WRX Manual Vs Automatic

[Rob]

Hi folks,

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove a
manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves alot
around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I love
stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up. I was
wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I missing out BIG
TIME if I go with automatic??

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much faster
than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd
gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where is
the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock bottom price
a dealer would let me go out the door for with an automatic. My budget is
$20k. and not a penny more.

Thanks in advance

Rob

 

[LeBernadin]

Hi folks,

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove
a manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves
alot around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I
love stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up.
I was wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I
missing out BIG TIME if I go with automatic??

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much
faster than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the
1st, 2nd, 3rd gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where
is the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock
bottom price a dealer would let me go out the door for with an
automatic. My budget is $20k. and not a penny more.

Thanks in advance

Rob

I don't think you'd be able to get away with under 20K for a brand new
2004, especially as an automatic. I'm an automatic driver, own a 2003
Baja, and from what i've noticed in my region(new england), automatic
WRX's aren't as commonly found on lots as are manual's since its a big
part of their draw. As a result, they aren't hard to move, since demand
outweighs supply.

I'd suggest looking on ebay and the various other online sites for a
2003 automatic that a dealer or private owner wants to get rid of. Also
naturally check your local dealers for 03's as well.

 

[Ian Firth]

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much faster
than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough.

Rule #1
Never trust a car salesman.

 

[Edward Arata]

Rob,

I have a 02 WRX wagon manual and absolutely love it.
Granted it is a car that has to be "Driven", being sloppy with the tranny
and clutch is obviously felt in the ride. I have not used it much in LA
style traffic, but have taken it through San Jose and SF a few times. Not
anywhere near commuting with it though.

I have not driven an automatic version of the WRX but from what I have read
over the last 2 years, I "HIGHLY" doubt the auto is anywhere near the
manual. From what I read the turbo is barely used in the auto unless you
Really step on it and then you still have to wait for the tranny to catch
up. Sounds like the sales guy was looking for an extra 1000$ for the auto
version.

If your not super focused on the 04 model it is easy to find a 02 or 03 for
under 20K. I like the design of the 02-03 over the 04 anyway, but many
people will disagree with me.

If you are considering a WRX, and from the tone of your post, it sounds like
you enjoy a little "spirited" driving. In my opinion you would be missing
out with the auto in this respect.

Ed

 

[David Betts]

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove a
manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves alot
around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I love
stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up. I was
wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I missing out BIG
TIME if I go with automatic??

Why not get a manual Rex for weekends and a cheap, cheerful old banger
for commuting. If you really must have a new auto, get a differrent
sort of car; ie. one with a big engine, no turbo and bags of low down
torque.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Jiz]

Auto faster - load of rubbish.

Auto is 4 speed where manual is 5 for a start so you figure it out.

Auto is smooth though, and my wifes Subaru is ok but the manual version is
much

 

[CW]

1. No 2004 WRX for $20k
2. in heavy stop-n-go, get the AUTO
3. auto=slower, more turbo lag

consider another car or a used car.

 

[powertrain]

Hi folks,

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove
a manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute
revolves alot around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As
much as I love stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and
get fed up.

You get used to it. Besides, in bumper to bumper traffic working the
clutch with a manual isn't any worse than having to keep your foot on
the brake with an automatic.

I was wandering from those who are relatively

experienced: Am I missing out BIG TIME if I go with automatic??
Yes.

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much
faster than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the
1st, 2nd, 3rd gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

Excuse me but this is bullshit.

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering
where is the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the
rock bottom price a dealer would let me go out the door for with an
automatic. My budget is $20k. and not a penny more.

If you ever find a 2004 at this price let me know where!

 

[William Lee]

The manual is faster until about 15 or 20 mph, and then the auto comes
into its own. My wife needs the automatic, so this was the great compromise,
which with hindsight, proved to be a good decision.

 

[Verbs Under My Gel]

Hi folks,

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove a
manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves alot
around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I love
stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up. I was
wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I missing out BIG
TIME if I go with automatic??

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much faster
than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd
gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

Nonsense. It's much easier to keep an engine "on the boil" when you
can manually select the gear ratio.

I routinely drive in stop-and-go traffic with a manual (and have for
years). It's not a problem if you know what you're doing.

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where is
the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock bottom price
a dealer would let me go out the door for with an automatic. My budget is
$20k. and not a penny more.

I don't think you'll find a 2004 WRX for <= US$20000 (especially an
automatic).

 

[Jeff Lackey]

I agree with you, the '04's are dog ugly compared to the earlier ones. Jeff

 

[CompUser]

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where is

the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock bottom price
a dealer would let me go out the door for with an automatic. My budget is
$20k. and not a penny more.

My info shows a dealer getting an AT for $23,929,
including holdback (I sprung for the 12 bucks to
get the Consumer Reports pricing guide on the
WRX,
http://www.consumerreports.org/Categories/CarsTru
cks/ )...so you're going to have to readjust
fire there somewhere. A new, fully warrantied
WRX won't come that cheap, unless the dealership
is on death's door.

As far as the best technique to price one, I
tried the various online buying services with
limited success...I'm between Savannah and
Jacksonville, and there's not many Subaru dealers
in this area...out in Cali, you might do fine
with Autobytel or Carsdirect. I ended up getting
a quote from an Atlanta dealer, and parlied it
between the Jax and Savannah guys...ended up with
an out the door price three thousand under the
intial email quote, giving the dealer about $750
on the car, which was fine with me.

Also, remember this is the best time of the year
to do your bargaining (if you're
quick!)...dealers have to pay tax on any untitled
(ie, unsold NEW vehicles) that they have on the
lot, as of 31 December).

Steve

 

[JB]

Hi folks,

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove a
manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves alot
around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I love
stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up. I was
wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I missing out BIG
TIME if I go with automatic??

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much faster
than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd
gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

I have a 2002 WRX Automatic. I drive about 30K miles per year and
partly for this reason, I went with the automatic. As much as I'd
like to believe what the salesman says, it's not true. The manual
will be faster than the auto. To be honest, flooring it from a stop
light, the WRX is slower than a Corolla coming out of the hole. So I
usually just walk it out, and then punch it and then you get nice
acceleration. I'm satisfied with the performance. As for manual
shifting, I only use 3rd and 4th. Usually 3rd around town which seems
to give better throttle response and 4th for long range driving or if
i'm going to be over 3000K for awhile.

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where is
the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock bottom price
a dealer would let me go out the door for with an automatic. My budget is
$20k. and not a penny more.

In that price range, you're probably looking at a used 2002, maybe
2003.

 

[Dan Duncan]

I commute alot and am considering the purchase of a wrx. I test drove a
manual this Saturday and loved it. Unfortunately my commute revolves alot
around Downtown LA and most of it is bumper traffic. As much as I love
stick, I know it will eventually catch up with me and get fed up. I was
wandering from those who are relatively experienced: Am I missing out BIG
TIME if I go with automatic??

You may be missing out big time if you drive stop and go all the time
in a wrx. The poor thing doesn't want to sit in traffic.

The sales guy who races told me infact that the automatic is much faster
than the manual, as nobody can shift fast enough. Also, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd
gears can be employed exactly as if were manual.

Don't take his or anyone's word for it. Test drive the automatic as well.
Drive the manual again, too, so both will be fresh in your mind. See
which one you think is faster. (and then buy the manual)

I am planning on the purchase of a 2004 model, and was wandering where is
the best place to go an look for used one. How much is the rock bottom price
a dealer would let me go out the door for with an automatic. My budget is
$20k. and not a penny more.

You can save $800 or so by getting the manual.

-DanD