('93-'01) Test drove a WRX (again) - No problem downshifting from 2nd to 1st

[Cupholder]

Okay, I have read so many posts from people complaining that the WRX transmission doesn't work well, and it is impossible to downshift from 2nd to 1st. It has been this line of posts which have played a large part in keeping from taking "the plunge" and going with the WRX.

Well, today I went out on another test drive. I could downshift from 2nd to 1st. I could feel the stick protest a little... a little resistance, but I was able to get it into first without slamming or jerking it... a little finesse actually works better. However, I did seem to be completely locked out of downshifting above 25 MPH. By contrast, the GTI I tested today could downshift from 2nd to 1st at 60 MPH, and the downshift was as smooth as a baby's butt (no, I did *not* release the clutch on the 60 MPH downshift!)

I think the real problem isn't the stick or the clutch but that alot of people are getting the WRX as their first stick, and they don't know what the f' they are doing. The WRX is definitely one of the harder cars to shift. Not at all like the VW which is snickety snick snick... I can shift my Passat with my pinky finger.

But the shifter does work, or at least it did on my test drive today.

Speaking of the test drive... it is so fun watching some big ass SUV 2 inches behind me, taking up my entire rear view mirror, suddenly become a spec of dust, a passed fart, a long gone memory, only moments after the light turns green.

After the test drive today, I came to a light next to some coked out redneck in a Dodge Ram. Think the bozo took off his muffler. He absolutely toasted me. I think I gotta just go git me a WRX so I can toast the redneck the next time we meet.

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[Cupholder]

I should add... have any of you taken on a Dodge Ram at a stoplight?

[SILVER2002WRX]

I've driven the WRX and had no probs downshifting from 2nd to 1st. Only people who have problems are probably the morons
doing 60 trying to downshift to 1st like retards...heh

-Tom

[Avedis]

Originally posted by Cupholder
I should add... have any of you taken on a Dodge Ram at a stoplight?

One of my friends at work has a Dodge Ram 1500. We were both sitting at a stoplight, next to each other, waiting to turn left (both lanes turn left) onto an on-ramp that quickly turns into one lane before the lane merges with the Interstate. He's kind of a competitive guy so I knew he was going to try to get in front of me.

The light turned green, I heard his engine roar, and then I looked into my rearview mirror (after turning the corner and stepping on the gas) to see his truck finally leveling out from the body roll as it finished coming around the corner. Needless to say, I merged onto I-405 before he did.

--jeff

[graver]

Originally posted by Cupholder
I should add... have any of you taken on a Dodge Ram at a stoplight?

No cuz i'm driving it insted. hehe
3500 cummins baby. humm 6speed and all the power u want at 1000 rpm. hehe, i pull a trailer in 2nd from every stop without even knowing it. Trust me it's just too much fun.