stop-and-go traffic I get about 380 KM.

In an earlier post Dr. R. seems to have some huge issue with Subaru's
that are beyond rational understanding. I don't even know if he owns a
Subaru. And personally, I don't know why he even posts to the group.

Probably a net kook. Every newsgroup is plagued with them. More now
per-capita since Usenet opened up to the general populace.

Apparently, he has no interests in the vehicles other than to bash them.
The reason I bought a second Subaru is because my wife drove her Legacy
for 160,000 fairly trouble-free miles on a mail route. Take it from me
that a mail route will tear the crap out of a car. So, all I can say is
that in my situation the Subaru has been a great investment. BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

Well I'll let you know how mine does in another year or so. I like to
think I won't trade my STi in (cue sound of death knell) but only time
will tell. How's the new XT treating you?

 

[JD]

Yikes, I wish. With all the weather we've been getting here, I've had to
use the a/c a lot to desfrost the windows a lot, and my gas mileage sucks
as a result. Sucks to be me I guess. But not really.

Mine runs fine in the cold as well, and the upside is that I don't need
octane booster in the winter. The things goes like a scalded cat even in
the snow... of which we have had a lot lately.

What was your range on a tank of gas? At about 50 litres, in my STi with
pure city driving and stop-and-go traffic I get about 380 KM.

I drive a combination of highway and city and I average about 430 KM/40
litres; just a little better than 10L/100KM. The STi sucks go-juice in the
city, but it is not too bad on the highway; even at a good clip (I drive at
about 140 when conditions permit).

Probably a net kook. Every newsgroup is plagued with them. More now
per-capita since Usenet opened up to the general populace.

He is and he doesn't. He posted once that he drives a Ford truck... go
figure.

 

[k. ote.]

I drive a combination of highway and city and I average about 430 KM/40
litres; just a little better than 10L/100KM. The STi sucks go-juice in
the city, but it is not too bad on the highway; even at a good clip (I
drive at about 140 when conditions permit).

I think the best I've gotten out of a fill-up in terms of range
was something like 490 KM. My WRX had a range of about 640KM or
so, but according to the "official" mileage, I should be getting a lot
more.

100KM/9.1L = x KM/60.0L => 659.3 KM.
100KM/8.3L = x KM/60.0L => 722.9 KM for normal WRX.

Ha ha.. yea right. I'm nowhere near that, nor was I with the WRX. I
guess I'm driving too hard. Arg.. must.. stay below.. 3000rpm..

 

[ride5000]

Well, even if it's not illegal, it's not very smart to sit in neutral.
If you see a car closing on your rear end at a stop light you better
be ready to do something right now! I've had plenty a bozo start
backing up when I was stopped behind them. I've had to slam it into
reverse to get out of the way.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

so how can you shift into reverse any faster when starting in 1st, vs.
neutral?

;-)

long light, or other extended stops, i put it in neutral and release
the clutch--not for the clutch life itself, but for the life of the
throw out bearing.

jm2c
ken

 

[SilverFXT (was BlueSTi)]

Well I'll let you know how mine does in another year or so. I like to
think I won't trade my STi in (cue sound of death knell) but only time
will tell. How's the new XT treating you?

Well, it's no STi! But, I would say it's quicker than "most" cars on
the road. It is suprisingly fast. I really haven't driven theF XT
that much. To be honest it's not all that exciting. It's just a car.
Where the STi was really something special. It really was fun to
drive and I do miss it. My wife drives the FXT everyday and loves it.
I think I'll find me an old Corvette......
I've gone back to riding my motorcycle to work. It has been right at
freezing here lately. So, as long as it doesn't dip into the single
digits and the roads aren't frozen I will ride the bike.


SilverFXT
"Hey you just got smoked by an SUV!"