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Subaru WRX owners and A4 1.8T Quattro owners, a question...

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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
I am in the market for a replacement to my 2003 Tacoma. I have owned a 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro 5 speed, lowered, short shift, and chipped. Problem is my dad won't sell me it back. I am looking for an AWD, 4 cylinder, turbocharged, 5/6 speed sedan. I know each brand has it's hordes of loyal followers. What I am looking for is personal experience, not opinions please. Costs of parts, what parts were replaced and all that good stuff. I have narrowed it down to a B6 (2003-2005) A4, or preferably a 2006 WRX Limited, if not the Limited, at least a WRX with the newer 2.5 liter. I am not looking to have an outrageously fast car, but a good mix of sportiness, handling, practicality, and enjoyment. Anyone out there with some insight, please let me know. I have only driven one Subaru ever, a 99 Legacy wagon, automatic. So my knowledge of Subaru's is very small. Are there any issues that Subarus in particular have that need to addressed, or checked out. I plan on driving several cars this weekend to get a feel of how different the cars are. Thanks for any help!
May 1 2008 5:03PM
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wrenegade
Posts: 6631 - Karma: 41

I've owned a chipped (Rocket Rally ECU) WRX (MY02, 2.0L turbo) for 2.5 years now. The ECU was tuned for everyday "performance" driving, so it's not really any harder on the engine than the stock turbo. Other engine mods are an STi exhaust and custom made uppipe/downpipe from Rocket Rally. All of this work was done before I bought the car, and while I was initially hesistant about buying a modded car, my experience has worked out well. It has never had any issues mechanically, and has only been to the shop for regular maintenance and fluids. It's been a pretty damn good ski car (it's a wagon so it has more trunk space) and decent around the city (as any manual car with a stiff suspension will be). My only complaint is the backseats are too small for my to drive clients around in, and I'm selling the car in favour of an SUV. I'm going to miss it, it's a great car.

May 1 2008 6:52PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
With an older WRX such as yours, have you had any issues with the transmission not shifting into gears smoothly? I read many complaints on nasioc.com about the earlier WRX's having terrible transmissions. Granted, driver error and abuse should be factored in, but clutches are expensive.
May 1 2008 7:08PM
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
Im in the same boat as you, looking at A4s and Subis. And after driving both, I love the Audi. Much nice interior, quieter, roomier imo, and more comfortable for me to drive as I am 6'2".
May 1 2008 8:31PM
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