Hi Mike, been watching your channel for a while now, but just came across this video as I was eating breakfast. It’s great to see someone learning and enjoying the art of driving a manual enthusiast machine, as they slowly slip away from our collective consciousness. 😢 I’ve been driving manuals for about as long as you’ve been alive, but the points you make are spot on. Driving a manual simply takes a bit more patience - or passion, really - to be willing to shift with the good and bad. I was a Mustang guy through and through (still am, really) and I drove my ‘91 Foxbody Mustang GT (it had a 347 stroker in it at that point) from Rochester, NY to Detroit/Dearborn, MI for the Ford Centennial Celebration. While overall it was an amazing experience (I had some connections and got to see some really cool stuff that the SVT had/was working on at the time), driving through Detroit rush hour in a manual was one of my least enjoyable experiences. 😂 I used to drag race (at the track only) my Foxbodies. Back then, a good driver could outperform any typical “slush box” auto. But now, even at a spry 52 years young (depending on the day 😅), most autos out there would put even the most dedicated manual drivers to shame. The DSG in the GTI is a fantastic transmission. I test drove a Mk8 2024 Autobahn. If VW didn’t do the whole capacitive thing and no lights under the sliders below the infotainment screen, I’d probably own one right now. That said, I think I made the right decision. Two days ago I took delivery of a car I’ve been drooling over since the late 1980s, even before it was available on American soil. I purchased a 2024 WRX TR in World Rally Blue Pearl. I was in HS the first time I ever saw pictures or video of Tommi M. piloting the Impreza WRX in WRC races, and I was hooked. Sadly, no STI so far this generation. Grumblings say that the next one may be hybrid (I’m ok with that) or all-electric (I’m not ok with that yet - USA doesn’t have the infrastructure in place for coast to coast charging capacity). While the TS is intriguing, I don’t want electronically controlled dampers. I’m more of an old school purist that way, plus if one goes wrong, be prepared to donate a kidney or something to get it fixed. 😂 As far as drive modes go, manual drivers have infinite drive modes in their shift knob and gas pedal. And it’s free. 😂 I know you like to do long runs in your WRX, you recently said in your TR video that you would’ve loved to have it in Western, NY along your fall foliage run. If ever you feel like you might be heading out this way, let me know. I’m retired, and would love to go along some twisty roads with you. Heck, that’s the reason I bought the WRX. I’m bored out of my mind. I’ll travel to you, it’s been forever since I’ve been to MA. Take care and keep putting out the great content! 🤘😎🤘 #savethemanuals #WRXnation #Subigang
A great video brother. I own a 2020 WRX/STI. My Bluebaru. I get compliments on Bluebaru all the time. I love the burnt orange 🍊 color of your WRX. I just subscribed. Subies forever.
I've been leasing my 2023 WRX Sport (it's the Premium trim here in Canada) for over 7 months now, and I couldn't be happier. It's a far better daily driver compared to my 2011 Tuned WRX STI. I have already taken my '23 WRX on several road trips (I usually cover over 1000KM in a single day on my road trips), and I am pleasantly surprised by how much quieter and smoother it rides compared to my old STI. That being said, I do have a couple of minor gripes, and they are similar to yours. The interior has too many rattles for a new car, the base audio system is BAD, and yeah, I agree with you about the power. It's more than enough for daily use, but I can't help but miss the punch of my tuned STI. BTW the 2024 models have wireless CarPlay. Great vid!
It’s inevitable, sadly. As gearheads, we always want more. I almost leased my ‘24 WRX TR instead of buying because then I couldn’t modify it. But with that 3.9% Subi is offering right now, it’s basically free money. My plan is to keep mine stock (performance wise) until Subi lets us know what’s going on for the next iteration of the STI. I’ll decide from there what I want to do. 😈
Great video. I'll add my 2 cents, which is I am 50/50 on my 2023 WRX Sport Tech with a 6MT. This is also the first time im driving Manual in 22 years, which the car is very forgiving to get back into. I would say that the ride is smoother/more comfortable than my 2021 WRX with a CVT, however i liked how the '21 handled better. I also dislike the truck opening shape, as it is narrower at the bottom than the previous generation, which means wider items have to be slid in from the top. The biggest issue I am facing is that the driver seat is uncomfortable for sitting in for prolonged periods if time, the seats in my last one were more comfortable and I find that my back hurts after sitting for more than 30 mins.
Great review of our car 😊. We’re 1000 km into our 23 WRX 6MT Orange Sport-tech, and love it, especially in the snow with winter tires. Very happy we went with orange instead of black. What a great vehicle for the price point. No disappointment in getting rid of our Mercedes C43 AMG coupe. We like the WRX better !
Have just over 7k on my 23 premium. I only have three main compailnts. First, as many as said the braking leaves something to be desired, plan on adresssing that soon, and the turn signals! 🤬 still drive me insane. I also HATED the stock exhaust. Already adressed that and it sounds WAY better. Other than those I love it. Like you said though everytime I take it on a back road eveything is forgiven! 😂. The suspension and chassis are so well tuned! and the engine is plenty punchy kicking you out of corners. Has been reliable as well.
I own a 2023 WRX premium. The only complaint that I have is that the gears, especially first gear is too short. The car has plenty of power to have longer gearing in first, second and third. A higher red line would be nice. Mid range power is excellent though.
Great review - i have had mine for three months as well and agree with everything you said. One thing: let’s be careful with wireless apple car play. My ‘23 didnt have it. I put one in for $70. It worked great. I took it out a week later and went back to wired…..the wireless apple car play eats phone batteries, especially with Waze active. I ended up plugging it in anyway for charging, so………
Good summary. I've had my silver 2023 for 10 days and am really enjoying it. Just wish it would stop raining. My biggest agreement with you is on the screen and the distraction. It's overwhelming, and I have not figured out how to go back to my presets or completely understand the temperature. For some things, I think it was better to have physical buttons, switchers, levers etc. Not everything needs to be on a screen! Since I'm still in the break-in period, I have driven pretty conservatively so far. The engine feels strong, but has a very different character than my old 2002 WRX. It's got more low end power but doesn't have the rush of turbo pull that my old one had. It's heavier and feels more mid-size. With the 6 speed, it also feels like the shifts are far apart. That's a mod I'd be tempted to do...get the shift kit that shortens up the distance between the gears. With the factory warranty, I'm inclined to leave mine stock. It's plenty of car for me. I may buy another set of rims for all season tires and switch the tires in the fall and spring. I thought it was an odd choice by Subaru to have the car come with summer tires. I'm actually curious about using all seasons on the 17" wheels and the summer tires on the 18" wheels that came standard on the premium.
Appreciate the thoughtful review. Subbed. Also, if you want to make a trip to PA, I have a ‘17 WRX with the AWE Touring edition exhaust and no other mods aside from a short shifter and tint.
I am on my second Subaru forester. It is a 2022 it is ok, The 2.5 engine works fine and the CVT does ok. I liked my 2012 forester better. It was more low tech, four speed automatic, manual parking break, mechanical power steering, No eyesight, no auto start and stop. Easy to work on. It never once let me down. The oil consumption was about 1 quart for every 1,300 miles at 160,00 miles on the engine.
great video! im considering getting a wrx as my first manual shift car and your videos have been super helpful. fyi - the 2024 wrx finally gets wireless apple carplay :)
Thanks man! The WRX has been a great first manual car and it's lack of driver assistance features makes it even better. Selfishly hoping Subaru does an over the air update like Honda where we get wireless apple CarPlay on the 22 and 23 model years but I'm not holding my breath lol.
Thanks Matt! 3k miles in I'm averaging about 22-24 mpg. It will vary if I'm commuting through the city, but it's remained rather consistent doing mixed driving. Highway only I can get 26+ mpg if I drive conservatively.
I’ve owned both 22 wrx prem and 23 integra aspec tech, both manual. Interior and exterior styling goes to Acura, awd and power goes to WRX. That power though kills your mpg compared to the Integra. I live here in Pacific NW, so we have more rains here and the awd really helps with the traction though the Integra did pretty good with it’s lsd but I still got the occassional wheel spin if I pushed it too much. But to be honest, it just depends on what you want and your taste. Power can be overlooked if you know how to drive a Honda engine. If you are into modding, then the wrx has more aftermarket support and having the bigger engine have more potential. The 1.5t Honda can be tuned but it will/might shorten the lifespan of your engine. Both good cars!
@kikomanster8188 Good objective reply. I got a 24 Civic SI and I love the WRX too. But the steering and connectedness to the road is just spot on. Yeah wish more power but this is my first manual so this works for me.
@@asdpoi121 that’s another thing that I like with Honda/Acura is they know how to setup their steering feel and weight to it that makes it feel more mechanical while the wrx is indeed very darty when you move the steering wheel but it is very light (barely any feel for the road) and less effort to turn it but you can just feel the awd traction keeps you on your path like your are on rails while the Integra does understeer more therefore you have to play with the accelaration to push/keep it on point.
I'm happier with my decision to go with Solar Orange now than even when I first picked it up. I'm a bit desensitized to loud colors on cars so it's something I've definitely adapted to. It certainly grabs attention in one way or another lol. Car get stares all the time no matter where I am
I consistently get 24-25 mpg but I work and commute outside the city so I’m mostly on the highway or in the suburbs. Lowest I’ve seen is just under 22 mpg
Been averaging between 22-24 mpg. City driving does lower the mpg's quite a bit but my typical weekday commute is mostly on the highway or on backroads with relatively low traffic volume.
My best is 31.4 on the highway driving VERY conservatively. This was according to the Fuely app between fill-ups. I have found that the car’s trip computer is usually off by at least -2mpg, not in your favor. Lifetime since owning it, about 1 year is 25.8. I’ve had it on 2 road trips and I’m at 15,000.
Also just hit 3k miles on my 2023. This video pretty much sums up my thoughts perfectly. This car has me looking for excuses to go for a drive
Hi Mike, been watching your channel for a while now, but just came across this video as I was eating breakfast.
It’s great to see someone learning and enjoying the art of driving a manual enthusiast machine, as they slowly slip away from our collective consciousness. 😢
I’ve been driving manuals for about as long as you’ve been alive, but the points you make are spot on. Driving a manual simply takes a bit more patience - or passion, really - to be willing to shift with the good and bad.
I was a Mustang guy through and through (still am, really) and I drove my ‘91 Foxbody Mustang GT (it had a 347 stroker in it at that point) from Rochester, NY to Detroit/Dearborn, MI for the Ford Centennial Celebration.
While overall it was an amazing experience (I had some connections and got to see some really cool stuff that the SVT had/was working on at the time), driving through Detroit rush hour in a manual was one of my least enjoyable experiences. 😂
I used to drag race (at the track only) my Foxbodies. Back then, a good driver could outperform any typical “slush box” auto. But now, even at a spry 52 years young (depending on the day 😅), most autos out there would put even the most dedicated manual drivers to shame.
The DSG in the GTI is a fantastic transmission. I test drove a Mk8 2024 Autobahn. If VW didn’t do the whole capacitive thing and no lights under the sliders below the infotainment screen, I’d probably own one right now.
That said, I think I made the right decision. Two days ago I took delivery of a car I’ve been drooling over since the late 1980s, even before it was available on American soil. I purchased a 2024 WRX TR in World Rally Blue Pearl. I was in HS the first time I ever saw pictures or video of Tommi M. piloting the Impreza WRX in WRC races, and I was hooked.
Sadly, no STI so far this generation. Grumblings say that the next one may be hybrid (I’m ok with that) or all-electric (I’m not ok with that yet - USA doesn’t have the infrastructure in place for coast to coast charging capacity).
While the TS is intriguing, I don’t want electronically controlled dampers. I’m more of an old school purist that way, plus if one goes wrong, be prepared to donate a kidney or something to get it fixed. 😂 As far as drive modes go, manual drivers have infinite drive modes in their shift knob and gas pedal. And it’s free. 😂
I know you like to do long runs in your WRX, you recently said in your TR video that you would’ve loved to have it in Western, NY along your fall foliage run. If ever you feel like you might be heading out this way, let me know. I’m retired, and would love to go along some twisty roads with you. Heck, that’s the reason I bought the WRX. I’m bored out of my mind. I’ll travel to you, it’s been forever since I’ve been to MA.
Take care and keep putting out the great content! 🤘😎🤘
#savethemanuals #WRXnation #Subigang
Mike. You are an excellent presenter. Keep up the great content.
Thanks man!
A great video brother. I own a 2020 WRX/STI. My Bluebaru. I get compliments on Bluebaru all the time. I love the burnt orange 🍊 color of your WRX. I just subscribed. Subies forever.
The 24' has wireless apple car play/android auto. Also they have the regular turn stalks as well as USB-C
I've been leasing my 2023 WRX Sport (it's the Premium trim here in Canada) for over 7 months now, and I couldn't be happier. It's a far better daily driver compared to my 2011 Tuned WRX STI. I have already taken my '23 WRX on several road trips (I usually cover over 1000KM in a single day on my road trips), and I am pleasantly surprised by how much quieter and smoother it rides compared to my old STI.
That being said, I do have a couple of minor gripes, and they are similar to yours. The interior has too many rattles for a new car, the base audio system is BAD, and yeah, I agree with you about the power. It's more than enough for daily use, but I can't help but miss the punch of my tuned STI. BTW the 2024 models have wireless CarPlay. Great vid!
It’s inevitable, sadly. As gearheads, we always want more. I almost leased my ‘24 WRX TR instead of buying because then I couldn’t modify it. But with that 3.9% Subi is offering right now, it’s basically free money.
My plan is to keep mine stock (performance wise) until Subi lets us know what’s going on for the next iteration of the STI. I’ll decide from there what I want to do. 😈
👍😊👍 Nice perspectives, thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
Great video. I'll add my 2 cents, which is I am 50/50 on my 2023 WRX Sport Tech with a 6MT. This is also the first time im driving Manual in 22 years, which the car is very forgiving to get back into. I would say that the ride is smoother/more comfortable than my 2021 WRX with a CVT, however i liked how the '21 handled better. I also dislike the truck opening shape, as it is narrower at the bottom than the previous generation, which means wider items have to be slid in from the top. The biggest issue I am facing is that the driver seat is uncomfortable for sitting in for prolonged periods if time, the seats in my last one were more comfortable and I find that my back hurts after sitting for more than 30 mins.
Glad you’re enjoying the WRX, great video Mike. 👌🏻
Thanks Kenny!
Great review of our car 😊. We’re 1000 km into our 23 WRX 6MT Orange Sport-tech, and love it, especially in the snow with winter tires. Very happy we went with orange instead of black. What a great vehicle for the price point. No disappointment in getting rid of our Mercedes C43 AMG coupe. We like the WRX better !
Have just over 7k on my 23 premium. I only have three main compailnts. First, as many as said the braking leaves something to be desired, plan on adresssing that soon, and the turn signals! 🤬 still drive me insane.
I also HATED the stock exhaust. Already adressed that and it sounds WAY better. Other than those I love it.
Like you said though everytime I take it on a back road eveything is forgiven! 😂. The suspension and chassis are so well tuned! and the engine is plenty punchy kicking you out of corners.
Has been reliable as well.
I own a 2023 WRX premium. The only complaint that I have is that the gears, especially first gear is too short. The car has plenty of power to have longer gearing in first, second and third. A higher red line would be nice. Mid range power is excellent though.
Great review. You sound like you have the same expectations and wants that I do.
Nice Video. I love mine. Nothing like getting on it when your not in traffic.
Thanks for the video. The 2024 does have the wireless carplay/android, as well as Eyesight.
Great review - i have had mine for three months as well and agree with everything you said. One thing: let’s be careful with wireless apple car play. My ‘23 didnt have it. I put one in for $70. It worked great. I took it out a week later and went back to wired…..the wireless apple car play eats phone batteries, especially with Waze active. I ended up plugging it in anyway for charging, so………
Good summary. I've had my silver 2023 for 10 days and am really enjoying it. Just wish it would stop raining. My biggest agreement with you is on the screen and the distraction. It's overwhelming, and I have not figured out how to go back to my presets or completely understand the temperature. For some things, I think it was better to have physical buttons, switchers, levers etc. Not everything needs to be on a screen!
Since I'm still in the break-in period, I have driven pretty conservatively so far. The engine feels strong, but has a very different character than my old 2002 WRX. It's got more low end power but doesn't have the rush of turbo pull that my old one had. It's heavier and feels more mid-size. With the 6 speed, it also feels like the shifts are far apart. That's a mod I'd be tempted to do...get the shift kit that shortens up the distance between the gears. With the factory warranty, I'm inclined to leave mine stock. It's plenty of car for me. I may buy another set of rims for all season tires and switch the tires in the fall and spring. I thought it was an odd choice by Subaru to have the car come with summer tires. I'm actually curious about using all seasons on the 17" wheels and the summer tires on the 18" wheels that came standard on the premium.
Appreciate the thoughtful review. Subbed. Also, if you want to make a trip to PA, I have a ‘17 WRX with the AWE Touring edition exhaust and no other mods aside from a short shifter and tint.
I am on my second Subaru forester. It is a 2022 it is ok, The 2.5 engine works fine and the CVT does ok. I liked my 2012 forester better. It was more low tech, four speed automatic, manual parking break, mechanical power steering, No eyesight, no auto start and stop. Easy to work on. It never once let me down. The oil consumption was about 1 quart for every 1,300 miles at 160,00 miles on the engine.
great video! im considering getting a wrx as my first manual shift car and your videos have been super helpful. fyi - the 2024 wrx finally gets wireless apple carplay :)
Thanks man! The WRX has been a great first manual car and it's lack of driver assistance features makes it even better. Selfishly hoping Subaru does an over the air update like Honda where we get wireless apple CarPlay on the 22 and 23 model years but I'm not holding my breath lol.
Enjoying the WRX content a I'm comparing this to a Integra 6MT. I'd like to hear about MPG's after 3000 miles though.
Thanks Matt! 3k miles in I'm averaging about 22-24 mpg. It will vary if I'm commuting through the city, but it's remained rather consistent doing mixed driving. Highway only I can get 26+ mpg if I drive conservatively.
I’m looking at a Acura Integra with the manual gearbox. Yes it’s less horsepower but I need active rev match and I don’t want a black interior.
I’ve owned both 22 wrx prem and 23 integra aspec tech, both manual. Interior and exterior styling goes to Acura, awd and power goes to WRX. That power though kills your mpg compared to the Integra. I live here in Pacific NW, so we have more rains here and the awd really helps with the traction though the Integra did pretty good with it’s lsd but I still got the occassional wheel spin if I pushed it too much. But to be honest, it just depends on what you want and your taste. Power can be overlooked if you know how to drive a Honda engine. If you are into modding, then the wrx has more aftermarket support and having the bigger engine have more potential. The 1.5t Honda can be tuned but it will/might shorten the lifespan of your engine. Both good cars!
@kikomanster8188 Good objective reply. I got a 24 Civic SI and I love the WRX too. But the steering and connectedness to the road is just spot on. Yeah wish more power but this is my first manual so this works for me.
@@asdpoi121 that’s another thing that I like with Honda/Acura is they know how to setup their steering feel and weight to it that makes it feel more mechanical while the wrx is indeed very darty when you move the steering wheel but it is very light (barely any feel for the road) and less effort to turn it but you can just feel the awd traction keeps you on your path like your are on rails while the Integra does understeer more therefore you have to play with the accelaration to push/keep it on point.
@kikomanster8188 spot on. Again, as you said, each has its strengths, and it depends on the driver and where he feels the exhilaration.
Why do you need the active revmatch? Rev matching is part of the fun. It only takes a week or two of practice to have it down.
If your considering the AWE exhaust, check out RAE Motorsports as well.
What do you think about the orange?? Regrets? Compliments?
I'm happier with my decision to go with Solar Orange now than even when I first picked it up. I'm a bit desensitized to loud colors on cars so it's something I've definitely adapted to. It certainly grabs attention in one way or another lol. Car get stares all the time no matter where I am
I want the WRX station wagon (Levoreg) sold in the US,......but in manual transmission......😮
I'd even be willing to except a hatchback at this point lol
What has been your average MPG?
I consistently get 24-25 mpg but I work and commute outside the city so I’m mostly on the highway or in the suburbs. Lowest I’ve seen is just under 22 mpg
How’s the gas mileage been for you ?
Been averaging between 22-24 mpg. City driving does lower the mpg's quite a bit but my typical weekday commute is mostly on the highway or on backroads with relatively low traffic volume.
My best is 31.4 on the highway driving VERY conservatively. This was according to the Fuely app between fill-ups. I have found that the car’s trip computer is usually off by at least -2mpg, not in your favor. Lifetime since owning it, about 1 year is 25.8. I’ve had it on 2 road trips and I’m at 15,000.
Leaning toward integra type s
Also; I turned the Starlink OFF! I like more privacy.