Used 2020 Subaru WRX Consumer Reviews
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Simple and raw, hard to find attributes nowadays.
TL;DR: Seat adjustment is lacking on the Base and the manual trans makes itself just a little bit more difficult to use. But overall the car is simple and raw. It feels great and I love it to bits. The base model WRX doesn't feel like you cheaped out. The only other options I would've liked would be the Performance Package which is only available from Premium Trim and up. However, that adds a lot of weight and price to the car which I can live without. My only serious issue with the interior is the driver's seat. The base has a basic manual adjustable, non-heated, fabric seat. Manual adjustment is fine, you set it once for life basically unless you share the car with someone and it's a whole bunch lighter than motorized seats. I would've like heated seats but a sacrifice I was willing to make to keep the price down. The big issue I have with the seat is no lumber adjustment at all. And even worse: no adjustment for your thighs/ knees. It's a common grumble amongst owners. The position and travel path of the clutch brings you in forward towards the dash but that squishes your legs if you are taller and the front of the seat cushion does not adjust up to meet and support your thighs. The only other grumble I have is kind of a broad complaint of how shifting works with the 6MT and this engine. First and foremost, I am not a veteran of the stick shift. I have only driven other people's cars with it twice before buying this car. I stalled it 6 times getting it home, mostly at lights trying to get away too quickly. I am getting better, that's me not the car. While shifting the 6MT (mine has the short throw shifter as well) is satisfying and entertaining and rewarding there are 3 things that make it somewhat challenging. First is the clutch and it's travel which is sort of up and towards the dash rather than more of a natural forward push towards the firewall. Not a huge deal but it does play into the seat not being super comfy. Second problem you may or may not notice depending on what your past cars have been is the throttle mapping. It's not linear, meaning 10% throttle does not mean you are using 10% of the engines power or load. There is a point where the slightest adjustment of the throttle will make your seemingly under control revs go shooting up while you're trying to shift. Third is the rev hang which is well documented and grumbled about with this engine but it's definitely noticeable and often gets in the way. It's a deliberate feature that holds engine revs up when you depress the clutch. It helps with downshifting a bit. However, it is always on and works when you are up shifting as well. The shift from 1st to 2nd is where you will notice it the most. Say you take off in first nice and smooth, rev to 3k, depress the clutch to go into 2nd. Pretty standard right? The problem is at that point 2nd is usually between 1500 and 2k rpm and your engine is holding you at 3k for at least a full second. That particular shift is something I am still trying to smooth out and master. This transmission is not the easiest in the world. It's a bit old fashioned and the only assist is the spotty hill assist which you have 0 control over. It makes it a bit of a learning curve but it's not super difficult. I am confident driving it in any situation and I've only been at it for 5 days. That was a lot of words to describe just an issue with seat adjustment and a couple shifting woes but I think the detail will help some people. Things I like about the car: The simplicity of the base model. It feels a lot like my first car, a 1996 Impreza, but obviously much quicker and more exciting. Visibility is incredible. It has the same "fishbowl" feel as the older Subaru's I've driven. There is a ton of space in this car, including the rear seats which can actually fit full size adults. They've maintained the mechanical feel of the car despite the electric power steering and drive-by-wire throttle. I am a huge fan of hydraulic power steering but this electric steering is surprisingly good. The only difference I've noticed is the lack of a bit of "rubber banding" feel from a hydraulic steering set up. Finally: obviously the car is pretty and obviously the car is quick. There are tons of videos on its performance available for you to peruse.
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2020 STI v 2018 WRX
@12 months- I traded the 20 STI for 21 BMW 330i. STI was a great car, but I wish I had kept the WRX since at my age (early 40s) I wanted a more settled ride and didn’t want to worry about taxing the clutch( STI is way less forgiving than WRX). With the used car prices the way it is, I got 3000 more than what I paid 1 year ago with 7800 miles. Decided to switch to 330i until next STI. As the title says, I traded in a 2018 WRX base for a 2020 STI base. 2018 WRX was a great car, with excellent driving dynamics, awesome value and more than enough power for tooling around town. I was averaging 30 mpg consistently with spirited driving giving me around 25 mpg on premium gas. Life was good, but given the 2020 STI might be the last of the kind, I decided to test drive it and see if I wanted an upgrade. I had concerns over the ride quality, clutch engagement and general refinement which was a tad below WRX due to an older powertrain dating back to 2004. But I came back very impressed on how well it drove, how engaging it was compared to 2018 WRX. Since I believe cars should be left the way they came from the factory(no aftermarket engine tuning), I decided to move to a STI. STI Strengths:- STIs drive very differently from the WRX. It is a much mature car at higher speeds and also the engine is free-r revving to redline. Although they look the same, the cars are entirely different from dynamics point of view. Also with the drivetrain's ability to switch between rear-bias to front-bias and drive modes(S,S#), the car handles like extremely well. The ride quality of 2020 is way improved over 2017 STI, but not as supple as WRX base trim(17 inch wheels).But suspension tuning and all the reviews about STI's ride harshness is exaggerated. If suspension is holding you back from STI, you should really test-drive the car. The car(STI) is much quieter with more quality materials than base WRX. Although with WRX and STI, quietness is not the forte of either. STIs offer very predictable handling and what I observe is that more you engage with the car, more you pay attention to the shift points and nuances of clutch engagement, it is way more rewarding than WRX. Also the WRX has very irritating lumpy power delivery where you get abrupt dropoffs when you rev hard. STI is way smoother and has much more linearity in the way power is delivered. Also, the clutch engagement point more sorted out than WRX although it is a tad harder. The shifter is much nicer with clear throws(with STI short shift kit). It is way shorter than WRX(with short shift kit). It feels more direct in terms of engagement and also, vibrations. With STI, my gas mileage is between 20-23 mpg. It has gone below 20 during the break-in period. So gas mileage is definitely not one of the strengths of this aging engine. But my goal was to become a better driver(more technical) and also take the vehicle to track in stock form at some point. STI is like 9/10s of a budget sports car which needs 9/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun, where WRX is like 6/10s of a budget sports car which needs 6/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun. Which brings us to WRX strengths. WRX Strengths:- Whereas WRX is a much more chuckable, agile car with predictable body roll/handling, STI is more of a heavier feeling car(hydraulic power steering) with little/no body roll and more precise handling and built for more serious, precise driving. WRX is lot more fun than STI in "chuckability' factor and puts a smile no matter how you drive it. The ease of driving WRX is something I miss with the STI. STI is meant for more track duty and this is where it is a bit of a letdown "around town". So STI is more technical than WRX. So if you deeply engage with the vehicle it is fun, Whereas WRX is fun no matter whether you deeply engage or merely engage. So for a daily driver, I would pick WRX over STI to put you in a better mood no matter how your day has been. Also it is easier to drive, when it comes to overall effort. I have a Corolla Hybrid which I use for daily drive, so I don't miss WRX as much. In addition, gas mileage for WRX (30 avg, 25 worst) is amazing for a car a that's as much fun as it is. Also, the turbo spooling and whine is something which is more audible and fun with WRX. In STI, it is replaced by rumble. I personally liked WRX turbo whine better. Also, WRX has better overall drivetrain vibration management than STI. STI shifter(being direct, not cable) has a constant vibration which exaggerates over bad roads. It is not a big deal, but it does irritate you, depending on how engaged you are. In short, if you don't want to be engaged at 9/10s, then WRX is a vehicle for you. Because STI does not tolerate relaxed driving as much as the WRX
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It isn't a Lexus, it's a sports car
I've read numerous reviews before buying my WRX. It receives great ratings for acceleration and handling. Most reviews have scored it low for ride and amenities. This a sports car! The ride is firm like it should be, yes the road noise does come through, but in my opinion it's not distracting. As far as amenities go, I have the Limited with the Harmon Kardon stereo and Nav. It has just the right amount of things I need. Some higher end cars have more things that are in my opinion too much and I would never use them. The WRX to me has the right balance for a performance sports sedan.
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Love Driving this Car
I've owned betw 8 - 10 cars in my life so far and I'm approaching retirement age, so that's a reference point for this review. I keep my cars for as long as possible, and keep them well maintained. Also, I'm not a racer, but I love cars that perform well. This is my favorite car so far. I use it as a daily driver to and from work, approximately 50 miles each way, often in heavy traffic. I also live in the country so when I'm not commuting, I can enjoy the country roads. The WRX is very quick, handles like a dream (as good as my 2 seater mid engine roadster) and with winter tires this season climbs steep hills and driveways in significant, unplowed snow. The CVT is great in traffic - shifting is no fun in heavy traffic. Mileage is consistently above 26mph and I check that manually based on fill-to-fill calculations (I don't use the dashboard mpg indicator). I usually drive in intellegent mode, but I've found that I get the same mileage when I'm 50% sport and 50% intelligent mode - mixed highway and around town, so it has always exceeded published EPA mpg estimates. No issues with the infotainment (make sure you get the upgraded system with Apple Carplay, the older system, in place until 2018, is problematic). The engine has a low rumble, but it's tolerable and the pluses more than outweigh that negative. As a daily driver I can't think of anything else that compares. I supposed the Audi A3 with quatro, but Audi repairs are more expensive so I stuck with Subaru (we also have an Outback). It's easy to drive, great visibility, great safety features, a handles like a racecar and has just enough of an edgy appearance, without being completely over the top (I don't have the STS and thus no wing - too old for that). Anyway, I think it's great and look for excuses to drive it. Very pleasantly surprised with actual mpg.
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Pure fun!
The STI is a car with a high fun-to-drive quotient that has a pleasant rumble on acceleration and amazing handing while still having 4 doors and comfortable back seats. I transitioned from many years driving SUVs to this car because driving had almost become automatic to me and I missed the action of a manual transmission. Now I seek alternative routes to work off the highway just to enjoying the feel of this car going around turns, bringing back childhood memories of building go-carts from scrap metal and lawn mower engines and tooling around the neighborhood. Of course, the excellent Brembo brakes, sport suspension and 310hp turbocharged engine are a big step up! I landed on this car after test driving the Camaro and Mustang, which had awesome power but I decided, for safety and weather aspects, I liked something with all-wheel drive, great visibility and actual backseats. We will probably still take our SUV on long highway trips since you do feel the road more with the sporty suspension, but the fact that I actually look forward to starting my car up now makes all the difference in my daily fun factor.
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Everything I dreamed of!
Bought a 2019 Subaru WRX STI Series.Gray on 10/2/18. Driving this STI compared to the 2016 standard STI I test drove before getting my previous car, a 2016 WRX Limited, was a night and day difference. I literally didn't buy the 2016 STI because of the gearing that had me always running the engine hard/high rpms even to putt around the city. This new 2019 with revised gearing is as close to perfect as any 6 speed I've driven. The Series.Gray limited edition shocks/suspension, tuning, steering wheel, etc. make for a smooth yet razor sharp handling package far superior than any previous WRX I've driven, as well as car's I've driven that are $10-20k more. Can't recommend any 2019 STI enough!!
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Truly a Unique Car
I’ve been obsessed with the STI since the PlayStation 1 days in elementary school. Never thought I’d be able to have one until recently. Back in March, I drove a 2018 STI when car shopping. Months before that, I test drove a new WRX for comparison. I asked myself...is the STI worth the extra cash? My answer was a resounding YES. A thousand times YES. Honestly, I wasn’t terribly thrilled by the WRX, which is why I wanted to test the STI. Plus, it has always been a childhood dream car. My wife noticed I was nearly shaking with excitement during and even days after the test drive. I had to have it! 9 months later, I did. A pearl white 2019 STI Limited. I’ve had really nice and pretty fast cars in the past, but this car speaks to me. It has s unique character that I feel many modern cars are lacking in. It’s nowhere near the fastest car I’ve driven, but it’s still so much fun. It just feels like an old school Japanese turbo car under the skin, but has all this tech and fairly modern yet simple interior. Drive one, the ride is not bad at all. There is some wind and road noise, which I personally can live with. Just sold my loaded 2013 BMW 328i xDrive to a friend, and while the interior is perhaps not quite as nice as that car’s, it more than satisfies me. The first time I left the dealer in the car by myself, I had to wipe a few small tears of happiness away from my eyes so I could see the road clearly. I’ve never had any other car do that to me. I’ve only owned it maybe two weeks or so, so perhaps I’m still in shock. Only averaging about 20 mpg thus far because of break in and me playing a little, but I personally don’t care. I’ll take smiles per gallon over mpg any day. Regardless, so far I love my car. I’ll update if that changes. I doubt it!
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Don't agree with MPG ratings
I like spirited driving and my '17 WRX Premium doesn't disappoint! I didn't care much for the factory settings on the car's acceleration. It had great low-end and mid-range power, but it didn't do much when it was given full throttle. I spent around $3K installing the Cobb 2+ performance system. I'm now getting 330 HP and running 4.8 seconds in 0-60 times. There's not another 4-cylinder that will touch this. In any event, even with the most aggressive Cobb settings, I'm getting 24MPG around town and close to 35MPG when driving 65-70 MPH on the interstate. They also say reliability is circumspect. I haven't had one problem at all. (Only 30,000-miles) I do the most stringent maintenance and use 100% synthetic Motul 8100 oil. In my opinion, the best oil you can buy. --- Just giving you other WRX owners a few of my thoughts.
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Disappointed
I have had many small issues with my 2020 STI and in reality it has spent more time in my garage than on the road... It was the car I had thought about getting for years and I finally decided to buy one in the summer of 2020 and it will be the last Subaru I buy. The car from day one (and still does) has a hard time getting in and out of second gear and the dealer can’t figure it out, I bring it in every month due to some rattling or clunking noise due to bolts or screws becoming loose, the a/c lost its charge after 2 months and this all happened in 7 months with only 2257 miles on it. I would pass on this car if I could turn back time. Severely disappointed in Subaru and the WRX
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The AWD sedan you need
It's being little over a month I got my WRX Premium. The Car is way above my expectation. I came from a coupe RWD and living in the snow zone, I have no other choice than an upgrade from RWD to AWD. Costly speaking, SUBARU was the best option. The 2019 WRX now with Android Auto is much better than the previous year, I am glad I waited for one year (I know 2020 model will be new). The engine is very elastic and responsive, the shift stick, except by 1-2 sync, is very precise. My only complaint is the fact of the USB port is inside of the armrest, strange. 3 years later... Going strong! the problem switching from 1-2 gear was gone around 5k miles.
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Red WRX base
Best ..... car......ever. I have always loved Subaru and the fact that they come in AWD, and last forever. I have passed my 2005 WRX (155,000 miles on it) on to my son. It runs perfect to this day and i have done nothing to the engine. I went and got myself the 2019 WRX. It’s such a great car. I love the handling, speed, acceleration. The new racing style seats they put in basically hug you and help keep you centered in “fun” turns. You don’t need to pay an extra $1,000 for GPS because it uses all the features ( like google maps) of your phone when connected through USB. I feel you get more for your price with the WRX, AWD, turbo, and touchscreen entertainment center. More cabin space than previous models (my three kids fit in the back seats fine). The only thing I have a complaint about is the speakers seem like they could have been better. When you turn music up it sounds a little under powered (not clear). Not a huge deal though.
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2020 STI. A legend of the past, today.
The 2020 STI is a through and through sports car. It hearkens back to the JDM analog legends of the 90's in all the best ways. We will remember cars like this fondly in years to come...we even already are starting to when you glance at the classifieds and see the $$$$ they're commanding. It has quick, weighty, and fantastically communicative steering without being tiring or twitchy. It still uses a hydraulic rack and pinion set up, which makes it far more of a connected feel for the driver than almost anything left on the road. The engine (freshly updated in 2019...but still the EJ257) delivers a classic turbocharged punch with the torque really coming into play once the turbo comes onto boil over 3.5k RPM. The aggressive gearing paired with the powerband means this is a car that you have to shift often, which is a joy with the precise 6 Speed (the only available transmission). The legendary AWD system (with actual mechanical limited slip differentials, and a driver controlled electronic center differential) will carry you through even small ineptitudes on your part as the driver, through any weather you throw at it. Although a set of winter tires would be recommended if you're planning on really tackling ice and snow. This is a car for the enthusiast that you can actually use...Every. Single. Day. And I do, happily. In the coming electric autonomous future...this is a car that still demands to be driven.
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Near perfection
There’s so many perfect things about this car that make up for some of its negative aspects. I went with the base model for many reasons, at 2k rpms the turbo starts taking off and at 2500 it’s fully active. Handles corners like it’s nothing but the tires are really decent for summer tires only. Car looks beautiful it appeals to that inner child that wants to have a race car and it has a nice amount of power. The 6mt is pretty damn good as well, I say pretty good because the clutch pedal is where the problem begins. The way it’s compressed is uncomfortable with the seats provided. It really causes my right leg to throb and hurt when driving for longer than an hour. Luckily that’s usually only once a month on a 4 hour trip. But I’m trying to figure that one out, most likely just have the bottom padding replaced with something actually comfortable, it’s rock hard. The upper part of the seat is perfectly fine for me a 190lb 6,3 man. The lower seat tho is horrible. It’s pretty easy to stall the car even if you’ve been driving clutch for over 8 years, it’s not at all the same so keep that in mind. There are some things you can do to remedy this issue but they void they warranty at most dealerships so be aware of that. Infotainment center is alright it’s about the same as my 2018 Impreza base hatch manual, it’s alright no complaints, in fact it’s cool it comes with a CD player I’ll never use :D. Speakers in the base are just alright, they have some decent bass for being a cheap speaker but as an audiophile the Rockford and harmons aren’t worth the price. So for me I’ll have aftermarket ones soon enough, I already threw 2 10’s on the stock stereo and it helps immensely but the deck needs to go if you want really good sound control and quality. Especially if you want a more clear bass. But for now it gets the job done and is good enough for a year or so. The turbo whine is amazing. It’s not super loud sadly but a boomba bpv not bov, will make you fall in love with the car every time you let off the throttle. The fa20 is reliable And I have yet to see anyone have real issues with a stock one. My only complaint is again the clutch engagement and the seat padding. It is very stiff if your coming from an Impreza but you will get over it within the first day or 2. The interior in the 2020 base is still really nice, I don’t know what kind of interior others are wanting but for me it looks amazing, I also liked the base Impreza hatch interior though. Fake carbon fiber still looks cool. Headlights are actually bright enough in my small town that I didn’t have to replace the bulbs like I did on the Impreza. We don’t have many lit up roads so I’m glad the base headlights do really well. I’ll replace them soon with aftermarket headlights but they’re perfectly fine. No complaints other than they don’t look that pretty but 400$ can get you a nice pair of headlights. Overall an extremely fun car, on the highway I’ve been averaging 32 mpg at around 80 mph even with some hills. City I get about 28. If I’m spirited driving then it drops about 2 or 3 mpg. So really great gas mileage either way. Way more than they advertise it gets and I’m not even trying much to get good gas mileage it just does well by itself. Gotta give the fa some credit. It really does do well for gas mileage. If your thinking about this car and you aren’t sure I’d say go test drive one and take a day or more to think about it. The summer tires are the only other downside depending on where you live. Since I just got mine and it’s almost fall I need all seasons or winter tires very shortly here. So sadly I’ve gotta cough up more money on that since I live in Colorado and it can snow heavy here. I’ve driven a 2018 Mercedes g wagon with 566hp and similar tq numbers, while it was faster, it didn’t feel as good as this wrx does. And it’s not even close to the 180k price tag for the g wagon. The steering in the 2018 g wagon was all over the place as well, apparently the 2019 and up have a different steering rack but either way, for what this wrx costs and what it does stock is crazy. Love the car so damn much, it’s hard to not smile when driving it. Subaru did a very good job making it more friendly to people who don’t know much about turbo cars. So maybe down the road you can get them for a bit cheaper and still have a solid car even if the owner doesn’t know what they’re doing. But we will see. Maybe the fa20 has an issue that only time will let us know. As it sits it’s an amazing car especially for the price. Update. Right around 9 months of ownership atm. No issues have cropped up.
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Hyper Blue Edition
This is my 3rd Sti. (Owned 04 and 07 Sti) This 2016 Hyper Blue Edition is one of the best Sti I've driven. Now I now most people will say that the Sti is long in the tooth with its EJ series motor but the performance and the "TRUE" feel of the road you get from the hydraulic steering rack is awesome. Suspension setting vary from year to year. My 2007 was rather comfortable for a daily but to soft for serious track application. My 2016 HBE is much tighter and really gips the road like never before. True the gearing often has you in the higher rpm band but that is where the EJ motor really performs. The brakes are phenomenal! Excellent stopping power with no fade. The six speed transmission is solid with good sharp short shifts. Visibility is excellent all around. No blind spots. The front seats are very supportive, much like the RECARO that came later as an option. The overall build quality is great, especially with the exclusive Hyper Blue Edition only interior. French style sown seams (black with blue stitching) The Harman Kardon sound system is off the hook. No need to upgrade the sound system and the sub woofer base hits hard. Gas mileage is expected to be in the 23-25 MPG and varies as often as you keep your foot in the boost. This is one capable machine and the Japanese craftsmanship and build quality really shows its superior construction. Don't take my word. Go out and really drive one. You will not be disappointed. The Sti still has the man and machine feel that newer cars are lacking with their electric steering assist. Subaru didn't win six World Rally Championships titles and 46 and counting rally wins building boring cars. Go drive one and find out for yourself.
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You are goin to love it!
You should come prepare to expend more money than you think at the moment of signing your contract which is going to be added to you loan. There is a variety of extended warranties to choose from and services. Other than that Subaru make you feel like family. Buying a car could be a very stressful experience but at the Subaru dealership it was different they really took good care of me.
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More Smiles by the Mile...
Previous to my Black 2019 WRX Base, I owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport, 2015 Ford Fiesta ST (w/ 2.0L turbo), 2017 Ford Escape (w/2.0L turbo), 2001 Ford Focus and a '67 Ford Mustang (w/289 cu in (4.7 L) Windsor V8). The WRX is by far the most fun I've had in any mode of transportation I've owned. As powerful as the V8 in my mustang was, it could never keep up with the WRX on the twisty mountain/back country roads I love to frequent on weekends. The Fiesta ST was fun as well but the torque steer and spastic nature of that car had me on the edge of my seat nervous. Not so with the sure footed WRX especially in rainy Seattle weather and 245/35ZR19" Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+s all around. Good Times!
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Love my WRX
Very responsive and smooth performance! I needed a CVT, but still very quick! Like the eyesight suite. Ride is good and handles well. The limited interior is comfy and fine for this price point. It is a great car in summer and winter!
Best car I owned
I own a 2019 WRX Base and this my second WRX in a row, as I didn’t even consider something else honestly- I simply love the way this car handles in daily driving. Just considering stick shift I had a VW Passat, Audi A3, VW Jetta TDI in the past and never gave a thought of Subaru until I had a sweet encounter of WRX! It perfectly fit the bill - fast response, AWD, sedan family friendly, utility ready with back seat flat down, great MPG for daily commute and yet exhilarating driving thrill! Also, didn’t realize WRX has such fans and cult following :) get waves and thumbs up from fellow WRXers. When it comes to mods - sky is the limit. You can do tons on performance and quite significant on the exterior looks with aftermarket or own STI brand accessories. This is the reason no two WRX look the same. I prefer base trim as there are plenty you can upgrade with aftermarket to personalize and perfect your ride in your own pace and is a great value either you chose to keep it for years or when you trade in. Ask any used dealer, when it comes to a WRX they buy in a heart beat giving you a best price that will always surprise you. Recommended simple exterior mods STI front lower lip and Rally Armor mud flaps, this gives needed face lift and completion. Around second year short throw shifter. If you decided to keep beyond 3-year warranty do Cobb Access Port flash map, then stage-2. Don’t replace tires but upgrade to 19” with 9.5 width wheels you like and go 245 or even max 255.
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My opinion for what it is worth
Well the STI limited is a fun car and handles like all the reviews say. Am a bit disappointed that they come with summer tires in the new England area instead of all season but quick fix. Wish Subaru would add a bit of sound materials to quite the road noise. I know is a rally car but can still be civil in road noise area.extended arm rest could be a bit bigger would make more comfortable during long rides. Overall fun and responsive vehicle. Nice control setup and short throw shifter is fun as well. Race seats are nice wish were all leather but still nice and not bad on long rides.
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Baby Driver
Dont No what Your Missing !!!!professional Driver Retired Fun Classy Fast all i Can tell People Suburu #fun
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This car checks off all the right spots
This car is by far the most reliable and most fun car I have ever owned. I’ve driven everything from Audi’s to Honda’s, and compared to them this car has the best feel and power for the price point. There is a bit of rev hang between shifting gears, and road noise is a bit loud, but if you get the car tuned professionally and put an exhaust or play music on the great upgraded speakers, it won’t matter. Not only that, but my daughter falls asleep in the car every time we drive from the comfortable cruise of the ride. Highly recommend for those who want to get into the family sporty cars.
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STI is the way to go...
Owned my 2019 STI for about a year now and have never looked back. The reviews say the clutch is tough to get used to but this is my second car with a manual and it is butter about the 5th time you drive it. Throw it in Intelligent mode in the city if you want smoother shifts, then switch it to Sport Sharp on the long drives to blow by any car. The only thing I have noticed from this review that is true is the suspension is very tight so the big bumps you will feel.. The 310 hp engine makes up for the little bumps..
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Fun Fun Fun!
The WRX is a great, very fun car. My wife and I love it. Tons of "Get Up and Go" and corners like its on rails. This car is all about SMILES per gallon...
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Nice car, good for all around street fun.
Nice car, good for all around street fun. Put a nice set of highly rated summer tires & it performs decent on the track in stock form. Lacking in features as you cannot get all features separate. For ex: You can't get the high end sound without upgrading to the Limited trim. You also cannot get power seats with out upgrading to the Performance seating option or Limited trim. Seat adjustment & steering wheel adjustment is lacking as well! Interior lighting is also lacking & very weak. Seats 4 adults nicely & has decent trunk space for a vehicle with this pedigree. Fuel mileage is so-so if you don't stay in boost often. Turbo lag is noticed right away. This engine is the last of its kind as Subaru will do a complete update in about 2 years.
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Definitely adds fun to the daily commute
I bought this vehicle to add a bit of excitement to my commute during the pandemic. The manual is a lot of fun to drive. Sometimes I think it could use more torque, but that would probably get me in trouble. The car handles great - like the tires are on rails around corners. With the leather interior it is a nice place to spend time. The electronics (radio, push start, beeping trunk) could use updated programming. Personally I'm not interested in automatic features; I just really wanted a simple, raw, fun vehicle. The WRX is like 90% there for me, which is as close as I can get, probably. Overall, I am very happy with it. Thanks Subaru!
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Perfect
This car wants to go go go and you should let it. You get used to the rev hang after a couple hours and the ride is a bit bumpy but overall, 9 out of 10.
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Great daily driver
Car is quick, roomy, great safety rating, has a manual trans option, great visibility, the legendary Subaru awd system, and looks beautiful. Gas mileage is decent.
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4 Star!
Colin McRae, WRC, mud flaps, yup i grew up watching these :) I have been a WRX fan for a while. Been driving my '18 WRX for around 1.3 years now, have put around 22k miles on it. It's absolutely a blast to drive. It's been reliable so far not a darn thing wrong with but I also have been very strict when it comes to maintenance. Look online forums, there are people getting close to 150k miles easy on WRXs, they are reliable but you need to take care of it. Now the problems; (i knew these before I bought it) Engine is seriously outdated. interior need a serious update, sound quality is not what it should be in 2018 or 2019. 2019 model changed nothing, except with the addition of all standard carplay and android auto. I wouldn't definitely give my money to another WRX within this same platform. I want an all-new WRX, they say 2020 but looks like it could be 2021. Until then i will be rocking this.
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Best car i ever had
I came from Acura Tl and believe me. The power, handling and sound on my WRX is awesome
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STI is awesome
Best car I’ve ever owned or driven.
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Do you really need the AWD?
If you are considering the WRX you should really weigh the need for AWD. If it isn't necessary, a Ford Focus RS or VW GTI will be a much more enjoyable driving experience. The rev hang is bad and you will inevitably get good at slipping the clutch into gear. The shifter on the base model is clunky and imprecise (sometimes I have to apply 10 pounds of pressure just to get it in gear!). I'll be selling this car once the insurance policy expires... I'm very excited to do so.
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2020 Sti
Deff worth it
Great car! Review is of a 2019 WRX premium sedan.
This 2019 WRX is my second one. Earlier, I had a 2007 Forester XT five-speed (close to a WRX), and a 2013 WRX five-speed. I knew what I was getting into with this 2019 WRX: great drivetrain, economy or power when I need it, reasonable utility and traction, plus the opportunity to show local BMWs my taillights. The improvements over the 2013 are several: an extra gear (sixth) in the transmission, satellite radio standard, backup camera, a newer-model engine (2.0 instead of 2.5). As many have said, this car serves to put a smile on the driver's face every time he/she drives it. If there are any problems, here they are: The owner's manual could be better. It is difficult to find a solution to common problems. I recently spent about 30 attempts locating relevant information in the manual on resetting my clock. (I also resorted to Youtube.) Yes, it might be easier the second time, but why make it so hard the first time? I can read, I can locate information, etc., but using the manual is baffling. The manual/controls could not have been user-tested on the typical Subaru buyer demographic. Second, the gas filler has a door release that is down in the car's footwell. Many Subarus are sold to people who live in snowy climates. It is difficult to keep that release and its cable dry, clean, lubricated, and reliable. I had trouble with this cable due to its location on my last WRX, and unfortunately, it is located in the same place on this new car. No trouble yet, but I've only had it 5000 miles. Again, my main suggestion is to rewrite the manual, make clearer photos, clarify the index, and test it out on people similar to likely buyers. Possibly (bright idea) put the whole owner's manual on-line, in an interactive format. (Subaru corporate management, are you reading this? Do you want to frustrate your owners?) Update after 16 months ownershiip: Still like the car a great deal. I'm way out of the usual demographic of WRX buyer, but that's okay. I "drive the car" rather than "ride in it." Love the six speed, but it is a bit tough to start out gradually without jerking the car. Fast acceleration: easy. Have white now; maybe prefer the WRblue of my last one. White with black rims looks good, though. Car is easier to drive fast than to drive slowly. This one seems much less rattle-prone than the 2013. Mileage is pretty good--averaging 26 on premium. I wish that Subaru sold this car with all-season tires as an option. I'd probably be able to avoid having a second set of wheels and tires (winter) to replace the summer tires provided. No leaks, comfortable standard seats, sunroof is good just for lighting up the grey Michigan winter days. I'd buy another one, and probably will. Note: I've only put on about 7k miles, as I have several other vehicles. Note #2: No, I'm not going to give the car to my 15-year old grandson. Looking for a Volvo wagon. Love the service at Subaru by the Bay, in Petoskey.
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Wrx
I have no complaints whatsoever about my vehicle. Love that is one of the safest cars, especially being a mother, and having to travel with my children. I love that it's great on gas as well.
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Little WRX that could.....
Great vehicle with lots of possibilities for those that like to modify their cars. Fun to drive, gets you from point A to B quick (but avoid speeding because this little guy will tempt you to do so and you don't want any troubles with the law, specially with a good driving record). Safe vehicle also, easy to maintain, good on gas and overall no complaints so far. And insurance cost, for me, was not expensive as I thought it would or could be. And as far as holding its value, yes, it holds it very well.
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Like new
Great car in amazing shape
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Handles like no other
Only use premium fuel for the best performance. It’s a rough and noisy ride, but that’s what it was made for - extreme handling.
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Master the Commute
If you’re in the correct gear at the right time you can dice through traffic with no drama brakes optional. Down shifting is no stress with a quick whiff of fuel. All manual cars I’ve owned/loved in my life 69GTO,72Triumph Spitefire, 72 TR6, 89 Nissan 240SX, 2001VW GTI, 2003Nissan 350Z and now 2019WRX Premium
Best dang car I’ve ow Ed
I’ve owned quick a few cars in my time this is fun reliable so far good on gas and many upgrades to be done but then again Subaru is tried and true
Most fun swiss army knife you can drive
I've owned nothing but manual transmissions my whole life. Audis, VWs, Subarus, and Nissans. The WRX is by far the most fun to drive. The Limited with the premium Harmon Kardon which also includes blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert is a great combination of features and safety options. Eyesight would be great, but I can see why with a 6MT it could be difficult to do. If you drive it conservatively, you can get close to 32mpg on the HW. If you drive spirited on the HW, it's more like 24-25mpg. The WRX absolutely loves hills. It seems to get a second wind when going up hill. Throw in some corners, and a smile will form on your face. The WRX seems to always be ready to give you a boost. It likes to stay around 3500-4000rpms to be ready to give you the best torque. I can't wait to put snow tires on it, and test it out in the snow. Subarus AWD is second to none in its price range. Even when I had an Impreza, the Subaru always outperformed our other AWD cars. It wasn't even close. I would expect the WRX to do the same.
Wrx Premium
My favourite car by far. Such a fun car to drive.
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Two year update
Thought my 2020 wrx base was pretty pedestrian at first. Added custom (Grimmspeed) cat back exhaust, K&N hurricane airflow, Perrin charge pipe, Perrin motor and tranny mounts and charge pipe, as well as grimm 3 port solenoid and wilwood bigbrakes in front, perrin short shifter kit, some other stuff I forgot... Put it on the dyno for an extra 80hp. Easily, the best car I've owned. Only cost 32k. Original cost 25k with 7k in upgrades I put Challenger scats to shame on the regular with this little beast. I drive the blue ridge turnpike regularly. Anyone who experiences fear at fast cornering, isn't giving this a car a chance. Hands down excellent. Better than my brother's Panamera? No. But at this price point, she's the best value for money Ive ever owned.
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Great car with minor flaws
I bought this car new and have driven it a year and 7000 miles. The cons: 1. base package stereo lacks a lot, poor volume and sound quality 2. Lots of road noise 3. The center console is too low. If you rest your elbow on it, you'll lean like a cholo. A $15 aftermarket add-on levels it . 4. Terrible factory summer tires. I had to swap them out for all season tires as they were useless in the snow. 5. Unforgiving suspension, potholes will wreck wheels and bearings. Pros: 1. Impressive mpg - around 24 mpg average 2. Great handling 3. interior design and colors 4. Nice performance and turbo music, especially in sport sharp mode with the traction control off. 5. Unique body design. 6. Value retention!
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2020 WRX
Super Car !! And the 2020-2021 is the way to go. The 2022 looks like a squashed Crosstrek,? How could Subaru be so far off in designing their new model? AND it's only got 3 more hp ? Prime example of trying to reinvent the wheel..............
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