2009 Subaru WRX 265

This car is AWESOME!! It is not happy unless it is moving…FAST. It definately needs a better sound system and a 6th gear would be great too. Overall rating is A

Yes, I agree that, the car is fast, but that car is not an A. Sure if the only criteria is speed, then yes, A, even A+. For me and based on my experience I cant give it more than B+. I did a 6 month review not too long ago, my reasons for the B+ are outline there.

http://wrx265.com/2009/04/11/6-month-review-wrx-265-2009/

What do you think?

I don’t think they will ever add the 6th speed. Unless they increase the price. It would be too dangerously close to the STI and I am sure they don’t want to see more cannibalism.

You make a good point, they need to clearly differentiate between the WRX and the STI, but from a drive point of view, isn’t the fun and action all at gear 1 – 3?. Gear 6 is for going on long trips no? how many times do you find your self going 200 KM/h on a hwy, if you are doing that, a 6th gear maybe your least worries.

The 265 definitely needs a 6th gear, and the sound system has been garbage forever. I don’t know if Subaru will ever fix that because people have been complaining for decades.

Your six month review is interesting, although on the 265s that were made after September 2008, the engine problems have been fixed, and a D+ rating isn’t really fair to all 265s. I’d rate mine an A overall.

lets agree to disagree i guess. I gave the car a D+ regarding mechanics in my 6th month review based on 2 things
1) Bad engine for many people, if i was an isolated case fine, but I am not, and every time I hear a noise i go oh God, please don’t be another engine issue.
2) Transmission is easy to pop off 4th gear. This is coming from a company who is “known” for its transmission, according to my dealer…

So based on that, i am sticking to the B+. Maybe its not fair to all 265’s but if your engine blew up at – 17 degree on the HWY at mid night, would you still give it the A?

- They could add more clothes on inside door, there is too much plastic for a 35K$ car.

- Find a way to fit a hitch (any impreza), even if it is for small load (remember you can’t install it, it could void the warranty)

- They could add a pocket at the roof to put sun glasses, and add some place to put licence beside sun-block.

The 6 sp transmission should come standard on the car. As an option though, I would have loved and certainly bought Recaro seats or anything else with better lateral support.

hopefully subaru of canada ditches the wrx’s 224hp engine with the 265. I don’t even see the 224 on the USA website anywhere.

I’m buying this car for sure in the summer and might have to wait for the 2010s to come out and see if its worth buying them.

I have since contacted my local Subaru, and the Sales person swears there is nothing new for the 2010 WRX. Even thought I don’t think he really knows what he is talking about.

Options for leather and HID.

ive got my 265 2009 for about 2months now im really happy with it i give an A+ and yea i’d like a better sound system

Washer Fluid Sensor??? Thats the kind of garbage that doesn’t belong on a Rally inspired car!!!

Remove all of the “extra” creature comforts and drop the price a few thousand! All of the extra weight gets trimmed when I get the car anyway.

I’m looking into getting the 265 2009, and all of these reviews are great help. When you all talk about the bad sound system, is that the regular system that comes standard with the wrx? Or are you all talking about the “Subwoofer/Amplifier” you can purchase for extra?

I bought my 2002 back in May of that year… I will be purchasing a new one soon. I have seen some awesome changes that I really like the past couple of years. The 265 hp is great (especially since I was pushing at least that with mine) and the 60/40 split folding rear seats is spectacular! I hate that mine only has a center pass-through big enough for a couple of snowboards.

I DON’T like the styling changes so much. My favorite is still the good ol’ bugeye. I’m hoping they’ll change that up a bit for 2010. That’s why I’m holding out and not buying yet.

As for the transmission… I haven’t heard much about the car popping out of 4th. Subaru’s are known for their transmissions busting gears, not for jumping out of gear. I blew up 1st gear at the drag strip and replaced it with the RA Spec C gears. I wish Subaru would add the 6-speed as an OPTION (at least with the Premium package). Also, my seats weren’t too bad but I always preferred the Recaros the Evo came with. Would love those as an option or standard. Also highly agree with a HID option (again, at LEAST for the Premium package).

As for creature comforts… I wouldn’t want a stripped WRX, but it would make sense to do a stripped STi.

The Sub/amp has always been crap. My best friend had it but my car always sounded just as good (and sometimes better). I DO wonder about the 10-speaker system option though. I plan on getting it with the navigation option on a Premium package WRX so I’d like to know if it is actually any better or not.

Also agree with the hitch comment.

Forgot… Also love the moonroof the Premium package offers, and the heated seats. Great additions transferred over from the Legacy GT.

The sound system is better than average with the surround on (0) but nothing spectacular. The speakers from the doors make sometime an annoying bass noise due to the poor mounting but I read somewhere that this can be fixed easily. I haven’t done it yet, though.

I am talking about the Premium package which is standard in Canada for WRX265.

So does anyone have any advise on the best idea for the sound system? Is the Sub/Amp addition actually worth it?

Anyone know a good place in Montreal where they do good sound system in cars ? I would like to add a amp and change those garbage speakers in the car but at the same time try to keep it as stock as possible

the 2010 is out there !!!!!

Be more specific! Out where??

Check the http://www.subaru.ca site. There are now 2 “WRX265″ models (the 224HP model is gone). One basic with little options and one premium which adds leather to the last year WRX265. At least this is what I understood. There are some price changes as well. The site seem to be still in construction.

Excellent info, thanks for sharing

Yes, appreciate it Cata

I do not own a WRX premium but would if it had all this and stayed the same price.
* 6 speed manual
* Navigation option needs hard drive, ipod integration and handsfree bluetooth included
* ditch the key and go push button start
* auto up and down for all power windows

The lancer has most of this stuff and cost less, not to mention the superior warranty and extra airbag at knees

wrx 265 sound system
unfortunatly the premium sound system does not have enough bass so it sounds to me a bit hollow or tinny. i was told by a radio installer that the door panels on the suby are not thick enough to have a meatier speaker thats why the sound system in my wifes pasatt sounds so much better,
Whats the deal about a 6 speed a five is more usable for me. In 3rd gear we can have such a range of speed and just enjoy the curves. i dont even use 5th on the hwy unless im doing over 110
My problem with the 265 is the car is so hard to drive smoothly at lower speeds> the clutch has a very tricky engagement and seems to so hard to modulate also the throttle sometimes lingers on when the foot comes off the pedal for a moment longer
These 2 thingsmake me feel like a dick when my car lurches around. Any ideas anyone? or is it me

Never had a problem with the throttle/clutch. Maybe because I’m coming from a manual Mazda which required serious muscle/coordination . 265 is a charm!

Oh, and by the way, I think you should shift just before 80km/h for the 5th if you want to save gas. It is somewhere in the manual. But if you want to minimize another car 3rd is fine .

Hmm, looks like the U.S. version is unchanged. This is from an SOA press release:

“The performance-oriented 2010 Impreza WRX has a starting price of $24,995, again unchanged from last year and is available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. The All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX features a 2.5-Liter DOHC inter-cooled turbocharged engine delivering 265 horsepower, a new exterior side sill, 225/45 R17 lower profile summer performance tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, an Aero Package, WRX upholstery w/red stitching and WRX logo on front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red stitching, and STI type grille w/WRX badge. The Impreza WRX 5-door model has the same features as the 4-door, plus a rear spoiler and has a starting price of $25,495.”

Here is a link to the press release in its entirety:
http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=95

I love this car. I have an MY09 hatch. Its differnt to other WRX’s I have owned but its the coolest. Quick, without the attention, top work subaru.

A couple of mods and this thing goes really good.

A overall -If you have interior issues, just get the leather and sunroof package, and then if you need to burn more money get the sat nav. It already comes standard with Xenon lights and together with its speed, this thing is pimp. Just put some rims on it, springs and you have a beautiful, quick, comfy and likeable car.

PS, with regards to Steve’s comment a few above, your kidding comparing the 265 WRX to the lancer??!! Different cars mate, different leagues, if subaru had a car that went from 0-60 in 7 secs maybe they would have power up windows too… LMAO

Finally, someone else who has noticed the ’surging’ issue at low speeds or at a stop. Mine was purchased 7/09 with 150 miles on the clock. Since new my biggest gripes:
1: Engine spontaneously surges to 2100 to 3200 rpm with no throttle input. Happens more on hot days, sometimes even when I’m idling up to car in front of me at a stop light, and engine surges forward and I’m close to rear-ending the car in front of me. Sounds like a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. Anyone else out there with this problem?
2: The tranny feels as funky as the one in my 68 beetle: sloppy and wimpy. Ironic the STI tranny feels so good. Also, clutch release point is ambiguous, as you noticed, and I’ve stalled it several times in last few months. I typically stall a clutch once every ten years.
3: Reverse is sporadic and the synchs align poorly. What’s with the cheap 5-speed tranny on Subies?
I’ve taken it in to two dealers for reprogramming concerning the engine surging but to no avail. There have reportedly been no service bulletins.
Heuberger in Colorado Springs took the time to hook up with a Subie engineer, or so identified, and was told the surging was intentional in order to boost the system pressures. If so, why did none of my last 50 cars surge like this, and no pressure problems surfaced. Subaru really needs to program this surging issue OUT of its
engine management programs.

This is my 8th Subaru and in many respects, the best. So why do they tolerate problems as signi-
ficant as these?
MLR

THEY NEED TO ADD A BETTER SOUND SYSTEM!!
Even the premium sound systems in these cars suck terribly..
And possibly a better navigation system.. Seems fairly old technology compared to others..

I love everything else about this car though..
Adding a 6th gear to the wrx would make it too close to the sti, which wouldnt be a great move on subaru’s part.

They removed LSD on the car, but gave us two extra cup holders.

How lame is that.

Hey guys,
Subaru definitely needs to add a 6-speed, but not the same as the sti one. Put the 6 MT from the new Legacy Gt in it. I’m in the Service and I got stationed in Germany this year. I have to admit that at first the idea of having my new WRX over here was exciting but now I wish I bought a BMW. The car runs out of gear too quickly and needs two overdrives (think 90s camaro) or else you are reved out at autobahn speed. The downforce on the car sucks, it feels floaty on the autobahn at speed, the suspension is still too soft, there is no room for wider tires and worst of all the brakes quickly fade after one 200 kpm stop. Don’t even get me started on the Nürbergring, I am seriously considering a new one series. The car is a beast in bad weather though…

yeh but wrx costs 40% less then bmw 1 series and thats the base bmw

Cant compare, how can you even compare. One is a rally car one is a luxury sports car. One is made for the open road, one is made to perform on a real road.

I can compare them because it is my money… I bought the WRX 265 because at the time I thought it was the best value for the money. A mushy suspension and crappy brakes are something I can fix. (coil overs and big brakes anybody?) Needing a 6th gear with a better final drive ratio that is something different. When I bought the car I didn’t expect to have a 1/2 hour drive to work on an unrestricted autobahn but I was excited about it when the prospect came up. At those speeds the flaws in the WRX appeared and the big smile on my face changed as I pondered what I could have spent my money on instead. I could go to the Subaru dealer and plunk down a couple of grand for a 2010 legacy 6-speed, use my five speed’s half shafts and such to get the same effect. But really that is something subaru should have done in the first place. GM screws everything they do up but got it right with the camaro? Every Euro maker does it, why cant Subaru, plus why zero lift on the front splitter, it feels like an 80s 911 and needs downforce. I guess realistically I should have bought a used 04 M3 and a used legacy (or other AWD car) with my money and should expect a NA model WRX to work over here but you know be careful what you wish for…

Got a 2010 wrx premium. Very happy so far. Only disappointment is a lot of plastic in the interior – and the sound system thats supposed to be “premium” sounds like its under water – very muddy lows and mids. – but i’m picky about sound. I didn’t get the nav for $2000 because a frickin garmin costs $100. and you can still use an ipod with the regular dock – display is crap though

Its Great to hear all theses comments about this car. Been driving a 08 Legacy for 2 years now. Picking up a 2010 Base WRX Hatch in the Co Springs next week. For those people who don’t drive on the AutoBahn this car will blow your mind in everyway. Its not perfect thats why if you mod you can make it to circles around it for less then the base BMW 1 series.
Yes a 135i is one awesome driving machine thats because its a BMW. Buy a 24k then you are going to get what you pay for. Or if you like Jimbo and blow money then get both.

Okay here is a complete and well thought out list for all of you. I have a 2010 WRX Limited.

IMO, the limited is fine. I dont care about the plastic, I just dont want it rattling. I have already had a muffler(rattle) and steering problem- so watch out. I don’t kill my car either, only had fun a little bit. The transmission doesn’t have any problems. I came from a 6spd to a 5spd so I feel lucky. I don’t have to switch as much and its pretty easy to hit the top speed of 154(I did). Sounds really great with a 50/50 hybrid bov. A tune, bolt ons and maybe an exhaust can easily make this car much much faster than the STI (336hp dyno). The sound system is fine- do you kids blow out your fuckin ears or something? Damn. Go to a concert and get out of your car.

This is what the car NEEDS:
1) Yes- a washer fluid sensor should be standard.
2) Also, A TRUNK BUTTON is usually in all cars- even hatchbacks.
3) Better brake lines, pad, and fluid.
4) All problems fixed before they occur. It took 300 miles for the muffler to rattle…
5) All windows down button
6) Automatic Wipers
7) Steering following lights like BMW. (they have a light level option, why cant they add this?)
Turbo gauge should be present in all turbo vehicles.
9) Mud flaps- lotta dirt.
10) Automatic seats- comon people- you can heat the seats but you can’t make at least the drivers seat auto?
11) Less turbo lag on stock.

The new 2011 WRX is out there. Motor Trend has some text and pictures from the New York auto show (http://wot.motortrend.com/6628126/auto-shows/2010-new-york-wider-2011-subaru-wrx-ups-the-sport-factor/index.html). WRX is closer now to STI more than ever but just in looks. And it’s 33lbs heavier. Same 5 spd transmission though . But the big news should be new 2011 STI sedan. The Wing Is Back!

I just tripped over my 1600km break in period. I then got the most expensive oil change I’ve ever paid for, (synthetic), then took it for a toot down the open highway.

I got lucky and hit a traffic free stretch of long, straight, flat highway and pinned it. 80km/h to 130km/h happened in a flash, 4th up to 170 or so, then into 5th on the floor just long enough to hit 200km/h for a few seconds. Is it governed? If so, at what? Felt like I could’ve hit 240 without any problem.

This car is fast.

The no low washer fluid light just seems silly. They put in automatic climate control, which is nice, but no low washer fluid light? A little inconsistent in “philosophy”…

Yea, synthetic aint cheap, but turbo engine needs extra TLC, actually you are supposed to put semi-synthetic in the car according to Subaru.

Interesting the speed, i dont know what the cut off is and totally agree with you on the washer fluid, dont get it either

I’m not sure where else to ask, but this site seems like a good source of info:

Where can I get my hands on the “armrest extension – Black” that they post on subaru.ca? It claims to provide extra storage. That would be good.

There’s no picture on the website, but they post it as available. I called my dealer, and they parts guy figured it was a mistake that it was offered in Canada, and that it’s only available in the US.

Anyone else have one? Where did you get it? My last car was a Mazda3 hatch, and I gotta say, I loved the interior of that car. A little better than the WRX in the “handy” department.

Did you try CarID? they have Subaru Stuff, maybe they have what you are looking for

Peaches, check heubergermotors on ebay. These guys have very good prices for Subaru original stuff. I also bought some parts from mastriaparts. Ebay again. There is no extra space in the armrest extenstion and yes, the quality is lower than what you find in a Mazda. So far I “upgraded” my WRX with the Momo shift knob, the STI short throw shifter and the STI bushing, the armrest extension and the auto diming mirror. You pay a fraction of the Canadian costs and the dealer had no issue installing them (they are genuine Subaru parts). It is best to go and pick the parts from an American address, which is what I did, asking the seller to sent them to a hotel when I traveled to US. Mastriaparts had free shipping to US addresses. If you are out of Canada for a week or more you can bring like $4-500 worth of goods (I don’t recall the exact sum) from US per person. Otherwise you pay duty fees and taxes. But even with that you pay less than the Canadian prices. A lot less. I hope someone from Subaru Canada reads this and they adjust the prices accordingly.

I wish someone from Subaru Canada actually reveals themselves. I would love to have them write on the blog

So, no luck with the armrest extension with storage on any of the suggested websites. Oh well, I just got the regular extension put in “on sale” at me dealer’s “garage sale” event. I like having somewhere for my elbow, but why wouldn’t it be standard?? I also got the step pad installed on the rear bumper. I’d already managed to but a little scuff into the top of my bumper loading my big rubbermaid full of bike gear into the rear hatch. So that cleared that little issue up.

Still loving the car. I can’t seem to get much better than about 10.5L/100km out of it. Temptation to squirt around town is too strong to get the fuel economy down to 10L/100km.

Also had an amusing encounter with an old El Camino SS. Smoked him pretty good. It’s just not even fair.

I am considering the wrx limited. Sounds like some good info here I didnt know (washer fluid indicator being one). Was wondering how they are in the snow -awd is a big selling feature for me if it works well in winter. Other option is the 2011 volvo c30. Help

WRX is a dream during the winter time but only with the right tires. c30 is also fun to drive (I rented one for a weekend) but the util space is a joke. There is basically no trunk and the rear seats don’t get much leg room. However c30 is more refined than WRX, it gives you the feeling of a bigger car than it actually is. Because c30 is a small 2 door car. c30 is also quieter than WRX. For me it wouldn’t be a problem to pick one between the two. WRX in a blink!