2010 Subaru WRX sedan

[greengs]

I was asked to post some pics.  Picked this up a few weeks ago.  It's the new base model without leather or fogs, or sunroof.  Otherwise it's the same car as the 2009 WRX 265.  I got it for just under $30,000 + fees and tax.  Awsome deal.  So far the car has been lots of fun.  I had a 2006 WRX and this is actually a lot nicer inside.  The only complaint is the body lean in hard cornering.  I drove the 09 STI and was shocked that the WRX is actually faster in straight line.  STI handles better though but still not as good as I'd expected an STI would.  If the STI sedan version comes out in a year or two I might upgrade at that time.

[initial_D]

Nice looking car! 

[mrthompson]

I'm lovin' it.   

[initial_D]

I'm lovin' it.   

Are u at Mickey-Ds', Mr.T? 

[mrthompson]

Not today...maybe this weekend.

Great car and a great deal too.

[Flinter]

Very Nice! I'm normally not a big fan of white cars but the WRX looks great in that color.The new gun metal colored wheels look sharp too.

I'm interested in hearing how the Limited package compares to the base model. As you indicated, the limited comes with a stereo upgrade and a sunroof. Are there any differences to any of the interior materials besides leather seats? I'm thinking mainly about the door panels which could use some more soft touch materials. Are the leather seats any different (ie bigger bolsters etc.) than the base model?

If I remember correctly, the spring rates were increased substantially starting with the 2009 models so you can imagine how soft my 2008 feels.

[Bullet Blue]

Nice lookin' Rex. Congrats! Got any interior pics?

[vdk]

 

[greengs]

I never checked out the leather package.  This is the only picture online I could find with leather.  Otherwise there are no differences.  Basically the seats are the same.  They are very comfortable but don't offer as much support during corenring as GTI seats for example.



some more interior photos I found online.

[Flinter]

I never checked out the leather package.  This is the only picture online I could find with leather.  Otherwise there are no differences.  Basically the seats are the same.  They are very comfortable but don't offer as much support during corenring as GTI seats for example.

Agreed, the seats look identical in structure, just covered in leather. I had been hoping that the Limited/leather option would offer bigger bolsters etc.

I don't think I would have popped for the extra 3K for the Limited package either.

Sounds like you got a great price too... ~2500 off MSRP. That combined with the high residual values, and competitive lease rates makes this a tough deal to beat.

[Giant Dwarf]

Superb choice -- right down to the colour!  It's the sedan twin to my brother's hatch ( http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,61573.0.html ) except being an '09, his has the upgraded stereo and sunroof (but no leather).  I wouldn't want leather anyway -- it's likely to be poor quality and to be honest, leather is pretty miserable in a car anyway.  My seats are always giving me "sweaty-back" in the summer or freezin' my arse in the winter (until the bun warmers kick out the heat). 

Think about spending the extra few hundred bucks for the Cobb AccessPort -- easiest way to get silly power (you won't regret it)!

[Iso Octane]

Very nice!

The first gen WRX was $34k MSRP right? My how far we've come.

[greengs]

Superb choice -- right down to the colour!  It's the sedan twin to my brother's hatch ( http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,61573.0.html ) except being an '09, his has the upgraded stereo and sunroof (but no leather).  I wouldn't want leather anyway -- it's likely to be poor quality and to be honest, leather is pretty miserable in a car anyway.  My seats are always giving me "sweaty-back" in the summer or freezin' my arse in the winter (until the bun warmers kick out the heat). 

Think about spending the extra few hundred bucks for the Cobb AccessPort -- easiest way to get silly power (you won't regret it)!

Thanks.  I had the same issues with my previous car and leather.  Way too hot in the summer and too cold in winter.  I don't care for sunroofs as I don't use them and I like the extra headroom as well the stereo is pretty weak in these cars regarless whether is premium or not.  I just wanted the performance without the extras.  There is a tuner here that specializes in using Open Source to remap the ECUs.  It's about $100 and it brings the power up to 290hp and 290tq!!

Very nice!

The first gen WRX was $34k MSRP right? My how far we've come.

I paid $36.5K + GST for my new 2006 WRX a few years ago... 

[initial_D]

^^ That is big price difference, $$/hp value almost doubled.

[Flinter]

It interesting to hear from a couple of you that the suspension still feels a little soft in the 2009+ models. I was just reading the Edmunds first drive of the 2009 WRX and they indicate that the spring rates were increased substantially (42-43%) starting with the 2009 model. Antiroll bars are also 1mm bigger on both ends.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=130748

Spring rates are up 43 percent in front and 42 percent in the rear, while roll stiffness increases 22 and 29 percent front and rear. Additional roll stiffness comes from larger antiroll bars — the front bar diameter increases from 20mm to 21mm and the rear bar diameter increases from 15mm to 16mm. New dampers and STI upper strut mounts are matched to the stiffer spring rates.

That goes to show how soft the car was configured back in 2008. I must admit my car can be a little spooky if you hit a mid corner bump at higher speeds.

I know soft is usually not good but I'm kind of happy to hear that there is still enough compliance in the 2009+ versions to keep the car from getting too harsh in real world conditions.

[Zombie]

Think about spending the extra few hundred bucks for the Cobb AccessPort -- easiest way to get silly power (you won't regret it)!

The cheaper and arguably better option instead of the Cobb Access Port is the Open source route.. An Access port will cost you 600 USD, the cable required for open source is $169 USD here:
http://www.tactrix.com/product_info.php?products_id=49&osCsid=16c7ae09d4e100f71018401e6f4e238b.
Maps are almost as easy to get and you can log data (to your laptop) and tune your car yourself using that same data if you want to get really dirty.

I just ordered a cable for my 08 and I plan on going stage 1 for now. I may try logging some data but I would need to do some reading about how it is done first.
A Guide To Going Open Source can be found here on the 3Gwrx forum.
http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/index.php?topic=8149.0

There is a ton of information there but if you just want to use an off the shelf map it is almost as easy as using the cobb access port. Also some open source maps include "launch control" and "flat foot shifting".

[Flinter]

Zombie, I think I've seen your 08 WRX around Kanata a few times now because I noticed the SPT catback. Where did you get it? I noticed in the US the SPT upgrades are dealer installed options but I was wondering if it is the same case here in Canada?

[Zombie]

Zombie, I think I've seen your 08 WRX around Kanata a few times now because I noticed the SPT catback. Where did you get it? I noticed in the US the SPT upgrades are dealer installed options but I was wondering if it is the same case here in Canada?

Yes that is probably me. Unfortunately no they don't know anything about the SPT line (at least not at Ottos). One of the guys at the dealership was asking me were I got it also. He was like SPT what is that? Ohh ya that Subaru performance stuff.

I ordered it from subarugenuineparts at the introductory rate of 333 USD now it is over 700.
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_99_111&products_id=1360

I really only have one complaint but it is a big one, there is a flange were the front pipe meets the muffler portion and I find it hangs down too low. In the winter I think I hit a peace of ice and the weld cracked at the seem around the flange. I figure it is only a matter of time before it happens again.

Are you interested in a new muffler to get more of a rumble sound or do you eventually want to go stage II.

If your just looking for the rumble you can replace the muffler sections with a straight pipe for cheap. Subaru boxer engines aren't really that loud for some reason and there is a mid pipe resonator in the stock exhaust that will keep the noise at lingual levels (mind you this is probably still illegal).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Eg3EV_u-4
http://www.borla.com/applications/lookup.aspx/2008/Subaru/Impreza/WRXStainless_Steel_Rear_Section/11760/

Exhaust are expensive but here are your options: http://wrxfanatics.com/blog/2008-parts/exhaust/

I think I read somewhere that custom jobs are sometimes cheaper.

Try a search at the 3gwrx.com forum for other options.

[toolatecrew]

. Also some open source maps include "lunch control" and "flat foot shifting".

Is "lunch control" available from the factory as part of the special US only WRX Weight Watcher's Edition?

[Flinter]

Zombie, I think I've seen your 08 WRX around Kanata a few times now because I noticed the SPT catback. Where did you get it? I noticed in the US the SPT upgrades are dealer installed options but I was wondering if it is the same case here in Canada?

Yes that is probably me. Unfortunately no they don't know anything about the SPT line (at least not at Ottos). One of the guys at the dealership was asking me were I got it also. He was like SPT what is that? Ohh ya that Subaru performance stuff.

I ordered it from subarugenuineparts at the introductory rate of 333 USD now it is over 700.
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_99_111&products_id=1360

I really only have one complaint but it is a big one, there is a flange were the front pipe meets the muffler portion and I find it hangs down too low. In the winter I think I hit a peace of ice and the weld cracked at the seem around the flange. I figure it is only a matter of time before it happens again.

Are you interested in a new muffler to get more of a rumble sound or do you eventually want to go stage II.

If your just looking for the rumble you can replace the muffler sections with a straight pipe for cheap. Subaru boxer engines aren't really that loud for some reason and there is a mid pipe resonator in the stock exhaust that will keep the noise at lingual levels (mind you this is probably still illegal).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Eg3EV_u-4
http://www.borla.com/applications/lookup.aspx/2008/Subaru/Impreza/WRXStainless_Steel_Rear_Section/11760/

Exhaust are expensive but here are your options: http://wrxfanatics.com/blog/2008-parts/exhaust/

I think I read somewhere that custom jobs are sometimes cheaper.

Try a search at the 3gwrx.com forum for other options.

Thanks Zombie, Given that I only have 6-7 months left on my lease, I probbaly won't bother with my current Rex. However, if I decide to get another I'd like to upgrade. Good info. re: the SPT catback exhaust. Thanks Again.