Do I REGRET Buying A Subaru WRX CVT?? Does AUTO Suck? || WRX VLOG 6 

Who cares what people said, you pay for the car, drive what you want.

CVTs are actually rare. For every dealership I went to they had six manual wrx for every cvt one. CVTs are not making manuals extinct at least with the WRX. I think people are just mad Subaru gives an option to people. To me it's great to give that option.

As a fellow WRX owner, I don't feel that the CVT WRX owners need to explain their decision to me. I completely understand- if you only have one car that needs to be both sporty and practical, the WRX is a great choice, even with the CVT. And I'm sure that many will tell you that turbocharged engines and CVT transmissions go together like peanut butter and jelly, as the turbo can always stay on boost. Sure there is a slight weight penalty with the CVT, and some may feel that the car may not be as engaging to drive as a MT, but there will always be compromises.

driving a manual in boston... during rush hour... everyday.... you have to be crazy to do it.

As far as modding the cvt, it is very underestimated. Join a cvt page, alot of us have over 10k miles on a stage 3 tune. The torque is what kills, but if you get a cvt cooler and get a way to monitor the temps your goochy. They also make a torque converter (that ill never buy because $$$) but installing that bad boy you can almost double your torque no problem.

Growing up as a teenager and young adult (currently 27). I found myself bombarded with people who always said that driving a manual gives you more of a controlled rush over your cars performance. I TOTALLY get why people love manual transmissions. Let me be clear, IT DOES NOT SUIT ME. I don’t care to constantly have to use a clutch pedal along with the gas and brake pedal, especially in heavy traffic. I am a merchandiser so that means I drive quite a bit from store to store. I’ve always been a huge lover of Subaru’s. My first car ever was a 2008 Subaru Impreza, STILL HAVE IT TODAY. I love the WRX and will be purchasing one next year. Yes, I will get the CVT. I WANT the 268HP the wrx puts out, I want the symmetrical AWD because I live in the midwest, I want the majorly upgraded interior from the 08-14 generation Subaru’s, I want to be able to easily modify my Subaru to make it look sharper and more aggressive on the outside. If that makes me a villain, then call me evil. Manual transmissions just don’t do it for me.

I drive in traffic about 50 minutes/day and the MT is okay. The 17+ (which I have)apparently has a much lighter clutch. That being said, Ive tried the CVT, and its actually quite good. I don't get all the hate for CVT's. My only issue is, if people don't buy MT's, then they'll stop making them completely(which would be sad)

WRX is my dream car it has AWD and carries decent power and has good safety ratings and it’s good on gas!. Really perfect cars for anyone in New England or snow areas.

I currently drive a Focus ST which as many of you probably know is offered only in a manual. I need an automatic because the traffic in Portland Oregon is absurd and I need to commute in and out of the city for college starting this fall. This is going to be a perfect compromise for me. Get what works for you everyone, as someone who drives a manual now, don't let it affect your decision. at the end of the day the people who tell you to get a manual arent going to be driving that fat clutch in traffic when the time comes.

I think you made a great choice personally. I purchased my 2017 WRX automatic almost a year ago and I agree with you when you say it’s the best commuter car you’ve ever had. I drive 120 miles a day and it has been one of the funnest cars to drive and I do not regret at all getting an automatic. It is super fuel efficient and has plenty of power plus all the extra safety equipment that the manual does not have. For example the eyesight. I couldn’t imagine driving without that now for the fact that it keeps the distance between the car in front and also will do you lane assist. And you can detect objects in front of it and in back of it to stop in case of emergency. That is one of the big things that sold me on this car. I love the fact that I can get 29 miles to the gallon with really sticky tires and I’ve gotten upwards of 38 miles to the gallon with less aggressive tires. Let me know how you still like yours after owning it for a few years.

This is really reassuring my after buying my cvt

I have a 2016 WRX with the CVT transmission, I ordered it that way because I wanted the eyesight system so I could order the adaptive cruise control. I’ve had it a couple years now and it’s unbelievabley good, there’s no way I will go back to any car that does not have adaptive cruise control. It’s perfect for long distance highway cruising and also makes it possible to drive without using the brake or gas pedals in stop and go traffic.

If you're one of those folks who really need your parents to pay partial price of the car or have folks in the house who refuses to drive a stick, the WRX CVT could be the only way you can get into one of these cars. That being said, the WRX with the CVT could be a great commuter & everyday ride, but then why not just get a comfortable daily commuter (e.g. a Camry or Accord) to start?

Autos are becoming faster and more efficient than human shifting. And you can control shifts still so there is plenty fun to be had.

I drive a manual right now but I’m considering an automatic for my next car since the traffic in my area is unbearable.

No worries about auto lmao. I understand I live in LA and personally driving through traffic in an auto is already tiring. Driving through 2-4 hour traffic with a manual is even worse....

I'm with you I got wrx with cvt its good. Especially in big city, not going to regret it.

I'm usually stuck in Toronto traffic for at least 1-2 hours each direction because I live away from the DT core. CVT was easily the best decision. I usually drive in manual mode which is fun but always could be better if it was a DCT. But really, what can you expect for under 40k CAD??

just got my ‘18 wrx premium AT and its great! least im part of the subie crew now

I want the CVT and I'm curious how good the new SPT CVT in the 2022 WRX is. I don't need to show off or screw around on the road, I don't care what people think, and I drove a stick every day for 10 years and I'm just sick of it (especially in California traffic or driving around SF). I like that the Auto has the manual mode, but my main thing is I want comfort while driving, and I want to let my friends drive it if I'm drunk or something. I do kinda wish it had a regular auto trans, but CVT's are just gonna keep getting better. If I'm gonna buy a manual, it's either gonna be a 10+ year old one to beat the crap out of, or a brand new STI after I win the lotto and want to make a bad decision.

Great video, this will be my next car and I am going with an Automatic too!

I can’t picture or imagine my WRX as an automatic. I love the manual and everything that comes with it.

I am going to buy this one. Remember, if you live with someone who does not know how to drive manual (my wife), it is good to get a car which she can drive! I also have long commute with crazy traffic. I also want a wrx, hence CVT. If it did not have CVT I would'n't even consider it.

The cvt makes sense for your daily commute.

I can’t drive stick and I’m damn well not going to destroy a $40,000 car. So cvt it is.

I'm watching this video now as I'm considering a new WRX, but my research indicated problems/complaints with the manual transmission versions' clutches going out too soon.

You know my question is, if you wanted something easier to drive in a city (that's understandable) there's so many other great sporty automatic options that were around the price range of what that WRX probably ran you. And most of them would have been actual geared automatic transmissions, if this was entirely a preferential thing of you just wanting a WRX then it makes sense. But to me at least, if I'm gonna get a automatic (which I've considered thousands of times) I'd get one that's properly done. But hey if you're content with your car, it's your money enjoy it man, I just can't wrap my head around the CVT in the WRX, I know it mimics a 6 or a 8 speed, but the difference between mimic and real is unfortunately noticable when driving the auto.

Ill never understand the people who say manual sucks for city driving... I love it.. You get used to clutching very quick.. Yeah maybe a race clutch would suck in traffic, but I am just as happy to drive a manual in city and traffic as I would an automatic.

Dude I spend 2 hours in Boston traffic a day I’m not going back to manual I did it for years no thanks

Love my 2016 WRX CVT. Great MPG & performance.

As an older ‘car guy’ and recently ‘ex motorcyclist’ - I have changed more gears than I could possibly total up. So, about to buy a new WRX - took a manual for a test drive and then the CVT. At my age, I want to both enjoy cruising along in a relaxed manner, then take on a few twisties and the occasional straight line burst - guess what? The CVT is perfect for me....so it gets the nod. I did have a 2013 Outback and hated the CVT, but it seems to be a whole different animal now 😎

Just purchased a 2015 a couple of months ago. Might end up being my favorite car

Comparing WRX CVT and WRX MT6 obviously CVT has more advanced FWD owing to VTD 45front/55rear. Whereas MT6 should be more robust transmission but with simpler awd implemented through viscous clutch 50/50.

Preface - I'm all for manuals. I drive a 2016 Focus ST and love it to pieces. However, sometimes, when sitting in bumper to bumper traffic for example, I would die for an automatic transmission. Considering trading it for a WRX maybe next year and I will most likely buy it in an automatic. It's just a convenience thing for me. Can anyone agree?

The Manual has considerably better mileage according to Subaru. Thanks for the vid though.

I live near and commute in Denver to work mon-fri 40 miles each way. Heavy traffic sucks enough in my 09 Forester xt. I plan on getting a wrx in the near future and will probably go with the cvt for convenience. I also have a 2 year old so grabbing stuff from anywhere I need to is substantially less of a hassle in an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I learned how do drive manual on a mitsu 3000gt, and it was a blast but when you can only practically have one car an auto is the way to go for me.

MT is a good weekend car. You dont need a manual to justify being a car enthusiast unless you are a teenager!😀😀😫

I am thinking about getting a auto or manual and I am leaning towards auto because when I go to college I want to go local and stopping for tolls would probably start to be a burden change my mind

I have a limited 2006 auto....my car is BEAUTIFUL. Aftermarket headlights, borla turbo back, Perrin cold air, brand new Arctic white wrap, 18x9 oversteer rims and a 20% tint...but everyone still dicks cause it’s auto....even tho it gaps any stock WRX....

I went with the CVT because I want to be able to space out in traffic. Too much interaction with the vehicle has an adverse effect in my driving habits and temper.

I disagree with the better gas mileage claim, but other than that, absolutely get what is best for you. Never get a manual just because most people think that is what you should get. Constant stop and go traffic in a big city, manual can be a pain in the ass for sure.

Absolutely love my 2016 auto. But the guy at my complex legit stuck a note on my car. To not park next to him. Cause it an auto. Other than that we got like identical cars.

my 18 wrx cvt goes ok if your already rolling, but floor it from a dead stop, like trying to beat traffic on a right turn IT GOES NOWHERE. its embarrassing

When someone uses traffic as a reason to want an automatic, they’re missing the point. You’re allowed to think, believe, and enjoy whatever you want. But you’re missing where the other side is coming from. In traffic you get to shift. That’s the whole point. If there wasn’t traffic, once you reach top gear, your car loses its differentiation from an automatic. Just say you don’t like shifting but you like fast cars. That’s fine. Traffic being annoying having to shift all the time? That’s the fun part if you like a manual.

Hey I have turbo smart bov so good when getting into boast on the cvt

I cant believe people still angry about this. Like real shit you should get mad if a sports car doesnt offer the transmission you want. Like the new supra.

I'm honestly so happy to just find out they make the cvt, I would love to drive a manual however not everyone wants a manual. And when people argue they prefer the automatic everyone just gets all pissy and defensive like oh, you don't like the same things I do? You're opinion is inferior, you're a fake car enthusiast bla bla bla. Like shut up... Not everyone has the same preferences. I'm so happy they make an automatic because I thought I would never be able to drive a wrx since I thought they only came standard, my right arm is messed up since birth and I can't drive stick, but the cvt gives me the chance to drive my own wrx someday. We are very fortuante to have options so stop the hate.

I wouldn’t make my worst enemy drive a stick in Pgh past the Edgewood swissvale exit during rush hour or a Steelers game

I want a manual wrx but 90 percent of my commute is traffic and 10 percent back roads

I'm not a "manual or DIE" car fanatic. I understand yours, and many other buyers' decision to buy an automatic car. Hell, even I struggled with this myself, living in LA. My problem isn't with customers of this car. My problem is with Subaru. A CVT transmission fits well in an Impreza. It fits decently in a Legacy, or even maybe the Outback. Hell, I'll even make a concession and say it would work "fine" for the 3.6R models. But your halo performance car? Come on! I refuse to believe it would've been unprofitable for Subaru to go to ZF, grab a 6 or 7 speed auto transmission, and mate it to the WRX like everyone else has with nearly EVERYTHING performance oriented. If FCA can do it with a rental car Charger, then you bet your ass the crown prince of Subaru's lineup deserves it too. Is there maybe something I'm missing with the manufacturing process? Okay, maybe I'm wrong about ZF. What about the perfectly good auto that sits in the BRZ, which runs the SAME ENGINE sans turbo? Beef that 6-spd auto up a little bit to compensate for the power, and slap it in there! IT ALREADY EXISTS IN YOUR LINEUP. Instead, Subaru decided to pull a Nissan and stuff a blowhard CVT into the WRX. The result? Every single car journal on Earth that tested the Manual vs. the CVT WRX came up with nearly the same result: The CVT WRX posts 0-60 times roughly half a second (or in some cases, even more) SLOWER than the manual, rather than slightly FASTER, as a traditional AUTO WRX would've been. Had Subaru bestowed the WRX with a proper automatic, it could've pulled 0-60 times in the high sub-5 seconds, perhaps 4.9 as tested by journalists; but no. No such luck, because Subaru wants to force it's Econo-suckage down the throats of their PERFORMANCE fans too. I bought the manual. I still sometimes wonder how good the WRX could've been with a beefed up version of the BRZ's automatic transmission. What a shame; it could've been a poor man's Audi S4.

I miss an auto for sure, but you can get a base manual for almost 4 grand cheaper. Ill suffer traffic for 4 grand

The WRX boxer engine just cant handle being at such high revs all the time from the CVT, my buddy has had to take his into the shop 4 times in 1 year for pistons and shit breaking, its just too much power. This car in manual is a beast tho and the engine and transmission work great, but the auto IS slightly faster, you just have the tradeoff of the sound of almost max rev the entire time you drive.

was actually considering a manual car for my next, but i have a 50 minute drive everyday, and don’t know if it’s worth the city traffic either. i as well currently own a genesis coupe..

Nice video. Better MPG not according to the manufacture. I get why you bought it. I wish it was like the 370z the auto is better and faster CVT was a mistake buy the factory.

off the line a manual goes better, but not by much.....these can pass others on the freeway better than you would think....

I drive in Manhattan daily..got a 17 crosstrek brand new.. have 64k on the car..i sometimes regret getting the CVT but maybe in Manhattan traffic daily I would have burned a clutch out.

Hope you’re a lot happier driving the manual now. In my experience driving both automatic and manuals, I’ve found manuals can withstand a beating a hell of a lot better, especially at the rev limit compared to any cvt slopbox automatic out there. Dual clutch can suck my nuts because when these spendy transmissions break down or even begin to show signs of needing anything repaired/replaced, you better have $2-3k tucked in your back pocket ready to get it fixed. Shit goes wrong in a manual, 9.9/10 times it’s because you need a new clutch. Easily a third the cost of a new or rebuilt automatic and typically is replaced without having to remove the whole transmission from the car. I get why people own automatics but considering the performance of the WRX, i feel it was a poor choice from Subaru to even offer this car with an automatic.

i agree with the auto but my gripe is you can't add more power like the brz. I plan on leasing a new car and getting rid of toyota but want to be able to make a daily user look like a track car. heavily deciding on either the brz or wrx but might just test drive both.

I do a long commute, still manual every day all day.

thinking about getting a 2018 wrx thats automatic and i live in a place that has super heavy traffic in the summer but little to none in the winter

i think ppl who say get a manual are those who drive those loud and riced up honda

I just drove an auto fucking wrx and fuck I love it more than manual

It’s your car who cares at least it comes with paddle shifters lmao

You probably don't want the manual in those conditions for sure, I hate my life right now... Subaru WRX Manual owner of Nashville

I moved to Pennsylvania and it snows here so I want a car with AWD. I also want something sporty/fast but don't plan on doing any power mods. So the cvt would be fine for me? Also I thought if you wanted to mod you would buy the sti.

CVTs are brilliant transmissions; too bad ignorant public and media talk trash in pure ignorance and the car companies didn't stick to their guns and started making fake gearing, ruining the entire point ... being able to be in peak efficiency or peak power on demand and stay there as long as requested. I'll either get a STI or a CVT WRX. I either will be rowing the gears all the time; or never. I'm almost certainly getting an STI; but if not, the CVT will be just fine. p.s. only small wang fools worry about it and talk down to others. It is their problem and self loathing they are projecting. They aren't true car enthusiasts either. They aggravate everyone everywhere ... ford vs chevy, domestic vs import, fwd vs rwd vs awd, auto vs cvt vs manual vs dct, LS swaps, wankel rotary hate, etc etc. You can't please miserable people and it isn't our duty to. They can live in despair and we can laugh when they spout nonsense ;)

You ever experience a 4th gear rumble. Just signed myself to a 2019 wrx. Some reason 4th gear rumbles. Normal. Not normal? Should make a vid. Thanks

I don't know how to drive a manual. I drive automatic so yeah.... Am I embarrass, no!

I’m looking to pick one of these up. No shame in auto. People that say manual is the only way to go are the same losers that live by the rule that you can’t wear a band’s shirt when you go to see them in concert. They take the first thing they’re ever told as gospel and never think for themselves. Driving can be fun, but it can also be a chore. No matter how fun a car is to drive, it’s not gonna take my mind off of my 45 minute to commute day in and day out.

Great video, worded well!

Lol at the amount of people in the comments that can't drive manual. And I average 150km daily in rush hour traffic in manual and its not bad especially with modern tech so I don't see the excuse not to for a sporty car. If it's a econ box sure. Not for a fun car

I drive 2 to 3 hours a day in NYC traffic, that's exactly why I wanted my car to be manual. CVT's take too long to "think" for me.

Of the 20+ cars I've owned, they've all been auto. I can drive a manual, but I don't get that rush. It's more dread. I've been happiest driving autos My WRX, SVX, S4, Charger RT, Hemi Cherokee Maybe I'm lazy. But for the amount of miles I put on cars, my left calf and ankle appreciate my devotion to autos. Any someday, when I get that RS3, you know itll be auto too.

Is the cvt reliable ???

The CVT WRX gets worse gas mileage and is slower. Sounds like you mostly got it because you were too lazy to shift.

Let me tell you something else on automatic does: not letting you beat the shit out of it. It actually lasts longer. I love a manual just as much as anyone else but it's a recipe for disaster long term..

I can't drive manual 😭

Respect.. but I did giggle a tad when you ripped the e brake when you parked lol

It's a compact sports car.

big question .With the cvt r accelerating hard does it still feel fast like push your head back like when driving a manual ? the cvt seems so linear almost like an electric car .All the videos i've seen doesn't look or feel fast to me .The paddle shifting seems pointless?

AUTO DOESN'T SUCK. CVT DOES. Worst driving experience ever+no acceleration at all. CVT is very "green" tho', it makes you hate driving with a passion. Modern double clutch auto transmissions don't suck at all. Also are more reliable and cheaper to manufacture and repair.

How old is this car? And when did you buy it? That steering wheel is worn as. That's never a good sign!

Why does your car look like its right hand drive? Camera angle/optical illusion?

Cvt is shite imo, I tried it and hated it. But if you need an auto, better to have one with a fat turbo lol

The clutch is terrible on WRX. springy, high clutch point, more resistant. I miss the older WRX's.. wish it had the more Honda feel

In Boston; you need to worry more about the shitty roads and rude people. Kiss your suspension, bumpers, and paint goodbye

I just got a 2017 premium with the cvt, it has 94k miles on it but I got it anyway because I’ve always wanted one. I got the extended warranty with powertrain as well. Was my decision a bad one?

Bro can you were is sport mode button in 2015 subaru wrx sport-tech cvt can you tell in your videos please reply to me please reply to me bro

So it's been almost a year- any regrets or are you still happy? I want AWD and a little more power than an Impreza, but how is the trunk space in the WRX if I decide to give up my Impreza hatchback? I'm a commuter too and totally get the need for CVT...Thanks.

The CVT seems to be the most misunderstood transmission from what I hear. Unfortunately people will blindly follow the herds.... My new car has CVT and I love it😀

Is your car right hand drive? Where do you live at bro?

The cvt on that car gets slighlty less mpg actually. Weird but true

Hi all, Currently looking at a 2016 WRX with the cvt and need to know how good the hwy gas mileage is as I do a once a month 1000 Mile road trip. I have looked at a lot of videos and hwy mpg seems to be all over the map. I would like to get at least 30 mpg at 75 mph for the trip with Cruise control on most of the time. Do you think it's possible. Thanks

Am I crazy or your new car already has a used spot on the steering ???

Also does anyone know if you can swap the auto trans to a better faster auto trans?

Plz tell me you didn’t just use your parking break on a auto

Manual in Boston? Big no

“Hey Millennial, why’d you buy a CVT?” Millennial: makes 5 minutes video. “Hey Gen X, why’d you buy a CVT?” Gen X: “because your mother, that’s why.”

deja vu, this damn car used cost as much as it did brand new

Had one traded for my STI 😛😎