@@calebsullivan5869 As a WRX owner I am very familiar with the vaping, flat-brim wearing stereotype, but never knew they were especially popular with military personnel. Hmm. I’ll pull over to the side of the road and think on that.
I was there, 3000 years ago 🥲, I remember the absolute fully optioned 2009 sti was about 44 thousand and I thought that was unbelievably expensive! We had just under 50 come in that August, they all sold within 2 weeks 😮. And they still look incredible!
The newer base model WRX is in the low to mid 30s, and has the exact same power train as the more expensive models, except the top GT trim that comes with a CVT. I think Subaru intentionally left the ceiling open for enthusiasts, because there are those who have done very slight modifications to achieve 400hp without having to bolster any part of said power train.
I sold new ones at a dealership back in 2003 and 2004 and they were like $29k at that time. And we only sold one to a kid who burned the clutch up and was livid it didn’t have a warranty on it. Big college town too. I was always confused why people didn’t want them. I thought they were pretty good until ya lined up beside a SS Fbody
I mean, most things are more expensive now. Think about it though - the STI debuted in the US in 2004 for $32,000. That's $53k today adjusted for inflation so really it seems that the fun Subaru car has actually gotten cheaper. Too many people don't take into account how much your dollar is actually worth today vs even 5 years ago.
the reason the panel looks so small on the screen between the two gauge clusters is because the cruise control mode is currently active, the information gets larger when you close out of that
The rear cladding saved my kid an expensive body shop visit. A coworker backed into his car at work, seriously dented the cladding. A heat gun and some pressure from behind popped it out, and the textured gray hides the slight scrapes well. If his had been a 21 or older, that would have seriously scratched up a gloss body color painted area.
the TR has no performance upgrades, yet is the “high performance” model? You pay $9k more for a sunroof delete, slightly better brakes and recaro seats? Id rather buy a fully speced out 2023 TRD Camry
*I actually like it. It looks like a big toy. Except for the taillights, they look good in 2014-2015 time, not that sophisticated in my opinion and very much like Civic and their BRZ.*
Rumor has it from a recent podcast (can't remember what auto media the guy works for) that Subaru is already in the works to bring it back. Obviously it would be a very early stage for now considering Subaru said they would bring the STI back in some kind of electric fashion. I think they've seen the performance hybrid sports cars are achieving and working on that platform, instead of a fully electric car. The enthusiast hybrids right now are ridiculously fast and fun to drive, right up a sporty Subaru customers' alley.
@@feo130 obviously car buyers want horsepower in sports cars. There are countless examples of cars that have been hugely successful by offering more power.
I hate how car companies are going to touch screen for everything. Physical buttons work a lot longer and I'm guessing car companies now do this for two reasons to either charge you costly repairs or basically coerce you to just buy a new car after 6 years and the tech is falling apart
Subarus are tuner cars, they don’t need a lot of power from the factory, you modify it to your needs, but the one thing that everyone seems to forget is these are meant for all weather and road conditions fun, not just your perfect weather weekend days only, but gravel,rain, mud, and snow is where they really shine, every body always, and I mean always want to compare the Subaru to the other cars only in perfect weather conditions, and usually drag racing, which is the worst thing that Subarus do but still are pretty good at doing that too! Doug you need to get with O’NEIL RACING when ever you back on the east coast, be a awesome collaboration!
Doug, you were a partial reason I got my '22 WRX after your '22 video. I have a Premium 6MT that I paid $30k for in 2022. I just cannot get behind spending $13K more for a car that has the same exact power as a stock '22. I get it has nicer headlights, better interior, drive modes; but is that really worth $13K when I can spend a lesser or equal amount modifying my '22 and it will have more power? I just don't think so. I could buy a second full drivetrain (engine, transmission, ECU, diffs, axles, etc.), get my car to 400whp, and still have money left over before buying a TR.
@@LingLing1337It already is. It used to be the crosstrek was a lifted Impreza, now the Impreza is a lowered Crosstrek, as evidenced by the plastic cladding which is a more crossover like feature.
I bought a new 2018 WRX Premium and after a year I felt it was under powered and it had some major issues (Transmission issues and Pitch Mount Broke, needed major service engine removal to be fixed) It was one of the best handling cars I ever had, but I very much regretted it and wish I spent my money on something else. I won't be going back to a newer WRX anytime soon.
I leased the same car, had the exact same experience. Amazon handling but very underpowered, engine and transmission issues. Had an S5 after turning it in - felt like a rocketship in comparison. In early 2000s WRX was as quick as an S4, that’s what was so cool about them.
@@xtrekrex while that might be, new cars shouldn't have engine mounts on their firewalls peel off. For that reason alone I will steer clear. No hate to ya'll though, its a personal choice.
Its funny you said that, because I immediately thought "Geez, this looks just like a cheap rental car" It looks cheap inside and out. I cant believe they want 43K for this
Been a fan and a follower of all your content/channels/podcast that have come 'n gone and evolved since day one. After all these years, there is still one minor thing slowly eating away at my sole; as a guy who loves marketing and branding - Please utilize the empty box of the top left hand corner of "the doug score" with your logo, lease it to an advertiser, put a smiley face there, place a different puzzle piece on each upload that potentially takes the entire year for us devotee's to decode, but please don't leave an empty space where millions upon millions are watching year after year... something.... anything, Doug! please. thank you for all the excellent content. :)
Got my 2023 Base WRX for 29k. Can't beat it. So much fun and the plastic cladding is just fine when my gravel/dirt roads throw up dirt and rocks. saves me from rock chips on paint.
The car industry today is like Alternative Rock bands in the 1990s...make a bunch of $$ then O.D. or kill themselves. probably because they are all being bought by liberals...it figures. might as well name a new EV..."Nirvana". However, Elon Musk remains a mystery...perhaps it was his idea to make a cash cow and bail out all the time...just like David Geffen.
@@ImARealHumanPerson But What's the median? I don't need the price of a new Bugatti, or something as common as a Lexus, factoring into our conversation about Subaru.
I'm one generation ahead of Doug and his take on the WRX is exactly mine. I have a '24 Limited and while it's only been a few months, I can say it is nearly perfect for what I want. I really like the technological amenities and the large display but I most especially like that they don't have anything to do with how the car drives. Eyesight is a really nice feature when you want it and it's easy enough to turn it off when you don't. Adaptive cruise is a stress reliever on the freeway and the car is totally analog on backroads. I had the opportunity to drive an Ioniq 5 N recently and it's an incredible machine. But there's too many functions. Get in the WRX and drive. It performs as well as you want it to based entirely on your own inputs without any setting changes required.
@@ABarancic look at the 400 plus cars. Rs3 is right there, brand new 68+ thousand. Subaru knows it can price it up there. My opinion it have 330hp or just enough to beat type R stock for stock cause again my opinion that’s the best 4cyl engine out there from Japan as of now. With this hp range maybe sitting around 50k maybe. Trust me I’d love to have a 400hp sti from factory cause I a die hard Subaru guy even I have a Gr Corolla my 07 sti is my favorite. I just don’t think that the hp will be that high from stock. The aftermarket is where the fun will begin and I’ll be right there ready to void my warranty lol 😂
They were thinking the same thing as every company. “Raise the price and they’ll HAVE to pay for it because of supply chain issues or some bull crap.” That’s kinda how we got where we’re at! We just take what they have to offer. No one complains and that’s why we ALL have to pay that price.
I have a 2023 WRX premium. I love it. Where I live it was it cost me $37,560.00 with sunroof and upgraded sound system. The Honda Type R was $53,890.00 with dealer mark up. No brainer! The MSRP on the type R was $46,870.00 before dealer mark ups.
As someone who had posters of Imprezas on my wall growing up and have had a couple over the years, and am in the age bracket and financial position where I can finally afford new ones this is one of the last cars I want. It isn't what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
What makes a Subaru a Subaru? Is Subaru not allowed to change/evolve? I’ve noticed the people who hate the vb are usually the ones who are big fans of the older wrx’s. You guys sound like the old “get off my lawn” fogies. I personally think a lot of the older ones look like basic boring dorkmobiles and I like the looks of this one.
@@hkfan4596what brand new car with recaros and brembos can you get for 35k let alone 28k? You can’t even get a Miata with those add ons for less than 40
Car nut here. I watch read car news info all the time. I drice a 02 nb miata. I will put 20 k into it before i spend that money amon a new car that,i dont like,is over complex and expensive. The simplicity,pureness and enjoyment i get cannot be matched.
You didn't mention that the Grand Touring trim has a CVT, not a regular automatic transmission. If it had a DCT like the Elantra N or a regular torque converter like the 2025 GR Corolla, some of us wouldn’t mind.
My 2014 Outback has a CVT with over 110k miles. Never had an issue with it, and in a 2022 Outback, it feels way better. The WRX also gets a CVT that’s been upgraded to shift just as fast as a DCT without the same level of mechanical complexity or unreliability.
Smart move my Subaru, get rid of the STI and say you won't make another, only to make up a new STI model replacement that costs the same and likely there will be real STI that's even more expensive out soon.
The WRX is a wonderful vehicle for the price point. I went crazy and bought a brand new 2024 WRX Limited. I absolutely love it. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.
TR stands for Tuner Ready, not Track Ready. That's why it was the base trim during some of the GD generation. Now it makes sense for TR to stand for Track Ready but Subaru hasn't said that's what it now stands for.
I work at a Subaru dealership so Ive gotten to drive the base model and the TR, and the conclusion Ive come too is the TR is for people who want a upgraded WRX but cant or wont modify their base model. The interior in the TR is nicer but not nice enough for that price bump. What reinforces this opinion is that most people who get the TR also option it with a STI short shifter. A $700 add on. Anyone with some mechanical skill and a free day could put on a short shifter for half that on their base WRX
To change the time on the center gauge cluster screen you have to become a Master Freemason and change it by rotating the Apprentice Pillar from the gear housing below Roslyn Chapel.
@@michaelgonzalez3059 No. A majority of the vehicles in the Subaru fleet share a majority of their parts aside from drivetrain. The pre-2015 WRX's shared the shame frame and platform as the Impreza. After 2015, the frame and platform mechanically changed.
I ended up going with a GR Corolla premium. (Had to travel for MSRP). But if the the WRX was a hatch and looked better and maybe had 300 - 320 HP then it would have been on my short list. Just can't get over the looks. When it's that expensive and you could have the GRC for msrp fairly easily if you're willing to put in a little work I'm not sure why you'd pick this gen of WRX nowadays. Looks are subjective sure but the GRC is the faster car and more exclusive if that's something that matters to you.
We’ve had an Ascent Touring for a few months now (same engine) it’s very quick and feels like it’s not being overworked either. I can only imagine how it must feel in a much smaller and lighter vehicle! ❤
I drive a Bugeye WRX and I feel it’s the best looking WRX not just because it’s the one I have but it simply has the most personality to its look and charm. Plus it’s a fantastic daily driver
@@andrewolson4280 I used to have a 2003 yellow Bugeye. My first and most loved Subi…I’ve owned 4 total including my current 2018 WRX. Damn I miss my Bugeye.
@@4gedcarbon537 right?!?! I got mine a few months ago for $5k with a little over 200k miles but she’s completely stock and has been very well maintained as all the previous owners were a family who gave me complete maintenance records and along with the car for only $5k, she also came with a full set of snow tires and wheels ready for this winter.
I like how, during the driving section, Doug's passed by two Outbacks, both of which slowed down a bit to check out the WRX. Nice. Also I love how it looks. Man, I promise I'm not doing this on purpose, but lately I find myself NOT one of the cool kids disparaging car designs these days. I think so many look slick and eye catching, then I get online or watch videos and everyone's trashing them. They're clearly designing them with me specifically in mind. Sadly I have a brand new truck for the next three years, so no new car for me.
🔥 You wish you had a Porsche, no worries, get the WRX/STI and enjoy that sweet Boxer/Rumble sound. It mimics a Porsche and a Motorcycle - Simply an amazing Car .
It’s been some time since they released the new WRX and man it still looks ugly. I’ve gotten used to the nee kidney grill on the BMW 4 Series but the WRX I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it
IMO car looks fantastic, the black cladding fits the car perfectly well, love the BRZ-ish tail lights, the handling is fantastic. We gonna miss this car sooner or later
I love the review Doug, and I agree with you about the styling! It really has grown on me, specifically the magnetitie metallic gray looks awesome with the plastic cladding. It still has some kind of a presence on the road. Yes some may hate it, but it can't be denied that they will check it out. It was great to hear your take on the engine and its performance, which I was still sort of wondering about after so many lukewarm reviews. For me, I would rather take the auto, as I grew very tired of my heavily modified 02 WRX hatchback, with regards to how much I had to clutch it and burn the clutch due to mad traffic. Now I am finally living back in NY state and still going into NYC, so I would still be annoyed with shifting. I thought from the review it would be higher on your list with the Doug score, but as I said I loved the review and you hit many sweet spots and great points to consider, which do make this a really nice choice!
The new VB wrx is underrated at horsepower and makes around 250 to the wheels stock and can compete with the Sti on a roll, and these make 320 wheel with just a tune and intake
Needs the STI 6 speed and it would be golden. That is the Achilles heel of the current WRX especially with the big power the 2.4 can easily make. These engines can be tuned to push 325 HP and 370 torque at the wheels… without any parts being added or changed. Transmission is probably crying though…
The third brake light you mentioned is actually a standard light on vehicles outside of the US. I added one to my 2018 WRX. Funny thing about the vaping on the way to the military base; I live and work near a base. I see a mix of WRXs, Civics, and massive 4x4 trucks on the base.
was kind of expecting a higher DougScore, given how you've built the car up when you touched on design and performance ;) but i'm happy you touched on some some features found on new Subarus like the infotainment system & the seats as i'm a proud Crosstrek owner, and wanted to know your opinion on this.
@@oversteer6771 Subaru left the ceiling open on the newer WRX. They cut the turbo down to like 12.9 psi at sea level while pairing it with a bigger, beefier motor. It's been over 2 years and so far I haven't heard any horror stories from modders, compared to the yearly carnage stories we had prior.
