Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Hatchbacks, Subaru
Subaru holds the line on WRX pricing
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Subaru WRX
Despite being just one year since it was completely redesigned, the Subaru WRX is getting some big upgrades for 2009 including a more powerful engine with a larger turbo, new exterior enhancements and more go-fast hardware from its big brother, the STI. When we heard this news, we mentioned that buyers of the 2008 model might feel slighted. No might about it anymore, as Inside Line is reporting that the 2009 WRX will be priced almost identical to the 2008 model. The '09 WRX will reportedly start below $25k while the 2008 model starts at $24,995, including a $645 delivery charge. While a delivery charge might push the '09 model over $25k, that's a small price to pay for all the extras you're getting that includes a new 265-horsepower version of Subaru's turbocharged 2.5L boxer-four.
Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2.5GT
[Source: Inside Line]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
dlroto 3:05PM (8/08/2008)
I'm so glad to hear this news, Now I may finally buy a WRX
Reply
BlackCanary 3:06PM (8/08/2008)
Good news to overcome the manatee looks. Despite the less than awesome looks I still want one.
Reply
Mark Ryan 3:44PM (8/08/2008)
The Impreza hasn't been a good looking car since model year 2001. This current one, at least in hatchback form, is the best looking WRX we've had in the States.
big jim slade 5:35PM (8/08/2008)
The bugeyes still look great to me.
But not as tasty as the 06-07 "hawkeyes". I LOVE those. Still my favorite WRX design, by far - and probably the years I'll look at when getting my next car.
I can't even consider the blobby 04-05 or the new model. Just don't work for me...
shadysi 3:08PM (8/08/2008)
sucks for 2008 wrx owners even more, just salt in the wound.
Reply
2007RC46SP2 3:40PM (8/08/2008)
sort of like when apple first released the iphone.
Troy Knighten 4:27PM (8/08/2008)
Except people who originally bought the iPhone got a $200 rebate.
Xcountryflyer 4:46PM (8/08/2008)
Gonna sure be less demand on the used market for 2008s....
Richard 3:09PM (8/08/2008)
Perhaps we can score one here for the enthusiasts.
We'll see what these changes do to help/ hurt WRX sales.
Reply
Rhawb 3:11PM (8/08/2008)
I keep seeing Kia Spectra 5s out of the corner of my eye and thinking they're new Imprezas. I just know I'll finally see a new Impreza on the road and think it's a Spectra 5.
The upgrades sound great, though. Now that they've got the major performance flaws out of the way, they can finally work on fixing the looks for '10.
Reply
Allan 3:12PM (8/08/2008)
If I were in the market, I'd look at an 09 5door. The sedans are boring... but the hatch version has been growing on me. And this would only sweeten the deal.
Reply
YO MAMA 3:14PM (8/08/2008)
If it handles as well as the previous gens' then I might consider it. By the way...please bring back the Momo wheel!
I guess I can fabricate my own fender flares.
Reply
BigMcLargeHuge 3:18PM (8/08/2008)
Cobb AP:
600$
Tein H-tech springs:
200$
Not having to listen about how '08 WRX owners have less performance than the '09 WRX:
Priceless
There are things that money can't buy... none of those things apply to automobiles.
Reply
rubrduk 3:25PM (8/08/2008)
uhhh...H techs suck and all the 09 owner needs is an AP as well
then again a smart person would buy a Utec anyways
BigMcLargeHuge 3:31PM (8/08/2008)
You're missing the point. Everyone complaining that the '08 is too weak or has bad suspension should just FIX the situation rather than moping about it.
It was just an example. They can get whatever they want.
I prefer open-source, but for most people on there that would require more explanation than I felt necessary.
Too many think there is a 'correct' about the way to tune a Suby. There is no correct way.
greenlantern 3:39PM (8/08/2008)
You are forgetting about wider summer tires instead of slimmer all-seasons, uprated dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, aero parts, a larger turbo, and different exhaust. If I am forgetting something, please list it.
Springs and a chip would make an 08 more expensive but not faster or a better handler.
BigMcLargeHuge 3:50PM (8/08/2008)
No, you're listing way too damned much to get an '08 WRX up to '09 level.
Upgraded turbo not necessary. Anti-sways could be substituted for springs. Cat-back exhaust not necessary. Aero parts not necessary. Upgraded dampers not necessary. Upgraded tires not necessary.
Springs and an access port (its not a chip) actually WOULD make it slightly faster and a better handler.
Where are you getting this crap?
BigMcLargeHuge 4:07PM (8/08/2008)
The upgrades you have listed would take an '08 WRX past stock '08 STI level power. I'm talking about stock '09 WRX power. Way overkill, dude.
Except you forgot upgraded intake and TMIC if you wanna go that far.
Ricky 3:20PM (8/08/2008)
I can see a lot of 2008 WRXs used as a trade-in or in the used car lot...
Reply
bilbo baggins 3:31PM (8/08/2008)
Agree. Infact it "might" be possible to find some really good deals on the used 08 WRX's - if anyone wants them in the first place that is !