I’m 58 and I’ve had muscle cars, a GR86, Honda Civic Si, etc and this car is my favorite by far to date. The engine is under-stressed allowing for mods while still being reliable with AWD drive and is practical as a daily driver. I have a complete Stage 2 kit with a custom tune putting out 340HP and 432Ft-Lbs of torque. I have about 16k miles and I’ve had no issues and the same mpg as I did before the mods. This car is the best bang for the buck today.
Dad of a one year old here. Have had WRX's since 2013 and 2 STi's. I recently got a 24 VB premium and it is an excellent car. Great drivability and feels punchy at lower rpm's. Feels great without having to lay into it for it to feel quick. More mature is a great description but you feel its soul as soon as you turn it on. I love these cars and cant wait to see the next gen STi!
Bang for buck, the VB is amazing. It's also fairly unique with how many manufacturers have killed off sedans and focused on boring SUVs. There are few cars within the price range that offer power and AWD, and that aren't boring. Kind of forced to pay another 10k for a base model offering with similar specs. Beyond that, the mod ability of the VB gives everyone the option to communicate their American individualism as cars are IMHO a prime example. We can absolutely embarrass ourselves if we're so inclined with a park bench wing, fake tow strap, and stick on plastics.
As an owner of a brand new one I would tell you it's an exceptional vehicle in every way. One issue is it has no front sensor. If the next model has a bird's eye camera and 300 hp it would be a perfect vehicle with icon status.
@@mattz2350 I'm not sure what you mean. Coming from a Chevy Cruze, almost anything would be a better driving experience. Plus, where I live, there's 3 months out of the year that don't have snow
@@5150-well I'm fine with no front sensor to be honest, I hate all of those tech add ons, they just inflate the price. I hardly even use my back up camera
I'm 60. I've owned several Subaru Outbacks. I owned a couple of Volvo 240's back in the 80/90's (those were fun cars to drive).... Finally going to own a VB and I am so happy to do so. The outbacks were for the family man lifestyle. Kids are grown up and the wrx arrives in a couple weeks. Looking forward to fun. My last manual was a 2001 Outback - guessing this will be loads more fun. Excellent reviews Mr Cerra
I’m 27 idk if that’s considered old yet but as an “older” young guy, I wanted the VB because it had so much potential. I’ve always loved Subarus so it was a no brainer to get a WRX when the opportunity came. When I show up to meets everyone says it’s ugly but the looks are actually really sharp imo. That being said I feel like once the next gen comes out people will suddenly love our gen.
The VB is my 4th WRX since my 02 bug eye. I don't see it as any less hardcore than the VA, other than it has hardly any steering feel and doesn't beat the hell out of you over bumps. It's still just as capable as far as I can tell. The ride quality is similar to the original bug eye, from what I recall. It's a great car, especially if you commute in snow.
Most kids can't afford a new WRX so it makes more since that it's aimed at the 40+ crowd. At 56, I love mine. It's a bit bouncy, but I'll fix that with some good coilovers. This thing is lightyears better than my VA STI. I also had a 2008 that I modded up a bit and LOVED... should have never let it go. The VB will be getting a bunch of stuff too.
Im 43 What i love about this car you mention too , i noticed when i first bought mine , how it captivates inside the cabin the feel of a truck to me seat hight and space i feel remind me of my days owning America older pickups but also the car has the handling and sporty capabilities you'd expect from a sporty car. For me this was a welcomed unexpected experience i don't think any other vehicle could deliver for me in this way.
My 2024 VB is my forth Subaru and second WRX. My first WRX was a 2005 hatch. That car was stiffer and punchier in first and second. The stock VB only starts waking up around 4000 rpms in second gear. So it's much tamer in town. The 2005 was an untamed little bugger. Always excited. And I miss that sometimes. The VB power is elsewhere... which is fine. It's stiff in a more comfortable way. Smoother, still precise, accurate and punchy from second gear onward. Seriously: mechanical AWD, great handling, manual stick, driver assistance you can turn off, a real hand brake... who else today makes anything so connected to the roots of driving and so perfect for the northern roads? An endangered species.
Just ordered the 2024 WRX Limited at 57 yrs of age…I gave my kids Mazda 3 cars, and I wanted to go back to a sedan myself after running an SUV Forester. Should be fun. I think I prove your point to some extent, being a Dad. And I don’t want to/can’t afford a BMW/Audi alternative you mentioned. I have had a manual Mustang and Fiat Spider long ago and this looks better…
A lot of what you speculated about as far as who this car is made for is true for me. I've made several modifications to my '22 Premium VB to fix some of its shortcomings and make it nicer to drive. This is my first WRX and its a really fun toy/weekend car - but I wouldn't want to drive it everyday.
I currently have a Chevy Blazer but I've really been looking at the new WRX's. I've never driven a manual car and would like to own one before they are gone.
Yes. I'm just shy of 50, and it has elements of being grown up and practical, with hints of what it might have been. I'd have preferred the STI if it was available. it's simply not as aggressive as other sporty cars I've owned like the first gen MazdaSpeed 3. But as an overall driving experience, especially since I have harsh winters where I live, it's very enjoyable. It's definitely not a race car by any means.
I'd trade my '23 Forester Premium for that WRX Sport Wagon Mexico is getting in a heartbeat. I honestly don't understand what Subaru is doing not bringing that car here to the U.S.
I’m 47 and have a 2023 Premium. I’ve had coyote mustangs, focus RS and currently have a RHD 1992 Toyota Soarer with a big single turbo 1JZ. For me, My VB is just a more matured, refined version of the VA. It’s also quicker and responds WAY better to mods than the VA. No way you are making over 300whp in a VA with just a tune but you can with the VB
As a 38 year old dad who is shopping for a vb wrx, I completely agree. The reasons you listed are why it's at the top of my list. Question: Are you going to get a catch can or AoS installed for engine longevity?
@dsc1596 I plan to keep it stock, and I've seen people swear it needs an AoS or Catch can, and others say it isn't necessary. I wish I knew. Currently I'm leaning no AoS for warranty purposes.
I'm 54 and I have owned a 2017 WRX and I now own a 2020 WRX/STI. I will keep my Bluebaru STI forever. The new VB WRX doesn't compare to my 2020 STI. A great video. Subies forever.
I also owned a 17 wrx then a 2021 STI after a Shelby GT350. The VBs motor is the best part about it for me. Everything else I can change to my taste but the motor being so far the best Subaru has made is a big plus.
That is true.. VA STI doesn't compare to the VB WRX. A VB WRX with just a intake (Yes, just a intake) + a tune will match the HP and have more torque compared to a VA STI with FBO + tune. FA24 DIT is a pretty special.. Tuners absolutely love it!
I test drove a VA a few years ago - but decided not to buy it because it frankly was too much car for the city driving I was constantly doing at the time. Then the VBs came out and man - the only way I could describe it is that it felt like my Subaru Legacy and the VA WRX had a child, was super comfortable for normal driving while still allowing you to have the fun you want I do despise the climate controls being on the touch screen though haha
35 and bought my 23 wrx about 6 months ago. Was in high school 2003-2007. Right at the end of the bug eye era. I was 16 and had just gotten my license when the 2004 sti debuted and it was THE performance car of its time. Unsurprisingly my parents wouldn't get me one! 😂, but proceed to get an 07 impreza and started to modify it like a wrx cause they were still on the same platform then. I loved my old car but now at 35 I'm really liking the more refined feel of the vb and it fits my lifestyle. At 16-20 all I cared about was speed and handling, didn't care about the harsh ride, cheap interior and all that other stuff. Now I have a daily 9-5 where I commute alot. The vb is WAY better of a daily driver and with the cvt, go ahead and mock me, you can drive it around town like a normal sedan and it won't beat you up. That said, When I'm not working I take it up on some backroads and get to enjoy that fun that I had as a teenager in my suped up impreza. It really kind of is a more mature wrx. It may not fit everyone's lifestyle but for me it's a great mix of practically and fun.
My only real complaint about my VB is that it is too subdued. It Needs a redline at least 6.5k, and needs more grunt. It has speed, you just can't feel it, as it's pretty refined. Oh and the engine mounts/pitch stop suck. They cause the car to kangaroo at low speeds. Subaru should have sacrificed NVH for stiff version.
Awesome. Your videos are always very informative, looking forward to it! I'm looking to purchase a WRX in the next month or so, so I keep checking in on your channel 👍 @@mike_cerra
Yep. I didn't buy a WRX until the VB came out and I'm also in my 30s lol. I really didn't like WRX's while growing up and it wasn't until this generation that everything came together. Sure I think the rear end design is a little questionable, but the rest of the car is a pretty great package for the price.
I’m 49 bought a gr86 as a second car. It was a bit too small for what I need. I sold it and bought a VB manual. I’m disappointed as a second fun car for me it is not. I need to try and get back into a gr86 hopefully with the performance pack
Interesting, was the GR86 just that much more fun? Did your needs change in terms of size? I just picked up a 24 WRX sport manual and its a blast. By far the most sporty car i have owned. Size def mattered for me being 6'6 so i needed space. Even with the sunroof i have lots of headroom and i dont feel like i have to roll out of the car. There is also pretty decent space in the seat behind me for a passenger for those few times i have more than one friend...
I liked EVERYTHING about the BRZ (2022+) other than the lack of punch. The VB WRX has that on tap. I would consider getting a BRZ again, but would have to supercharge or something.
@@matthewwain9958 it’s not a muscle car. It’s meant to be something you can enjoy around corners more than a straight line acceleration experience. It’s more fun to drive a slow car at its limit than a fast car slow.
@mike_cerra still didn't top 2021 and is still for 2023 it. was the 3rd lowest in sales figures. It only beat the brz and solterra. The legacy even sold more than it did and they are discontinuing the legacy.
@@ranran2218 the WRX has never really outsold Legacy even at the height of VA sales. Considering that the VB arrived during car shortages and delays, to bounce back in 2023 while all other competitors are struggling to provide inventory was impressive. 2021 was the final model year for the VA. It’s was an outlier as VA sales were slowing the 2 years prior.
@mike_cerra wrx outsold the legacy in 2021 fyi. The vb sales really aren't better than the va generation. Barely over 18k it's first year and now 24k for 2023. It's could very well be a car subaru kills off in the near future. No real need for it. Also wrx sales are down 30% from this time last year
@@ranran2218 yeah outsold the Legacy 1 year out of the last 10 so it’s not like the VB is doing any worse by that metric. 2022 was a car shortage year and the VB arrived in late March with limited availability until the summer. For 2024 we still have 8 months to go so I put little stock in 1st quarter sales especially since there was a gap between the end of the 23 model year and the 24’s going on inventory.
I’m 58 and I’ve had muscle cars, a GR86, Honda Civic Si, etc and this car is my favorite by far to date. The engine is under-stressed allowing for mods while still being reliable with AWD drive and is practical as a daily driver. I have a complete Stage 2 kit with a custom tune putting out 340HP and 432Ft-Lbs of torque. I have about 16k miles and I’ve had no issues and the same mpg as I did before the mods. This car is the best bang for the buck today.
Dad of a one year old here. Have had WRX's since 2013 and 2 STi's. I recently got a 24 VB premium and it is an excellent car. Great drivability and feels punchy at lower rpm's. Feels great without having to lay into it for it to feel quick. More mature is a great description but you feel its soul as soon as you turn it on.
I love these cars and cant wait to see the next gen STi!
Bang for buck, the VB is amazing. It's also fairly unique with how many manufacturers have killed off sedans and focused on boring SUVs. There are few cars within the price range that offer power and AWD, and that aren't boring. Kind of forced to pay another 10k for a base model offering with similar specs. Beyond that, the mod ability of the VB gives everyone the option to communicate their American individualism as cars are IMHO a prime example. We can absolutely embarrass ourselves if we're so inclined with a park bench wing, fake tow strap, and stick on plastics.
I'm 23 and I want a vb more than I've wanted any other wrx, and more than any other car that even exists. It just makes more sense than anything else.
It makes sense on paper, I really want it to make sense but it doesn’t I suggest you drive the car. For me it was the tipping point.
As an owner of a brand new one I would tell you it's an exceptional vehicle in every way. One issue is it has no front sensor. If the next model has a bird's eye camera and 300 hp it would be a perfect vehicle with icon status.
@@mattz2350 I'm not sure what you mean. Coming from a Chevy Cruze, almost anything would be a better driving experience. Plus, where I live, there's 3 months out of the year that don't have snow
@@5150-well I'm fine with no front sensor to be honest, I hate all of those tech add ons, they just inflate the price. I hardly even use my back up camera
This or a type r is what I’m stuck between lol
I'm 60. I've owned several Subaru Outbacks. I owned a couple of Volvo 240's back in the 80/90's (those were fun cars to drive)....
Finally going to own a VB and I am so happy to do so. The outbacks were for the family man lifestyle. Kids are grown up and the wrx arrives in a couple weeks. Looking forward to fun. My last manual was a 2001 Outback - guessing this will be loads more fun. Excellent reviews Mr Cerra
Loving my 24 WRX Limited !!!!! 1st time Subaru owner and for 39k it made sense to me.
I almost 50 and I just got a VB. I still own the 06 GD I purchased in my 30s. The car drives exceptionally well. They're great cars.
I’m 27 idk if that’s considered old yet but as an “older” young guy, I wanted the VB because it had so much potential. I’ve always loved Subarus so it was a no brainer to get a WRX when the opportunity came.
When I show up to meets everyone says it’s ugly but the looks are actually really sharp imo. That being said I feel like once the next gen comes out people will suddenly love our gen.
I'm 64 and drove the VB a couple of times. I'm definitely looking to purchase one soon.
So far ive only seen ppl 50+ driving them. They look like a sporty crosstreeck so it stands to reason.
The VB is my 4th WRX since my 02 bug eye. I don't see it as any less hardcore than the VA, other than it has hardly any steering feel and doesn't beat the hell out of you over bumps. It's still just as capable as far as I can tell. The ride quality is similar to the original bug eye, from what I recall. It's a great car, especially if you commute in snow.
Most kids can't afford a new WRX so it makes more since that it's aimed at the 40+ crowd. At 56, I love mine. It's a bit bouncy, but I'll fix that with some good coilovers. This thing is lightyears better than my VA STI. I also had a 2008 that I modded up a bit and LOVED... should have never let it go. The VB will be getting a bunch of stuff too.
Im 43 What i love about this car you mention too , i noticed when i first bought mine , how it captivates inside the cabin the feel of a truck to me seat hight and space i feel remind me of my days owning America older pickups but also the car has the handling and sporty capabilities you'd expect from a sporty car. For me this was a welcomed unexpected experience i don't think any other vehicle could deliver for me in this way.
My 2024 VB is my forth Subaru and second WRX. My first WRX was a 2005 hatch. That car was stiffer and punchier in first and second. The stock VB only starts waking up around 4000 rpms in second gear. So it's much tamer in town. The 2005 was an untamed little bugger. Always excited. And I miss that sometimes. The VB power is elsewhere... which is fine. It's stiff in a more comfortable way. Smoother, still precise, accurate and punchy from second gear onward. Seriously: mechanical AWD, great handling, manual stick, driver assistance you can turn off, a real hand brake... who else today makes anything so connected to the roots of driving and so perfect for the northern roads? An endangered species.
Just ordered the 2024 WRX Limited at 57 yrs of age…I gave my kids Mazda 3 cars, and I wanted to go back to a sedan myself after running an SUV Forester. Should be fun. I think I prove your point to some extent, being a Dad. And I don’t want to/can’t afford a BMW/Audi alternative you mentioned. I have had a manual Mustang and Fiat Spider long ago and this looks better…
A lot of what you speculated about as far as who this car is made for is true for me. I've made several modifications to my '22 Premium VB to fix some of its shortcomings and make it nicer to drive. This is my first WRX and its a really fun toy/weekend car - but I wouldn't want to drive it everyday.
That’s what I’m going for a blue VB wrx
I currently have a Chevy Blazer but I've really been looking at the new WRX's. I've never driven a manual car and would like to own one before they are gone.
Yes. I'm just shy of 50, and it has elements of being grown up and practical, with hints of what it might have been. I'd have preferred the STI if it was available. it's simply not as aggressive as other sporty cars I've owned like the first gen MazdaSpeed 3. But as an overall driving experience, especially since I have harsh winters where I live, it's very enjoyable. It's definitely not a race car by any means.
Just got mine couple days ago love it!😏
I'd trade my '23 Forester Premium for that WRX Sport Wagon Mexico is getting in a heartbeat. I honestly don't understand what Subaru is doing not bringing that car here to the U.S.
I’m 47 and have a 2023 Premium. I’ve had coyote mustangs, focus RS and currently have a RHD 1992 Toyota Soarer with a big single turbo 1JZ. For me, My VB is just a more matured, refined version of the VA. It’s also quicker and responds WAY better to mods than the VA. No way you are making over 300whp in a VA with just a tune but you can with the VB
As a 38 year old dad who is shopping for a vb wrx, I completely agree. The reasons you listed are why it's at the top of my list. Question: Are you going to get a catch can or AoS installed for engine longevity?
I'm 44 and also a Dad in the market for a VB. Is a catch can or AoS necessary?
@dsc1596 I plan to keep it stock, and I've seen people swear it needs an AoS or Catch can, and others say it isn't necessary. I wish I knew. Currently I'm leaning no AoS for warranty purposes.
I'm 54 and I have owned a 2017 WRX and I now own a 2020 WRX/STI. I will keep my Bluebaru STI forever. The new VB WRX doesn't compare to my 2020 STI. A great video. Subies forever.
In what way does it not compare to an STI?
I also owned a 17 wrx then a 2021 STI after a Shelby GT350. The VBs motor is the best part about it for me. Everything else I can change to my taste but the motor being so far the best Subaru has made is a big plus.
That is true.. VA STI doesn't compare to the VB WRX. A VB WRX with just a intake (Yes, just a intake) + a tune will match the HP and have more torque compared to a VA STI with FBO + tune. FA24 DIT is a pretty special.. Tuners absolutely love it!
I test drove a VA a few years ago - but decided not to buy it because it frankly was too much car for the city driving I was constantly doing at the time. Then the VBs came out and man - the only way I could describe it is that it felt like my Subaru Legacy and the VA WRX had a child, was super comfortable for normal driving while still allowing you to have the fun you want
I do despise the climate controls being on the touch screen though haha
What has happened to the steering wheel leather ? Our 2017 Subaru Outback has done the same thing - you should claim under warranty
35 and bought my 23 wrx about 6 months ago. Was in high school 2003-2007. Right at the end of the bug eye era. I was 16 and had just gotten my license when the 2004 sti debuted and it was THE performance car of its time.
Unsurprisingly my parents wouldn't get me one! 😂, but proceed to get an 07 impreza and started to modify it like a wrx cause they were still on the same platform then.
I loved my old car but now at 35 I'm really liking the more refined feel of the vb and it fits my lifestyle. At 16-20 all I cared about was speed and handling, didn't care about the harsh ride, cheap interior and all that other stuff.
Now I have a daily 9-5 where I commute alot. The vb is WAY better of a daily driver and with the cvt, go ahead and mock me, you can drive it around town like a normal sedan and it won't beat you up.
That said, When I'm not working I take it up on some backroads and get to enjoy that fun that I had as a teenager in my suped up impreza.
It really kind of is a more mature wrx. It may not fit everyone's lifestyle but for me it's a great mix of practically and fun.
I find it the pretty perfect balance all around car can do it all, like that a lot.
My only real complaint about my VB is that it is too subdued. It Needs a redline at least 6.5k, and needs more grunt. It has speed, you just can't feel it, as it's pretty refined. Oh and the engine mounts/pitch stop suck. They cause the car to kangaroo at low speeds. Subaru should have sacrificed NVH for stiff version.
best car in the world
Hey Mike, hoping to see you do a video on the 2025 WRX tS!
I definitely have some thoughts on the tS. I'm hoping to have some time this weekend to put together a vid
Awesome. Your videos are always very informative, looking forward to it! I'm looking to purchase a WRX in the next month or so, so I keep checking in on your channel 👍 @@mike_cerra
Yep. I didn't buy a WRX until the VB came out and I'm also in my 30s lol. I really didn't like WRX's while growing up and it wasn't until this generation that everything came together. Sure I think the rear end design is a little questionable, but the rest of the car is a pretty great package for the price.
I wonder if culture changing and the car seemingly being more mature is what their target audience is.
My grandma has the same car
Your grandma is a bad ass
'dubbyarex'
I’m
49 bought a gr86 as a second car. It was a bit too small for what I need. I sold it and bought a VB manual. I’m disappointed as a second fun car for me it is not. I need to try and get back into a gr86 hopefully with the performance pack
Interesting, was the GR86 just that much more fun? Did your needs change in terms of size? I just picked up a 24 WRX sport manual and its a blast. By far the most sporty car i have owned. Size def mattered for me being 6'6 so i needed space. Even with the sunroof i have lots of headroom and i dont feel like i have to roll out of the car. There is also pretty decent space in the seat behind me for a passenger for those few times i have more than one friend...
Buy a Mustang then.
I liked EVERYTHING about the BRZ (2022+) other than the lack of punch. The VB WRX has that on tap. I would consider getting a BRZ again, but would have to supercharge or something.
@@matthewwain9958 it’s not a muscle car. It’s meant to be something you can enjoy around corners more than a straight line acceleration experience. It’s more fun to drive a slow car at its limit than a fast car slow.
I mean the wrx is still not selling well so whatever they did, didnt work
Subaru sold 24,600 VB’s last year which is better than 2019 and 2020.
@mike_cerra still didn't top 2021 and is still for 2023 it. was the 3rd lowest in sales figures. It only beat the brz and solterra. The legacy even sold more than it did and they are discontinuing the legacy.
@@ranran2218 the WRX has never really outsold Legacy even at the height of VA sales. Considering that the VB arrived during car shortages and delays, to bounce back in 2023 while all other competitors are struggling to provide inventory was impressive.
2021 was the final model year for the VA. It’s was an outlier as VA sales were slowing the 2 years prior.
@mike_cerra wrx outsold the legacy in 2021 fyi. The vb sales really aren't better than the va generation. Barely over 18k it's first year and now 24k for 2023. It's could very well be a car subaru kills off in the near future. No real need for it. Also wrx sales are down 30% from this time last year
@@ranran2218 yeah outsold the Legacy 1 year out of the last 10 so it’s not like the VB is doing any worse by that metric.
2022 was a car shortage year and the VB arrived in late March with limited availability until the summer. For 2024 we still have 8 months to go so I put little stock in 1st quarter sales especially since there was a gap between the end of the 23 model year and the 24’s going on inventory.