I have had two different RX8s (long story), a Focus ST, a Focus RS, and a 17 Mustang GT Premium before I got my 22 WRX Limited. I specifically chose this car over my Mustang which I can't believe I am saying but trust me when I say this VB is being slept on. I've done the research and in terms of what you get out of this car versus what you put into it, I think this VB is the perfect project car. I'm really a JDM guy at heart so I can't wait to see what it's full potential really is once bigger turbo kits start coming out and a lot more R&D has been done.
I have a limited, the 10 way power seats are nice, just don’t understand why they didn’t put at least 4 way power for the passenger. The Harmon Kardon sound system is very good, just wish it had a real eq to make it better. Everything else you said about the car was spot on. Great video as always 🤘
It's cool you mentioned the rumble. I just got the MBRP Single Exit catback for this car, and as a former FA20 owner I was surprised that at the low end, it actually has a burble to it similar to the old STI and WRX with EJs. It's not the same, but it's got a sort of low pitched rumble that changes to a louder hum when in higher RPMs. In my opinion, it may even be BETTER than the old Subie rumble, because it gives you the rumble but ALSO an exciting smoother scream at the top end.
Great content , I have a 2023 limited ( weekend driver ) . Upgraded stereo is great however deep base songs cause some interior plastic parts to vibrate , power seats are a definite plus , I’m an older guy and need the lumber support . Agree with tires and great idea to buy used ones with low miles from other owners . The front grill does come in gloss black as an after market , I think import image racing sells it , I was going to buy it but it’s not on top of my list . It’s my first Wrx ( been driving Subies for 20 years , love the brand and community. Oh a big pet peeve , with radio , need to change the volume notifications when u change it up or down it shows in way to many places ! Oh and with Satellite radio , when u click on a station and it shows that u can pause , fast forward or replay , it needs to go back to original screen with out touching it a second time . Otherwise love the car , community, very happy I bought my dream car . 🎉
I love so much about it, but had to fix a few things. Had to fix some rattles and squeaks, had to swap the grille from that grey to JDM black, wireless android auto dongle (still not ideal), shift stop (have the shift plate and bushings ready to install), and add my own little custom things to work... Only thing I hate is the infotainment system with the giant screen. Wish it wasn't as laggy and if the bezels weren't so huge. Wish I had wireless android auto natively. I don't like the digital HVAC. Love everything else. I have a valvetronic exhaust, straight catback when valves are open, quieter than stock with valves closed. Have a big list of things I did, but the (currently working on) e-tune and exhaust are my favorite thus far. Absolutely great car.
I'm in the market for a new car and test drove a VB yesterday (Live in Iowa and want AWD for winter). You are absolutely correct about the shifter. I've owned a handful of Si's (B and K series), and the way the stock vb shifter feels is horrendous and alarming. Great car though, fun to drive, and still planning to purchase
I agree the screen function and setup isn't the best. Wish they would have used the home screen space better with hvac controls to be single touch activation on all buttons/ options. Instead of having open new windows and hit the red X on top right to close. I've had a couple times where the screen just went black and didnt respond 😬. I have to go to the dealership to update the software, it's a current recall. I'm glad I paid for the Harman Kardan upgrade though. Great sound.! Love this car regardless, so many great things about it. Best vehicle I've owned.
I'm waiting for someone to come out with a grill I like. Have you seen the Cobb cat back that Import Image Racing featured on their channel? Man, it sounds and looks awesome, I was leaning heavily towards the AWE but I found out it's like super heavy.
Hey man, awesome points on the video! Not sure if you're aware but there's a guy making solid linkage CNC shifter replacement for these cars, Dark Matter X. Pricey but look into it.
Don’t really hate anything about the car, if I had to nitpick ; cold weather = squeaky clutch spring, trunk shoots open fast as heck, comes standard with summer tires and I live in midwest 😔
I agree with the shifter stop. I bought it, but haven't installed it yet. So far i just put on the Perrin front brace and the pitch stop in, it did make a difference which is good.
They are both great options. It just comes down to what you want to do with it. Both are great tuners, the GTi does come with the DCT which is fantastic. Of course the WRX is. AWD. I actually am planning a vs video between these 2 like I did with the Corolla and civic. Even though I am a WRX owner I have no bias towards the competition. Id say drive em both, and if you don't have snow, maybe the GTi is for you! If you have any snow, the WRX is a lot of fun to drive in it with proper tires 🤘
Waise- look into using the voice command to control your a/c , fan speed, temp . Its like the best thing since sliced bread. I use it snd its made life so EASY without looking at the giant tablet screen. You will thank me. ❤😂
I dunno. I have the 11 speaker Harmon/Kardon on mine and was a bit disappointed. Because, my 2011 Legacy had an 11 speaker Harmon/Kardon that I think was way better. I think the Legacy system was better tuned for the car. The WRX sounds too much like it’s coming from the dashboard, instead of the center of the car. Adjusting the front/rear balance to compensate doesn’t really help. The speakers in the rear doors seem weak. The system in that Legacy was the best sounding system I ever had; and not just in a car, but period.
@@AlanAnt That's interesting to hear. My mom has a 2020 Legacy limited that has the harmon/kardon and i think it sounds exactly the same as the one in our car. I do agree the sound sounds like it's coming more from the front, but once i set the balance towards the rear I thought it sounded amazing. Maybe the systems used to be better and they have cheaped out on newer models? If that's the case I guess it's true that ignorance is bliss because this system sounds amazing to me haha
@@HeavyMetalWRX I actually got a premium just had the option for the sound system. it was pre built on the lot and under msrp. also had sti short throw, splash guards (which i took off for rally armors), moonroof. I didn't think it was worth the extra money just for the seats, and I think those angle eye DRLs in the headlights are a bit too much.
I sold my stock wheels but I agree, they are very nimble and sticky tires. I want to get a summer setup with some similar wheel and rims. Isn’t there a JDM stock grill that is black? I thought I saw the Australian version is black or the Japan version.
There was an update just released for the infotainment system that provides bigger buttons, and one touch buttons for the heated seats. Supposed to be done at the dealer, but there is a thread over on /r/wrx_vb on how to do it yourself.
I don't "hate" anything about my '22 that I've had for a year now. Things I greatly dislike are: lack of an oil psi gauge, goofy turn signals, the touch-screen in general but especially the HVAC controls while driving. I'd much rather have simple and reliable buttons and switches. I wouldn't mind if the ride was a little bit less jittery. Otherwise: great value for the $ 👍
HATE: dead steering feel. idk why Subaru fucked that part up so bad. No one wants dead numb steering in a performance car. Steering feel, and shifter feel is the two most important, engaging fun factors and first impressions on test drives .
I have both but have been a bit hesitant on removing my Perrin super shifter stop. I think that may be my next upgrade..just so I could see how it feels.
@@HeavyMetalWRX I actually just did the shift plate in my '21 and the difference from the stock one is astounding. About 30% shorter throws, but the firmness and weight is what makes the biggest difference.
Whew that's very subjective! Hahah or always loved world rally blue, but I owned one already. This gen id say Orange, red, white is top. Then the gray, silver and black, then the 2 blues.
Is it worth spending the money for the bigger screen? I think I can live with the ugly 7" but I am not 100% sure, that is my biggest problem in choosing trim.. The base just seems like too good value to pass up but I just don't want to regret it.
I too enjoy the fender flares. Though I do wish they were a bit wider. Coming from a VA, I like the VB a lot more. Plus, I always tell people I really dont care what a car looks like if its fun. Im not staring at it from the drivers seat! The only thing I hate about my VB, aside from the seat belt chime, is the damn dash rattle I randomly get at the upper left side of the dash. Hoping to get that resolved when I install my Cobb mount. But that'll have to wait as my car is about to head out for trans surgery 😈
@HeavyMetalWRX Yes, I haven't ordered it yet because I can't find the center cap that covers the hole for the camera, and I am worried that painting it won't be the same.
I turned it off the first day I got the car. Just insert and remove the seatbelt like 20 times within 30 seconds when turning on the car in accessory mode.
@@chewy6367 yea I do need to turn it off but usually when I'm in the car it's a belt wearing situation 😂😂 it hasn't bothered me too much, I have. 5 yo who is usually talking at the same time 🤣🤣
@@ibeJomes easy to do- just Google it for the procedure to turn off THE WORST seat belt warning ever. Also you can go into the screen menu and turn off the stupid "check backseat" warning every time you turn the car off.
The WRX shifter can feel great but it's about $400 worth of upgrades or so before it does. I. Not sure if it's better than the stock civic SI. At that point it may be in par. It will be shorter though.
They updated the software for all of the Climate Control stuff and heated seats on the car, if you have a USB, i can send you over the files and you can update it yourself! It fixes all of the issues you're having!
Yea I actually plan on doing that when I get back from vacation. Going to make a video about it and derail the changes. I think I saw on reddit but yes if you don't mind sending me the link at heavymetalwrx@gmail.com and I'll watch for it!
Also not as mod friendly as it should be thoe, cant replace the stereo......🤬 Common subaru. And the touch screen heating and ac... Pls stop it. Not safe
Yea that part is definitely an issue at the moment. When I meant mods I meant more like performance. I do hope we get more updates to the headunit to make it faster / easier to use.
Its my understanding nhsta is doing some safety studies on touch screen hvac in cars and may deem them unsafe. God i hope they do. I dont want a better head unit in the car i want to replace it. I knew what u ment thoe.
