I had the tS a few weeks ago on loan. With no power added, I don't see a point in the price increase. Brembos and Recaro's are cool but I could do without them.
Ah, I was hoping there'd be SOMETHING more to it for the cash. It feels like the tS engineers really wanted to build an STI but Subaru wouldn't approve of the cost to have another (presumably inefficient) sport sedan rated by the EPA and whatnot.
I think WRX is in the medium. If compared to GRCorolla. Both cars has AWD. WRX is not as powerful, but has more room. If compared to Civic Type R. Both has similar room/space. WRX not as powerful, but has AWD. So if someone is looking for a car that has a little bit of everything that both GRCorolla and Type R have, WRX is the choice.
I've got a 22 wrx limited (bought in in the first year of vb, no issues thusfar) and i just adore it. It's a confident, frugal little car that's incredibly versatile and unstoppable in inclement weather. However, while the increase in price is unfortunate, i think it may have something to do with the addition of eyesight technology (radar cruise, lane centering, collision avoidance etc) which werent available on mt cars in the first few years. We do use those features on my fiancees forester wilderness and they work wonderfully.
I love my 23 Limited too. Super easy to drive, and drive smoothly. Lovely back to basics gearbox and motor. Unstoppable in the snow. Responds amazingly well to a light tune. Good sound system, roomy, sounds good (apart from the cold start, grr). Don't think i'd describe it as frugal though!
@joby602 Fair, ive always had giant gas guzzlers and my perception is a little skewed, so averaging 23-25 mpg seems astonishing to me. Stings paying for premium at the pump but oh well.
I had a 22 limited in south CA where it saw almost every desert and unpaved road around. It was a great and fun car to start performance journey, WRX was easy to work on and get into modding as well. But after time comes.. you just realize that it's not fun enough. Sure, I'll buy it again with no regrets especially if I'm planning any more rally driving where it felt the best. But for the paved roads I rather have something smaller and more fun like my current Miata. And would buy a second car for the family things.
Still very happy with my 2020 WRX Sport (Canada). About 5k in performance mods and tuning, as well as audio components later I regret nothing. A beast in winter with studded Hakkas, more than enough power and now serves as our family vehicle. Was initially considering upgrading to the next generation but the looks and price increase have been demotivating.
Awesome video I totally agree the colliding on the car looks absolutely horrible!!! I find the older WRX is that don't have it look a lot better that plastic just make the vehicle look cheap after time it will fade and turn into a gray color and it looks absolutely terrible!!! And all the Front plastic is all black the I find it much better when they paint the front and back bumpers to match the car, then at least you don't have to worry about the fading!! All that black plastic is a deal breaker for me!!
We bought a new 23 WRX for 29k and I frankly think it's a shame to drop the base model. The TR and tS are way too expensive, especially when you get no hp or tq gains.
Well I’m kind of happy that I got a 22 base when it came out , it’s been a great fun daily driver in northern climate, I do wish I had the larger screen but I could swap it for a cool 5-700
Im enjoying not loving my '24 base WRX. First & probably last slowbaru I own. Got mine for 33k for base with sti short throw package. 2.9% & 513/month. Ive been able to top it out @ 144 MPH. Im sitting at ALMOST 1,700 miles. We'll see how this works out.
I had a 22 WRX till I got into a car crash with it and it had gotten totaled, then I got an Elantra n and it drives so much better and rides so much smoother than the WRX at least to me
a hatchback design and awd would probably blow competition by miles imo. the car still looks funny to me but heard it’s far better looking in real life
I wish that they would make a wagon version of this car and get rid of the scoop so that it can be more useful and look normal with decent performance and a good awd system for winter.
I traded my heavily modded FBO 17 STI for a 22 WRX because I was almost at 100k, the head gasket was leaking, and I wanted a warranty again. I really like it. Definitely not as cool of a car, but I'd argue it's a better daily for sure. Especially considering I had a leg day stage 1 HD exedy clutch and super light flywheel in the STI...so it was NOT an easy car to drive if you aren't used to it. Tire shops were pure comedy. Eventually they just let me pull it in and out of the garage because the old guys that worked there just couldn't drive my car without stalling it lol.
@@touayaaj84 And people wonder why they have such a bad reputation. it's the owners and how they are treated.. someone is going to buy that car and have problems then trash on Subaru on the internet then everyone reads it and makes them think the car is bad.
They start at $36000 USD in my country, but with the new hybrids and increased performance levels in new cars, similar abilities can be had for up to half the price in other vehicles. Also the WRX sales have been low in my country and 1yo cars having depreciation of up to $14000 with 2yo cars up to $20000 off the new car price. Older STI cars are valued higher.
Fact: You shouldnt have to Modify a Single Thing to be Competitive. At 45,000 You get more Warrantied Power going with a GR Corolla. Especially being able to change the Torque Split. The Outback XT has a 0-60 of 6-6.3 Seconds. So Subaru's WRX only offers Half a Second Quicker.. than a Lifted Wagon. Which Means a Cobb Accessport in a Outback XT makes you just as "Quick" as a Stock WRX with Little to No Effort. I mean.. It IS the same 2.4liter Engine. If Subaru didnt spend money doing extra Stamping of the Fender/Qtr Panels, Whilst Designing "Flares" for the car.. While also doing "Extra Laser/Water" Etching to give the exposed plastic "Golfball Texture," That would have Left enough Money on the table to Finish Painting the Bumpers and Side Rocker Panels. I would know, I Run a Auto Body Collision Repair Shop. Many of us, (Yes I own a 2022), would have liked Subaru to FINISH PAINTING THE EXTERIOR. Why? Because Sun Damage on exposed plastic, Because Shoe Scuff Marks on the Rocker Panels that Can't be Fixed Unless you Buy a whole new piece, when one could have just "Buffed" the Scuff off.
Don’t judge the car by the 0-60, do to the low red line you have to shift to third right before 60 which slows the time down a lot. Tuned with an increased red line you can stay in 2nd if set high enough. Plus with launch control you can cut the 0-60 down a lot
@@234567king At 45,000, You are in Audi S3 Prestige Package Used 2024 with 5k-10k miles. I just looked at carfax. A 25' Premium GR Corolla with 295ft lbs of torque has a $42,404 suggest price. A 2024 VW Golf R with less than 5,000miles for 46,000(Cargurus). What are the Main similarities. New, Nice Interior, AWD and 300hp. The WRX is unable to compete by performance alone. And people, being the Egocentrics they are, the performance numbers are a factor when even considering the Type of Car.
As a 2018 wrx owner, I feel Subaru lost its way with the current gen wrx. It's way too expensive and the value is not there. Most people I know looking at the wrx feels that for a bit more money they can get a more performing car in other brands. Current wrx only has its name going for it. It excels at nothing
While your manual has the viscous coupling AWD, the CVT version doesn’t. Its system is much more FWD-biased. That’s one of the main reasons so many are still sold with manuals.
just picked up a 2021 wrx limited with 30k miles on it. i really don't like that the vb generation doesn't have a spare tire and that massive infotainment screen looks too intrusive. no regrets other than some payments that i can manage! came from a legacy 3.6r and i love the raw feeling of the va wrx.
Nice video! I have a 22 wrx stage 2, paid 8500$ for brembos and sti trans swap, it’s going in next week. A shame Subaru didn’t make it themselves. I also have a 25 type r allocated… will be a hard decision once it arrives which to keep considering I’m in Montreal with lots of snow…
The new WRX is probably one of the last affordable awd sports sedans. I simply can't get past the unpainted exaggerated plastic trim. It's like the designers forgot they were no longer working on the Crosstrek 😂
If you’re going to get a CVT WRX wouldn’t it be better to just get a Legacy XT? Worse handling but better comfort, more room overall, and much cheaper insurance. Still a decently fast car. The insurance on my WRX costs 2x what the insurance is on my Outback Onyx XT. That being said, I don’t regret buying my WRX. After all, you can’t get a new Legacy as a manual 😅.
I worked with a dealership for a legacy and all I had to do was show up to dealer and sign the paper work.. they pulled up in the legacy and I took one good look at it and told them to get that thing away from me. I took a look on my left and saw 22 wrx limited fully loaded and drove that baby home.. so no I would not get a legacy that’s heresy buddy
The WRX is fine, I was considering one back in 2021 when I bought my Kia Stinger GT. The problem with the WRX is how slow they are. They haven't gotten any extra power since 2001. The WRX should have 350 horsepower to offset the extra weight it has gotten.
@@BicBappy-u9o I've had an 09, 15 and now a 22, all have been tuned by Clark Turner and I've never had any engine trouble. What I don't do is drive them like a moron with launching and slam shifting, if thats what you want to do you bought the wrong car. Ford will gladly sell you a Mustang so you can launch and rip shift your nuts off. You can use it without abusing it and it will live a long and happy life with 100 more hp and torque. I've done it 3 times...
No pining for the past. I've driven since new a 2020 WRX base. Bought it for $28k. Overall, great car with flaws- crap brakes, stock tires and interior with a broke seat height adjustment, center consile
Yes Subarus in general require more maintenance due to their awd system. But it also depends on the model as well in terms of “problems” or things needed replaced sooner.
@@THEREALTJP maintenance cost isn’t any more than any other comparable brand (Toyota, Mazda, Honda, etc). Every other brand has AWD on half their vehicles nowadays as well, so that really isn’t anything valid anymore to consider for cost. The main thing I’ve noticed cost wise is how high the insurance is. Expect to pay 2x what an Outback or Legacy would cost for insurance.
More stock power = higher MSRP I THINK the WRX is for people that don't mind doing their own work. Lower upfront cost n you make it as fast as you want it to be. If you only care about stock power well pay for it. Buy the Golf R or GR Corolla. They already have the upgraded parts.
The problem is that the WRX is only cheaper the GR Corolla in one trim now. I appreciate the WRX for how good of a daily it is and the tuning overhead is great but it's not $30k anymore. I have a hard time recommending it to people who want performance because spending that much to then sacrifice your warranty and put money into parts that could even lower the resale is tough. I'd recommend buying one used if that's your plan.
@@janoycresnova9156 Nope. Still no STI awd, no STI bulletproof short geared trans, no hydraulic steeering, no STI brakes (although I think TS has brembos). Have nothing against a tune, but engine is only part of the problem.
Subaru has built a great daily all weather driver w a sporty feel. It does seem to me they are dumbing down the enthusiast market and feeding the average Joe a bit too much now and rising the prices, which many manufacturers are doing, especially since covid. At this point it is a bit of an excuse to gouge, sadly. I had the OG '02 WRX and modified it all over. It was a true hotrod! I am disappointed w this new push towards generic and also electric vehicles....and then a hefty price tag. YOU are going to lose many die hard customers Subaru. As far as Hondas and Toyatas go, they are also car cults of personality and I don't find them attractive. I am still more inspired be well developed older designs, like a Nissan GTR or an Infiniti Q50 RedSport for instance. My 2017 Infiniti QX50, with the 3.7L and custom exhaust, wheels, intake, is fast and very useful in all weather. Car companies are really shooting themselves in the foot all too often these days and they truly need to step back and take a better look outside of their own design studio heads!
honeslty lack of Rev-match is why im not looking at a WRX> I love manual but i also spend a LOT Of time in traffic going 1-2-3, back to 2, then maybe 1 to creep along, and its just a PAIN anymore after doing it for 30+ years.
I drove a 2023 and was shocked at how slow it was compared to the GR Corolla and especially the Golf R. It feels like it hasn't improved since 2002. The steering is much worse than the previous generation. With the new pricing, it isn't at all the bargain that it should be. Almost $50K for a TS borders on insanity.
You buy the premium trim for 30k then a tune to reach 300hp. There. Already gr corolla level in terms of speed since that's what you compare even tho they have different AWD systems
@nicksim9154 except that G16E GTS motor in the GR has proven its self in the Yaris overseas. A stock block hit 798whp without breaking. That boxer is throwing rods to the moon way sooner than that.
@@thehitman8663 Agreed. I'm saying the GR is on a different level than the WRX. The new boxer can make gains as shown in project midnight. I just don't thinks it's accurate to compare the two even most people do
I guess I can understand the price increase starting at the Premium. My 2020 Premium lacks the driver safety tech, the tablet, USB-C, keyless ignition, a subwoofer, anti-reflective side mirrors, wireless CarPlay, and .4 fewer liters of displacement in the engine. It does sting a little to think that $36K would get you an STi in 2020, though.
The price increases and "safety" tech I don't want will probably move this down the list for my enthusiast use case. I'm glad I got a 22 BRZ without the eyesight and adaptive cruise, even though I daily it.
Shame how bloated the rex has gotten over the years. I’m fully convinced they’ll axe it at the end of this generation due to a “consumer shift towards SUVs”
@@spunkush It's also possibly due to the fact that all these companies basically have to pay a fine for every sports car sold due to emissions. Thank the government for that.
I visited my local Subaru dealer a week ago to take an Ascent for a test-drive. When the sales person was fetching the Ascent, I sat in a WRX in the showroom. I was really smitten. I don't dare take one for a test drive...but I really want to...
I made a whole video about that question! If you want comfort and refinement more than raw handling capabilities or a manual transmission, you should go Mazda3… but there are some nuances to that.
@@Realistick seems about on page from what I heard. now I’m looking at the Elantra N vs wrx? Heard only good things for elantra n but also that the wrx is really underperformed stock and some simple upgrades can really bring the life out of it and possibly surpass it? it’d be daily but if one is can become/is a way more drivers car i might just sacrifice the convenience factor for it to have more fun on the occasions weekend for backroads.
The WRX should've been a hatchback, that black cladding diaper is hideous. Or we should at least get a Crosstrek WRX but a Subaru is completely out of consideration until they give us back physical climate controls and make the touchscreen much more responsive. But when has Subaru ever actually listened to what we wanted.
Still take the WRX over the GR .. just a Cobb flash will put down 300+whp.. that’s around 360 crank hp, I really like how the new WRX drives and handles!! The GR engine takes alot of work to get there!! So I wonder what the 2025 GR will cost next year?
GR has more tuning overhead than you’d think, especially if you do the valve springs. Still $40k with front/rear LSDs and big brakes after the refresh so I don’t see it going up much the next year unless tariffs actually tear up the market.
@@Realistick True, but you don't have to do the valve springs with the WRX. Just an intake and a tune can get a WRX to like 380HP safely. GR corolla takes way more work to get there.
@@djsir901 I think that 360 number was more accurate but that is true, it's definitely easier if power is the big concern! It's remarkably good for tuning.
I have a TR and got it at a good discount. Love every minute of it. If i want STI level HP, that is possible with a few mods, but i never feel like i need it. 6 speed, built in Japan, AWD, Turbo, with proper handbrake. TYPE R is nice but FWD. GR carolla is cool too
Check various videos on TH-cam where the 22+ WRX is on the Dino - 4 HP less than the ‘21 STI - plus better torque delivery……..this car is excellent despite the popularity of criticisms. I love my ‘23 Premium. The tS is over the top price-wise.
I addressed that twice. Subaru dealers rarely discount below invoice unless they are absolutely desperate so I would not anticipate 5k below. Also, coming from someone who owns a GR Corolla and contemplated buying another, MSRP is the norm now in a lot of regions. Civic Type R is still a shit show but not impossible to get at msrp in some regions😅
@bmanboogie got my 2025 GR corolla for 39k 800 under msrp. The markups are over. That's coming from a regional toyota rep friend. They are forcing dealerships to sell it at MSRP unless if they don't want any allocations for it anymore.
When a WRX costs $46,875 in the tS trim, it loses any credibility of being considered an option unless you're a diehard Subaru fan who wants all the bells and whistles. $47,000 can get you an an Elantra N for $34,000 with a manual and you save about just under $12,000 and the Elantra N has far better performance than the WRX at 276hp-289lb-ft. The GR Corolla is $39,000 for the Core trim and has 29 more horsepower and +15-38lb-ft of tq more than the WRX and if you want the Premium or Premium Plus trims, you can get those between $42,000 or $46,000 respectively and save $205-2,685 respectively. The MK8.5 Golf R with no manual transmission any longer for the 2025-2026 model years has inched the same price point as the WRX tS, but has more horsepower and torque making 315hp and 288lb-ft more justifiable over 271hp and 258lb-ft. The FL5 Civic Type R has 44hp more and 52lb-ft more over the WRX tS and if you can find one at MSRP, why would you want the WRX over the CTR outside of crying for AWD? As a curveball, the DE5 Integra Type S is $6,000-$7,000 more expensive than the WRX tS at $52,000-$53,000. However, I'd argue that if you can look past the Integra Type S for not having memory seats, the ITS way more car for the money and the most powerful amongst the competition at 320hp and 310lb-ft. Based on the everything Subaru is doing with the WRX as a whole, if you don't need AWD and if you don't live in cold climate states and Canadian provinces, who is Subaru targeting at this point other than people saying that the brand's stigma is for Lesbians and vape apes?
Then you should buy a GR or an Elantra but instead you hang around here wishing for stuff you can't have. The powers that be at Subaru read all these boards but only when they need a good laugh....
@@curtvesely5886 Who says I can't have it? I can have this if I want to. I just choose not to want this because this isn't for me. Whoever is interested in it, this is for them.
I would choose the Honda SI. Seems like a much better car to live with day-to-day with a little extra. I might even choose the new Civic hybrid over this.
Should have bought the STI when you had the chance. Brembos, suspension, diffs, transmission, BBS wheels, wing and better looks. Seems like a steal now. Edit: Oh, and better resale value.
I think I read in the manual for the wrx that it can actually take regular gas at the cost of performance, even some forums online have a lot of people that say you can run regular and the engine (the 2022 version and up anyway) would trot along just fine for miles on end
I really love my 22 Premium. I put a little extra time into it and added 90 lbs of sound deadener that covers the entire roof, most of the floors, the spare tire well, the rear deck, most of the trunk, and all 4 doors. This was more for the high quality sound system that I added as well. I don't care if I lose one-fourth of a second in the quarter mile. It's NOT a race car, it's a daily!
Buying a new wrx doesn’t seem like a good idea considering its competition is better like the Elantra N or GR Corolla. Very happy I purchased a used VA wrx because in my use case it has everything I need say for the ability to make 500hp.
I cross shopped this with the 2025 civic si. I chose the Honda for a few reasons. Better fuel economy, more reliable engine, but not perfect, better looks lol, and seems to have better interior quality. Just my opinion.
I owned a 2018 Si and had great fun with it. It is very tunable and pretty good stock. That 1.5L engine is fine but will still suffer from oil dilution. Change your oil every 2500 to 3000 miles and you will be ok. DO NOT go longer. for my daily commute, before serious mods, I got around 40mpg. And it was fun.
@@RodofAllTrades You can tune it. I did and drove it 80,000 miles. But you can't drive it like an idiot. If you are the type of person that breaks bolts and drill bits, then don't tune it. lol.
@@artblackwood7936 I was tuned with TSP stage 1.5 running 93 w/27WON CAi, Mishimoto FMIC, ACT clutch, and ARP head studs. 24.5-25 lbs of boost. Head gasket blew quicker than without ARP head studs. I had a shop do all the work as well, spent thousands. I also lost 4th gear in my stock trans. I put a used tranny in it and traded it in. I don't break bolts and drill bits. Not really sure what that has to do with anything.
I’m all for modding cars to fit your preference, but that should be more out of passion or practical usage (track build) than to make up the difference with a similarly priced car. The GR Corolla only has awd cooling problems at the end of a 15 minute session for me (it’s fixed with a transfer case cooler and programming tool for about $3k). You’d overheat the stock brakes on a non tS WRX well before the awd system cooks on a GR Corolla.
@@Realistick The thing is it's not similarly priced if you do it correctly. I mean I know we are talking new cars, but I bought my 22 limited with 14k miles for 29k. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than a GR corolla, and now I can throw 3k into the engine and smash it on a straight line at least. We are up to 32k with mods and I have more power which is IMO more fun on the street than suspension and breaks etc. But even if you wanted to mod those parts and throw another 6k at it youre still significantly under the corolla, with more power. I'm not really sure what the used GR market looks like but I'm guessing they are holding value better due to hype.
@@Togairu They don’t their value like evos yet (unfortunately, as I own one…), but I do agree, if straightline speed is your biggest concern, a used WRX is the way to go. No warranty to really fret with bolt-ons and the hit in resale is already taken. I’d still recommend the GRC if you want a more fun car that handles better with some ps4s tires! I really want to make a video comparing a modified WRX to a GR Corolla someday.
@@Togairu Why are you comparing used prices to new? There are so many intangibles and risks in used cars. It's apples and oranges. Just like modding vs. no modding. Modding requires extra time/effort, introduces risks, voids warranty, likely causes lower reliability in the unmodded parts of the car, etc. Brand new stock at these prices, the WRX is a DOA or only for Subie fanboys.
YES!, I want a WRX! But I would prefer it as the hatchback. No, I don't want a car that needs premium fuel! No, I don't want to get in/out of a car that low. .... I guess I don't really want a WRX after all!
This is exactly why I'm in an Outback XT currently. Yes, it's far too long, but the Outback XT is the true sleeper (both figuratively and literally as you can sleep in it if you're under 6ft3) as most drivers on the road will treat the OBXT like a slow slug.
The WRX tS is going to be DEAD ON ARRIVAL (DOA) once it hits showroom floors and dealership lots. No one is paying that kind of money for a WRX that isn't worthy of being bought at a price the old VA gen 2021 WRX STI Limited and 2020 WRX STI Series White have cost 3-4 years ago. Until/Unless Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America gets their heads out of their asses and make a last-minute ditch effort calling an audible and bring back the STI on the VB gen WRX platform and willing to take a risk and go to an automaker like Porsche who has a 2.5T Flat Four Boxer engine that makes 350hp and 309lb-ft that would be a worthy usage for a VB gen WRX STI, even if they can bring the STI Division team back just for 3 model years from 2026-2028, there is no reason to bring a next gen WRX after this WRX's current generation because no WRX and WRX STI fan and owner is asking for a hybrid CVT-only WRX, nor a remote control transmissionless WRX STe EV because that is not what those cars are all and it is not where their roots lie with this car. The mid-cycle refresh WRX will be coming up for the 2026 and 2027 model years. If there is no return of the STI (and it CAN NOT be a car that says it's an STI from the other side of the world without STI's actual hands being involved in the work making it a REAL STI), then kiss the WRX goodbye altogether after this generation because this will no longer be Subaru's bread and butter vehicle.
If its any consolation to you guys, in my country they are offered at USD 44k for manual and 49k cvt. And I bought mine for even higher, cause of the exchange rate. I know I overpayed massively 😅 but the car is so much fun. It made me enjoy the bad weather, haha
Anyone paying 50 grand for a golf is really crazy!!! R is the most overrated car ever. I owned both a mk5 and mk7 golf R and my ‘23 WRX is way more fun to drive. All three had manual transmissions.
I had the tS a few weeks ago on loan. With no power added, I don't see a point in the price increase. Brembos and Recaro's are cool but I could do without them.
You have time to shoot all your cars and watch other TH-camr's videos. When do you sleep?
He doesn't. What's in the big fricken cup? Red 🐂 .
Ah, I was hoping there'd be SOMETHING more to it for the cash. It feels like the tS engineers really wanted to build an STI but Subaru wouldn't approve of the cost to have another (presumably inefficient) sport sedan rated by the EPA and whatnot.
I thought the big selling point of the ts over the tr was the adaptive dampers.
What about the adaptive suspension? I've heard it is incredible.
Americans are being taken for a ride. The WRX RS/TR in Canada is $48kCAD after taxes+fees, or $34kUSD.
That’s why I bought a base with the manual. Wasn’t even close to that number out the door
The GR Corolla core in Canada is also $48k cad and comes with front and rear LSDs and no touchscreen HVAC crap
pocket sand - HA! (runs away covering ears)
There is a lot of that happening. It's because prices were set before the Canadian Dollar collapsed.
@@MikejohnsonsonWay too small inside. Would be hard to daily.
😂😂 pocket sand had me cracking and forgot about the price for a sec. Great video 🫡
The Canadian base has went up about 20% since the VB release in 2022 for the same car which is insane.
They started counting all the pdi and fees in MSRP. It went up but not by that much.
Excellent video, Tyler. Informative and entertaining.
Thank you!
The only reason i chose 2023 wrx was. 32k otd price with 0 apr for 72 months. this is getting too expensive .
What trim?
Same here. Paid the exact same for my 23 premium.
This channel really deserves more subs
I think WRX is in the medium.
If compared to GRCorolla. Both cars has AWD. WRX is not as powerful, but has more room.
If compared to Civic Type R. Both has similar room/space. WRX not as powerful, but has AWD.
So if someone is looking for a car that has a little bit of everything that both GRCorolla and Type R have, WRX is the choice.
Subaru gives an appropriately sized vehicle. A lot of times other companies don't.
I've got a 22 wrx limited (bought in in the first year of vb, no issues thusfar) and i just adore it. It's a confident, frugal little car that's incredibly versatile and unstoppable in inclement weather. However, while the increase in price is unfortunate, i think it may have something to do with the addition of eyesight technology (radar cruise, lane centering, collision avoidance etc) which werent available on mt cars in the first few years. We do use those features on my fiancees forester wilderness and they work wonderfully.
no they put that tech in all their cars.
I love my 23 Limited too. Super easy to drive, and drive smoothly. Lovely back to basics gearbox and motor. Unstoppable in the snow. Responds amazingly well to a light tune. Good sound system, roomy, sounds good (apart from the cold start, grr). Don't think i'd describe it as frugal though!
@joby602 Fair, ive always had giant gas guzzlers and my perception is a little skewed, so averaging 23-25 mpg seems astonishing to me. Stings paying for premium at the pump but oh well.
I had a 22 limited in south CA where it saw almost every desert and unpaved road around. It was a great and fun car to start performance journey, WRX was easy to work on and get into modding as well. But after time comes.. you just realize that it's not fun enough. Sure, I'll buy it again with no regrets especially if I'm planning any more rally driving where it felt the best. But for the paved roads I rather have something smaller and more fun like my current Miata. And would buy a second car for the family things.
Same here.. i love my 2022 WRX Premium. Handles the best in snow. Fun to drive and reliable.❤
Still very happy with my 2020 WRX Sport (Canada). About 5k in performance mods and tuning, as well as audio components later I regret nothing. A beast in winter with studded Hakkas, more than enough power and now serves as our family vehicle. Was initially considering upgrading to the next generation but the looks and price increase have been demotivating.
Awesome video I totally agree the colliding on the car looks absolutely horrible!!! I find the older WRX is that don't have it look a lot better that plastic just make the vehicle look cheap after time it will fade and turn into a gray color and it looks absolutely terrible!!! And all the Front plastic is all black the I find it much better when they paint the front and back bumpers to match the car, then at least you don't have to worry about the fading!! All that black plastic is a deal breaker for me!!
We bought a new 23 WRX for 29k and I frankly think it's a shame to drop the base model. The TR and tS are way too expensive, especially when you get no hp or tq gains.
You DO get a nice badge though. Just wish it said STi instead of TR or tS...
@@anthonyng3014 Agreed, plus 30-50hp.
Test drove a WRX earlier this year. Bought an Si instead.
Well I’m kind of happy that I got a 22 base when it came out , it’s been a great fun daily driver in northern climate, I do wish I had the larger screen but I could swap it for a cool 5-700
37k starting is insane lmfao
Im enjoying not loving my '24 base WRX. First & probably last slowbaru I own. Got mine for 33k for base with sti short throw package. 2.9% & 513/month. Ive been able to top it out @ 144 MPH. Im sitting at ALMOST 1,700 miles. We'll see how this works out.
I had a 22 WRX till I got into a car crash with it and it had gotten totaled, then I got an Elantra n and it drives so much better and rides so much smoother than the WRX at least to me
Do you miss the awd?
I agree. The front end on the Elantra N (i30 sedan N in Australia 🇦🇺) is amazing. I also think the interior is better.
How you like that octane learning?
Enjoy buying new sets of tires every year
a hatchback design and awd would probably blow competition by miles imo. the car still looks funny to me but heard it’s far better looking in real life
I wish that they would make a wagon version of this car and get rid of the scoop so that it can be more useful and look normal with decent performance and a good awd system for winter.
They do. It's called the Levorg.
@RodofAllTrades it's not sold in Canada
@@maheshb6092 I know. You said that you wished they made a wagon, not that you wished they sold wagons in Canada.
@RodofAllTrades I wish that they would remove the scoop.
@@maheshb6092 You can do it if you install a front mounted intercooler.
Glad I got my 24 base in September for 30k
Nice. That seemed like the best value. My area had plenty available
Same
I traded my heavily modded FBO 17 STI for a 22 WRX because I was almost at 100k, the head gasket was leaking, and I wanted a warranty again. I really like it. Definitely not as cool of a car, but I'd argue it's a better daily for sure. Especially considering I had a leg day stage 1 HD exedy clutch and super light flywheel in the STI...so it was NOT an easy car to drive if you aren't used to it. Tire shops were pure comedy. Eventually they just let me pull it in and out of the garage because the old guys that worked there just couldn't drive my car without stalling it lol.
So basically you are the typical subaru owner who trashed his wrx/sti and then dumps it after a fire.
@@touayaaj84 And people wonder why they have such a bad reputation. it's the owners and how they are treated.. someone is going to buy that car and have problems then trash on Subaru on the internet then everyone reads it and makes them think the car is bad.
@@hhaste that's why i only buy them new. Anything for that matter
Heavily modded. Go to hell. Don’t buy a car again.
If they can go as cheap as possible under 30k i think it'll be a hit.
Great video. Really enjoying your reviews!
Just got 24 premium in WRB for 2k under invoice 🙏🏻 I absolutely love it
They start at $36000 USD in my country, but with the new hybrids and increased performance levels in new cars, similar abilities can be had for up to half the price in other vehicles.
Also the WRX sales have been low in my country and 1yo cars having depreciation of up to $14000 with 2yo cars up to $20000 off the new car price. Older STI cars are valued higher.
In my country there's a problem...
Fact: You shouldnt have to Modify a Single Thing to be Competitive. At 45,000 You get more Warrantied Power going with a GR Corolla. Especially being able to change the Torque Split.
The Outback XT has a 0-60 of 6-6.3 Seconds. So Subaru's WRX only offers Half a Second Quicker.. than a Lifted Wagon. Which Means a Cobb Accessport in a Outback XT makes you just as "Quick" as a Stock WRX with Little to No Effort. I mean.. It IS the same 2.4liter Engine.
If Subaru didnt spend money doing extra Stamping of the Fender/Qtr Panels, Whilst Designing "Flares" for the car.. While also doing "Extra Laser/Water" Etching to give the exposed plastic "Golfball Texture," That would have Left enough Money on the table to Finish Painting the Bumpers and Side Rocker Panels. I would know, I Run a Auto Body Collision Repair Shop.
Many of us, (Yes I own a 2022), would have liked Subaru to FINISH PAINTING THE EXTERIOR. Why? Because Sun Damage on exposed plastic, Because Shoe Scuff Marks on the Rocker Panels that Can't be Fixed Unless you Buy a whole new piece, when one could have just "Buffed" the Scuff off.
Don’t judge the car by the 0-60, do to the low red line you have to shift to third right before 60 which slows the time down a lot. Tuned with an increased red line you can stay in 2nd if set high enough. Plus with launch control you can cut the 0-60 down a lot
@@234567king At 45,000, You are in Audi S3 Prestige Package Used 2024 with 5k-10k miles. I just looked at carfax. A 25' Premium GR Corolla with 295ft lbs of torque has a $42,404 suggest price. A 2024 VW Golf R with less than 5,000miles for 46,000(Cargurus).
What are the Main similarities. New, Nice Interior, AWD and 300hp. The WRX is unable to compete by performance alone. And people, being the Egocentrics they are, the performance numbers are a factor when even considering the Type of Car.
@ why 45,000? Premium starts at 35,000
@@234567king And in 2022-23, the Starting Price for a GR Corolla was 35,900 with torque distribution adjustment at a dial.
My GR Corolla times also include a 2-3 shift. Still under 5s!
Liking the introduction of the pocket sand throwing “dude double”…
As a 2018 wrx owner, I feel Subaru lost its way with the current gen wrx. It's way too expensive and the value is not there. Most people I know looking at the wrx feels that for a bit more money they can get a more performing car in other brands. Current wrx only has its name going for it. It excels at nothing
Yah, like an integra type-s or a golf R are only 10k more than a nice WRX
“It excels at nothing” except for excelling at literally everything compared to your car 😂 oH tHe pLaStIc ClAdDiNg
While your manual has the viscous coupling AWD, the CVT version doesn’t. Its system is much more FWD-biased. That’s one of the main reasons so many are still sold with manuals.
I believe that's the opposite. The CVT WRX has unique awd system (not shared with other CVT Subies). It's nominal split is 45:55!
just picked up a 2021 wrx limited with 30k miles on it. i really don't like that the vb generation doesn't have a spare tire and that massive infotainment screen looks too intrusive. no regrets other than some payments that i can manage! came from a legacy 3.6r and i love the raw feeling of the va wrx.
for the rising MSRPs the HP should be in the 310-315 range ... charging more for less is a crime ...
Nice video! I have a 22 wrx stage 2, paid 8500$ for brembos and sti trans swap, it’s going in next week. A shame Subaru didn’t make it themselves.
I also have a 25 type r allocated… will be a hard decision once it arrives which to keep considering I’m in Montreal with lots of snow…
The new WRX is probably one of the last affordable awd sports sedans. I simply can't get past the unpainted exaggerated plastic trim. It's like the designers forgot they were no longer working on the Crosstrek 😂
I’d agree but the new car is really making me question what affordable means🙃 Maybe they’ll listen and fix that with a mid-cycle refresh!
@@Realisticklet's hope so, it would make the price increase feel justified
Don’t forget the swollen rear plastic bumper
If you’re going to get a CVT WRX wouldn’t it be better to just get a Legacy XT? Worse handling but better comfort, more room overall, and much cheaper insurance. Still a decently fast car. The insurance on my WRX costs 2x what the insurance is on my Outback Onyx XT. That being said, I don’t regret buying my WRX. After all, you can’t get a new Legacy as a manual 😅.
I worked with a dealership for a legacy and all I had to do was show up to dealer and sign the paper work.. they pulled up in the legacy and I took one good look at it and told them to get that thing away from me. I took a look on my left and saw 22 wrx limited fully loaded and drove that baby home.. so no I would not get a legacy that’s heresy buddy
They are always sold for way under MSRP where I live.
I absolutely love my 2023 WRX premium. Only cost me 32k and it’s the most versatile car I’ve ever owned.
I paid 39,000 otd for a TR last week in CA. Was worth it to me for the Brembo's and Recaro's
The WRX is fine, I was considering one back in 2021 when I bought my Kia Stinger GT.
The problem with the WRX is how slow they are. They haven't gotten any extra power since 2001. The WRX should have 350 horsepower to offset the extra weight it has gotten.
my WRX has 350 hp and yours can too , that is if your not a warranty wimp...
@curtvesely5886 The WRX warranty barely exists as it is. But those Boxer engines need some money invested into them to make sure they don't blow
@@BicBappy-u9o I've had an 09, 15 and now a 22, all have been tuned by Clark Turner and I've never had any engine trouble. What I don't do is drive them like a moron with launching and slam shifting, if thats what you want to do you bought the wrong car. Ford will gladly sell you a Mustang so you can launch and rip shift your nuts off. You can use it without abusing it and it will live a long and happy life with 100 more hp and torque. I've done it 3 times...
In 2001 they made 227hp.
Present car actually makes around 280-285hp at the crank.
Still, I agree they should boost it up a bit.
😂 I Love watching your videos....Good Job on this one too🙏😊
🤟
No pining for the past. I've driven since new a 2020 WRX base. Bought it for $28k. Overall, great car with flaws- crap brakes, stock tires and interior with a broke seat height adjustment, center consile
Finding a WRX below MSRP is very possible, whereas you'll pay at least 10-20k over MSRP for a Type R.
But yeah this car should be 32k max.
I'm not a fan of that tablet console in wrx. I don't want to flip through a dozen pages just to turn the heat on.
WRX has physical climate control temperature buttons that are located literally next to the screen, lol
Groovy you is right. Toyota and Honda dealerships experience is bad. The last Honda dealership I went to was like going to a DMV; really bad.
Oof walked out of the dealership right after Thanksgiving 2023 with a new premium wrx for 33k otd
I want the Premium WRX... but what i need to know is... i hear maintenance is wild when it comes to cost! Is that true?
Yes Subarus in general require more maintenance due to their awd system. But it also depends on the model as well in terms of “problems” or things needed replaced sooner.
2 years on my 22 wrx with no issues. only reason I go to Subaru is for oil change
@@AngryMountainMan i can live with that
@@THEREALTJP maintenance cost isn’t any more than any other comparable brand (Toyota, Mazda, Honda, etc). Every other brand has AWD on half their vehicles nowadays as well, so that really isn’t anything valid anymore to consider for cost. The main thing I’ve noticed cost wise is how high the insurance is. Expect to pay 2x what an Outback or Legacy would cost for insurance.
The front and back
Looks like 2 different cars have been bolted together
More stock power = higher MSRP
I THINK the WRX is for people that don't mind doing their own work. Lower upfront cost n you make it as fast as you want it to be. If you only care about stock power well pay for it. Buy the Golf R or GR Corolla. They already have the upgraded parts.
The problem is that the WRX is only cheaper the GR Corolla in one trim now. I appreciate the WRX for how good of a daily it is and the tuning overhead is great but it's not $30k anymore. I have a hard time recommending it to people who want performance because spending that much to then sacrifice your warranty and put money into parts that could even lower the resale is tough. I'd recommend buying one used if that's your plan.
Is there a new vehicle sold without all these now standard safety Nannie’s?
"Pocket sand" had me rolling.
The biggest problem with the car is that it doesn't have an STI version.
Biggest problem is no hatch. No STI can easily be fixed with a tune.
@@janoycresnova9156 Nope. Still no STI awd, no STI bulletproof short geared trans, no hydraulic steeering, no STI brakes (although I think TS has brembos). Have nothing against a tune, but engine is only part of the problem.
It's a but older but the 2017 STI does have a larger engine as well so a tune can't change that either@@wlcrgt
Subaru has built a great daily all weather driver w a sporty feel. It does seem to me they are dumbing down the enthusiast market and feeding the average Joe a bit too much now and rising the prices, which many manufacturers are doing, especially since covid. At this point it is a bit of an excuse to gouge, sadly. I had the OG '02 WRX and modified it all over. It was a true hotrod! I am disappointed w this new push towards generic and also electric vehicles....and then a hefty price tag. YOU are going to lose many die hard customers Subaru. As far as Hondas and Toyatas go, they are also car cults of personality and I don't find them attractive. I am still more inspired be well developed older designs, like a Nissan GTR or an Infiniti Q50 RedSport for instance. My 2017 Infiniti QX50, with the 3.7L and custom exhaust, wheels, intake, is fast and very useful in all weather. Car companies are really shooting themselves in the foot all too often these days and they truly need to step back and take a better look outside of their own design studio heads!
honeslty lack of Rev-match is why im not looking at a WRX> I love manual but i also spend a LOT Of time in traffic going 1-2-3, back to 2, then maybe 1 to creep along, and its just a PAIN anymore after doing it for 30+ years.
Rev match isn't gonna help you creep, a torquey 6 or 8 cylinder that's happy to putter around in 3rd is the cure.
That’s the fun part of a wrx, shifting. Appreciate it now because there will be no manual transmissions in like 10 years
Jesus Christ. I bought the 2022 Limited in February 2023 and MSRP was only $36k
Oh that's dumb.
Getting rid of the base model is just mean and kind of dumb they will probably lose market share because of that.
I drove a 2023 and was shocked at how slow it was compared to the GR Corolla and especially the Golf R. It feels like it hasn't improved since 2002. The steering is much worse than the previous generation. With the new pricing, it isn't at all the bargain that it should be. Almost $50K for a TS borders on insanity.
"Borders on insanity" you just described Subaru lol
You buy the premium trim for 30k then a tune to reach 300hp. There. Already gr corolla level in terms of speed since that's what you compare even tho they have different AWD systems
@nicksim9154 except that G16E GTS motor in the GR has proven its self in the Yaris overseas. A stock block hit 798whp without breaking. That boxer is throwing rods to the moon way sooner than that.
And yeah the AWD system in the GR blows the torsen Wrx out of water. GR is on par with Evo 8/ 06 STi handling
@@thehitman8663 Agreed. I'm saying the GR is on a different level than the WRX. The new boxer can make gains as shown in project midnight. I just don't thinks it's accurate to compare the two even most people do
This car is so ugly that it knocked itself out of contention for my dollars on looks alone.
not getting it for the right reason then 😂
Got my 24 premium for 31k OTD and I’m happy with it.
Needs a dual clutch auto with 320hp and i will buy one.
I guess I can understand the price increase starting at the Premium. My 2020 Premium lacks the driver safety tech, the tablet, USB-C, keyless ignition, a subwoofer, anti-reflective side mirrors, wireless CarPlay, and .4 fewer liters of displacement in the engine. It does sting a little to think that $36K would get you an STi in 2020, though.
I rally mine on the weekends. That’s why I bought a WRX.
The price increases and "safety" tech I don't want will probably move this down the list for my enthusiast use case. I'm glad I got a 22 BRZ without the eyesight and adaptive cruise, even though I daily it.
as someone with the 2023 limited, im bored of the car and ive only had the car for 4 months
Too many easy upgrades to get bored, unless you don't like to mod.
Then you would get bored with any car. Good luck
Shame how bloated the rex has gotten over the years. I’m fully convinced they’ll axe it at the end of this generation due to a “consumer shift towards SUVs”
Yep, it's Toyota's way of making sure their GR lineup has a clear shot at success. Just price the WRX to oblivion and not improve it for 10 years.
It really does feel like all companies will kill their sports cars by overpricing them.
The men in their 20s that used to buy these cars are SOL
@@spunkush It's also possibly due to the fact that all these companies basically have to pay a fine for every sports car sold due to emissions. Thank the government for that.
@anthonyng3014 i definitely blame the "fuel efficiency " regulations and the like
I visited my local Subaru dealer a week ago to take an Ascent for a test-drive. When the sales person was fetching the Ascent, I sat in a WRX in the showroom. I was really smitten. I don't dare take one for a test drive...but I really want to...
And they put the same engine in the Ascent.
wrx or mazda 3?
I made a whole video about that question! If you want comfort and refinement more than raw handling capabilities or a manual transmission, you should go Mazda3… but there are some nuances to that.
@@Realistick seems about on page from what I heard.
now I’m looking at the Elantra N vs wrx? Heard only good things for elantra n but also that the wrx is really underperformed stock and some simple upgrades can really bring the life out of it and possibly surpass it? it’d be daily but if one is can become/is a way more drivers car i might just sacrifice the convenience factor for it to have more fun on the occasions weekend for backroads.
I would only buy a WRX that is 2020 or older.
After you drive an STi it is impossible to go back to a WRX. Just my 2 cents
2:27 destroyed all the subie bros 🤣
The previous gen looks so much better they ruined it .
The WRX should've been a hatchback, that black cladding diaper is hideous. Or we should at least get a Crosstrek WRX but a Subaru is completely out of consideration until they give us back physical climate controls and make the touchscreen much more responsive. But when has Subaru ever actually listened to what we wanted.
Still take the WRX over the GR .. just a Cobb flash will put down 300+whp.. that’s around 360 crank hp, I really like how the new WRX drives and handles!! The GR engine takes alot of work to get there!! So I wonder what the 2025 GR will cost next year?
GR has more tuning overhead than you’d think, especially if you do the valve springs. Still $40k with front/rear LSDs and big brakes after the refresh so I don’t see it going up much the next year unless tariffs actually tear up the market.
@@Realistick True, but you don't have to do the valve springs with the WRX. Just an intake and a tune can get a WRX to like 380HP safely. GR corolla takes way more work to get there.
@@djsir901 I think that 360 number was more accurate but that is true, it's definitely easier if power is the big concern! It's remarkably good for tuning.
@@djsir901 The transmission life gets destroyed by doing that to the engine though
I have a TR and got it at a good discount. Love every minute of it. If i want STI level HP, that is possible with a few mods, but i never feel like i need it. 6 speed, built in Japan, AWD, Turbo, with proper handbrake. TYPE R is nice but FWD. GR carolla is cool too
Check various videos on TH-cam where the 22+ WRX is on the Dino - 4 HP less than the ‘21 STI - plus better torque delivery……..this car is excellent despite the popularity of criticisms. I love my ‘23 Premium. The tS is over the top price-wise.
So apparently the WRX is better on track than the TypeR and GR. The GR would overhead way too fast, and the WRX could go lap after lap without issues.
according to what?
said nobody ever, WRX is bottom of the barrel for sports sedans on the track
I need to go find the video, I just watched it. I was surprised as you were....
and it spies on you!
awesome
Problem with pricing forgot to mention on this video.
WRX: 5000 off MSRP
GRCorolla/Type R: 5000 on Top of MSRP
I addressed that twice. Subaru dealers rarely discount below invoice unless they are absolutely desperate so I would not anticipate 5k below. Also, coming from someone who owns a GR Corolla and contemplated buying another, MSRP is the norm now in a lot of regions. Civic Type R is still a shit show but not impossible to get at msrp in some regions😅
@bmanboogie got my 2025 GR corolla for 39k 800 under msrp. The markups are over. That's coming from a regional toyota rep friend. They are forcing dealerships to sell it at MSRP unless if they don't want any allocations for it anymore.
@@thehitman8663 That is good to hear that rediculous mark-ups is over. I got my 2023 WRX Premium for $33K OTD (CA tax) about $5200 off MSRP.
@@Realisticksorry, missed that part of the video ✌️. I was trying to figure out the dude that came out of the trunk lol. Great review.
@@thehitman866339k otd?
When a WRX costs $46,875 in the tS trim, it loses any credibility of being considered an option unless you're a diehard Subaru fan who wants all the bells and whistles.
$47,000 can get you an an Elantra N for $34,000 with a manual and you save about just under $12,000 and the Elantra N has far better performance than the WRX at 276hp-289lb-ft. The GR Corolla is $39,000 for the Core trim and has 29 more horsepower and +15-38lb-ft of tq more than the WRX and if you want the Premium or Premium Plus trims, you can get those between $42,000 or $46,000 respectively and save $205-2,685 respectively.
The MK8.5 Golf R with no manual transmission any longer for the 2025-2026 model years has inched the same price point as the WRX tS, but has more horsepower and torque making 315hp and 288lb-ft more justifiable over 271hp and 258lb-ft. The FL5 Civic Type R has 44hp more and 52lb-ft more over the WRX tS and if you can find one at MSRP, why would you want the WRX over the CTR outside of crying for AWD?
As a curveball, the DE5 Integra Type S is $6,000-$7,000 more expensive than the WRX tS at $52,000-$53,000. However, I'd argue that if you can look past the Integra Type S for not having memory seats, the ITS way more car for the money and the most powerful amongst the competition at 320hp and 310lb-ft. Based on the everything Subaru is doing with the WRX as a whole, if you don't need AWD and if you don't live in cold climate states and Canadian provinces, who is Subaru targeting at this point other than people saying that the brand's stigma is for Lesbians and vape apes?
Then you should buy a GR or an Elantra but instead you hang around here wishing for stuff you can't have. The powers that be at Subaru read all these boards but only when they need a good laugh....
@@curtvesely5886 Who says I can't have it? I can have this if I want to. I just choose not to want this because this isn't for me.
Whoever is interested in it, this is for them.
bang for the buck was thing when prices were reasonable ....
I would choose the Honda SI. Seems like a much better car to live with day-to-day with a little extra. I might even choose the new Civic hybrid over this.
What’s up with the ugly wheel arches
This car is awesome. I bought a 24 Limited in October for $39k OTD. First Subaru. Pocket sand stays undefeated. 🤘
That’s an amazing deal, congrats!
Should have bought the STI when you had the chance.
Brembos, suspension, diffs, transmission, BBS wheels, wing and better looks. Seems like a steal now.
Edit: Oh, and better resale value.
these silly high MSRPs are why I'm not buying the New WRX ...
Answer the GTI.
that touchscreen is such a deal breaker. it looks so bad and performs bad apparently.
Looks 10-15 years outdated to be honest. Horrible for 2025.
Tell us more
I think I read in the manual for the wrx that it can actually take regular gas at the cost of performance, even some forums online have a lot of people that say you can run regular and the engine (the 2022 version and up anyway) would trot along just fine for miles on end
2:28 .......yes
I really love my 22 Premium. I put a little extra time into it and added 90 lbs of sound deadener that covers the entire roof, most of the floors, the spare tire well, the rear deck, most of the trunk, and all 4 doors. This was more for the high quality sound system that I added as well. I don't care if I lose one-fourth of a second in the quarter mile. It's NOT a race car, it's a daily!
No car should be more than 40k without LSD
Buying a new wrx doesn’t seem like a good idea considering its competition is better like the Elantra N or GR Corolla. Very happy I purchased a used VA wrx because in my use case it has everything I need say for the ability to make 500hp.
I cross shopped this with the 2025 civic si. I chose the Honda for a few reasons. Better fuel economy, more reliable engine, but not perfect, better looks lol, and seems to have better interior quality. Just my opinion.
I owned a 2018 Si and had great fun with it. It is very tunable and pretty good stock. That 1.5L engine is fine but will still suffer from oil dilution. Change your oil every 2500 to 3000 miles and you will be ok. DO NOT go longer. for my daily commute, before serious mods, I got around 40mpg. And it was fun.
The Honda Civic Si is reliable IF..... you do not tune it and just leave it stock.
@@RodofAllTrades You can tune it. I did and drove it 80,000 miles. But you can't drive it like an idiot. If you are the type of person that breaks bolts and drill bits, then don't tune it. lol.
@@artblackwood7936 I was tuned with TSP stage 1.5 running 93 w/27WON CAi, Mishimoto FMIC, ACT clutch, and ARP head studs. 24.5-25 lbs of boost. Head gasket blew quicker than without ARP head studs. I had a shop do all the work as well, spent thousands. I also lost 4th gear in my stock trans. I put a used tranny in it and traded it in. I don't break bolts and drill bits. Not really sure what that has to do with anything.
bruh 2 years ago the base was 29k
2024 and 2025 got WILD (though i think it was only 29k before destination)
The WRX doesn't just equal its competition after tuning it slaughters them. And it doesn't have any of the cooling issues of the GR Corolla.
I’m all for modding cars to fit your preference, but that should be more out of passion or practical usage (track build) than to make up the difference with a similarly priced car. The GR Corolla only has awd cooling problems at the end of a 15 minute session for me (it’s fixed with a transfer case cooler and programming tool for about $3k). You’d overheat the stock brakes on a non tS WRX well before the awd system cooks on a GR Corolla.
@@Realistick The thing is it's not similarly priced if you do it correctly. I mean I know we are talking new cars, but I bought my 22 limited with 14k miles for 29k. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than a GR corolla, and now I can throw 3k into the engine and smash it on a straight line at least. We are up to 32k with mods and I have more power which is IMO more fun on the street than suspension and breaks etc. But even if you wanted to mod those parts and throw another 6k at it youre still significantly under the corolla, with more power. I'm not really sure what the used GR market looks like but I'm guessing they are holding value better due to hype.
The problem is, WRX way back used to scare Porsche etc on back roads, now they’re just not quite up to par with the competition.
@@Togairu They don’t their value like evos yet (unfortunately, as I own one…), but I do agree, if straightline speed is your biggest concern, a used WRX is the way to go. No warranty to really fret with bolt-ons and the hit in resale is already taken. I’d still recommend the GRC if you want a more fun car that handles better with some ps4s tires! I really want to make a video comparing a modified WRX to a GR Corolla someday.
@@Togairu Why are you comparing used prices to new? There are so many intangibles and risks in used cars. It's apples and oranges. Just like modding vs. no modding. Modding requires extra time/effort, introduces risks, voids warranty, likely causes lower reliability in the unmodded parts of the car, etc. Brand new stock at these prices, the WRX is a DOA or only for Subie fanboys.
Mexico gets the WRX wagon and that's what I want.
I had one for years and it was great!
Just sneak over the border, two wrongs make a right, right
YES!, I want a WRX!
But I would prefer it as the hatchback.
No, I don't want a car that needs premium fuel!
No, I don't want to get in/out of a car that low.
....
I guess I don't really want a WRX after all!
This is exactly why I'm in an Outback XT currently. Yes, it's far too long, but the Outback XT is the true sleeper (both figuratively and literally as you can sleep in it if you're under 6ft3) as most drivers on the road will treat the OBXT like a slow slug.
@@anthonyng3014 NO!, I'm NOT trading in my OB XT either! And I can tow my boat with it!
The WRX tS is going to be DEAD ON ARRIVAL (DOA) once it hits showroom floors and dealership lots. No one is paying that kind of money for a WRX that isn't worthy of being bought at a price the old VA gen 2021 WRX STI Limited and 2020 WRX STI Series White have cost 3-4 years ago.
Until/Unless Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America gets their heads out of their asses and make a last-minute ditch effort calling an audible and bring back the STI on the VB gen WRX platform and willing to take a risk and go to an automaker like Porsche who has a 2.5T Flat Four Boxer engine that makes 350hp and 309lb-ft that would be a worthy usage for a VB gen WRX STI, even if they can bring the STI Division team back just for 3 model years from 2026-2028, there is no reason to bring a next gen WRX after this WRX's current generation because no WRX and WRX STI fan and owner is asking for a hybrid CVT-only WRX, nor a remote control transmissionless WRX STe EV because that is not what those cars are all and it is not where their roots lie with this car.
The mid-cycle refresh WRX will be coming up for the 2026 and 2027 model years. If there is no return of the STI (and it CAN NOT be a car that says it's an STI from the other side of the world without STI's actual hands being involved in the work making it a REAL STI), then kiss the WRX goodbye altogether after this generation because this will no longer be Subaru's bread and butter vehicle.
If its any consolation to you guys, in my country they are offered at USD 44k for manual and 49k cvt. And I bought mine for even higher, cause of the exchange rate. I know I overpayed massively 😅 but the car is so much fun. It made me enjoy the bad weather, haha
Anyone paying 50 grand for a golf is really crazy!!! R is the most overrated car ever. I owned both a mk5 and mk7 golf R and my ‘23 WRX is way more fun to drive. All three had manual transmissions.
prefer the si better shifter and build quality subaru maintance very expensive nice reveiw
Mazda 3 hatch.
What about them?
It’s one of the ugliest cars in the market.