Introduction
I’m some what of a sports compact car enthusiast, but I’m also a commuter and family oriented guy. I am 35-years-old and I’m on a budget. Despite what I write in this review, I don’t advocate nor do I support illegal street racing. I just like to punch it on the weekends now and then whenever a V-8 thinks it can pass my little flat 4. The perfect sleeper project for any turbo charged enthusiast. Enjoy my review and I hope it helps you in your purchasing decision.
In January of this year, I decided that my 95 Eclipse, which I had purchased brand new, had reached the apex of its 11 year career. I thought to get a 1999 Turbo Eclipse (the last year before Mitsu screwed up a good thing) but my bank stipulated my new car to be 2000 and up. After about 48 hours of thinking of EVO VIII’s, Acura RSX S-Type, Corvettes, and Mustangs plus their price tags vs. performance vs. my needs I came up with a formula for an Impreza WRX Wagon!
I found an ad for a 2002 Impreza wagon at the auto mall where I purchased my Mitsu years ago going for 14,500; when I got there it was sold. Moments later, while the sales man was telling me the news, I saw this Pearly Blue 04 parked in the darkness separated from the rest and I thought: “They must want about 21K for that car.” The sales guy saw me looking at it and said he can sell that one to me close to what I was looking to spend. While he was gone to get the keys I opened her up and saw an immaculate interior, 30,000 miles and a closer examination when we moved her to the light uncovered a dent-free body. A practically flawless vehicle. I test drove to make sure all was well and then we made a deal for $19,000. Brand new these cars cost over $24,000.
Looks
The exterior is “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” My girl friend thinks its not all that but likes the practicality and compact aspect of it. I think its muscular looking and cunning. The headlights are a definite upgrade from the 2002 model, offering much more illumination. A bigger, more aggressive hood scoop makes for better horse power than 2002-03 models. The color, as I mentioned before, is WR Pearl Blue. The 04-05 Impreza’s are also available in White, Black, Silver, and Red. The factory stock wheels on this car are 16-inch alloys which do well under normal driving conditions. I recommend upgrading this. Wider tires will dramatically improve the wagons safety and handling.
Performance
Since then I have made many mods to the wagon that added about 80 horses. However, before the mods, it still packed an impressive 227 HP. Subaru measures the HP to the flywheel as do many manufacturers, which equals to about 170 HP at the wheels or WHP. Considering it has 4 wheel drive and only weighs 3000 lbs it has monster acceleration catapulting this wagon from 0-60 in about 5.7 seconds. Quarter mile runs from factory range from 13.9 to 14.1. Folks, that’s fast! Even with all the factory restrictions. When you drive it really feels like your doing 0-60 in 2 or 3 seconds. That EJ20 Flat 4 boxer (That’s a horizontally opposed piston engine just like a Porsche Engine) comes equipped from factory with good pair of cams to throttle power threw until you get to about 80 then the power band isn’t as explosive but still acceptable. The TD04 ball bearing Turbo does a nice job through out. Factory it runs at about 11-13 PSI. The Top Mount intercooler keeps the airflow dense and cool under pressure considering its small size. All of which can be upgraded. This engine block can easily accept 400 HP with out any failure. Power is controlled with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. The Impreza comes equipped with massive 4 wheel disk brakes Anti-Lock, which I have had the pleasure of using once to avoid a wreck at 100 MPH.
Safety and Interior Features
Speaking of safety, Subaru has the Impreza well equipped with standard safety features. They started from the inside with a steel cage surrounding the entire cabin. Dual front airbags as well as side impact airbags coming out of the seats. Three point seatbelts for the driver and all passengers. Anti-Lock brakes are also standard on the WRX. The front seats are engineered to hug the driver and the passenger insuring they stay in place when there is side to side movement and sharps turns. The interior dash lacks advanced styling, but is ergonomic and straight forward. Gauges and controls are large and easy to read. Radio has large display and buttons and popular rotary Air Conditioner/ Heater control dials. The upholstery has a good quality feel to it and there is a standard MOMO leather wrapped steering wheel as a standard. Power windows and door locks are also standard as well as cruise control. There are two map lights, interior dome on center, and a rear cargo area light as well. Subaru did not make a boost gauge standard but it is optional. It has two cup holders one in the center console and a slide out tray above the radio which when in use does not let you push the buttons that control the 6 CD in dash changer/player. A design flaw, of course. There is a 4 speaker sound system that isn’t that good. Leg room in the front is good but in the back is cramped if you have longs legs. Headroom, however, is excellent with 3 adjustable headrests.
Mileage
Gas mileage is nothing out of this world. This car packs a lot of horse power and is AWD. So there is a sacrifice. I get about 25 on the HWY and 20-21 in the city. That’s about it no sugar coating here, folks. I’m not too impressed with the economy but still is better than a mustang or corvette. At 60 MPH in top gear, it revs at around 2400 RPM. Of course if you step on it the gas mileage decreases. The thing about this vehicle is it is a 4 cylinder wagon which can drive like a Civic, haul your groceries, stuff from Wal-Mart and also race like a Mustang when ever you want it to. The previous owner of my Impreza Wagon installed a trailer hitch in the back which I left installed. I checked with Subaru’s website and I can tow about 1500 lbs. with no problem.
Conclusion
I think this was a nice deal. There are a lot more things I can write about like the 5 year power train warranty and 3 year new car warranty and corrosion protection, but if you are interested in these vehicles whether it be a WRX Wagon, a sedan or the 300 HP STI actions speak louder than words. So go and check one out for yourself in person!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 19000
Condition: Used Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Impreza WRX 5 Spd
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