non-Audi: 2002 WRX test drive

[David Eaton]

very much echo my comments on the car.  interesting that the usa version doesn't
appear to be markedly different from the japanese version.  the legacy turbos
are a different beast, smoother, less "pointy" and with stronger engines.  the
"rs" and successors are good touring cars.  interiors of the later ones have
improved a lot, but are nowhere near audi quality.  a significant number of
local cars - particularly the "sti" versions of the wrx here in nz have had
engine problems caused by issues running 96-octane gas, where they were designed
for 98 octane.

having said all that, the wrx is the car of choice for kids with money, and
allows them to graduate from their civics.  also for it professionals and young
lawyers/accountants.  nice to see a new audience getting an appreciation of
awd.  the wrx is also one of the most crashed vehicles within a particular age
group here in nz, according to a news report i read recently.

my brother looked at a new (bug-eyed) wrx alongside a new s3.  decided on the
s3 as a more practical car with a stronger engine, and then changed his mind
and got a 2nd hand very tidy rs2 (380hp), at a price which makes me think about
selling my car.  apparently though, only 2 nz owners of rs2's have upgraded
to the rs4, and all the import allocation of rs4's has been taken.  that's 24
cars in nz.  there were 13 rs2's imported.  and 3 20v ur-quattros ;-).

dave
'95 rs2
'90 ur-q
-----Original Message-----
>From: Dan Simoes <dans at audifans.com>
>To: quattro at audifans.com
>Subject: non-Audi: 2002 WRX test drive
>Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 17:57:52 -0500
>
>A copy of something I posted to a WRX list, since I know several of you
>are interested in this car.
>--
>I cannot disclose the where or how, but I was able to spend some time
>driving a WRX sedan last Thursday.
>