2015-2021 Subaru WRX Buyer’s Guide - Reliability & Common Problems
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- Here’s a full buyer’s guide video covering the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX & WRX STI. These are great driving sedans however, there are powertrain issues you should know about. I cover CPO, Warranties, Financing, & more in this video. See my Lexus RC F Buyer’s Guide: • 2015-2023 Lexus RC F B...
This video was done by Kevin from Meyn Motor Group.
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Video Chapters:
00:00 - Specs, WRX vs STI, & Model Year Changes
05:17 - WRX Problems & Resources
12:35 - WRX Market
16:08 - Subaru CPO
19:54 - Warranties, Leasing, & Financing
24:34 - Conclusion
#subaru #subaruwrx #wrxsti - Auta a dopravní prostředky
See my Lexus RC F Buyer's Guide here: czcams.com/video/C_1sWx0e2KM/video.htmlsi=GQzZ51TnAkZuRG2j
2016 sti owner. 115k miles. With proper maintenance. Still running on factory motor. I haven't messed with the engine. Only cosmetics.
Right on. Keeping it reliable. It’s the beating and tuning combined with a lack of maintenance that’ll break them.
@@dani.lefebvre facts
Congratulations, but 115k isn’t really a milestone, unless it’s bc others haven’t made it that far.
@@freebehindbars8654 doesn't seem like they have.
2021 WRX, now with 72k miles. Premium fuel + stay on top of ALL manufacturers recommend maintenance levels. Def no engine mods. She runs great....def premium fuel is huge.
What a great video for real, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome Video
Glad you enjoyed it
In 2020 days I bought my WRX Performance Package brand new. I had a choice of either this car or a CPO STi with 19 thousand miles. Your section about CPO made me get buyers remorse again but I’m so far in my WRX in payments and mods now I gotta let it go lmaoooo. Plus I got a hell of a APR rate when I refinanced it 1.49% so I’m blessed and this was before the rates shot up late 2022
No need to feel remorse my friend! You got a great deal on your new WRX enjoy!
I bought my 15 WRX 6MT new in March of 15. Don't drive it much because of the work truck so it's only got 53k miles. I had to replace the battery in it's 2nd year. Other than a crap sound system and annoying rattles in the interior and a windshield that pops when it's cold outside it hasn't caused me any problems. Just tires and oil changes. I think these cars are pretty reliable.
Love this content.Think twice before buying used ones.I have wrx 2021 brand new when I bought them still bone stock and im on 15k mil. now.I did maintainance as required and just had some cosmetics mods on it that don’t void my warranty.Im happy with it so far this is the fun car I’ve ever had.
Bought mine new the same year, just about to hit 60k miles.
0 issues.
Wow I remember just a few years ago, you would see dozens of these on the road. Everyone wanted one because the EVO X discontinued in 2015, and these had a similar look/performance. I rarely see them anymore now
Yea really loved these when it came out thought it was an excellent redesign as they get older and problems arise, people decide to dump them I guess
@@MeynMotorGroupSame case with older models but that’s just any cars as they age i guess 🤷🏻♂️
Where do you live there are tons still on the road on virgina maryland and pensylvania people still daily drive them just because you dont see em dosent mean there not still around
@boomee78 yup. I live in PA and frequently travel to Virginia & the Carolinas. They’re everywhere across that region lol
When stopping and not turning the car off for 30 seconds only really applies if you were flooring it just before, it's because the oil gets really hot from sitting in a really hot turbo from hammering on it. By waiting, it lets the turbo cool down to more reasonable exhaust temps. In terms of "driving it a particular way", yes sort of agree. If you plan to track the car, you should get a bigger oil pan with better baffling. The thing i recommend the most is oil pressure and temp gauges, so you know when it's safe to rev it out. It can take 10-15 minutes to get your oil up to temp, even though the coolant will be up to temp way faster. Also during winter and summer, subaru used to recommend higher weight oils such as 10w40, and lower weight in winter. This helps maintain proper oil pressures as needed.
Thank you for the clear breakdown my friend, very helpful I'm guessing just about every WRX owner is going to be pounding on their car every chance they get 😅😂 which I don't blame them for that.
Most have oil temp gauges from factory in the MFD.
Randomly found your video, it’s great! Thank You!
Glad it was valuable my friend thanks for stopping by!
@MeynMotorGroup Im looking at a 2017 with 50k miles for 15k it is tuned for e85 do you think its worth it. The only issue is it has hail damage on one side but I can sand that out and put body filler and repaint it
@@braydengeick4015 no my friend I would def avoid
Excellent review...very honest. I own a 2017 wrx manual as a project but i can afford thus but an excellent vehicle!!
Thank you my friend and massive congrats the WRX is such a blast to drive glad you own one!
thinking of making a video explaining what to do if your shifter will not go into 1st or 2nd gear. i saw one but there needs to one with a better description that's easier to find!
I've wanted a WRX since they first came out in 2002? I always knew I'd by new rather than roll the dice on used. Finally got one in '21, and still baby it at stage2. Not worried about resale because I'm never selling my baby!
Do you mind me asking your reasons for Stage 2 and the benefits or effects of that, how much does it change ?
I got mine through Toyota Dealership with Bumper to bumper coverage so didn't really have to accept Subaru's warranty as it's the same since they're partnered.
Bought a 2020 base wrx cpo with extended warranty fantastic to drive. The cpo wrx makes my heart at ease with it being my first manual not my daily have a 2015 legacy for that but blast to drive and fits two kids car seats in the back comfortably with no issues highly recommend
I have a 2018 base model and I am the second owner no issues with good maintenance makes a difference. Walnut blasting isn’t expensive if you do it yourself. Did it recently and my intake valves are super clean. You can do the intake cleaning with CRC or Seafoam and clean the valves in a slower process but still works. BG makes a good kit to do the intake. Keep it stock and you’ll have a car that lasts. Only modify an aftermarket block. Stock blocks are built and tuned specific from the factory on a conservative tune and if you know how to drive, you’ll be surprised honestly. Beef up the suspension, get a good set of tires and the oil pan kit and you’re all set!
I have one to add - front seats are hot garbage. The support frame on my driver's side (2020) collapsed after 2 years and the side bolster foam split, so I have a lovely metal frame poking me whenever I drive.
I know someone that purchased a new a 2020 Subaru WRX and the head gasket blew at 43k. Very meticulous with maintenance and did not drive it hard... Fuel pump had to be replaced before that occurred.😮
Yea exactly all the issues I covered is possible even with perfectly maintained cars and no tuning. Warranty is a must on these. Great driving cars tho
That’s super rare, they must’ve beat on the car while cold or something. Head gaskets are mainly the NA gd chassis, maybe they ran low on coolant or lugged the engine hard as hell
@@Augie.. he said specifically vehicle was not driven hard and was meticulously maintained.
@@MeynMotorGroup Must be true he said it
@@MeynMotorGroupanyone that abuses a car and gets warranty work done will always say they took good care of the car and never abused it.
2020 Subaru WRX STi, on my second short block at 56k. Also replaced my 02 sensor at 57k. Cylinder 4 cooling mod is a must.
I'm sorry to hear that my friend but I do appreciate you sharing this with us
Damn bro it really comes down to luck of the draw with these engines. Was it built on a Tuesday or Friday type of thing. My 21 sti has about 8300 miles on it now. Oil changes every 4 months or so since I never hit the mileage. I’ve had an oil pan kit, cyl 4 mod, aos, and a koyorad since 3k miles. Other than that Cobb redline intake, Cobb bpv, Cobb inlet, gs ebcs, cobb fpr, aem 340 fuel pump, gs tmic, cobb dp, kartboy SS, fortune auto’s, titan 7 wheels and cosmetics. Tunes by Torqued performance 325 whp 340 tq on 91.
@@lucian7182sheesh my guy, really prepped ! I'm a regular joe, so I'm definitely learning I should just get into a WRX, I'm clearly not STi ready. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
@@codezalo5773 hahaha I don’t think anyone is truly sti ready until the new car vibes wear off And they do to much reading on the internet. It’s one of those cars where it’s like naw I’m good, or I’m too far in to turn back now.
@@lucian7182 yea, adding to that honestly if I can't comprehend the diff controls it's best I stay away from it anyway since I'm in CA and going camping maybe once a year, twice on a good one, appreciate your input I think a lot of replies helped me make my decision closer to the WRX but practically if I wanna stay 6 speed and fwd, can literally get the civic hatch 2024 new for around literally the asking prices rn for low mileage WRX. Appreciate it!
Have had my 2016 WRX new since Feb 2016. First 4 oil changes free at the dealer which I did around 6K each, and only other things that arose was faulty throwout bearing and failed battery which I got replaced under warranty with new clutch and battery at 30K miles. Rest of my oil changes have been around 4-5K miles on Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W30 and OEM filter, and did every service up to 90K miles now except fuel filter and still running strong. No mods, just KN filter, hoping to drive it until interest rates drop then considering an Integra Type S but it's been reliable and fun so far!
Nice! Very happy to hear that your WRX has been holding up very well and I pray it continues to. Such great cars very fun to drive, glad you own one of these!
86k on my STI that’s driven hard. I personally haven’t had any engine problems what so ever. Only problem I ran into was the oem motor mounts are not durable for long periods of hard driving. Besides that just basic maintenance.
Nice! Glad it's been dependable my friend I pray it continues to be. Such a great driving machine, enjoy!
My Brand new15 sti stock had many problems…had a used 08 heavily modified aka Frankenstein build, had half of the problems… didn’t make any sense to me… both cars were not driven hard either.
I'm sorry to hear that my friend but I appreciate you sharing this
First model year of the new generation
Had a 2020 WRX recently traded it in Turbo went out and ecu at 28k miles Subaru covered 20% said that I modified the ecu which wasn’t true at all never touched it or tuned. Had a modified catback exhaust , eibach springs just minor stuff. Went back to trade it in at 32k miles at same dealership I bought it at and they offered $1000 for the car with a quote of $8600 for the the repair. Camshaft and everything else that could go wrong failed .. car completely failed at 32k nowhere near incredible driving machine just junk. Stay away from these p.o.s. vehicles.
Failed:
Exhaust manifold gasket
Camshaft gear / sprocket (both intake sprockets faulty 95.6,80.8 degrees
ECM replacement required (again) due to learned values burned into ecm
Turbo R&I required
This on top of the repair I paid $8000 for if you want a money pit and keep throwing money away at junk buy a WRX / Subaru
Claimed 0-60 on the VA WRX was 5.2, not 5.7. Car and Driver were able to get a 2015 model to sub-5 second times. A post refresh model they were able to get 5 flat, but that's really trashing the transmission. These cars are for blasting canyons, not drag strips.
I think I would consider the WRX 2.0, but the GDI doesn't appeal to me. The STI 2.5 on the other hand still uses port + GDI I believe
Sti only has port injection
I’m here because of the CZcams algorithm, I’m curious if I made the correct choice of getting my used ‘17 WRX STI, and because she’s in the shop. 😅
STI is an epic car my friend enjoy it
Considering a 2018 wrx sti limited in with 44k miles and they selling it for 33k all stock and one owner that was the dealership fleet manager. Gonna use it for a daily and I drive about 30-40 miles a day. Just need more excitement on the daily and I have a 2020 GT350 HE and a 2005 cts is definitely not filling the gap in between driving on the daily. You think it’s sounds like a good deal?
I mean that's just the market my friend if you want this body style especially as an STI, 30k+ is what you have to pay. Honestly a new WRX will always be the better deal but is the STI you're looking at a CPO model? Congrats on the GT 350 tho epic car
No but it is on a lot my father works at.
@@danielshepard7357 gotcha yea that might be worth looking into if you can get better pricing then I would look into third party warranties like Route 66 and Fidelity to see what can of coverage you can get if you want
9:33
👊🏾👍🏾👍🏾
It’s good to know that my current 2010 v6 car is getting almost a v8’s fuel economy 😅 the STI is looking like a better option by the day
10:03 "I've noticed that people that do have the means, and do have the money; they typically don't have any issues." THAT is the core issue with these cars they take money to properly take care of the required maintenance. They also take a mindset of taking care of and respecting the the things you buy. The kids that buy these cars have the idea that if you beat on the car and it breaks, it is Subaru's fault for not making a car that can stand up to abuse and neglected maintenance. If anyone looks at the scheduled maintenance requirements, their intervals, and the cost for each one, they would begin to understand the real cost of ownership of a performance vehicle compared to an economy car.
Exactly my friend
You are right. I have 2 running strong for 17yrs and 5yrs. You need to be take care of the car… doesn’t mean you don’t beat it. Just you need to care for the car and keep and eye on how it is running
WRX stood for World Rally Cross, as these cars came about from Subaru's rally knowledge, it's why the suspension was set up the way it was, but most so called journalists totally missed this cars point.
Yeah my friend you’re absolutely right these things clean up off road and journalists just doing what they usually do which is missing the point nothing new there 😅
I bought a 2015 new, 150,000 plus miles no issues. Traded it for a 2020 new, 55,500 miles no problems with either, just routine maintenance. You take care of it, it will take of you.
World rally experimental but they use the x for experimental
Only problem with WRX/STI’s is that there are no Evos left to beat up on 🤣🤣🤣. This is from a long term 06 Hawkeye STI owner (9+years).
😂😅 Yea would have been curious to see what Mitsubishi would have done with the EVO if they continued. These are pretty epic tho how did your 06 hold up over time?
@@MeynMotorGroup very well though mine was heavily modded. 2.7L, GT3076 for running around the sierra nevadas in the snow. Grp N rear subframe (different geometries). Etc. externally stock. Stroker crank gave out and had to move on from it.
@@christofonobrown3659 oh wow that must have been a blast to own glad you had a great experience with it 👍
Interesting, have to disagree on your comment on the "if you're sophisticated enough to run a policy like that. You're probably not looking to buy a WRX". I would consider myself to be financially savvy and bought a WRX for my daily long commute and modding in the future for autocross. Yes, its one of my 4 vehicles but the WRX is a vehicle on its own with engineering and performance at this price point.
That statement was in regards to running a whole life insurance policy my friend as WL policies are highly nuanced.
The implication was not financially savvy people don’t buy WRXs in many cases they do as the WRX is a performance car that holds its value.
I honestly Went out on a limb and bought a 18 WRX premium stage 2 already modded with 69k for 27k back in 22 no warranty at all lol bought as is… I got it pro tuned in Tennessee by Taylor tuning! And the car has definitely seen its fair share of “spirited driving” and honestly I haven’t had any issues besides replacing the clutch 2times already but like I said it’s a WRX ima drive it like so lol and some parts are wear and tear… I do the basic maintenance oil changes every 3k Oan if you don’t have the famoto drain plug I highly recommend it! Oil changes are a breeze! But I’m currently at 90k miles with no issues at all… so who said the Subi ain’t reliable lol
no leaking from that plug? wanted to get one but was told not to. so SPLOOOSH!!
I can tell you right now there is no way you are getting a 0-60 of 4.7 in a stock Sti unless you launch the car really hard. I’ve owned both a 2020 Wrx and currently a 21 sti and stock for stock the Wrx was faster to 60 in real world conditions due to the lower rpm spool and elh. Now the top end the sti shines over the Wrx. The sti will hit 60-100 noticeably faster than the Wrx.
Yea you're probably right my friend these magazines are always dumping the clutch and annihilating the car to get the best times. Still feels good and effortless out on the street I thought the STI was more than enough
@@MeynMotorGroup I agree the sti is definitly plenty for the street I’d say anywhere in the range of 300-350whp is the sweet spot.
@@lucian7182 Yea for sure 300-350 is perfect for the streets
And a VB wrx is faster than both lol
@@AntilleanConfederation hahaha and my explorer St will smoke most VB’s with my whole family in the car lmfao, what your point dude?
I hve throw out bering
We all do..
Yo bro 🫡🤝😎👍🏾👍🏾
Hey brother thanks for dropping in! Enjoy your Friday and weekend!
@@MeynMotorGroup Thanx bro you as well my bro 🙏🏾🙏🏾🤝😎👍🏾👍🏾🫡
I void warranties. Love my 2019 wrx. I keep up with maintenance and have had it pro tuned.
You’re so cool and edgy
hey so I'm in the market for the a WRX, potentially civic 2.0 NA, BUT I've owned an 09 impreza WRX sedan, so how's your experience been and how's your protune been ?
@@codezalo5773 I've had a pro tune now for about 2 years, zero issues. I'm running the grimmspeed v2 gesi catted j pipe along with plenty of grimmspeed bolt on parts. I've kept some wrxs stock and have gone down the mod path with my current wrx. I enjoy all the after market parts and installing parts. I've also ran ots tunes, an e tune, and the pro tune. My favorite was the pro tune, car felt and ran the best and I prefer the person to person service. Also pre dyno inspections give you peace of mind.
@@joestasi8329 wow that's awesome, always been interested in maybe tuning but if I end up going WRX maybe I'll holler for more info, if modding becomes a thought. One of my 'concerns' was also how a WRX performs or behaves during the summer ? I'm expecting these years to have scorching summers in California, I seen someone recommended Koyo radiators. Thanks for your input btw!
@@codezalo5773 I'm on the east coast. Never had over heating issues but my next installation is in fact the koyorad. Just waiting on some warmer temps. I also recommend an air oil seperater by iag. Reliability mods are wise. Good luck with whatever route you choose!