NGC - Do any of you forum members drive a relatively new Subaru WRX?

[ohiorider]

It's due, or overdue.  Much as I dislike car payments or lease payments, I have gotten 10 good years out of my 2007 Mazda6 with V6 and 5 spd manual.  But time has come.  The Mazda is beginning to rust around the rear fender wells, and touching up 2x by a painter hasn't stopped it.  The book on the car is less than $3k, so it isn't cost effective to have the body work repaired, new brakes, and front/rear struts.  Actually, if it wasn't for the body starting to rust, I'd probably do the mechanical stuff and drive it out for another 2-3 years.

I like Mazdas, but they've dropped any pretense of having some fun power.  The now-larger Mazda6 is limited to a normally aspirated 184hp in line 4.

Lately, I've been reading up on the WRX.  It's the size car I like, has AWD, and the standard version comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 268hp, and a bunch of torque down low.

First step is to call my insurance company to see if the WRX will kill me on insurance.

Any owner reports?   Any thoughts on 2017 models vs the upcoming 2018?

Thanks,

Bob

[Lannis]

Lately, I've been reading up on the WRX.  It's the size car I like, has AWD, and the standard version comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 268hp, and a bunch of torque down low.

First step is to call my insurance company to see if the WRX will kill me on insurance.

Any owner reports?   Any thoughts on 2017 models vs the upcoming 2018?

Thanks,

Bob

My son has one and he loves it.   Great handling, good room in it, massive horsepower which you can double with aftermarket upgrades, reliable.   We were talking last night and he plans to keep it for a LONG time, even though it has 128K miles on it now, still looks and runs like new .....

Lannis

[ITSec]

I haven't owned one of the newer 2 litre models, but I've owned several Subarus and expect to own more in future.

The WRX is going to be more to insure than the standard Impreza, but won't be outright stupid-expensive the way the STi is. Particularly on these mid-level performance models, it's important to shop around for your insurance - your record will be critical. Make a point of checking with Liberty Mutual, since they have a marketing program with Subaru offering preferential rates for owners of the brand.

The turbo models do require more attention to maintenance than the non-turbo models (which put up with being completely ignored), but if that maintenance is provided they will last a very long time and be very enjoyable throughout.

[LowRyter]

I tried to find one when I purchased my last new car.  There were none available, had a waiting list and weren't willing to negotiate on the price.

They didn't even have demo for a test drive.  I have driven the first gen model back in the '90s. 

[Kev m]

We've had 3 Subarus, loved them all. Came very close to buying a WRX twice... Decided to go a different direction last time.

But really like the current platform.

[M0T0Geezer]

 11,000 miles ago I bought a new 2017 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT.  While not a WRX, it gotst a 250 hp flat 4-cyl Turbo hooked up to a hi-torque CVT.  Zero problems so far.  Average is 26-30 mpg.

That little motor sends it down the road at a furious clip (Oops - once my GPS came back with 114 mph showing on the Max Speed panel.  Some kind of satellite error I guess).  Paddle "shifters" and three power profiles make it more fun than you deserve.

Lovin' it to death...  A stoplight-drag beast and great family car in a comfortable, roomy body.  Take one for a spin.

'Geezer

[ohiorider]

From all the positive responses, it looks like a car worth pursuing.  Thanks for taking time to respond.

Bob

[Lannis]

From all the positive responses, it looks like a car worth pursuing.  Thanks for taking time to respond.

Bob

I'm glad you think so.   Nobody who responded (including me) actually owns and drives a late-model WRX!     

Lannis

[Murray]

Dunno if its available in the states but you want a Levorg WRX insurance is probably pretty steep.

[Kev m]

Dunno if its available in the states but you want a Levorg WRX insurance is probably pretty steep.

No sadly they are continuing to be stupid with the new generation of WRXs in the US and refusing to offer the wagon.

So for now it's only the WRX and the WRX STI in sedan form for the US.

OF course there's always the Ford Focus RS!

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Ive been a long-time Honda guy, but in 2012 my first ever brand-new dealership car purchase was a new Impreza Sport model.  Not a WRX, but it's been so great that guess what my next car will be????  Im all in for the WRX, if not the STI.

[ohiorider]

I'm glad you think so.   Nobody who responded (including me) actually owns and drives a late-model WRX!     

Lannis

Yep, but your son does, and that's a good enough testimonial for me, Lannis!

[drlapo]

And its made with love
Your children can live in the back seat
You'll find your sunglasses
Your dog can drive it
It may be a decent car but they have the most insulting advertising

[twowings]

Dang young heathens and their racing cars...hanging out in parking lots and scaring decent folks half to death!!   

[Zoom Zoom]

I haven't bothered to comment since the WRX I had was an '03. Loved it though. The current Impreza's, including the WRX has a bit more room than my '03 and 5 inches more door opening, which makes it a little easier getting in and out of. The current Impreza has been using the new engine since 2012. There is no longer a belt for the timing. It is a chain with no required maint interval. I'm not sure if the WRX is using the current 2.0 or not. If that is important to you, it might be worth asking but I'll wager it is. The current WRX comes with a 6 speed transmission if it is a stick you want. Many reviewers have commented that the differences between the WRX and STI have narrowed with the current platform and the WRX is a lot of bang for the buck.

As you are aware Bob, I have been very happy with my Subies and would not hesitate buying another one if I were in the market. Even though my '14 is not a rex, I have enhanced the handling with a couple inexpensive add ons. An STI rear sway bar and a strut tower brace. It corners very well and is fun to drive. I just don't have the get up and go of the rex. I have just over 200 bucks in the handling enhancements. Cheap if you ask me.

You might check out the NASIOC forum for info. I'm not aware of any issues regarding the rex, but if there is anything you should know about, that would be the place to find it. All I have owned have been dead nuts reliable and fun to drive.

Go drive one and see what you think. After all, you're under no obligation to buy it.

John Henry