Automatic WRX

[ScarletSaturn]

I wanted a manual WRX, but due to issues with the parents (They can't drive stick and therefore couldn't drive this car if something were to happen to me).

So I'm stuck with looking for one equipped with the automatic transmission.

How are the automatics in previous-gen WRXs? Are there any known issues I should watch out for?

Thanks!

[mbeem546]

get a manual and tell your parents to call an ambulance if anything happens to you.. or if **** goes off the deep end they can sell it and get something else.

[rodder]

tell your parents to stop being such wuss-bags and learn how to drive a manual.

Knowing how to drive stick is the birthright of every american male. If your dad doesn't know how he needs to immediately turn in his man-card and purchase a scarf and a manpurse so the rest of us can easily identify him.

[Ej6Mike]

Tell your parents to stop being weiners.

[92awdtsi]

I used to work with a guy with an automatic wrx. Its all stock but he was more than happy with it. I'd say if that's all thats available to you, go for it. Its still a Turbo AWD car. You will have fun with it.

[willits8]

I love how when you post a question or something everyone always gives you great helpful feedback

[92awdtsi]

I love how when you post a question or something everyone always gives you great helpful feedback

hey i tried to help :(

[willits8]

sorry not everyone just alot

[ScarletSaturn]

Just for the trolls, it's for insurance reasons.

[xarchiex]

from what ive read there is some trans issues with them.mainly holding the power and what not so if you plan on modding it id try to get stick.like for reference a lot of shops wont dyno tune a 4eat wrx because of the high risk of trans failure.

[Sberk06]

go for it bro! its a shame though cause there was a great deal on a blue auto wrx a few months back

[98GSXdude]

Just for the trolls, it's for insurance reasons.

What kind of insurance do you have that asks what kind of transmission it has? :screwy:

[jspek]

a auto for insurance purposes? thats a load of bs. well any insurance ive had never asked and didnt make a difference. but auto rex's arent all that bad. ive been in one with a few mods and a tune, wasnt a slushbox.

I love how when you post a question or something everyone always gives you great helpful feedback

why dont you stop posting and read around a lil before running your mouth and making threads about street drifting cool guy. i dont know any forum where you can just jump in and be accepted by everyone.

[omgjacki]

Why don't you just teach them? It's not rocket science. I taught a girl, who had her license for a week and didn't even know what a manual transmission was, in 20 minutes.

[mcperson2k]

I taught a girl, who had her license for a week and didn't even know what a manual transmission was, in 20 minutes.

License for week, didn't know what one was, 20 minutes... You are either exaggerating or that girl needs to be taken to racing school!



What do you mean if something were to happen to you? Its called let them pick you up in their car, while yours sits in a parking lot until morning.

[omgjacki]

I'm just good at explaining things.
I taught my 13 year old sister, too.
Neither of them stalled out, but my girlfriend who "knows how to drive stick" stalled out and burnt my clutch like it was her job. I had too much trust in her because she told me she knew.

Let them rev up to 3k if they have to. After a few times they'll get it.

[ndubz]

Its not insurance purposes. His parents wont help him out with a car they cant drive too, thats all there is to it.

[ScarletSaturn]

Why don't you just teach them? It's not rocket science. I taught a girl, who had her license for a week and didn't even know what a manual transmission was, in 20 minutes.

They have no intention of learning.

They're not car people, they could care less.

[ndubz]

I also need to point out that Bert here is kind of his parent's bitch. Meaning between the ages of 10 and 15, he never cussed his rents the **** out, thus creating some actual respect from them for him as an individual in their minds. Now he's 21 and its become difficult to do because the seeds of control in his parents minds are 6-11 years more deeply rooted than they should be.

So if they say automatic they mean AUTOMATIC. lol I know it sucks, but Ive already informed Bert that its his own fault lol, so no real need for u guys to reiterate it much.........unless u want to do so in a hilarious fashion.

[jpalamar]

Man up and get your own insurance policy, get the stick, and maybe teach your parents how to drive one.

[EklipzGSXkid]

Easy solution.... Buy a car yourself, And buy what ever it is that you want.

[rodder]

wait... you're 21 and you're letting your parents dictate the type of transmission your car has because of "insurance reasons", or because they're too lazy and lame to learn how to drive one?

if you buy an automatic WRX be prepared to downshift into 1st any time you want to pass someone and give yourself plenty of room when pulling out into traffic. The 5-speed WRX is bad enough at low rpm, the automatics can barely get out of their own way.

Seriously, if you absolutely have to have an auto, an N/A subaru will be a lot more enjoyable on the street. These turbo engines just don't make any torque at all until they're under boost. Auto just exaggerates the problem.

Besides the fact that the tuner community and especially the subaru community will relentlessly and continuously ridicule you for the fact that you have a performance car with an auto trans. But if you've got thick skin, by all means...

[AutobahnRacer]

I think we have determined that insurance excuse is a bunch of BS. Insurance won't change from auto to manual. It is about his parents helping out money-wise. I am sure from a fun-factor subies are fine with auto trans, cannot speak for reliability standpoint. If your parents are helping, I wouldn't complain. I'd be happy with a subie if they helped.

[Rally Sport]

My RS is an autotragic only because my parents said to get one for their own stupid reasons like yours did, but i live under their roof so what they say goes sadly. My trans is still strong at 132K but then again my car doesn't have enough power to hurt itself either haha.

[RedBowTies88]

eh its not all bad, get a tune and throw a converter in it and it will severely whoop any stick sti with similar mods in a drag race.

[R22B]

I have an 2005 WRX which is an automatic. Subaru has used the 4EAT nearly forever and are fairly bullet proof up to 300hp. Anything past that you will start to run into issues. Generally, a car with an auto trans with the same mods and 'tune' as a manual trans will put down less torque and HP.

My car is not stock and it hasn't been for at least 40k miles. It has slight power upgrades such as the STi turbo, STi injectors, Borla Exhaust, and it was tuned @ TurboTek. Granted, its a fairly moderate tune because I wanted longevity rather than power.

My transmission has never had an issue. It does get boring every now and then driving because I miss driving a manual - however, I don't have to worry about the weak manual trans.

My ONLY gripe is highway passing. In my opinion, it doesn't seem like it shifts down enough to really get 'er going. If I get on it at 55mph, it takes off like a bat out of hell. If I get on it at 65mph, it feels like a completely different car.

Oh, I'm also selling my car as well. PM me for more info.

wait... you're 21 and you're letting your parents dictate the type of transmission your car has because of "insurance reasons", or because they're too lazy and lame to learn how to drive one?

if you buy an automatic WRX be prepared to downshift into 1st any time you want to pass someone and give yourself plenty of room when pulling out into traffic. The 5-speed WRX is bad enough at low rpm, the automatics can barely get out of their own way.
Pulling out is a hazard sometimes. Rodder hit the nail on the head with this one.

Seriously, if you absolutely have to have an auto, an N/A subaru will be a lot more enjoyable on the street. These turbo engines just don't make any torque at all until they're under boost. Auto just exaggerates the problem.
100% True.

Besides the fact that the tuner community and especially the subaru community will relentlessly and continuously ridicule you for the fact that you have a performance car with an auto trans. But if you've got thick skin, by all means...
I've handled it for a few years now. Its not THAT bad lol

[RedBowTies88]

I have an 2005 WRX which is an automatic. Subaru has used the 4EAT nearly forever and are fairly bullet proof up to 300hp. Anything past that you will start to run into issues. Generally, a car with an auto trans with the same mods and 'tune' as a manual trans will put down less torque and HP.

My car is not stock and it hasn't been for at least 40k miles. It has slight power upgrades such as the STi turbo, STi injectors, Borla Exhaust, and it was tuned @ TurboTek. Granted, its a fairly moderate tune because I wanted longevity rather than power.

My transmission has never had an issue. It does get boring every now and then driving because I miss driving a manual - however, I don't have to worry about the weak manual trans.

My ONLY gripe is highway passing. In my opinion, it doesn't seem like it shifts down enough to really get 'er going. If I get on it at 55mph, it takes off like a bat out of hell. If I get on it at 65mph, it feels like a completely different car.

Oh, I'm also selling my car as well. PM me for more info.

trans downshift speeds may be adjustable with tuning, also a looser converter may help as well

[rodder]

trans downshift speeds may be adjustable with tuning, also a looser converter may help as well

aftermarket converter is the very first mod you'll want if you get the auto.

and I really don't think an auto WRX with only a tune and a converter would beat a tuned STi in a drag race, much less "severely whoop" one.

I've owned a wrx and an STi and I can guarantee you a tuned STi is faster than my old 5 speed wrx was at stg 2.

2011 WRX vs 2011 STi would be a much closer race, but it still certainly wouldn't "severely whoop" the STi. 2011 stg 1 STi still has 30+ whp over a 2011 stg 1 WRX.

[RedBowTies88]

sorry that was a typo on me, the letters WRX and STI sometimes get switched around in my head lol.

basically i meant same car stick vs auto the auto car would do work on the stick one in the 1320

[ScarletSaturn]

I think we have determined that insurance excuse is a bunch of BS. Insurance won't change from auto to manual. It is about his parents helping out money-wise. I am sure from a fun-factor subies are fine with auto trans, cannot speak for reliability standpoint. If your parents are helping, I wouldn't complain. I'd be happy with a subie if they helped.

You sir, have hit the nail on the head. :thumbup:


I also hear that the 4EAT equipped WRX is good up to "250 AWHP". Is this true, or was I mistaken?

[bugeye1257]

^^ my buddies old 05 wrx had a vf39, 565cc injectors, and all the other goodies and was pushing about 315whp with 20lbs of boost i think on his automatic. and that car was used very well lets just say :mrgreen: never had a problem with it, just sold it to get another wrx but this time a manual haha

[ndubz]

wait... you're 21 and you're letting your parents dictate the type of transmission your car has because of "insurance reasons", or because they're too lazy and lame to learn how to drive one?

if you buy an automatic WRX be prepared to downshift into 1st any time you want to pass someone and give yourself plenty of room when pulling out into traffic. The 5-speed WRX is bad enough at low rpm, the automatics can barely get out of their own way.

Seriously, if you absolutely have to have an auto, an N/A subaru will be a lot more enjoyable on the street. These turbo engines just don't make any torque at all until they're under boost. Auto just exaggerates the problem.

Besides the fact that the tuner community and especially the subaru community will relentlessly and continuously ridicule you for the fact that you have a performance car with an auto trans. But if you've got thick skin, by all means...

On the 2.0L maybe, but i would disagree with u on the 2.5. I have power slide my sti under boost in 3rd gear on dry pavement a few times. But I have heard the parasitic loss on the autos is above 30%, and I could see an auto robbing the boxer of its natural torque characteristics.

And he can drive stick, I let Bert whip the miata a few months back and he did just fine. His rents are the issue.

I think we have determined that insurance excuse is a bunch of BS. Insurance won't change from auto to manual. It is about his parents helping out money-wise. I am sure from a fun-factor subies are fine with auto trans, cannot speak for reliability standpoint. If your parents are helping, I wouldn't complain. I'd be happy with a subie if they helped.

You sir clearly "get it"

I have an 2005 WRX which is an automatic. Subaru has used the 4EAT nearly forever and are fairly bullet proof up to 300hp. Anything past that you will start to run into issues. Generally, a car with an auto trans with the same mods and 'tune' as a manual trans will put down less torque and HP.

My car is not stock and it hasn't been for at least 40k miles. It has slight power upgrades such as the STi turbo, STi injectors, Borla Exhaust, and it was tuned @ TurboTek. Granted, its a fairly moderate tune because I wanted longevity rather than power.

My transmission has never had an issue. It does get boring every now and then driving because I miss driving a manual - however, I don't have to worry about the weak manual trans.

My ONLY gripe is highway passing. In my opinion, it doesn't seem like it shifts down enough to really get 'er going. If I get on it at 55mph, it takes off like a bat out of hell. If I get on it at 65mph, it feels like a completely different car.

Oh, I'm also selling my car as well. PM me for more info.

Bert!!!!!!!!!!! ^^^ This Post, listen to what he says. Good stuff

[ScarletSaturn]

Nick, I noticed that post, I listened closely. Mr. R22B deserves a drink for that.

And does anyone know why the parts for the 2.5xt Forester seem to cost more than the WRX?

There's a Forester for sale not far from where I grew up, and its a turbo. But it seems like parts are pricier. Any reason why?

[R22B]

Nick, I noticed that post, I listened closely. Mr. R22B deserves a drink for that.

And does anyone know why the parts for the 2.5xt Forester seem to cost more than the WRX?

There's a Forester for sale not far from where I grew up, and its a turbo. But it seems like parts are pricier. Any reason why?

I'm not sure, but if I had to guess is that Impreza's far outsell Foresters so there's probably a lot more laying around in bins. Parts for my 2.5RS were expensive... parts for the WRX are a lot cheaper. It also helps that there are a plethora of aftermarket parts available. Honestly though, I have no idea.

[itwillboost]

Buy the auto, it's still the car you wont and in the 1/4 a properly tuned tcu will beat a m/t every time. The advantages now a days are very slim and it's more something people believe they need because everyone asks, "oh is that manual" just the same as they say, " oh that has a huge intercooler it must be fast."

[ÐGK]

buy stick, youll be happier in the long run

[xdrift0rx]

Tell them with a stick you are:

1. More "in tune" with the car.
2. You are going to be MORE aware of your surroundings due to 1.
3. You are going to be in less danger (Downshift to speed up whenever to get out of danger?)
4. Enjoy the car more. ex. I had to drive my parents 05 Tahoe. I didn't give a rats ass about it. Never washed it, hardly changed fluids etc. Now I have an 87 RX7 that I've wanted and it gets a bath every 2 weeks, fluids are changed before recommended miles etc...

For added incentive, by working on your own vehicle you can then save your parents money by doing their oil changes/maintenance. :wink:

[Got Insulin?]

Tell them with a stick you are:

1. More "in tune" with the car.
2. You are going to be MORE aware of your surroundings due to 1.
3. You are going to be in less danger (Downshift to speed up whenever to get out of danger?)
4. Enjoy the car more. ex. I had to drive my parents 05 Tahoe. I didn't give a rats ass about it. Never washed it, hardly changed fluids etc. Now I have an 87 RX7 that I've wanted and it gets a bath every 2 weeks, fluids are changed before recommended miles etc...

For added incentive, by working on your own vehicle you can then save your parents money by doing their oil changes/maintenance. :wink:

None of this is even remotely valid. Sounds like more of the classic case of being unappreciative of someone else's things until you had to buy your own.

[EklipzGSXkid]

I wish I had someone to fund my car purchases!

[ScoobyNubieToo!]

Yup....some of the fastest track Subies out there are autos believe it or not...just go with the auto and get a high stall torque converter installed. It's pricey but it'll be worth it.

[R22B]

Tell them with a stick you are:

1. More "in tune" with the car.
2. You are going to be MORE aware of your surroundings due to 1.
3. You are going to be in less danger (Downshift to speed up whenever to get out of danger?)
4. Enjoy the car more. ex. I had to drive my parents 05 Tahoe. I didn't give a rats ass about it. Never washed it, hardly changed fluids etc. Now I have an 87 RX7 that I've wanted and it gets a bath every 2 weeks, fluids are changed before recommended miles etc...

For added incentive, by working on your own vehicle you can then save your parents money by doing their oil changes/maintenance. :wink:

Your ass must get sore since you talk out of it so much. While you DO enjoy the car more, all of the other reasons are complete bull****.

1. More "in tune" with the car.
Bull ****. Believe it or not, I am just in 'tune' with my automatic WRX as I was with my 2.5RS.

2. You are going to be MORE aware of your surroundings due to 1.
Again, bull ****. With my automatic WRX, I have to be much more cautious when pulling out due to low torque and turbo lag. Having an automatic doesn't make you any less aware of your surroundings. In fact, the only thing it changes is I get to keep two hands on the wheel - you have to remove a hand to shift and push in the clutch. If anything, you LOSE focus of your surroundings because you realize you have to shift.

3. You are going to be in less danger (Downshift to speed up whenever to get out of danger?)
At this point, I must say you must be a complete retard. How is an automatic going to make someone be in MORE danger!? Other than pulling out, I've had no issues with being able to downshift. Sure, my car may seem like its low on power at certain speeds - I was never in a risk of dying because my car is an automatic. Oh boohoo, I can't speed up to merge in front of a car. Damn, I guess I will have to slow down and merge behind them.

4. Enjoy the car more. ex. I had to drive my parents 05 Tahoe. I didn't give a rats ass about it. Never washed it, hardly changed fluids etc. Now I have an 87 RX7 that I've wanted and it gets a bath every 2 weeks, fluids are changed before recommended miles etc...
Remind me to never purchase a car from you. Maybe it was because it was a huge vehicle rather than a sports car and that's why you didn't care about it. Between my 2.5RS and my WRX, nothing has changed between taking car of it. Well, other than the fact I do get bored of it sometimes!

Please, think of the children before you post complete and utter bull****. It makes you look like a complete ass.

[ndubz]

I wish I had someone to fund my car purchases!

Really? Mr. Build a 700whp sti on a whim. I know that cost u at least 60k without u ripping it apart lol. Thats great, not hating. But if u can just drop that kinda money down u really have no room complain about anything like that lol. Just be happy ur able to throw money around

[ScarletSaturn]

Lots of good advice (and some poor bull poop about not enjoying my car?).

I don't know...but when I had my Volvos years back and my Saturn for 2 years, I kept that car maintained, all upkeep was performed when it needed to be according to the manual.

I don't skimp on things like that.

[R22B]

Lots of good advice (and some poor bull poop about not enjoying my car?).

I don't know...but when I had my Volvos years back and my Saturn for 2 years, I kept that car maintained, all upkeep was performed when it needed to be according to the manual.

I don't skimp on things like that.

In all honesty, I was excited to buy my car... then hated it because I missed manual and now I could care less if it was an automatic/manual. I do miss driving a manual but there are times where I sit on the highway in stop and go traffic and I'm glad I have an automatic. The fact is that tuning automatic Subaru's are getting more and more popular.

In the end though, take all of our advice with a grain of salt. Get what YOU want and care less about what other people think.

:thumbup:

[Honest_Bob]

Read what R22bB says and ignore the dicks.

[xdrift0rx]

Well damn, sorry. Cant please everyone I guess. :roll:

Sometimes you gotta sweet talk the parents. Who said everything you hear from a salesman is 100% accurate? It's all about how you present your data.


I will add one thing. Driving auto makes things boring(hence the not paying attention) With a manual you kind of cant get lazy unless you're on the highway.

[jpalamar]

I will add one thing. Driving auto makes things boring(hence the not paying attention) With a manual you kind of cant get lazy unless you're on the highway.

Not sure. I've bee ndriving manual for a long time now. I don't even realize I'm shifting 99% of hte time.