"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
11/06/2014 at 15:13 Filed to: 2015, subaru, wrx, e46, m3
5
23|
"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
11/06/2014 at 15:13 Filed to: 2015, subaru, wrx, e46, m3 | 5
| 23 |
It all happened rather quick. One moment I'm walking out of JCPenny with my family and the next I'm 60 miles away signing paperwork for a new 2015 Subaru WRX.
Click here to read the original article (opens in a new window)
Let me explain. If you read the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! you would know that it's time for me to move on to something else. After months of test driving and deep contemplation I circled back to what I initially thought would be the least likely candidate on my list the new WRX.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
The 2015 WRX arrived on the shores of North America months ago however the wait lists were long and availability low. Finding a WRX that wasn't already sold just to take a look at one in person was difficult enough. Then, the question was do I want the STI or the "lowly" WRX.
The answer to that question lay in two places. First, beneath the hood. And second, my check book. Kidding. I don't use a check book.
Pop the hood of the WRX and you'll see a brand new powerplant. Dubbed the FA20DIT, it's essentially a turbo charged version of the engine found in the BRZ. Thanks to direct injection, the EPA estimates fuel economy to be in the neighborhood of 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. That beats the hell out of the STI's 17/23.
Click here to read the original article (opens in a new window)
But how does 268 horsepower compare to the STI's 305? No dealer was allowing test drives of the 2015 WRX or STI without first signing paper work so unless you were a privileged journalist, or happened to own both, there was no way to compare. Luckily I just happen to have two friends with new Subies. My buddy Sam just bought an Aspen White STI and my other friend, Jason, had just picked up a World Rally Blue WRX Limited with the STI package that included STI wheels, SPT exhaust, short throw shifter and maybe a few other STI goodies.
Both the WRX and the STI are tin cans with performance drivetrains. The STI was just one performance notch above the WRX everywhere. The suspension was firmer. The shifter throws more direct. The brakes, well, they felt the same. The biggest difference I noticed was the steering feel. The STI's tight ratio hydraulic steering rack leaves the WRX's electronic unit feeling very light and Towncar'ish. That's not to say the WRX's steering is hateful just don't drive the two back to back and you won't care.
Add it all up and the STI is simply more raw. More GO, GO, GO! NOW, NOW, NOW! Undeniably more fun and most definitely a four-wheeled speeding ticket. I just sold my pet tiger. I don't need another. Decision made.
Click here to read the original article (opens in a new window)
So there I was at Subaru of Annapolis in Maryland signing papers on a new 2015 WRX Limited in ice silver with the only option being the SPT exhaust.
Why did I want the performance exhaust? Quite simply because I want my WRX to sound like a WRX. The SPT exhaust returns some of the boxer rumble which was lost when Subaru chose to use an equal length rather than unequal length header design on the FA20DIT. Or maybe I've got that backward. Right or wrong, it's the header design that gave previous generation WRXs that lovely deep rumble. The 2015 STI still uses the EJ series engine and therefore retains that distinctive sound.
And why did I choose the Limited trim? The 2015 Subaru WRX comes in three flavors. Standard, Premium and Limited. Being that I have a baby girl bound to make a mess, leather seats were a must for ease of cleaning spills. That puts me up to, you guessed it, the Limited trim. Besides leather, the WRX Limited further distinguishes itself with fancy LED headlights. WRX Limiteds also receive keyless entry, push-button start and a 400+ watt stereo with navigation. Wait, no it doesn't. Those cost extra. Drat.
In case you are wondering, I paid $30,400 + TTL. No other dealership in the area wouldn't budge below $32k + TTL for the same car. Maybe the prices will come down a bit as supply increases but I feel I got a good deal.
At the time of this writing I've just completed the 1000 mile break in period. Stay tuned for after thoughts. I've got some good notes.
//Follow Josh on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
macanamera
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:22 |
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???? Wouldn't allow test drives? I live in MD and I'm sure I could go test drive one right now!
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RightFootDown
> macanamera
11/06/2014 at 15:23 |
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Go ahead. I'll wait right here.
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macanamera
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:25 |
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Seriously? I can go test drive a Corvette but not a WRX??
Margin Of Error
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:25 |
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At first I like "whoa why get rid of a perfectly good M3" then I clicked the link and saw the 3 evils letters ...
S M G
Well good riddance and good luck with the Subaru, even if I don't believe it's wise to buy a new car.
HiredDriver
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:25 |
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Didn't see this coming. Nope, not at all.
Tripper
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:27 |
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Congrats on the new car!
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RightFootDown
> Margin Of Error
11/06/2014 at 15:27 |
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Funny you mention that. This is my 24th car in the past 14 years. Only 2 were new and both were Subarus.
Party-vi
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:35 |
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How did Subaru of Annapolis treat you?
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Tripper
> macanamera
11/06/2014 at 15:42 |
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No test drives at Rafferty Subaru in PA either! A friend and I went to test drive the STi hatchback when it first arrived (08? 09?) I had previously purchased a brand new WRX in 05 and a used STi in 07, my friend had purchased a used STi in 05 and an new STi limited in 07. Guy wouldn't let us drive one till we signed the paperwork...
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RightFootDown
> Party-vi
11/06/2014 at 15:44 |
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Wayne at SOA was great. We texted back and forth about the WRX for a week like BFFs. They were also one of the few Mid Atlantic dealerships willing to negotiate on the price. I don't live in the area so I'll likely never visit SOA again but I would definitely recommend working with them.
jkm7680
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 15:55 |
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Awesome, Love the WRX.
B_dol
> macanamera
11/06/2014 at 16:15 |
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Subaru still won't let me test drive a BRZ nor STI at dealers near me. Incredible right!? It might be that I am 25 and look 20...
I own a FR-S, i just want to try the paddle shifters lol
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B_dol
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 16:17 |
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When is Cobb stage 1 coming? I applaud you for going WRX, definitely a wise choice on the new engine versus old.
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RightFootDown
> B_dol
11/06/2014 at 16:26 |
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I'm doing all I can to hold off until the aftermarket gets another year of R&D under the belt. I had a Cobb AP on my 08 STI and it was night and day. Apparently Cobb's off the shelf tune for the FA20DIT doesn't add much more power but does dramatically smooth out power delivery. I've seen dynos of the FA20DIT making 340 to the ground with just E85. That's some yellow peeled fruit, right there.
WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 16:33 |
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Gratz! I'm sure you will love yours as much as I love mine!
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 16:37 |
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Holy crap. One life to live and lots of cars to drive, huh?
I'm only on my 5th car in 20 years of driving. Guess I need to pick up the pace...
Make that 6 - just picked up a winter beater.
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B_dol
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 16:42 |
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Good call. I waited 1 year before making any choices for my FR-S. Wise to let the market play out and see what works best for your use.
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RightFootDown
> WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot
11/06/2014 at 16:47 |
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I'll love it a lot more when I get these Prodrive GT1s installed.
GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 16:51 |
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Why did you choose to buy new over buying a used WRX (possibly a hatchback for practicality)?
Wish I had bought a M3 with cinnamon interior.
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RightFootDown
> GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
11/06/2014 at 17:04 |
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I was set on purchasing an Evo X back in 2008 but could never get myself to pull the trigger. The Stohlman Mitsubishi was offering 0% interest and just happened to run the Subaru dealer next door and they just happened to have a white STI. Subarus weren't on my interest but one test drive is all it took for me to sign the papers.
The STI was fun to drive after the Cobb AP but I wasn't a fan of the interior design. Being a forum junky, I kept reading horror stories over cracked ringlands and other catastrophic failures. My ownership of that car only lasted 6 months or so before I traded it in on a Mini Cooper S of all things.
BLCKSTRM
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 17:45 |
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I don't know that S M G is a reason to get rid of a perfectly good M3, but I do know (first hand) they can be either time-consuming or expensive to keep healthy. Sometimes both.
Did something push you over the edge, or was it just time to move on?
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RightFootDown
> BLCKSTRM
11/06/2014 at 18:17 |
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At three years of ownership its the longest I've ever owned a car. Was time to move on, really. Plus, I now have a daughter and a sedan is much more family friendly.
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BLCKSTRM
> RightFootDown
11/06/2014 at 22:10 |
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Yeah, I subsequently found your website and read your reasoning.
I also recall a defense of the baby seat, though...
I hope you get your snow tire situation to a happy place - enjoy your Scooby!