2009 Subaru WRX 265

So next week will be a month, and I am now through the break in.

Dam this is one fast car.  I can not begin to tell you all how surprised I have been with the power and acceleration.

I have to agree with previous complaints on the blog,

-I would love to have one more gear.  In my SVT Focus  (still for sale, I would love to sell it) I had a 6speed gear box, and cruising down the highway at a low RPM is quite missed now.

Other issues:

-The luggage/cargo cover in the back squeaks a lot! Drives me bananas!  But I have mentioned this to Kyle at Budd’s and he told me he has a quick fix for it that we will do when I am in for my first oil change.

-The reverse gear like an angry house wife is very selective about when it lets you in.  I guess it is a straight cut gear (based on its sound) and thus requires some coaxing.  Has any one else had this issue?

On that note, those are minor.  The list of pros would go on and on.  I cannot get over how sure footed this car is in the rain.  I normally would white knuckle in the rain on sport tires, but I have to continually check my speed when in this car even in the rain.  It builds such a level of confidence.  I am blown away constantly the power you can ease in mid corner.  The mountain switch backs in Hamilton were child’s play.  Apex’s were easy to hit, throttle response was world class and the car is so stable, although feeling a little soft with body roll.

I think I will be going to a stiffer lowering spring, and maybe upgrade the sway bars next season to reduce some of the nose lift/dive, and body roll.  I will be very tempted for a track day.

(behave behave)

On that note, here is a question:

What have people been doing for winter tires?

Anybody running 16”s?

JT83

I want to thank Samer  for allowing me to contribute.  This blog has been a great resource for me in making my decision on what to buy.  I hope that in sharing my experiences I can help other people find the answers or the help they need.

So its official.

I now own a Subaru.

Its parked outside the office right now.  A 2010 WRX 5 door, in dark grey.  The office is pure torture today, knowing that this car is sitting outside.

I was driving a 2002 SVT Focus prior to this purchase, which was a great car, but it was just time.   I went into Bud’s Subaru in Oakville on a used 05′WRX and the more I looked at it the more it didn’t make sense.  Dan (one of the sales guys) and Kyle the service manager and I sat down and we figured out a better plan than the good (but older) WRX.

What about a lease?

Well Subaru leases might be one of the only lease programs that still make sense!  With the high residual, and the low cost of borrowing (1.9%) It just made a lot of sense.  Worry free car for 3 years, with a buy out at the end that would be a competitive price compared to the 2013 used market, this is speculation of course and you will have to ask me my thoughts in 2013.  Between Kyle (service manager), Dan (sales), Marc (business manager) and Gerry their sales manager, I couldn’t have asked for a better sales experience.  They genuinely cared about what worked best for me rather than what would make them the most money.  I have worked in dealerships and was a car salesmen in my previous career, and knew they would have made a lot more profit putting me into a used unit over a new.  (especially with the back end profit with service contracts and warranties)

I cannot say enough nice things about the guys over at Budd’s.  I have dealt with Kyle (service manager) with a friend having warranty issue on an STi in the past, and he is definitely the guy you want to visit if you have a Subaru in Southern Ontario, for service or anything.

On delivery the car was already to go! Plated, tinted and 3M’d!

Well enough about the dealership, and onto the car.

And to appease previous threads Dan warned me when I picked it up to make sure I kept it under 4000 rpm until 1600 km  were on the clock and that I was sure to vary my speeds.

So now starts torture week.  (Although the car is still a blast up to 4000 rpm)

So first thoughts?  Well I have had great experiences in 2002 -2005 WRX’s but this is a different beast.  The best comparison for feel that I can describe is a 2004-2007 STi.  The sound and initial torque remind me so much of driving the 2004 STi.   Although handling and breaking were quite different especially with out the adjustable centre diff or the bread box sized calipers.

The ride is firm and very responsive.  Not a comfort cruise by any means but the car is far from being harsh.  The steering rack is perfect, and the feel is superb.  Throttle response is excellent and the clutch is light and easy to modulate  (as I found out this morning as I was stuck in classic 403 morning rush)    I have not had the chance to push it into some corners, but I guarantee it will eclipse my SVT’s cornering ability (and that’s quite a feat, those who have driven an SVT focus will know)

I am starting the hunt for a winter tire/wheel package, and I think I will be looking to Budd’s again, as they have a great package on.  I am also debating putting some Rally Armour mud flaps on for the winter.

What are the thoughts or experiences with winter tires?  Is 16″ an option?

And thoughts on the Rally Armour mud flaps?  Is that cool or am I going to look like a wanker?

I cannot wait for the next track season to start, as this car might be seeing a lapping day here or there…  Mosport and Calabogie are tempting!

Thanks again!

JT83