Talk me out of a WRX

[AgentUnknown]

Been looking at 2013 wrx. Pros and cons?

 

[NutBucket]

Why should I talk you out of it? We've had 3 subies and they've all been fun. We currently have just an '05 WRX that my wife bought new.

The only con would be to see what the 2014 WRX has to offer since it will be all new with a truly new motor. To some degree you pay some weight/MPG penalty with AWD. But the FWD alternatives use too much gadgetry in an attempt to overcome physics (torque steer and understeer). The Mazdaspeed3 is going away next year...new model coming a few years down the line and I can't deny the Focus ST is pretty slick (and BIG rebates to be had on 2013s). Basically, buy what drives best. I'd still pick the Suby as it doesn't have any traction penalties and should have more neutral handling.

 

[OCGuy]

Have you actually looked at it? That should be enough.

I kid. Not my cup of tea, but car appeal is subjective. If you can afford it and it fits your needs, don't look back.

You obviously have it narrowed down to that car....take the above poster's advice and decide if it is worth it to wait for the 2014, either to buy one or to take advantage of factory incentives on the '13.

 

[T2urtle]

Some of those years in the wrx platform has some nice upgrades. I would see what the 2014 rumors show.

Do u have any plans to mod?

Lately to me if I was going to buy I would have to test drive Ford's offering as stated above as well as the GTI. Even if I was dead set on the wrx I would test drive them. It doesn't cost u any money but it can be a lot of remorse.

I'm a big fan of that wrx hatch.

 

[michal1980]

the interior is rather low end.

 

[z1ggy]

Not really much negative to say other than low mpg and perhaps the fact the looks are a bit stale. And as others have said, may want to wait until this time next year to see what the new wrx will look like. However, based on spy shots of what they are testing... The looks aren't going to get much better.

Also test drive the ST and GTI, too. I test drove both and they are quite fun, and have MUCH nicer cabins than the wrx. What you lose in traction/speed you gain back with nicer interior bits and audio. It's a trade-off.

 

[Black2na]

Like the wrx (02 sedan) they have there quirks as they age. But solid fun cars. But long in the tooth. Focus ST is a very good car! And worth a look

 

[Nyati13]

Doooooo eeeeeeeeet!!!!!

 

[Aharami]

everytime I see one on the road, I want one!!

 

[Fritzo]

I honestly can't talk you out of one. It's a fantastic car. The only bad thing I can say is Subaru has no idea how to make car interiors- even the new WRX's feel cheap inside. However, the AWD, awesome Boxer engine, and throw-back-in-your-seat acceleration make it one of the best performers for the money out there.

Sorry- you're going to have to get one

 

[Kelvrick]

I honestly can't talk you out of one. It's a fantastic car. The only bad thing I can say is Subaru has no idea how to make car interiors- even the new WRX's feel cheap inside. However, the AWD, awesome Boxer engine, and throw-back-in-your-seat acceleration make it one of the best performers for the money out there.

Sorry- you're going to have to get one

4th gen legacy/outback (05-09) interiors were the best in my opinion. 5th generation (10+) got cheap feeling again.

Pros: Everything but interior
Cons: AWD premium in gas and purchase price if you don't need it where you live. Interior.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Pros: fun to drive, sporty, capable

Cons: oh noez teh gas mileage, looks like a Corolla

 

[Fritzo]

4th gen legacy/outback (05-09) interiors were the best in my opinion. 5th generation (10+) got cheap feeling again.

Pros: Everything but interior
Cons: AWD premium in gas and purchase price if you don't need it where you live. Interior.

Any performance car these days uses premium. You can usually get away with 89 octane if you're that cheap, but if you don't want to pay .20/gal more, get the Impreza instead of the WRX.

BTW- Costco + Costco American Express = Premium at less than the price of regular anywhere else

Pros: fun to drive, sporty, capable

Cons: oh noez teh gas mileage, looks like a Corolla

I see no resemblance to a Corolla. At all.

 

[JulesMaximus]

 

[Fritzo]

Nobody gets the WRX 4 door (and that's an Impreza shown, not a WRX).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Nobody gets the WRX 4 door (and that's an Impreza shown, not a WRX).

It's basically the same car. I think they're ugly. The hatch looks better but still... meh.

 

[Fritzo]

It's the same car.

Hood, fender skirts, rear spoiler, larger tires- it's based on the same car but they actually look a lot different.

 

[Kelvrick]

Any performance car these days uses premium. You can usually get away with 89 octane if you're that cheap, but if you don't want to pay .20/gal more, get the Impreza instead of the WRX.

BTW- Costco + Costco American Express = Premium at less than the price of regular anywhere else

I actually meant just the "price premium" of awd in having worse mpg and paying for parts you may not need. But yes, you also need to use premium gas. One of the reasons I drive my 93 impreza beater to work 70% of the time.

The impreza that Jules linked to is actually a different generation model from what the wrx is based on. But yeah, subaru doesn't exactly make very pretty cars.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Pretty? No but certainly not stale. Also, to OP, do it! Only con would be if you were to go broke from doing it. Otherwise great car and you're probably not too picky on the interior bits if you're looking into a WRX.

 

[Zap]

Been looking at 2013 wrx. Pros and cons?

We have a 2011 WRX, which should be very similar. Here are my thoughts...

PRO
AWD if you need it (it snows in Wisconsin and we have snow tires on separate wheels for Winter use).
Other option niceties for cold weather, such as heated seats and even heated windshield wipers (on glass where they rest).
Proven performance.
You automatically are included in the "brotherhood." Seriously, I have had many other WRX drivers (but no "other" Subaru vehicles :hmm: ) talk to me at gas stations and such.
Boy racer looks, if you're into that.

CON
Bad gas mileage, even compared to vehicles with similar EPA ratings.
The stereo system and Bluetooth interface are horrible. Sounds shitty and doesn't work well. I used to think it just "below par" but it has only gotten worse with age and comparison to other systems.

I still like it, but it may not be my first choice depending on circumstances. You need to ask yourself what you are looking for in a vehicle, and whether you actually NEED the AWD (and if you do need it, you probably need snow tires too). If you were thinking AWD because it is better than wrong-wheel-drive, please reconsider. Plenty of performance can be had from FWD hot hatches, as long as it doesn't snow in your area. Besides AWD, what kind of performance do you want? What are you coming from? For instance if you currently drive a beater 4-cyl 2-door Pontiac Sunbird, a Fiesta ST would probably seem crazy fast in comparison. Would this be your first vehicle? A WRX is a LOT of car for a new driver. Do you live/work/frequent a bad neighborhood? Maybe a cheaper car is better. Do you want to autocross? A BRZ might be better. Rally? The WRX might still be best choice. Pick up chicks? A Fiat 500 Abarth is a chick magnet (ask me how I know :awe: ). Long distance freeway cruiser? You probably DON'T want a WRX. I've taken it for long trips, literally driving 1000 miles with stops only for gas/food/restrooms and the short wheelbase, rough ride and noise can be tiring. Have you checked into insurance costs?

That said, no we don't regret getting it.

 

[rvd123]

Wrx sti.

 

[SearchMaster]

The interior is probably the biggest thing to me. If you like it, then it's a great choice. The engine/powertrain are top notch, easily moddable if you want even more power, and not FWD. I bought an ST because I felt like the better interior and MPG overcame the other WRX advantages. I don't drive hard that often but it's nice to have the ability to have fun once in a while; if performance is your biggest requirement, you can't go wrong with the WRX.

 

[Pens1566]

'12 STi owner. Mileage is the only real downside. But I drive it like its supposed to be driven. Interior isn't bad if you go into the premium/limited models.

 

[njdevilsfan87]

I approve. Just make sure it's the hatch. Sedans in general just look boring and ordinary to me (even the luxury brands). Hatches ftw.

 

[AgentUnknown]

Wow lots of positives here. I know about the interior. Going from an e46 m3. Just want something different. How about maintenance? Would it be like a BMW? I need 4 doors. Anyone drive it as a DD?