[zmtthw]

hey guys, just a quick question. I'm in the process of ordering a new 09 WRX hatch and I need to start looking at some racks. SOA does not make a factory trailer hitch for the 08 or 09 hatch but I have seen one on e-trailer and I think hidden hitch, that they make a aftermarket one. I have a few downhill bikes so I have to use the Thule T2 which I have now for the truck. I was thinking about going with the roof option but with the sun-roof and the new STI spoiler I'm not sure how great it would work out. I was curious if anyone here with either a 08 09 WRX/STI has used the aftermarket hitch and how it worked out. Pictures would be great if at all possible. Thanks for all the help, take it easy people.

Z

 

[AzSpeedfreek]

Go with the hitch option. I have an 05 Outback that I just added a HiddenHitch hitch to that I got through E-trailer and it does tuck in under the bumper quite well. Also the hitch rack is going to have the least effect on gas milage. When I had my Yakima rack on I lost about 3-7 Mpg, the faster I went the more I lost. Highway milage was the same maybe 1-2 higher as city milage with the rack on no bikes.

 

[Jayem]

Go for a hitch if at all possible. Easy loading, the T2 tilts down for access, solid construction, far better MPG and the ability to easily remove the rack. I use a T2 on my 2004 WRX wagon.

A possible drawback of the hidden hitch is that they are often low to the ground and scraping out of sloped driveways/entrances can be an issue. I don't have that problem with my OEM towbar, but I've seen people complain about it and seen aftermarket hitches that were mounted fairly low to the ground. IMO subaru screwed up by not engineering the car to take a towbar, but at least the 09 fixes the sorry performance of the 08!

 

[zmtthw]

thanks guys for the input. See what happens. I think I'm going to place the order in for the car on monday and then 6-8 weeks later she should be parked in my garage. Hopefully I wont have some of the engine problems like some of the guys I have read about. Thanks again for the advice and inputs, take it easy.

Z

 

[WVhillbilly]

I bought a hitch for my wife's Volvo on Ebay. Dealer wanted $400+ for the hitch, I got it for $140. Installed it in about 10 minutes.

 

[poontank]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!! I bought a hitch from etrailer that was suppose to fit my 09 WRX, however when installed it rattled all over my exhaust over bumps and during spirited acceleration. It just sounded terrible back there. Then they were reluctant to take it back. When etrailer finally agreed to take it back they refused to pay for shipping. So in short I wound up wasting a lot of money on a receiver that didn't work. And all this was after I contacted etrailer to make sure the hitch would work. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!

 

[WVhillbilly]

I bought mine from gethitched on Ebay. I don't know anything about etrailer.

 

[Broussard]

I have one on an '07. I had the exhaust rattling issue mentioned above
after I put on Stromung exhaust, but aftermarket exhaust hangers fix that.
They are a little longer and stiffer than stock, and you can install them
yourself easily by hand. Google "Kartboy".

Enjoy your new ride !

ZB

 

[paranoid56]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!! I bought a hitch from etrailer that was suppose to fit my 09 WRX, however when installed it rattled all over my exhaust over bumps and during spirited acceleration. It just sounded terrible back there. Then they were reluctant to take it back. When etrailer finally agreed to take it back they refused to pay for shipping. So in short I wound up wasting a lot of money on a receiver that didn't work. And all this was after I contacted etrailer to make sure the hitch would work. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!

just get longer hangers. that hitch did fit, but it just rattled the exhaust. betting on other cars it doesnt. cars are always a little different then each other. i have had many great purchases with Etrailer and never had an issue.

since you have the wrx you can get the one Etrailer sells (STI guy are out of luck and have to do a $$$ forester setup)

 

[poontank]

No Dice

Longer hangers are not an option as the hitch from etrailer goes under the exhaust. And I don't think you can get any shorter than already comes on the WRX. There is no excusing what they did. They screwed over a customer and were not willing to do the right thing. So there is no you shouldn't just done this or that about it.

 

[paranoid56]

Longer hangers are not an option as the hitch from etrailer goes under the exhaust. And I don't think you can get any shorter than already comes on the WRX. There is no excusing what they did. They screwed over a customer and were not willing to do the right thing. So there is no you shouldn't just done this or that about it.

a bit bitter eh?
did you ever contact curt? the guys who make the hitch. as i think they would be the real ones to yell at.

 

[poontank]

How would you feel, paranoid) ? I just had too.

 

[paranoid56]

usually i make it work. as to me its more of a hassel to return ****. i had subaru send me the wrong roof rack only to tell me they are out of stock on the right one for months. i just took the one they gave me cut it down and fixed it so its just like oem.