1994 Subaru WRX
Subaru’s WRX, aka ‘the Rex’, is a low-cost high-performance machine that has been a huge success in Australia, indeed worldwide. It has been sold here since February 1994 and there isn’t the slightest sign of its popularity diminishing.
The WRX has tremendous performance from its turbocharged boxer engine and that grunt is backed up by the road grip created by its all-wheel drive system.
The WRX had loads of personality as its flat-four ‘boxer’ engine has a distinctive beat, and an exhaust throb that appeals to all who love hot engines. This is a car well suited to brash teenagers – of any age.
2003 Subaru WRX STi
Subaru’s flat-four boxer engine had a capacity of 2.0 litres until the introduction of the MY06 car in October 2005 when it went up to 2.5 litres. Though there wasn’t a huge increase in power from the larger engine, but the torque improved significantly, lifting from 300 Nm to 320 Nm and having a much wider spread of grunt.
The ‘bug-eyed’ body of the all-new MY01 for 2001 didn’t do the WRX a lot of visual favours. And many felt it also became too refined compared to the outgoing model – losing some of its bad-boy attitude. The same criticism of the car becoming slight tame was made for the 2008 model year that was launched in mid-2007. Subaru rectified matters with the MY09 WRX. The 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine puts out 195 kilowatts – up by 26 kW on the MY08.
2011 Subaru WRX
However, the 2015 Subaru WRX, launched in March 2014, has recovered even more of its missing personality.
Turbo lag can be frustrating at times in all WRX engines, so take it for a decent drive on your favourite bit of winding road to see how the throttle response suits your preferences. Control freaks don’t like turbo lag, but once the engine is developing its full potential are likely to forgive the delay as they experience that superb push in the back.
Interestingly, automatic transmissions can improve the turbo lag by keeping the engine on boost due to faster gearchanges. An auto doesn’t make a huge difference to early acceleration, but does make it more pleasant once the car is up and moving.
The two-door Subaru WRX STI coupe and WRX STI four-door sedan were only imported as limited editions during 1999, but from late 2001 the STi four-door became a routine import.
Subaru STi is a real rocketship in a straight line, but turbo lag is worse than in the standard engines and earlier models can be a real pain in crawling traffic.
Subaru is long established in Australia and has a well-regarded dealer network. One that’s widespread and often found in comparatively remote areas, not a common feature amongst Asian imports.
Don’t even consider buying a Subaru WRX without picking up that phone or computer mouse and checking on insurance costs. These can be frightening, all the more so if you are a young or inexperienced driver living in a region that’s deemed high risk. A Subaru dealer may be able to put you in touch with reasonable insurance companies, but it’s still wise to do some of your own research.
Similarly, routine servicing and repairs aren’t the cheapest around, primarily because this is a complex semi-competition machine that requires a trained mechanic.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Have a full professional inspection of any WRX before buying the car. These are complex machines that often lead a hard life.
Listen for a turbo whine, some sound is normal, too much could mean expensive problems. Take a few different cars for a run and you will get a feel as to what they should sound like.
Be wary of a WRX that has been a rally car – or has been used as a traffic-light dragster.
Check the condition of the clutch by deliberately trying to slip it. Do so by depressing the pedal suddenly without taking your foot off the accelerator then engaging the clutch again. Slow takeup means there could be a problem.
The clutch is deliberately designed to be the weakest component in the transmission, a bit like a fuse, so as to protect more expensive items. But don’t assume that a good clutch means there are no other troubles.
Look for oil smoke from the exhaust in a car that has been idling for a while and is then accelerated hard. This could indicate general engine wear.
Check for crash repairs and if there’s any doubt at all arrange for a panel beater to check it over completely and give you a quote.
Look over the interior and be suspicious of any car that has modifications such as extra gauges and sports seats. The standard trim stands up pretty well to wear and tear, but it’s smart to give it a good once over.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on spending from $4000 to $7000 for a 1994 Subaru WRX; $6000 to $9500 for a 2001 WRX; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2002 STi or a 2004 WRX; $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2004 STi; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2008 WRX; $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2013 WRX; $33,000 to $44,000 for a 2011 STi; and $42,000 to $56,000 for a 2013 STi Spec R.
CAR BUYING TIP
Talk to enthusiasts keen on the type of car you’re considering. They can be encyclopaedic in their knowledge.
