Used 2016 Subaru WRX Sedan Consumer Reviews
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More than I expected!
I had been looking for a brand new 4 door affordable Japanese performance sedan that offered a 6 speed manual for a while and the only options for me while I was looking were the WRX and the Honda Civic Si. I ended up with the WRX because of the fact that I may be moving somewhere with snow and would like the AWD, although I am skeptical about the reliability of a turbocharged car, this being my first one ever. I know for sure an Si would last a lot longer than the WRX but I was willing to take the leap and so far I am not disappointed. My previous car was a 2008 Hyundai Elantra which I had for the past 8 years since new, and compared to the WRX, the cabin was bigger and the chairs were a little more comfortable, as well as the trunk was bigger, so those are the main differences I notice body wise. The WRX interior quality is high in my book, with me looking at it as a turbocharged AWD Corolla/Civic/Elantra, and compared to my old Elantra as well as our 2011 Corolla S, the leather and metal accents as well as quality plastic make it a lot better than both my Elantra and Corolla, although I do wish there were more compartments. The headliner fabric is really old school with the fuzzy fabric, but they upgraded that on the 2017 to the material they have in most new cars (and on the sun visors for some reason), and I wish the doors would lock automatically after 30 seconds like on my Hyundai as well as if you could just open the door when it is locked in the inside and it would unlock (on the front doors) like on most other Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais, etc. My main complaint is that the audio system is horrible, being that sound is flat, no bass at all, etc. My stock Hyundai system was as good as my Logitech computer speakers producing rich bass and great treble as well. I had a Costco Executive 50% off discount so I upgraded to the Kicker Speakers (6) for around $300 (including labor) without the sub and it improved it by a bit, but it's still only 60% of the sound quality as my Hyundai's, although it's now bearable. There is only 1 USB port and I plug my USB drive with music into it; it takes about 30 sec-1 min to start playing from when I start the car. The Starlink system overall is not great but it works, since it's laggy compared to the system in my 2013 Honda Accord which is faster, with bluetooth taking about 10 seconds to connect too. I drive on average 300 miles in about a 10 day period and get about 22-24 MPG AVG since it's mostly local, but when I have driven all freeway for day trips, the best I have gotten is 32.7 MPG but I usually average around 29-30 depending on if I engage boost often or not. The shifting is notchy which I like, and there is rev hang, but you are able adjust your shifting technique to accommodate (although if you get the Cobb Accessport and do the Stage 1 Tune it will rid of it, but that's if you are ok to risk your warranty before 36K miles). The AWD launches the car flat, totally different from FWD and RWD, and the suspension is stiff enough for taking corners but still good enough for daily driving. The main part that makes the car fun is the usable boost from the low to mid range, from around 2K-5.5K RPMS which is what makes it so great! I got the World Rally Blue which is a bit flashy, but I feel like you must get the signature color for this. The rims (on my Premium) are just dark gray 18' Enkei's from the 2011-2013 STI (previously Silver), but it really brings the exterior all together, making it look aggressive and perfect. I feel no need to change anything on the exterior as it already looks so good stock. Overall, if I could go back, I would get the Harmon Kardon audio upgrade since I don't really like aftermarket, and the car would be exactly the way I want it! The Kicker speakers are bearable so I don't see the point in spending more to upgrade again, since I do like listening to that turbo whistle once in a while! Basically if you want a practical, reliable?, economical, powerful, affordable, and fun small sedan that can perform in any weather, this is it!
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Great engineering
The car is well thought out. Tuned for enthusiasts even with the CVT, which is amazingly responsive. Handling is like on rails. Value (fun) for the money is unbeatable
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- STI SedanMSRP: $19,79547 mi away
- Limited SedanMSRP: $12,990In-stock online
- Limited SedanMSRP: $10,50079 mi away
Great Value - True Drivers Car
The base audio is good only for the disinterested listener. Skip the HK-Nav package - upgrade the tweeters, speakers and add a subwoofer. Twice the car at a fraction of the cost of the real competitors.
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I couldn't love my car more
I am a service manager at a car dealer and have been exposed to many makes and models. This is by far the most fun car to drive!!!!
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My WRX
My 2016 WRX Limited 6 speed manual 4 banger with turbo is a whole lot fun to drive!
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Driving Good, Interior Bad
If you enjoy working on your own car, I would highly recommend the 'rex. If you don't mind a little turbo lag and love churning through gears on backroads, again, I would highly recommend the 'rex. If you simply want a stylish daily driver, this is not the car for you. CONS: An extremely lackluster and, at times, gaudy interior detracts from the daily driving experience. The infotainment system is straight garbage; it barely does what it's supposed to do, even on my limited trim model with an '''''upgraded''''' system. The sound system is abysmal for a vehicle of this price range. Fake carbon fiber and hard plastic were not good design choices by subaru. PROS: Performance. This vehicle performs comparably to an i4 BMW 3 series, while having a much lower MSRP. The ride is stiffer and the cabin is louder, but cornering is a breeze and there's plenty of power here.
A fun car, just know what it is you're buying...
Okay, I'm a Subie driver, and the Rex is a Goddess. That being said, you have to really know what the WRX family really is, a boatload of fun, great, evolved drivetrain, amazing handling and all of the things that remind you it's a Subie on a daily basis. Hmmm...what do I mean by that? Okay, here's the deal, I've been a Subie driver for a while, I'm used to uh...less than opulent interior appointments, road noise and of course because I live in New England, potholes, other cars in its class are far more sparing on one's senses. I'm one of those guys with a sort of "Auto Union" envy. My car is in the same price class, but where the GTI is refined as only VW can, my car is uh, less refined. Why the Rex? It's simple, it's just a straight-up car, 6 speed, Symmetrical AWD, fun machine, a total beast when called upon and just plain solid car at leisure. I spent a couple of extra bucks for fog lights and what I consider an adequate car system. No really cool stuff like the GTI, just a straight up car. All of the ventilation works adequately. Sure there are days when I wish I had a bit more luxury, but the Rex is a trade-off, it's just a blast compared to the other cars I drove (GTI and Focus ST). If I wanted an automatic and a bit more creature comfort, I'd probably end up with....(drumroll please)...I have not a clue, but I've been driving Subie for a long time. I'd probably end up with a Forester XT.
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Very Disappointed
Car is very beautiful, was so excited to drive something sporty and new as my other cars are 20 years old. Right off the bat we noticed the clutch is very stiff, but nothing I can complain too much about as it will probably get better with time. My boyfriend bought the 2016 subaru wrx 2 weeks ago (early-mid November) as a "gift" for me/us. Has been driven every day/ every other day no issues. Day before thanksgiving it decides not to start 😑 most likely needs a new alternator. Definitely rethinking keeping the car. Very ticked and disappointed to say the least. Have never even had an instance where my old cars refuse to start like this. Will keep updated in case it turns out to be a different issue.
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Lot of bang for your buck
This is my second all wheel drive Subaru and my fourth 4 wheel drive vehicle all together , and its a joy to drive , I love my new one just it was a long wait to get the color I wanted, i had to wait and extra 4 months to get it right , other than that alls good. I"m able to keep it out of the snow now, and use my Outback for the snow .
Wrx base
Ducking love it! Winter is coming up, and this car is awesome in the snow...almost looking forward to some white stuff...almost.
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