nofah_kinway's Full Review: 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
I got the car back in December of 2004, it wasn't really a question of which car to get (it was beetween the STi and the EVO MR) I chose the STi due to availability and just loving the car, and the concept of the car (Subaru Impreza 2.5RS), since I was a teenager.
Starting from the beginning, I ordered the car around September, and when it arrived in December I was thrilled. It was love at first sight when I showed up to the car lot to pick it up. Actually getting to test drive the car was a challenge in itself, few car lots would take a kid of my age seriously. I didn't want to take it for a joy ride (although it was a blast), I wanted to make sure I wanted to buy it.
The first time I floored it, the boost came on, and I was in love. A few impressions when I climbed into the drivers seat, it felt stiff and supportive, yet it puts you in good position to see the road and drive the car.
It was loud on the inside, but that just added to the thrill of the car. Subaru took an econobox platform, and dropped what seems to be a monster motor in it. 2.5L pushing out 300hp and 300lb/ft torque make this an insanely fast car for the target demographic.
After 5000 miles, I still can't get over how incredibly much fun this car is to drive. Is the suspension rough? You betcha, but it handles great. Its a trade-off I was more then happy to make.
In wet weather (which we have plenty of in Oregon), the stock tires make you rollerskate all over the road, a majority of our roads are worn down from poor maintenence and just being old.
As I drove the car more and more, the exhaust note got deeper and louder. It now gives out an aggressive rumble. I don't really understand why Subaru added a "snorkus" (intake silencer) to the STi, as the intake and exhaust screaming in harmony would be a grand orchestra of an automotive masterpiece.
I, personally, love the hood scoop. Its functional (channels air through the intercooler) and looks just plain mean. The fin on the other hand, I can't help but chuckle everytime I see it. Its UGLY. Despite the ugliness its functional, and it gives the car its goofy personality.
I broke both my legs in a car accident about a year and half before I got this car, and amazingly the seat doesn't bother me at all. I'm just as comfortable driving the STi as I am sitting on the couch. This car also brought me out of my fear of driving and being on the road, its a car that inspires you.
Its not incredibly roomy, but thats to be expected as it is a sport compact car, you can fit 3 golf bags in the trunk, and I have two carseats for my kids in the backseat. Adults over 5'10"ish will may find some uncomfort with a tall person in the front seats. Fitting three adults in the back is comparable to clowns in a clown car.
The final part will be the cons, and even those are negligible.
Attention - It gets alot it. Its not always good, sometimes you get the stares, the pointing, the waves. On the converse side of that scale is the dirty looks, the "birdies", the car gets the attention of those that dislike "rice grinders" like a magnet.
Those that do not like the car seem to have no problem expressing their dislike for it (and you) with various gestures and flying objects (rednecks and beerbottles). Looking out the back window the top fin of the spoiler blocks the roof of cars behind you, in effect hiding light bars on police cars.
Gas Mileage - This car is a gas PIG. Even after the break in period I'm getting 14 mpg. Everyone says to stay off the boost and your gas mileage will go up, but honestly you can't. The car taunts you to spool up the turbo, and let it fly. It rewards you like a nasty drug, giving instant gratification.
Overall this car is an incredible value, keeping up with those that are priced 10-15k higher. It is built off an econobox, and a majority of its price tag goes into the motor and drivetrain.
This car has one thing in its agenda: go fast. It does what its supposed to do, and it does it well. Equipped with the port installed short shifter, the car doesn't really get old. The gas thing hurts the wallet, but its worth every penney. Don't, however, pay the $400 or so for the boost gauge, it looks cheap, and it blocks the gauges.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 31,500
Condition: New Model Year: 2005 Model and Options: WRX STi, Short Throw Shifter, Boost Gauge
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