Huge relief to hear these issues are so common. I've got about a 5% of my bumper's paint left, a leaky steering rack and the reverse grinding. I was starting to think I messed up buying the car, but it's really reassuring to hear it's not just mine
Holy shit man same here My car has its issues but that Carfax report is what sold me. This WRX is a real Dealership baby. I love it….if only the a/c worked
Every car will fail. Subarus included. But subaru parts are everywhere and you can actually work on your subie and fix it. Paint is not an issue. Get over your bumper paint. Our mail lady has an ej22t jdm legacy wagon and it has 1,000,000 miles and she is going to drive it today and has been for 20 years. Changes the oil once a month.
Have a 2010 wrx stock. Had power steering leak around 110k miles, bad o-ring. Next, head gasket went out at 140k miles. Aside from that, car has been great, and it's still my daily driver. He was on point about the paint.
For the gaskets to go at 140k is really good usually goes 80k-100k my 11 Impreza 2.5i went at 86k had my friend help me do it for like $4500 with extra shit we fixed never go to a dealership find a reliable mechanic
Congrats, what color? I got a '20 stock WRX premium Pure Red last July with 11K miles, crash free and one owner. Love it and Smeedia is a Subi guru, love his content. Still dreaming up my no tune mod list...
@@donculver8671 Magnetite Gray. I am currently working on a list as well and watching all of Smeedia's videos. His content in top notch! My WRX goes in for tint on the 25th, then it's onto an audio upgrade, after that probably a S-Borla or Invidia Cat Back, then wheels and coil overs. Everything I can do and not void my warranty.
I just hit 170k on my 05 Impreza and she still runs perfect. I'd still feel comfortable driving it cross country. Definitely one of the best sounding motors ever manufactured.
Dude you are excellent at spitting out so much useful info in a short time span and also keeping it entertaining 👌🏼 The modded ‘17 STI I just bought just arrived yesterday. It’s got the whole FlexFuel setup, (Cobb fuel regulator, AEM fuel pump, 1050 fuel injectors, upgraded fuel lines, IAG air/oil separator, proper tune) 36k miles. Really seems like he did this right and took care of it, hoping I can make it last a long time. I’m prior service and live 15 minutes from JBLM so we’ll have to meet at the ethanol rack over there sometime man. Your page is my bible right now, learning a lot. Keep up the great content 🤙🏼
Got so crazy lucky. 2017 Subaru purchased 4 months ago owned by a mechanic that worked at surbaru. Added a strut bar, high quality coil overs, led head and tail lights, and a roof rack. I still go to him at his new shop for maintenance 😂
i was able to find a stock 2011 wrx a couple years ago and the journey just making it the way i want has been amazing. currently stage 2 with aem fuel pump and tune by tp with eric and the process has been going smoothly
I get so much crap for my Subie and how slow it is. Yep, it's not a Hellcat or a Merc AMG...but I love my STI because it's fun to drive. The experience is wonderful and I didn't buy it to be a straight liner. Thanks again for your honest take on the Subies. Either you get it or you don't!
The only addition I have is to not instantly dismiss other models. I got into an 05 Outback XT 5 speed turbo 2.5 and it is really fun to drive. It might not be properly fast, but I smile every time I row through the gears. 😁
I've had a Spec B. for about 4 years now, so I am just here to hear what you have to say. :) On your points. Point #1 - I 100% agree, blew up the first engine, but did it intentionally (Faster than expected) But bought it used and it was VERY abused (Like most) before I got to it. With the new motor, I've had ZERO issues not caused myself (Boost leaks only) Point #2 - Never blown one, but with my first turbo Subi (This legacy) I went head studs so have no fears. Point #3 - First thing I learned in research is TUNE FOR EVERYTHING totally agree. :) Common issues - I'm in western PA Rust is a REAL thing on these. Mine is mostly clean, I do my best to prevent it. The heat shield rattle is also a very real thing but an easy fix. Also every Subaru I've had has had a rack leak. You're right there. Mine burns oil a for sure, but I have a forged shortblock which doesn't help, and try to mitigate that with an IAG AOS. Which I noticed made a massive difference in the oil that gets into my air intake. Also, with the Spec B. I have the STI 6MT from factory, and I agree it is AMAZING. I also get about 25 MPG with mine, tuned to about 300 HP. But my 6MT has a higher final drive and that is the only thing I can think of that makes the difference.
Bought a 2007 Impreza WRX, everything stock. Only had two owners, began at 217,000 miles & now is at 280,000.. head gasket went out April this year. Replaced that & been riding clean to this day.. I love it 😬
Just finished dialing in my tune for my new blouch 16gxt, ID1050x injectors, aem fuel pump, Perrin fuel rails on my 2004 wrx and this is my favorite build so far. Subarus are amazing, the sound, the handling, the AWD turbo 4 door, and they look so good
I bought a modified wrx, for reletively cheap. I was prepared to do a teardown immediately, and rather than focus on performance mods, I did AOS, pick-up tube/pan, clyinder 4 cooling mod, clutch, head gaskets & arp head studs. None of these things required a tune. I already had a few things going for the car. Forged internals, built heads, and much more. The following year it was performance time. We did downpipe, injectors, 20g turbo, coil packs, new aem gauges, and of course a tune. There was a ton of stuff already done to the car, suspension, mounts, aluminum radiator etc.. I'm not upset, but I went in knowing that I was going to go through the thing. Smeedia wants all the pre-mods to himself, lol. JK, love your shit.
I love my Bugeye. I've been whippin it 5 years. It was a garage queen, 59k, 1 owner, non smoker, and it's mine all mine! That being said, it is a labor of love and if you don't love it you will kill it. If you drive it hard you can expect to have to fix it more often just like everything else nothing last forever and everything wears out. Currently Cobb stage 2. A couple more mods and it's protune time. Listen to this man. Smeedia vids are an excellent resource!! ✌🏻🤙🏻🤘🏻 scoop nation!!
Option E for me too! I've got a stock (ignoring the factory option Genome exhaust) JDM '05 WRX wagon which I absolutely love, though it took me 6 months to find a clean one. The only mods I'm doing are suspension and drivetrain, just to improve the already great driving experience. But yes, good maintenance is key! 👍
Good on you man For me it’s just a 304 stainless steel muffler delete, plus the lower air box delete (I forgot what it’s called), interior mods, rust repair, and a wrap. Also suspension
Blew my motor 2 weeks after buying my '13 wrx hatch, dealer paid for a new block and turbo which apparently "detonated". Ended up also covering a new clutch a couple months later. I have a new 3 year warranty on block and turbo.
TLDR: Bad E85 resulted in a week-long fix and I'm less enchanted by my otherwise professionally-tuned and built STI. Me, middle of winter, almost empty fuel tank... I filled up w/ E85 at a new-to-me station from a local chain that I otherwise always use. Ethanol sensor pitches a fit and suddenly I had to find time to take all the fuel out (too much water vapor). Ran the fuel return line into a can to get most of it and killed my battery in the process. Took out back seat to get at the other side of the fuel tank. Filled back up with 93 (pre-greenspeed Cobb flexfuel tune). Recycled 16 gallons of fuel and my battery wouldn't reliably hold a charge afterward. Suddenly having a week-long downtime when all I wanted was to fill my tank has me realllly cautious about going back to E85 and has made the car feel less fun/reliable as a result.
A couple of years ago, I bought my 18 wrx with 38k miles on it and bone stock. I got lucky and love it. Only thing I've got is a cat back. Once I buy my j pipe, intake and cobb accessport then I will tune it and call it a day
I need to get my 2005 Outback XT Limited manual’s vacuum leak fixed, sunroof motor, driver’s seat recline, shifter bushing, steering, mudflaps (wheels rub lifted 1” w/larger tires) and carpet. I also want a better exhaust, it wasn’t connected before safety and sounded good now it’s really quiet with the exhaust connected. I really want to get the power up a little bit.
13:16 You can't change the spark plugs, injectors, headlights, valve covers, head gaskets... without yanking out the batteries and air filter boxes or even pulling the whole engine. Have fun with that.
Thank you Buddy, that was awesome! I just purchased a '20 STI (California version) with 22k miles. Bone stock. You've answered a bunch of questions for me, thank you 🙏
2012 Subaru STi hatchback chiming in here. My car has 120,000 miles on it and I've never had a single issue with it, not once. Original motor, clutch, bigger topmount, IAG AOS, Mishimoto rad, upgraded suspension bushings, etc. The power steering rack just now started leaking, but I firmly believe if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Most of these fools in the forums shouldn't be driving a performance car because they can't handle power or appreciate what they have, they just want more and more on a block that can't take it then they are left wondering what happened.
He said it perfectly, I owned a 2009 Subaru wrx hatchback narrow body and the guy I got it from babied it, I was lucky enough to get it for a sickkk price since it had a sticky clutch, I bought a new OEM clutch and it drived like a dream, but when I went to buy my second Subaru a 2010 STI Hatchback, the guy said it had a vacuum leak, so we took his word, and I brought it home tried everything from spark plugs to compression tests and I don't even remember what I did, in the end I decided to pull the engine and I had a bent exhaust valve, so just make sure to check the car out and do your own research before checking one out! don't do what I did!
I literally just left a dealership checking out a 2010 STI just like this one in the video. Minus the 730hp of course. All stock with 88,000 miles on it. Get home and watch this video and no lie I’m second guessing purchasing it now lol. But damn I wanted to leave with it. One of my dream cars for sure. Or a 2005 STI.
Great video that gets straight to the point and also added personal experience to make it even more meaningful 👍 keep up the great work man, and the positive vibes :)!!!
I remember that when i bought my 2015 sti stock and told myself not gonna modify it will keep it stock… next thing you know i spend 14k already making 457 whp haha 😂. Anyways love your content man keep it up ✌️
Thank you man I really appreciate you making this video I'm a 17 year old looking to buy my first subrau I'm looking at a 2011 wrx hatchback premium package. It's completely stock with 158k miles paint is in great condition currently it has a matte black wrap over protecting the paint that was professionally done. Thanks again man this is really going to help me out on my Subie build journey🙏.
Useful information. I want to get a WRX STI 2016 & UP! I currently drive a Porsche 911 awd 6 speed. Need me a 4 seater, I totally appreciate the fact that you want us newbies to fully know what to look for! Thx
bought my STI with a semi built motor (just pistons) done 25k ago and tuned conservative by a well known subaru tuner. Only problems i've had are original parts that failed (OEM FPR, starter, etc) and honestly after almost 20k of ownership it's not bad. my WRX was bone stock and has gone 35k without issue outside of a knock sensor and original clutch master blowing out a seal. i have yet to have a single engine related problem on both cars. I'm fully prepared for the day rodney comes to town but that's just performance subaru ownership
My wrx broken :( it has combustion gas getting into the cooling system pushing coolant out of overflow tank. Did block test and blue liquid turned yellow. No milkshake yet.
Man you keep making me want a subie. I just can’t afford one rn. The awesome thing is I’m known in my friend group for researching cars and mods before I commit to anything, so my best friend said “If your looking into them and and say they aren’t that bad to fix and modify, , they must not be that bad then” All my subie knowledge came from your channel my guy. It’s why your getting a shoutout when I do my video on my favorite TH-camrs 😁
My 2014 wrx hatch doesn't burn oil between oil changes. THE worst thing with the car is the clutch pedal travel , I have to bury the clutch pedal to start the car. Other than that she's a beauty, I love it. I've had 3 WRX's.
@@Smeedia It's bone stock and has new motor from Subaru warranty. It's 130k miles on body and 58k miles on motor. It got some metallic in oil when I changed it.
Thank you for the videos! I’m an old school DSM guy (seems like ages ago now) looking to buy my first Subaru (well technically 2nd if you count my 3 month pre-newborn whirlwind romance with a Sti) - but anyways…I appreciate your videos - curbs expectation and gives great perspective. Super excited for my mid-life crisis WRX build. 🎉
thanx, i love my subie, and am not going to sell it. its a blast to drive and my first ever. its a unique feeling to turn the car on and listen to the rumble it makes, and i love the sound. When I bought it, it had a cold air intake in it already and a aftermarket exhaust. goingt o do the upgrades slowly and carefully. will be following your advice on building it up. will keep you updated on the progress. ad thanx
If I haven't said before, your videos are next level and have widened my subi gaze. Quite honestly better, more informative with 0 bullshit. Lets go blue! Thank you sir
Please do an in-depth tutorial from installing a fresh longblock in a car and specifically where all the hoses go to starting the car up, I was so confused when I dropped my first longblock in my subie xoxoxo❤❤
Very densely packed, informative video brother! I know nothing about the wrx/ sti cars other than they look so damn cool and 300plus hp and a manual sound so enticing...if you were to ask me about my car, a 94 probe gt or my gf;s ford focus, I could go into equal depth of detail becuz Ive worked on mine for over 20yrs and that focus for about 15..You Really get to Know a car when you have wrenched it for that length of time! LOL.. Thing is, with any "new" car you pick up, you have that learning curve to get to know it thouroughly and quite frankly, Im actually wanting a car that I can just drive and Not have to lift the hood or lie under it on my back.. Im 63 and have had that probe gt from new back in 94 and its a Constant work to keep her running well...I envy those who have something new enough that all they need to do is turn the key and drive LOL as enticing as these suburus are, they seem as quirky and issue prone as the probe or focus...I cant afford a new one and those I could buy are gonna need alot of potiential wrenching.
Ok here my intake on modified the Subaru. If it was prime drp and a me tune ADULT owned you should be good. The very worst case scenario is something blows and you have all of the parts to make power, drop an iag long block as I did and call it a day. 620hp. This was after a shop in Miami built it incorrectly. Rule of thumb. You want the most iag parts possible. Check oil every single fill up. Check your belts as well and dress them. If your pushing power on e85 2k oil change intervals. If it has an iag engine, your pretty much golden so long JR (iags tuner) tuned it. Don’t floor it in 5th. Try to not launch too much. Stick with 4th gear pulls allow the turbo to spool then wot. If you feel a mid fire. Act on it. Injectors or spark plugs. I wouldn’t sell my car too much $ in it but I love it too much so I bought a daily driver. The gemood news is the electrics are fairly easy on the car, relaxing parts on your own is easy as there are so many tutorials. Maintain it like a garage queen. If your looking for a daily driver, look away this is a weekend driver. He’s absolutely right about the paint. Ceramic coat everything. I also went with carbon drive shaft, felt it was safer on the engine and rays gram lights
Picking mine up Friday, I’ve been lusting over the sti for about 20 years now. Picking up a 2019. Do you have anything to mention on that generation of car model? Keep up the good work! Love your Gucci style ;)
Living this life currently, bought a 2013 wrx with 100k miles from a dealership, car seems quite modified i found the accessport wiring and mount but no unit, full turbo back exhaust, no heat shield on the turbo makes me think they had a turbo blanket and took it off with the accessport when trading in the car, my first week with the car i ended up having to replace the starter and decided to do an oil change which lead to me changing the valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, cam gear seals as they were all leaking heavily. After that i could still smell burning oil more than id like so i checked the pcv valve and found it clogged and the hose cracked in a few spots so i replaced them. Im still not satisfied and plan to do the iag air oil seperator next, replace the accessport, get a turbo blanket. Needless to say i wasnt exspecting to do all that first week with my first subaru but it was a proper way to figure out where everything was at, i also found a safe bet is to have a back up car
This just makes me glad I live in NZ and not America And the og wrx 5MT is awesome. Can’t handle a tonne of power but it’s got some short ratios and you can drive at 50 or 100k right in the power band. The newer 5MT are alright but the ratios are wider and not as fub
One major thing I feel that you missed is, regardless of the fact they are not cheap to make power, the driving experience of even a stock or lightly modified Subaru is second to none. I can't quite explain it, but driving one of these is so much fun even at low power levels
My husband and I are picking up a new 23 wrx limited soon. We definitely want to mod it but only a bit, 400ish whp would be great. For anything faster than that we have our bikes.
I bought an 08 forester 2 months back and last month the motor seized. Any advice on what way to go for a new motor? I have 3 options in my head. 1 junkyard motor but I go through and check tolerances on everything and redo gaskets and replace anything that needs it. 2 brand new build from scratch with a brand new block from subaru. 3 buy a rebuilt motor from a guy that has a lot of experience with subaru motors of all kinds. For reference looking for an n/a 2.5
I got my 2013 STi with around 100k ish miles, expecting it to blow up, and bone stock except for a muffler shop special straight pipe from the downpipe back
@@Smeedia so it’s an all stock STI with exception of downpipe and catback. Both are invidia, but the downpipe has a universal catalytic converter. I’m thinking it’s not filtering enough for the O2 sensor. Can’t afford an used Accesport before greenspeed compliance either so I’m just running it with a CEL. Nothing bad has happened yet *knocks on wood*
So funny man today I found out my 13wrx steering rack is leaking and it just hit 60k miles lmfaooo and you ain’t lying about that 5 speed reverse gear being stubborn 😂😂 I can confirm, although I’ve gotten use to it
what about E you are a subscriber who likes watching your content? like I'm waiting to see more gc8 content excited to see the rx7 and more Aqua content!
Also, each mud flap adds 20hp. Make sure they have receipts of the flap-tune. Receipts, receipts, receipts!
Lmao flap tune 😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂
........especially RED!
Racing stripes on the mud flaps is even better
Awesome! Looking forward to the cheapest 80hp I've ever added to a car 🤣
Huge relief to hear these issues are so common. I've got about a 5% of my bumper's paint left, a leaky steering rack and the reverse grinding. I was starting to think I messed up buying the car, but it's really reassuring to hear it's not just mine
You are not alone with those issues 😭
My 5th gear and reverse always had a grind. But the steering racks always leaked on my Subarus as well. Don’t worry it’s common.
@@Dre_IQZmy 5th is a 2nd neutral
Holy shit man same here
My car has its issues but that Carfax report is what sold me. This WRX is a real Dealership baby. I love it….if only the a/c worked
Every car will fail. Subarus included. But subaru parts are everywhere and you can actually work on your subie and fix it. Paint is not an issue. Get over your bumper paint. Our mail lady has an ej22t jdm legacy wagon and it has 1,000,000 miles and she is going to drive it today and has been for 20 years. Changes the oil once a month.
Have a 2010 wrx stock. Had power steering leak around 110k miles, bad o-ring. Next, head gasket went out at 140k miles. Aside from that, car has been great, and it's still my daily driver. He was on point about the paint.
For the gaskets to go at 140k is really good usually goes 80k-100k my 11 Impreza 2.5i went at 86k had my friend help me do it for like $4500 with extra shit we fixed never go to a dealership find a reliable mechanic
@@Whosgoingon$4500 for a head gasket work?
Just got my 21 WRX (16k miles) last weekend. Couldn't be happier!!!
Eyyyy, glad to hear and congratulations 🥳🥳🥳
Congrats, what color? I got a '20 stock WRX premium Pure Red last July with 11K miles, crash free and one owner. Love it and Smeedia is a Subi guru, love his content. Still dreaming up my no tune mod list...
@@donculver8671 Magnetite Gray. I am currently working on a list as well and watching all of Smeedia's videos. His content in top notch! My WRX goes in for tint on the 25th, then it's onto an audio upgrade, after that probably a S-Borla or Invidia Cat Back, then wheels and coil overs. Everything I can do and not void my warranty.
This video just cemented in that I plan on keeping my 18 sti's motor totally stock, gonna get a catback and leave it at that and just do cosmetic mods
Nothing wrong with that 🔥🫡
I just hit 170k on my 05 Impreza and she still runs perfect. I'd still feel comfortable driving it cross country. Definitely one of the best sounding motors ever manufactured.
He said the tranny was the worst with the 5 speed is that accurate?
this is awesome to hear and gives me so much hope :D im looking at an ‘04 sti and totally see myself doing the same cross country bit
Dude you are excellent at spitting out so much useful info in a short time span and also keeping it entertaining 👌🏼
The modded ‘17 STI I just bought just arrived yesterday. It’s got the whole FlexFuel setup, (Cobb fuel regulator, AEM fuel pump, 1050 fuel injectors, upgraded fuel lines, IAG air/oil separator, proper tune) 36k miles. Really seems like he did this right and took care of it, hoping I can make it last a long time.
I’m prior service and live 15 minutes from JBLM so we’ll have to meet at the ethanol rack over there sometime man.
Your page is my bible right now, learning a lot.
Keep up the great content 🤙🏼
How’s that 2017 holding up I’m fixing to get a stock one on Monday
@everettmartin2557 guess the gasket blew up
Got so crazy lucky. 2017 Subaru purchased 4 months ago owned by a mechanic that worked at surbaru. Added a strut bar, high quality coil overs, led head and tail lights, and a roof rack. I still go to him at his new shop for maintenance 😂
i was able to find a stock 2011 wrx a couple years ago and the journey just making it the way i want has been amazing. currently stage 2 with aem fuel pump and tune by tp with eric and the process has been going smoothly
Glad to hear things have been going smooth 🔥
@gvkyle she still running strong?
@@bryanr93 yes top tier, within that time i happened to get coils and a short shifter and few more suspension goodies
whats your instagram that i may ask for advice i want to buy one soon @@gvkyle
My Smeedia sense tingled and behold, a new video!
🤭🤭🤭🤭
I get so much crap for my Subie and how slow it is. Yep, it's not a Hellcat or a Merc AMG...but I love my STI because it's fun to drive. The experience is wonderful and I didn't buy it to be a straight liner. Thanks again for your honest take on the Subies. Either you get it or you don't!
What year is it ? I might buy a 2013 WRX STI 5 speed but never owned one before and the reliability is scaring me …
@@theneck5157 2018. regular maintenance and oil changes is a must for reliability.
Try taking them on through rally stages and see how much crap you get then
I love these videos even though i know most of these things, ill still watch them tho, dude your videos went from good to elite. Keep it up Tanner.
Appreciate the kind words and the support my friend ❤
compression check, check the oil before going on a nice long test drive and check the level after to see how much it's burning.
This ^^^
The only addition I have is to not instantly dismiss other models. I got into an 05 Outback XT 5 speed turbo 2.5 and it is really fun to drive. It might not be properly fast, but I smile every time I row through the gears. 😁
I've had a Spec B. for about 4 years now, so I am just here to hear what you have to say. :)
On your points.
Point #1 - I 100% agree, blew up the first engine, but did it intentionally (Faster than expected) But bought it used and it was VERY abused (Like most) before I got to it. With the new motor, I've had ZERO issues not caused myself (Boost leaks only)
Point #2 - Never blown one, but with my first turbo Subi (This legacy) I went head studs so have no fears.
Point #3 - First thing I learned in research is TUNE FOR EVERYTHING totally agree. :)
Common issues - I'm in western PA Rust is a REAL thing on these. Mine is mostly clean, I do my best to prevent it. The heat shield rattle is also a very real thing but an easy fix. Also every Subaru I've had has had a rack leak. You're right there. Mine burns oil a for sure, but I have a forged shortblock which doesn't help, and try to mitigate that with an IAG AOS. Which I noticed made a massive difference in the oil that gets into my air intake.
Also, with the Spec B. I have the STI 6MT from factory, and I agree it is AMAZING.
I also get about 25 MPG with mine, tuned to about 300 HP. But my 6MT has a higher final drive and that is the only thing I can think of that makes the difference.
I just bought a bone stock 14" STI hatch in blue with 110k km and then watched this video after. I think I did alright! Thanks for all the great info.
What did you pay if you dont mind. I just got a 13 sti
Bought a 2007 Impreza WRX, everything stock. Only had two owners, began at 217,000 miles & now is at 280,000.. head gasket went out April this year. Replaced that & been riding clean to this day.. I love it 😬
Just finished dialing in my tune for my new blouch 16gxt, ID1050x injectors, aem fuel pump, Perrin fuel rails on my 2004 wrx and this is my favorite build so far. Subarus are amazing, the sound, the handling, the AWD turbo 4 door, and they look so good
I bought a modified wrx, for reletively cheap. I was prepared to do a teardown immediately, and rather than focus on performance mods, I did AOS, pick-up tube/pan, clyinder 4 cooling mod, clutch, head gaskets & arp head studs. None of these things required a tune. I already had a few things going for the car. Forged internals, built heads, and much more. The following year it was performance time. We did downpipe, injectors, 20g turbo, coil packs, new aem gauges, and of course a tune. There was a ton of stuff already done to the car, suspension, mounts, aluminum radiator etc.. I'm not upset, but I went in knowing that I was going to go through the thing. Smeedia wants all the pre-mods to himself, lol. JK, love your shit.
Don't tell people my secrets 😅 save the cheap modified ones for me 😅
Jk
If you don't mind digging into them, the modded ones are a steal
Your smart as long as the parts are quality everyone who says they are modified is retarted.
Hey is there a official list of these mods with links somewhere? Or at least some recommended brands to buy from?
I love my Bugeye. I've been whippin it 5 years. It was a garage queen, 59k, 1 owner, non smoker, and it's mine all mine! That being said, it is a labor of love and if you don't love it you will kill it. If you drive it hard you can expect to have to fix it more often just like everything else nothing last forever and everything wears out. Currently Cobb stage 2. A couple more mods and it's protune time. Listen to this man. Smeedia vids are an excellent resource!! ✌🏻🤙🏻🤘🏻 scoop nation!!
nice to see i’m not the only one whose reverse gear is the bane of their existence
You should have addressed the peddle support assembly cracking from the fire wall. Great content.
Good one to add in 🔥
15-17 wrx pitch stops are another 😅
I may have just recently purchased a fully built sti off Facebook.. let’s go baby! Time to look for the 2nd car
A great video, brother. My 2020 STI is my daily driver and it will be stock forever.
Ain't nothing wrong with that 🥳
The tire thing is the icing on the 'run, don't walk away' cake.
Option E for me too! I've got a stock (ignoring the factory option Genome exhaust) JDM '05 WRX wagon which I absolutely love, though it took me 6 months to find a clean one. The only mods I'm doing are suspension and drivetrain, just to improve the already great driving experience. But yes, good maintenance is key! 👍
Good on you man
For me it’s just a 304 stainless steel muffler delete, plus the lower air box delete (I forgot what it’s called), interior mods, rust repair, and a wrap.
Also suspension
Option f:
You have 2 broken Subarus in the garage and one is a 2k sti.
Blew my motor 2 weeks after buying my '13 wrx hatch, dealer paid for a new block and turbo which apparently "detonated". Ended up also covering a new clutch a couple months later. I have a new 3 year warranty on block and turbo.
Favorite car channel on TH-cam. Even if the claims on Subaru are true they’re still extremely fun good looking cars
"So you probably clicked on this video for a few reasons"
Well yes, I do watch all of your videos ! ! !
That's reason enough :)
TLDR: Bad E85 resulted in a week-long fix and I'm less enchanted by my otherwise professionally-tuned and built STI.
Me, middle of winter, almost empty fuel tank... I filled up w/ E85 at a new-to-me station from a local chain that I otherwise always use. Ethanol sensor pitches a fit and suddenly I had to find time to take all the fuel out (too much water vapor). Ran the fuel return line into a can to get most of it and killed my battery in the process. Took out back seat to get at the other side of the fuel tank. Filled back up with 93 (pre-greenspeed Cobb flexfuel tune). Recycled 16 gallons of fuel and my battery wouldn't reliably hold a charge afterward. Suddenly having a week-long downtime when all I wanted was to fill my tank has me realllly cautious about going back to E85 and has made the car feel less fun/reliable as a result.
A couple of years ago, I bought my 18 wrx with 38k miles on it and bone stock. I got lucky and love it. Only thing I've got is a cat back. Once I buy my j pipe, intake and cobb accessport then I will tune it and call it a day
Even on a MLS gasket, an open deck allows for too much movement of the cylinder and they still blow common.
I need to get my 2005 Outback XT Limited manual’s vacuum leak fixed, sunroof motor, driver’s seat recline, shifter bushing, steering, mudflaps (wheels rub lifted 1” w/larger tires) and carpet. I also want a better exhaust, it wasn’t connected before safety and sounded good now it’s really quiet with the exhaust connected.
I really want to get the power up a little bit.
13:16 You can't change the spark plugs, injectors, headlights, valve covers, head gaskets... without yanking out the batteries and air filter boxes or even pulling the whole engine. Have fun with that.
I have an 07 Sti. 134k miles. Stock except for access port. Worst problem I have had is that the radiator broke.
Not too bad of a problem to have 🔥
Thank you Buddy, that was awesome! I just purchased a '20 STI (California version) with 22k miles. Bone stock. You've answered a bunch of questions for me, thank you 🙏
2012 Subaru STi hatchback chiming in here. My car has 120,000 miles on it and I've never had a single issue with it, not once. Original motor, clutch, bigger topmount, IAG AOS, Mishimoto rad, upgraded suspension bushings, etc. The power steering rack just now started leaking, but I firmly believe if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Most of these fools in the forums shouldn't be driving a performance car because they can't handle power or appreciate what they have, they just want more and more on a block that can't take it then they are left wondering what happened.
He said it perfectly, I owned a 2009 Subaru wrx hatchback narrow body and the guy I got it from babied it, I was lucky enough to get it for a sickkk price since it had a sticky clutch, I bought a new OEM clutch and it drived like a dream, but when I went to buy my second Subaru a 2010 STI Hatchback, the guy said it had a vacuum leak, so we took his word, and I brought it home tried everything from spark plugs to compression tests and I don't even remember what I did, in the end I decided to pull the engine and I had a bent exhaust valve, so just make sure to check the car out and do your own research before checking one out! don't do what I did!
I've got a combined total of 500,000 mi between two of my cars and I'm still running the original engine with no check engine light.
They some troopers 🔥🫡
I literally just left a dealership checking out a 2010 STI just like this one in the video. Minus the 730hp of course. All stock with 88,000 miles on it. Get home and watch this video and no lie I’m second guessing purchasing it now lol. But damn I wanted to leave with it. One of my dream cars for sure. Or a 2005 STI.
Great video that gets straight to the point and also added personal experience to make it even more meaningful 👍 keep up the great work man, and the positive vibes :)!!!
I remember that when i bought my 2015 sti stock and told myself not gonna modify it will keep it stock… next thing you know i spend 14k already making 457 whp haha 😂. Anyways love your content man keep it up ✌️
Thank you for this video. Was helpful! Watched it last Friday. Purchased a nearly bone stock 02 WRX, the next day :) Cheers!
hows the subaru doing for you?
@@kufASMR been great! 10/10 recommend
@@yanb1981 YOOO hell yeah, im getting an 07 Impreza wrx this week, glad yours is still doing great
Thank you man I really appreciate you making this video I'm a 17 year old looking to buy my first subrau I'm looking at a 2011 wrx hatchback premium package. It's completely stock with 158k miles paint is in great condition currently it has a matte black wrap over protecting the paint that was professionally done. Thanks again man this is really going to help me out on my Subie build journey🙏.
You are so right about the steering racks. I have a 2015 STI that I bought new and I am on my 3rd rack!!
I work at a tire store in my hometown and the amount of subarus we always saw coming in with mismatched tires was just so bad
It happens all too frequently 😭
soooo if i keep the engine bone stock bc its already pushing around 300hp stock which is still fun to drive then this is the car for me
It would be dope if you did a video listing and going through all the cars youve owned
I did one a long time ago but can make a much better one now 🔥
Useful information. I want to get a WRX STI 2016 & UP! I currently drive a Porsche 911 awd 6 speed. Need me a 4 seater, I totally appreciate the fact that you want us newbies to fully know what to look for! Thx
bought my STI with a semi built motor (just pistons) done 25k ago and tuned conservative by a well known subaru tuner. Only problems i've had are original parts that failed (OEM FPR, starter, etc) and honestly after almost 20k of ownership it's not bad. my WRX was bone stock and has gone 35k without issue outside of a knock sensor and original clutch master blowing out a seal. i have yet to have a single engine related problem on both cars. I'm fully prepared for the day rodney comes to town but that's just performance subaru ownership
My wrx broken :( it has combustion gas getting into the cooling system pushing coolant out of overflow tank. Did block test and blue liquid turned yellow. No milkshake yet.
RIP to that Headgaskets 😭
Man you keep making me want a subie. I just can’t afford one rn.
The awesome thing is I’m known in my friend group for researching cars and mods before I commit to anything, so my best friend said “If your looking into them and and say they aren’t that bad to fix and modify, , they must not be that bad then”
All my subie knowledge came from your channel my guy. It’s why your getting a shoutout when I do my video on my favorite TH-camrs 😁
Flat and boxers engines are two different things like porche flat 6 and boxer4, subie boxer4
My 2014 wrx hatch doesn't burn oil between oil changes. THE worst thing with the car is the clutch pedal travel , I have to bury the clutch pedal to start the car. Other than that she's a beauty, I love it. I've had 3 WRX's.
Love your videos tanner ❤️
❤❤❤
I would love to find a stock hatchback manual model sti
I always appreciate the incite. 👍🏼 I did see some info with those gaskets/leaking oil because of the PCV valve was stuck or clogged.
That is also a good thing to add in, higher milage models will do that 😭
Reinforces my decision to keep ‘22 WRX Limited stock. It will have great resell value, and with regular maintenance, should last quite some time.
Wish I know some of them before buy. I bought 13' STI few months ago.
💔💔
Hopefully, the 13 is treating you well 😭
@@Smeedia It's bone stock and has new motor from Subaru warranty. It's 130k miles on body and 58k miles on motor. It got some metallic in oil when I changed it.
Thank you for the videos! I’m an old school DSM guy (seems like ages ago now) looking to buy my first Subaru (well technically 2nd if you count my 3 month pre-newborn whirlwind romance with a Sti) - but anyways…I appreciate your videos - curbs expectation and gives great perspective. Super excited for my mid-life crisis WRX build. 🎉
thanx, i love my subie, and am not going to sell it. its a blast to drive and my first ever. its a unique feeling to turn the car on and listen to the rumble it makes, and i love the sound. When I bought it, it had a cold air intake in it already and a aftermarket exhaust. goingt o do the upgrades slowly and carefully. will be following your advice on building it up. will keep you updated on the progress. ad thanx
If I haven't said before, your videos are next level and have widened my subi gaze. Quite honestly better, more informative with 0 bullshit.
Lets go blue!
Thank you sir
Love the content. Just traded my 18 wrx for a 20 sti. Night and day difference. Love them both for their own reasons.
Both great cars, glad to hear your enjoying the STI 🥳
I just bought a stock 05 sti from New england, and it rolled 216k stock motor stock block
Please do an in-depth tutorial from installing a fresh longblock in a car and specifically where all the hoses go to starting the car up, I was so confused when I dropped my first longblock in my subie xoxoxo❤❤
I can make that happen, have one coming up 🫣
I got most of the upgrades done, now I just need a flex fuel kit, a X500r turbo with a front mount 😅
Very densely packed, informative video brother! I know nothing about the wrx/ sti cars other than they look so damn cool and 300plus hp and a manual sound so enticing...if you were to ask me about my car, a 94 probe gt or my gf;s ford focus, I could go into equal depth of detail becuz Ive worked on mine for over 20yrs and that focus for about 15..You Really get to Know a car when you have wrenched it for that length of time! LOL.. Thing is, with any "new" car you pick up, you have that learning curve to get to know it thouroughly and quite frankly, Im actually wanting a car that I can just drive and Not have to lift the hood or lie under it on my back.. Im 63 and have had that probe gt from new back in 94 and its a Constant work to keep her running well...I envy those who have something new enough that all they need to do is turn the key and drive LOL as enticing as these suburus are, they seem as quirky and issue prone as the probe or focus...I cant afford a new one and those I could buy are gonna need alot of potiential wrenching.
From the Caribbean with much appreciation!
I love my 18wrx, but didn’t fully realize what a “sporty “ ride was. That’s code for rough, it’s a bumpy ride, but sticks to the road!
Great video! I think I've had 8 of them. On my first turbo, obxt 05. Redone, basically stock. Sick daily! 👍🏴☠️
Great daily drivers 🔥
Ok here my intake on modified the Subaru. If it was prime drp and a me tune ADULT owned you should be good. The very worst case scenario is something blows and you have all of the parts to make power, drop an iag long block as I did and call it a day. 620hp. This was after a shop in Miami built it incorrectly. Rule of thumb. You want the most iag parts possible. Check oil every single fill up. Check your belts as well and dress them. If your pushing power on e85 2k oil change intervals. If it has an iag engine, your pretty much golden so long JR (iags tuner) tuned it. Don’t floor it in 5th. Try to not launch too much. Stick with 4th gear pulls allow the turbo to spool then wot. If you feel a mid fire. Act on it. Injectors or spark plugs. I wouldn’t sell my car too much $ in it but I love it too much so I bought a daily driver. The gemood news is the electrics are fairly easy on the car, relaxing parts on your own is easy as there are so many tutorials. Maintain it like a garage queen. If your looking for a daily driver, look away this is a weekend driver. He’s absolutely right about the paint. Ceramic coat everything. I also went with carbon drive shaft, felt it was safer on the engine and rays gram lights
I always loved my Subarus I had 11 only had 1 with head gasket issues.I love turbo and na it’s a different experience with each one
Yassss, they definitely something different 🔥
I got a jdm ej205 and I love it, makes 350 and I haven’t had any problems, you just have to take care of them and they’ll be ok
My 18 sti limited only had a hybrid gfb everything was stock till I put a iag and Perrin dress up on it
Picking mine up Friday, I’ve been lusting over the sti for about 20 years now. Picking up a 2019. Do you have anything to mention on that generation of car model?
Keep up the good work! Love your Gucci style ;)
sti 2013 and the head gasket are dead at 89k km about 55k m so no misconception for me 😄
bought my 2010 sti back in september modded and tuned to 350whp. hasnt had any huge issues yet but im nervous💀
Awesome news 🤙 soooo stoked for you!! Pump your give away a lil bit more dude
I just had a leaky coolant overflow on my 2020 sti... Just bad caps
Living this life currently, bought a 2013 wrx with 100k miles from a dealership, car seems quite modified i found the accessport wiring and mount but no unit, full turbo back exhaust, no heat shield on the turbo makes me think they had a turbo blanket and took it off with the accessport when trading in the car, my first week with the car i ended up having to replace the starter and decided to do an oil change which lead to me changing the valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, cam gear seals as they were all leaking heavily. After that i could still smell burning oil more than id like so i checked the pcv valve and found it clogged and the hose cracked in a few spots so i replaced them. Im still not satisfied and plan to do the iag air oil seperator next, replace the accessport, get a turbo blanket. Needless to say i wasnt exspecting to do all that first week with my first subaru but it was a proper way to figure out where everything was at, i also found a safe bet is to have a back up car
Because we like the videos dude!
Always appreciate the support my friend 🥳
So the big clunk of an automatic 2010 STI that it makes from stationary to reverse is normal and not an issue?
This just makes me glad I live in NZ and not America
And the og wrx 5MT is awesome. Can’t handle a tonne of power but it’s got some short ratios and you can drive at 50 or 100k right in the power band. The newer 5MT are alright but the ratios are wider and not as fub
The ratios feel great, but the overall design at least the ones we got here were trash 😢
I bought my wrx 2 days after this video was posted and just seen it today 🤦♂️🤣🤣🤣
One major thing I feel that you missed is, regardless of the fact they are not cheap to make power, the driving experience of even a stock or lightly modified Subaru is second to none. I can't quite explain it, but driving one of these is so much fun even at low power levels
100000% yes, I mentioned it towards the end but they give a driving experience that cannot be replicated
On my 02 wrx I get 30 mpg but when I went to a hybrid 2.2 and went down to 24
30mpg is wild 😮
Greta video, really informative. Think you should do a little more explanation on the overflow tank not all movement is bad
Not all movement is bad, but if it's always Low then the coolants going somewhere 😅
My husband and I are picking up a new 23 wrx limited soon. We definitely want to mod it but only a bit, 400ish whp would be great. For anything faster than that we have our bikes.
I bought an 08 forester 2 months back and last month the motor seized. Any advice on what way to go for a new motor? I have 3 options in my head. 1 junkyard motor but I go through and check tolerances on everything and redo gaskets and replace anything that needs it. 2 brand new build from scratch with a brand new block from subaru. 3 buy a rebuilt motor from a guy that has a lot of experience with subaru motors of all kinds. For reference looking for an n/a 2.5
All I heard is NEVER get a subaru.. thanks for the heads up.. WAS thinking getting one.
Actually it's just the Bugeye's 5 speed tran that is known to fail. Blobeye onwards 5Speed are great. 200k miles on mine and no sign of failure
What about buying 23 or 24. You reference earlier model years.
So what does one need to do to have a daily sti/wrx without putting a bigger turbo you can beat up all year?? Please thanks
Fluidamper
Koyo Rad
IAG AOS
Quality tune 🤝
needed this before buying my 08 sti love the car but have had to put in a ton of work to get it up to snuff. love the content man keep it up
Is 2008 really that bad year?
I got my 2013 STi with around 100k ish miles, expecting it to blow up, and bone stock except for a muffler shop special straight pipe from the downpipe back
My ‘13 WRX had 4th gear issues, no reverse, now that I have my ‘15 Launch Edition STi i have no trans issues. I just need to fix my P0420 code 😢
😢😢😢 any update on it?
@@Smeedia so it’s an all stock STI with exception of downpipe and catback. Both are invidia, but the downpipe has a universal catalytic converter. I’m thinking it’s not filtering enough for the O2 sensor. Can’t afford an used Accesport before greenspeed compliance either so I’m just running it with a CEL. Nothing bad has happened yet *knocks on wood*
Also got rid of my ‘13 WRX, I did the wrong thing and bought a modded one. Had it voluntarily repossessed, better off now without it
So funny man today I found out my 13wrx steering rack is leaking and it just hit 60k miles lmfaooo and you ain’t lying about that 5 speed reverse gear being stubborn 😂😂 I can confirm, although I’ve gotten use to it
REVERSE NEVER WANTA TO COUPERATE 🫠
Hearing head gasket slander makes my head gasket blow 😤
It's a slippery slope 🫠
Yes with the wheel bearings, I changed mine to NTN Japan
what about E you are a subscriber who likes watching your content?
like I'm waiting to see more gc8 content
excited to see the rx7
and more Aqua content!
Lol all the aqua 😅
Option E is the best answer 😭❤️