@@Bubblebathkiing lol! That’s a really good question. VA is 2015-2021, GR, GD, and GC before that. What does CRX mean? What does RX7 mean? I’m sure somewhere some Subaru geek or Japanese engineer knows 😆
I hated the vb when they first released pics. I test drove civic si, gti, Elantra n and gr86. I saw a vb sitting on the lot and was surprised how good I thought it looked in person. Test drove it and signed the paperwork right after. This car has been a dream for me personally. Just perfect. I love the cladding now and it’s unique. It puts me an a good mood on my commute. Glad I found your channel 🍻
Thanks for your comment! Thats something about the VB that surprised me too, that it looks way better in person. I’m glad you’re enjoying your VB, driving my VB is pretty much therapy for me haha. Cheers!
Couldn’t have said it better! I just sold my 2022 for a 2024 TR. I thought I liked the 2022, but the 2024 TR is straight up WOW. I have so much fun driving that car, even if I’m commuting with lots of traffic. The recaros are so comfortable and tight, the suspension is perfectly damped for spirited street driving and I love the new 19s and brembos. It’s a great package.
It was my goal car that I dreamed of, I just test drove one and am trying to take my time before I make the decision. What a fun car and second gear and up feels amazing, after 3k rpm it just wants to go
The vb wrx is a great daily. As a sti owner, the sti was a better choice for me.it's more a time capsule for my inner younger jdm fan. What other jdm car up to 2021 could you buy with a return stlye fuel system, hydraulic quick ratio power steering, close ratio stong gear box, and a freaking emissioned air pump. Suburu literally sold us 2004 tech till the last sti. So, for me, im very familiar with the platform this was my reason for buying the sti.
I own a 2022 VB it has been an unreal experience getting my car to look and feel like I knew it could. Its such an amazing motor, and to not just be another "sti" on the road was another reason I bought it.
That's the great part about of being a car enthusiast and especially when you own a subie. You can really make it your own, whether you want to chase big power, or just oem +, its an experience tailored to your personality
Always wanted a WRX for over 20 years and would keep talking myself out of it. I work for Toyota and Seriously considered the GR86 or the GR Corolla. Did not want to wait on a Manual GR86 and Did not want to pay for the GR Corolla price Tag. Test Drove the my 2022 Saphire Blue WRX and was hooked. I too wanted an STI and realize they stop making them. Saw that the power was the same across all of the trim levels so I got the Base. Purchased some Blue wheels to compliment the paint and got Blue Tint, Spoilers Window and Trunk along with a Color Match Vortex Generator. Man I feel Like I am driving one of my Matchbox or Hotwheels from when I was a Kid. I love my VB!!
Current base VB owner and also owned 2 VA STI's in the past. You made a good decision. STI's are special, but buying used is such a gamble for a long term daily driver. I was so paranoid of my STI blowing up (as a 2nd owner) that i sold it before the warranty expired. I do miss it sometimes but never again as a daily driver unless i could be the original owner
Thanks for your comment! I'm glad someone who actually owned a VA and went to a VB reaffirmed my decision. Exactly as you said, buying a used car, especially a used WRX or STI, is a gamble. Regardless if it has no mods or has maintenance records up to date, the way the previous owner drove it makes a huge impact to the longevity (like did they launch it ever, how was the break-in period handled, did they always use premium gas), all these questions made me paranoid. Especially that this was my largest purchase ever, it was a gamble I could not afford. One day, I hope to get an STI, but it will not be my daily, it will be my weekender car, where I can enjoy it fully, so even if it breaks down, I won't be worried about how I'll get to work the next day! Thanks again for the comment, cheers man!
I own a 2024 Limited WRX and I absolutely love this car. Compared to the last gen WRX, it rides a lot smoother, is a lot quicker, road noise is kept to a minimum, and the cladding definitely grows on you. I told a buddy of mine when they first released that people would fall in love with this new generation of WRX's and I was right. I've been so many people mod these cars and add a lot of power in them with very little mods to do so. I've owned mine now for a month and every time I get into it, I feel so happy that I made the right choice in getting one. Same friend that owns a last gen WRX loves seeing my car and how good it looks with just a few cosmetic mods. He was skeptical with the new design but it has since grown on him as well after seeing them in person.
I had a few friends skeptical about the WRX as well. But after seeing it in person, the looks grew on them pretty quick. The driving experience is what sold them though, definitely a smooth and quick ride!
As a tuner - the VB is challenging because its so refined. In the past there were alot of parts you can add to a cars performance without a tune. With the VB you have to decide from the very beginning your upgrade path, buy and install ALL of those parts at once and then tune it.
My 23 vb is exactly that. A new clean slate, with no mods. Ideally, if subaru made a sti in the new platform i wld have gone for that. It is what it is. I do wish i have brembos on mine, but the joys of a jdm car is the aftermarket support. I can eventually get one 😂
I had a 2019 VA, got rid of it when my daughter was born for a manual crosstrek. After a few years I missed having a car with power so I just got a VB and holy hell does it feel so much better than my VA did. The power band is just full of power
I own a 2019 STI. Never tuned it and the only engine mods are an IAG AOS and cylinder 4 cooling mod. Has only 19k miles so it’s not a daily driver. I think about selling it because I drive it so little and the insurance has increased to a point where I wonder if it's worth keeping. Love the car though, it's a very fun car to drive.
I owned a 2020 WRX, did the FBO, tune and flex and I think it was very capable for about the same total cost vs an STi. I just bought an WRX TR and it's almost there to an STi. I didn't wait for the Ts because I am not sure I want the auto dampening etc and I may want to go coilovers anyhow. I can immediately feel the flat torque curve, the more precise handling and the ride is pretty stiff right out of the factory. I've got the Cobb Stage 2 and exhaust coming so we'll see how we'll she does.
just bought my first every Subaru! 23 WRX with only 1800 miles for only 26k USD and it had the STI axle back exhaust, it is unfortunately the base model but i couldn't beat the price and gives me a good reason to change it to how i want. Such a huge upgrade from the nissan versa i was driving before, i love my vb wrx!!!!
I went with a 2023 WRX Sport last year and have loved it since. It’s my first manual car and I literally drove it off the lot and home I was that confident with the clutch right away. Of course stalled it a couple times stopping at intersections but don’t we all starting out 😂
Nice man! Driving manual is so tricky at the start but once you get it, it’s so much fun. Especially that your first manual is the WRX, driving is that much more enjoyable. Cheers!
I was looking for a new car with manual transmission, but was scared I would ruin it since it’s been years since I drove manual. Ended up getting a 2023 WRX and I gotta say it actually is an easy to learn manual car. I struggled less than with any other manual I drove. Keep getting compliments on the orange color. Hopefully one day I can pay it off and trade it in for the STI we are all waiting for if not it’s staying in my driveway for sure.
@@carswithsepp craigslist lol, the ad had some red flags as it had some mods and in the ad the owner said he didn't know what turbo was on it lol.. I got it looked over, and he had a compression test done before he put it up for sale which was very good. when I say clean I mean zero rust lol Texas car in northern VT. I had equal length headers, and a new turbo put on because the one that was on it spooled pretty slow.
@@kingrick4420 Nice man, congrats on the new hatch!! The hatch is one of the best looking STI's Subaru ever made in my opinion - wide body fenders looks so much more meaner and aggressive compared to any other generation
I own a 23 VB premium. I never considered a WRX or STI because of my size, 6’2” with a 6’7” wingspan. I just don’t fit well in most. I work on the docks and get to drive pretty much every make & model of new common cars and a crazy amount of imports 25 years or older (imports need to be 25 yrs old in the USA compared to 20 yrs up in Canada). So every once in a while I drive a car onto or off a ship and really enjoy some aspect of driving it and then get out and check to see what model & trim level it is. This is what put the VB WRX on my radar but it still wasn’t on my short list. I started eliminating cars off my short list for various reasons, like the challenger & chargers because they get stolen so often in my area. Slowly the WRX started to make more sense and I’m one of the few that liked the looks of it early on including the cladding. The main reason I went with it in the end is because I have the option to put a small lift on it, and haul my bikes more easily up some forest roads. The reason I went with the 23 premium has to do mostly with my size. I really really wanted the TR and waited for it to come out. I also hoped 2024 would bring better color options. Due to my height and preferred seat angle (based on my preferred nice weather driving, arm on open window sill) I preferred not to have a sunroof due to the lower interior roof. I actually rub my head when looking over my left shoulder at blind spot. The 2024’s all came with the eyesight which takes up so much of the top of the windshield. I truly don’t get why more people don’t complain about the eyesight unit being so huge. It’s always in my peripheral vision and worse when first car in line at stop lights. So I went with a left over new 2023 at a big enough discount I didn’t bother haggling. My hopes are to get a big brake kit (unless I lift the car and can’t fit them on the smaller wheels). Get as much of the limited & above suede interior pieces (already got the extended armrest) and aftermarket front seats. I don’t like the feel of the cloth seats, don’t like that they are limited adjustment seats also. I also hope to get seats that sit at least an inch lower in the car. ~~~~ So far I’ve really enjoyed the WRX. It’s pretty fun to drive. I fit in it pretty decently for a small car. I have been having fun buying none powertrain parts for it. Maybe get a bit more aggressive when I get closer to the warranty ending. But I know the option is there.
Excellent video! I would have gone the same route if in your situation! Test drove one and it is impressive! I'm blessed that I have a daily/work vehicle and my 20' VA Sti is my weekend car so i can enjoy it fully! It's surreal that I got the dream car I wanted as a child and I don't think I'll ever let it go. The raw driving experience keeps me in love when I step in it. I'll pass it down to my future kid!
Thank you very much! It was a tough call between the VA vs the VB. The VA just has a special charm to it no other car has. One day I'd love a VA as a weekender/project car like yourself, it would be a dream for sure. Also, that's awesome you will pass on your car to your future kid. Cars like the STI will be so rare and sought after in the future that your kid will be the coolest person in the school lot!
Good choice, I liked the vb the first time I seen it, once I drove it I was convinced, I’ve now tuned with bolt ons and it’s super fun to drive for a daily…
Welcome to the VB fam! I got one because AWD, safe, daily driver and a ton of tuning potential. Only thing this car lacks is brakes, but the TR solved that. Enjoy your vehicle and thanks for posting!!!
I went with the STI over the VB myself, the driving feel and aesthetics are the #1 and #2 for me, and the STIs hydraulic steering, tighter suspension and better 6 speed gear box + the ugly VB design vs the near perfect VA design + the stock wheel design & interior design & head unit all made it easy to walk away from a new 2024 WRX and purchased the 2019 STI I really wanted down the road + 10K in mods for the same price. If I'm getting a car I'm going to keep for a really long time I would never sacrifice on driving feel and looks, and I get 330whp after a protune and boltons now, I don't think I'll ever need more for the street. I just did my homework and got a clean low milage STI and got a SPECIALIST INSPECTION AND COMPRESSION TEST that showed the engine was in amazing shape. I'd always want an STI if I got a WRX, that was the whole point of getting a Subaru for me.
I’m 45 and have owned many, many sports cars. Loved them all. I just traded in my 21 Accord Sport 2.0T in still night pearl. Beautiful car and fast! That drivetrain was the best Honda ever did! I really was going to keep it after my lease but I decided to let it go. I’ve been going back & forth for a long time what I was getting next. I really wanted a Challenger but the the prices for a R/T was nuts for what the car was. Mustang prices have definitely gone way up and I was not not going to do that at all. I then went and test drove a WRX and really liked it. I ended up leasing a WR Blue with the Sport Performance Transmission (CVT). The car is great! I’m glad I decided to get it. Driving this car doesn’t really make me miss my Honda but I know from driving the 2.0T to this one is a difference but I feel I did the right thing by going for the WRX. Also this is my first Subaru ever!
I wanted a wrx or sti for awhile drove a few generations bug eye heavily modified but needed a clutch i could tell on test drive at a dealership, drove a older sti i love the older sti but i test drove a 22 wrx and was impressed with how the car felt , its a really as you said a very great everyday car
hey bud im also thinking about buying one if u dont mind me asking where did u go to get yours i also live in jersey i went to Englewood dealer ship but they didn't have that many i would have to wait for a couple of weeks to get the one i want i mean i dont mind but would like to sit in and see how comfortable0 the seats area and idk if i wanna get the tr version or the premium
Great discussion. I went with a 2020 STI bc of the aesthetics and what seemed like a core focus on the driver enthusiast. I’m curious how the auto braking feature works on a manual. Does it kick you out of gear automatically somehow when it auto brakes? Or the system just ‘yolo’s’ it and doesn’t worry about stalling the engine out from the sudden reduction in rev’s as it brakes?
2020 STI is a gem - keep it as long as you possibly can. As the number of STI's are now limited, your car will go up in cost significantly over time. For the auto braking it can be used in 2nd to 6th gear. And when it engages, as you put it, it does actually yolo and stop the vehicle, even if it causes the car to stall. If you're quick enough you can clutch in and keep the car on, but in instances where the auto break is activated, the stalling may not be the worst thing to worry about. I have yet to experience an emergency stopping scenario but I'll make a video in a few months once I get a better idea how it is to live with. Thanks for the comment!
does the eyesight on manual have lane keep/lane tracing? That was my favorite feature for long highway trips. I still want the manual for the twisties!
Got my VB at the tail end of December ‘23. Brought my ‘17 WRX in for a balance/rotation. Asked how much they would give for a trade-in, and the guy asked me if I wanted to test drive a ‘23 WRB Base. Night and day difference, and my ‘17 was lightly modded and tuned (GS jpipe, GS BPV, GS BCS, Mishimoto Intake, Drunkmann tuned). I was genuinely surprised at how well the power came on and how well the car handled. A week later I brought her home 😂
I'm waiting for my RS to be delivered in november. My 18 VA is starting to age a bit it has 156k kms and some rust is appearing on the doors, trunk and top of the windshield. I decided to change cause the guy that owns the shop I send my VA to when it needs maintenance or parts replacing, told me the VB is prolly the best WRX he drove and he drove many models in every situation you can think of like road, off road, winter driving even rally. I'm still thinking if I put some Perrin stuff in there that don't need tunes according to them to get to 300 to 320 hp maybe. Most likely gonna change wheels when the S007s set will be dead. They look painful to wash. Maybe color matched fender plastics and a wing if prodrive decide to produce their 22b style wing and their fender plastics are looking sick.
Thanks for the comment! Yeah it’s a great car to drive. I daily drive mine and it puts a smile on my face every time. I hope to drive this thing as much you drove yours, 150k kms +. The FA24 is proving to be a tough engine so I have no doubt with regular maintenance it will get there. Congrats on the new RS!
Good review bro. Personally, my favorite WRX STi is the 2014 WRX STi hatchback, but I have to admit that the VA chassis was a big improvement on ride quality, sound deadening and interior quality. The absence of the hatchback option was a huge disappointment but I understand why the hatchback variant wasn't produced.
replying to comment about sti having front lsd center dccd diff and rear lsd and wrx only having open front diff and open rear diff. in intial d there is a episode where the takumi ae86 like the sti has lsd and itsuki ae85 like the wrx has no lsd but guess what the good driver takumi drove the ae85 and still beat someone. don't believe me look up ae85 vs silvia race, that shows it's up to driver that can win even without lsd.
Got my VB for the exact same reasons as you. Pretty hard to find a clean STI with low miles. I said I wasn't going to tune mine for a few years. One Black Friday sale later and I am pushing 350whp :)
I'm in your exact same original position wanting the VA STI, low mileage, unmodded mechanically, one owner 2019+ but here Down Under prices are not just crazy but stupid crazy. In 2022 when the VB landed I didn't like it and now seeing some modded exteriors I'm liking it more and more and even planning to test drive one. Still not a fan of the super-large infotainment screen in them though but we'll see what way I go. Whatever I get will purely be a weekend fun car and not intended as a daily.
The VA STI has a fun factor that might be better than the VB for a weekender! If I had the money and garage space, I would buy the VA for the fun days and a daily for the regular Monday to Friday.
I bought myself a VB WRX a week and a half ago. I bought it because it's a turbo car it's cheap compared to something like a GR Corolla the tuning potential and because it's AWD
Good explanation of your reasoning Sepp. It’s a reality that as technology advances it drips its way into Subies often at a different rate to other manufacturers. For a company with such an impressive WRC history and development background they are very conservative. I still love my VA STi over the VB garden variety for its mechanical properties but I remain grateful that the WRX exists in some form that resembles the original for whatever time remains on the analogue concept. Long live ULH and 6SM 🎉
Thanks for the comment! I echo your thoughts, Subaru evolved their performance vehicles (WRX and STI) at a much slower pace compared to other competitors. Maybe too slow to the point that the STI had to be discontinued. However, I do appreciate the old school feel the cars retain, even the VB platform keeps the driving experience not too far from its roots. I'm grateful as well that Subaru still kept the WRX in their lineup and even expanded the trim levels (TR/RS) with more performance items. I feel Subaru's habit of slowly changing their cars and design philosophy will make them one of the few car manufacturers who will keep the driving experience analogue and raw for the foreseeable - which ultimately we car enthusiasts care about the most. Cheers man 👍
For most folks I recommend the WRX. If it's your daily driver/ use it on longer trips, it is smarter financially. Especially now save up a fat down payment to avoid these wild interest rates. Plus it will outdrive most folks abilities for a long time stock. You can then use the money you saved to customize it with better suspension, decor, etc. After the warranty is out, then you can mod the engine, tune it, etc and gain considerable power. The reason I went to the STI after owning my WRX for several years was because I could afford it and it's not my daily driver anymore. I got a good deal pre-pandemic on an 18 STI so I am lucky. You are paying for the brake package, suspension, better tranny, etc and it is worth it for a performance car. The STI was my dream car for over 20 years now (damn I feel old saying that). I drive it a couple times a month and have added some mods making around 365 to the wheels. Have fun with your cars, and to those folks dreaming of getting one some day, just keep working hard and saving. I promise it pays off.
@@JoshDillon-lm3hw yeah you're spot on, I learned from comment below STI has whole different drivetrain like you said front LSD center DCCD diff and rear LSD, apparently STI was designed for handling, I never knew that, and that would explain why my friends stock STI handled better than my VB with coilovers and swaybars. Still like VB though, it's more comfortable than his STI for daily.
@elsicario7359 it's not the vb isn't designed to handle well lsds just perform better in track conditions when your cornering at the limits an the sti Trans is much stronger an can handle more power an abuse
I think the new VB handles better than the STI. That being said the STI puts the power down better, especially hard on the gas coming out of tight corners. No more STI’s with a warranty available and the VB is WAY easier to add power too. Any one ever look into what it takes to get 325 to the wheels in a STI? I did, then bought a VB.
As much as people want to complain about the VB, sometimes buying a new car that no one has modified or drove rough is nice. The odds are that 8/10 used STIs have been altered or beaten by someone who just wanted to squeeze more power out of it. Either way, enjoy your vehicle. I upgraded my car to a VB early last year and still love it. It's comfortable, peppy, and doesn't look as bad as people say. Also, it's a beast in autocross. Would i have loved an STI Trim for the VB, yes, but Subaru is in the business of making money, and their best selling vehicles are the outback, forester, etc. This WRX has the same engine as the xt outback and the accent 🤣. They're trimming the fat and looking at how they can keep these vehicles and save money, so, sharing components makes sense for them.
I bought 2006 WRX new.. I loved it so much that I never sold it. Almost 20 years later now I own a new VB. My GD is STI swapped with extreme mods. I am keeping the VB stock so I can have my cake and eat it too 😂.
i own a baja so the plastic cladding on the wrx doesnt faze me, what does though is the HIDEOUS interior. i cant stand to look at a big stupid tablet. this is a problem with every new car though.
I have a 22 ceramic white GT. Don’t give me wrong. I got the card looking great but now the new TR came out. I definitely want to trade in. There’s just something about a manual that is rewarding to drive. Unfortunately, unfortunately when I was buying, this was the only option I had and I desperately needed a car.
If your building for track and power the STI is hands down better. The transmission is in a whole different class. The vb transmission is pretty weak. If you just want to slap some basic bold ons and go in a straight line the vb I'd solid but if you want to really build a car the STI is that car. I also want to add tge 2024 wrx having eyesight is one of the dumbest things ever. Subaru eyesight is horrible and having it on a wrx is a huge mistake. It makes me 100% avoid buying one in the future.
The VB is the best WRX ever. Could have been the best STI ever too. But it is what it is. The car seriously only needs the STI diffs and gearbox to be perfect.
Ive had wrx put almost 200k on it and 25k on a sti now stage 3. If you wanted a sti get one even a used one you can fix whatever is wrong with it and make it yours. youll always crave a sti
You made the logical choice and as you stated, trying to find a used VA STI that’s not been all loaded up with a bunch of non-original mods would be nearly impossible.
OWNED 2 STI'S (GR) AND OTHER WRXS AND TO BE HONEST, BESIDES THE TRANS/LSD'S I FEEL LIKE THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CAR OVERALL. MY STI'S WERE STOCK AND MODDED SO IVE TRIED MAKING A TRULY UNBIASED COMPARISON..WITH A LITTLE SUSPENSION MODS ETC ITS JUST CRAZY HOW WELL THESE CARS RESPOND..HANDLING IS CRAZY. ONCE I DO THE STI DRIVETRAIN SWAP ILL BE GOOD TO GO
OH AND YES I OFTEN MISS THE EJ UNEQUAL LENGTH EXHAUST MANIFOLD RUMBLE BUT I DONT PLAN ON RUINING THE POWER,EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY THAT THE EQUAL LENGTH PROVIDES..AS HARD AS IT IS TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE OL' EJ ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS AT LEAST ITS NOT ELECTRIC AND WHERE ELSE YOU GOING TO GET SUCH A BARGAIN PRICE FOR A 4DOOR, MANUAL, AWD TURBO ? SUBARU REALLY WAS TIRED OF ALL THE HATE ON THEIR ENGINES AND REALLY DID THEIR HOMEWORK ON THIS PLATFORM.
On paper the VB wrx is my perfect next daily, but I heard one going down the street and even with my subaru fanboy tuned ears that engine does not sound good
For me, my decision was very payment driven. The Jetta GLI with cloth seats has 84mth finance for $570 MSRP.. And Subaru has 81% residual on a 24 month lease for the base model... which is nearly unobtainium.... Well, I got lucky and found a base WRX in stock and leased for 2 years for $530. So basically... do I want a Jetta GLI finance for 7 years? Or 6 year old Civic Si with 100000km financed for 5yrs or a 2 year lease on a base WRX??? Uhhh... New Car Lease please... Because Used Subarus' cost WAAAYYY too much money lol ? If I need more than 25,000km per year... I can't be financing it for 7 years anyway - it would be 350,000km by the time it was paid off...
@@carswithsepp msrp in CAD is $33695 plus freight and tax. Residual after 2yrs/48000km is $29350. They gave me $500 off (very kind of them to do one week before month end) plus $300 for my dead tranny trade in fiesta. That $800 plus tax knocked $40/month off the payment over 24months from $570 down to $530. If I want to keep the car and it’s worth way less than $29k when I’m done… I’ll just buy a different used one. If it’s worth way more (very unlikely)… I’ll get paid to trade it in for a new lease. The Fiesta was bought 2 years ago in the peak of used car frenzy for $5000… plus winter tires… so it cost me over $200 a month to drive a shitbox vs about $450 to finance new a base Jetta or this… the math makes it kinda a no brainer if you appreciate a manual sport sedan…
just found out from comment below, sti come with front lsd center dccd diff and rear lsd, disappointed to find out my new VB runs front open diff and rear open diff, it would explain why it would understeer and push when I tried to accelerate mid corner even after I put coilovers and sway bars and a052. still like new vb, and i have good example where driver matter. in a anime called initial d there is a car takumi ae86 that has lsd like the sti, and another car itsuki ae85 without lsd like the wrx. well the takumi driver drove ae85 without lsd and still beat another car in a mountain race.
VBs are for the kids that grew up with the knock off brand of legos.. But I think half the fun of the comment section is from the kids/adults that can't afford the base level Wrx from the 90s. Like being a teen, and getting laid. When you're 20 and arguing with kids that never quite got to lay the pipe hahaha
@carswithsepp just saying. I love wrx/sti. But I grew up watching the old pre VA models crush the rally world. But still. Glad to see kids enjoying a seriously decent ass car. I always loved those things ❤️
@carswithsepp just saying. I love wrx/sti. But I grew up watching the old pre VA models crush the rally world. But still. Glad to see kids enjoying a seriously decent ass car. I always loved those things ❤️
@@Arthog627 all good man. GD/GC subies are classics and are definitely more visceral compared to how modern cars are now. I made a video on Subaru and the WRC so I too am a huge fan of when they were part of the WRC world. ua-cam.com/video/jYQGUexTyqw/v-deo.htmlsi=Z7uMOOJiSVssvrGq
@carswithsepp hey I LOVE the direction the engine/drivetrain is going! Just wish Subi had a brain with body design, as far as stock goes. The wrx/sti fan club loves the old - 2017 look. The 2015 started a trend of the traditional, wild rally car that grew up a bit, but kept to it's roots. The 2021+ Looks like star wars, AFTER disney bought it..
Appreciate both cars, ... There is a reason we have WRX and STI , for daily WRX for me.. And only premium trim anything goes over 38k it doesnt make sense to me bc STI is there with better drivertrain and charcter to drive. For truck usage STI only . Looking for straight line fast car, gtfo from here you are in a wrong house bobby ... Unless you have built a scoobie for roll...$$$$ Stay humble in your seats and play with l the size if your sheet .. Happy boosting !
i'm selling my stock 2018 WRX STI Limited. Are you or anyone you know in the market? It's only got 32,000mi. No accidents. just maintained and loved. Never launched it and never raced it. I have it posted on FB Marketplace.
Eh, both are big, fat and boring. Should have just gotten another GD or a hatchback. I'd consider the new VB if they came factory with 400hp and if they fixed the ugly body with a better, sti body kit, and sold it for $40k
With no current gen STI and the potential transition to EV the VB is gonna age like a fine wine.
What does VB actually mean? I know it’s 2022 +
@@Bubblebathkiing lol! That’s a really good question. VA is 2015-2021, GR, GD, and GC before that. What does CRX mean? What does RX7 mean? I’m sure somewhere some Subaru geek or Japanese engineer knows 😆
@@whitpershing84 its just the chassis code, nothing more complicated.
@@will3362 Right. You gotta call it something.
I love it. No rev hang and more consistent acceleration.
I hated the vb when they first released pics. I test drove civic si, gti, Elantra n and gr86. I saw a vb sitting on the lot and was surprised how good I thought it looked in person. Test drove it and signed the paperwork right after. This car has been a dream for me personally. Just perfect. I love the cladding now and it’s unique. It puts me an a good mood on my commute. Glad I found your channel 🍻
Thanks for your comment! Thats something about the VB that surprised me too, that it looks way better in person. I’m glad you’re enjoying your VB, driving my VB is pretty much therapy for me haha. Cheers!
Couldn’t have said it better! I just sold my 2022 for a 2024 TR. I thought I liked the 2022, but the 2024 TR is straight up WOW. I have so much fun driving that car, even if I’m commuting with lots of traffic. The recaros are so comfortable and tight, the suspension is perfectly damped for spirited street driving and I love the new 19s and brembos. It’s a great package.
It was my goal car that I dreamed of, I just test drove one and am trying to take my time before I make the decision. What a fun car and second gear and up feels amazing, after 3k rpm it just wants to go
I love my 2023 WRB VB, absolutely amazing driving car. And great tuner potential
The vb wrx is a great daily. As a sti owner, the sti was a better choice for me.it's more a time capsule for my inner younger jdm fan. What other jdm car up to 2021 could you buy with a return stlye fuel system, hydraulic quick ratio power steering, close ratio stong gear box, and a freaking emissioned air pump. Suburu literally sold us 2004 tech till the last sti. So, for me, im very familiar with the platform this was my reason for buying the sti.
Old is gold forsure ! Thanks for sharing :)
43yo got me a 2021 STI in march this year 2024......keeping it till I die!!
Hell yeah 👍
I own a 2022 VB it has been an unreal experience getting my car to look and feel like I knew it could. Its such an amazing motor, and to not just be another "sti" on the road was another reason I bought it.
That's the great part about of being a car enthusiast and especially when you own a subie. You can really make it your own, whether you want to chase big power, or just oem +, its an experience tailored to your personality
Always wanted a WRX for over 20 years and would keep talking myself out of it. I work for Toyota and Seriously considered the GR86 or the GR Corolla. Did not want to wait on a Manual GR86 and Did not want to pay for the GR Corolla price Tag. Test Drove the my 2022 Saphire Blue WRX and was hooked. I too wanted an STI and realize they stop making them. Saw that the power was the same across all of the trim levels so I got the Base. Purchased some Blue wheels to compliment the paint and got Blue Tint, Spoilers Window and Trunk along with a Color Match Vortex Generator. Man I feel Like I am driving one of my Matchbox or Hotwheels from when I was a Kid. I love my VB!!
Thank you for your comment!! Sapphire blue is an amazing color. Cheers!
Current base VB owner and also owned 2 VA STI's in the past. You made a good decision. STI's are special, but buying used is such a gamble for a long term daily driver.
I was so paranoid of my STI blowing up (as a 2nd owner) that i sold it before the warranty expired. I do miss it sometimes but never again as a daily driver unless i could be the original owner
Thanks for your comment! I'm glad someone who actually owned a VA and went to a VB reaffirmed my decision. Exactly as you said, buying a used car, especially a used WRX or STI, is a gamble. Regardless if it has no mods or has maintenance records up to date, the way the previous owner drove it makes a huge impact to the longevity (like did they launch it ever, how was the break-in period handled, did they always use premium gas), all these questions made me paranoid. Especially that this was my largest purchase ever, it was a gamble I could not afford. One day, I hope to get an STI, but it will not be my daily, it will be my weekender car, where I can enjoy it fully, so even if it breaks down, I won't be worried about how I'll get to work the next day! Thanks again for the comment, cheers man!
The fa24 is such a huge leap from the ej that it makes the vb the better choice despite the better performance parts the va sti has.
I own a 2024 Limited WRX and I absolutely love this car. Compared to the last gen WRX, it rides a lot smoother, is a lot quicker, road noise is kept to a minimum, and the cladding definitely grows on you. I told a buddy of mine when they first released that people would fall in love with this new generation of WRX's and I was right. I've been so many people mod these cars and add a lot of power in them with very little mods to do so. I've owned mine now for a month and every time I get into it, I feel so happy that I made the right choice in getting one. Same friend that owns a last gen WRX loves seeing my car and how good it looks with just a few cosmetic mods. He was skeptical with the new design but it has since grown on him as well after seeing them in person.
I had a few friends skeptical about the WRX as well. But after seeing it in person, the looks grew on them pretty quick. The driving experience is what sold them though, definitely a smooth and quick ride!
I got a 2022 limited, how the brakes on the 2024?
Its ugly as hell bro
As a tuner - the VB is challenging because its so refined. In the past there were alot of parts you can add to a cars performance without a tune. With the VB you have to decide from the very beginning your upgrade path, buy and install ALL of those parts at once and then tune it.
My 23 vb is exactly that. A new clean slate, with no mods. Ideally, if subaru made a sti in the new platform i wld have gone for that. It is what it is. I do wish i have brembos on mine, but the joys of a jdm car is the aftermarket support. I can eventually get one 😂
I had a 2019 VA, got rid of it when my daughter was born for a manual crosstrek. After a few years I missed having a car with power so I just got a VB and holy hell does it feel so much better than my VA did. The power band is just full of power
I own a 2019 STI. Never tuned it and the only engine mods are an IAG AOS and cylinder 4 cooling mod. Has only 19k miles so it’s not a daily driver. I think about selling it because I drive it so little and the insurance has increased to a point where I wonder if it's worth keeping. Love the car though, it's a very fun car to drive.
I owned a 2020 WRX, did the FBO, tune and flex and I think it was very capable for about the same total cost vs an STi. I just bought an WRX TR and it's almost there to an STi. I didn't wait for the Ts because I am not sure I want the auto dampening etc and I may want to go coilovers anyhow. I can immediately feel the flat torque curve, the more precise handling and the ride is pretty stiff right out of the factory. I've got the Cobb Stage 2 and exhaust coming so we'll see how we'll she does.
just bought my first every Subaru! 23 WRX with only 1800 miles for only 26k USD and it had the STI axle back exhaust, it is unfortunately the base model but i couldn't beat the price and gives me a good reason to change it to how i want. Such a huge upgrade from the nissan versa i was driving before, i love my vb wrx!!!!
Nice! Thanks for sharing
I went with a 2023 WRX Sport last year and have loved it since. It’s my first manual car and I literally drove it off the lot and home I was that confident with the clutch right away. Of course stalled it a couple times stopping at intersections but don’t we all starting out 😂
Nice man! Driving manual is so tricky at the start but once you get it, it’s so much fun. Especially that your first manual is the WRX, driving is that much more enjoyable. Cheers!
I was looking for a new car with manual transmission, but was scared I would ruin it since it’s been years since I drove manual. Ended up getting a 2023 WRX and I gotta say it actually is an easy to learn manual car. I struggled less than with any other manual I drove. Keep getting compliments on the orange color. Hopefully one day I can pay it off and trade it in for the STI we are all waiting for if not it’s staying in my driveway for sure.
Planning on getting a WRX in the future. Pay off current and save some money for a heavy down payment. Excited for sure
Great video 👏🏽
@@audioKrashhh thanks man!
I built my vb based on the jdm sti package that was in the intro video , trying to make it into the sti that coulda been
gonna be test driving a VB tomorrow😁
update me through this comment on how it went and what your thoughts are!
I was going to, then I found a super clean 2011 sti hatch and went for it. 18k for it had all maintenance records 98k miles.
@@kingrick4420How did you find that hatch!? Finding something like that is like finding a unicorn lol
@@carswithsepp craigslist lol, the ad had some red flags as it had some mods and in the ad the owner said he didn't know what turbo was on it lol.. I got it looked over, and he had a compression test done before he put it up for sale which was very good. when I say clean I mean zero rust lol Texas car in northern VT. I had equal length headers, and a new turbo put on because the one that was on it spooled pretty slow.
@@kingrick4420 Nice man, congrats on the new hatch!! The hatch is one of the best looking STI's Subaru ever made in my opinion - wide body fenders looks so much more meaner and aggressive compared to any other generation
I own a 23 VB premium. I never considered a WRX or STI because of my size, 6’2” with a 6’7” wingspan. I just don’t fit well in most.
I work on the docks and get to drive pretty much every make & model of new common cars and a crazy amount of imports 25 years or older (imports need to be 25 yrs old in the USA compared to 20 yrs up in Canada). So every once in a while I drive a car onto or off a ship and really enjoy some aspect of driving it and then get out and check to see what model & trim level it is. This is what put the VB WRX on my radar but it still wasn’t on my short list.
I started eliminating cars off my short list for various reasons, like the challenger & chargers because they get stolen so often in my area. Slowly the WRX started to make more sense and I’m one of the few that liked the looks of it early on including the cladding.
The main reason I went with it in the end is because I have the option to put a small lift on it, and haul my bikes more easily up some forest roads.
The reason I went with the 23 premium has to do mostly with my size. I really really wanted the TR and waited for it to come out. I also hoped 2024 would bring better color options.
Due to my height and preferred seat angle (based on my preferred nice weather driving, arm on open window sill) I preferred not to have a sunroof due to the lower interior roof. I actually rub my head when looking over my left shoulder at blind spot.
The 2024’s all came with the eyesight which takes up so much of the top of the windshield. I truly don’t get why more people don’t complain about the eyesight unit being so huge. It’s always in my peripheral vision and worse when first car in line at stop lights.
So I went with a left over new 2023 at a big enough discount I didn’t bother haggling.
My hopes are to get a big brake kit (unless I lift the car and can’t fit them on the smaller wheels). Get as much of the limited & above suede interior pieces (already got the extended armrest) and aftermarket front seats. I don’t like the feel of the cloth seats, don’t like that they are limited adjustment seats also. I also hope to get seats that sit at least an inch lower in the car.
~~~~
So far I’ve really enjoyed the WRX. It’s pretty fun to drive. I fit in it pretty decently for a small car. I have been having fun buying none powertrain parts for it. Maybe get a bit more aggressive when I get closer to the warranty ending. But I know the option is there.
Excellent video! I would have gone the same route if in your situation! Test drove one and it is impressive! I'm blessed that I have a daily/work vehicle and my 20' VA Sti is my weekend car so i can enjoy it fully! It's surreal that I got the dream car I wanted as a child and I don't think I'll ever let it go. The raw driving experience keeps me in love when I step in it. I'll pass it down to my future kid!
Thank you very much! It was a tough call between the VA vs the VB. The VA just has a special charm to it no other car has. One day I'd love a VA as a weekender/project car like yourself, it would be a dream for sure. Also, that's awesome you will pass on your car to your future kid. Cars like the STI will be so rare and sought after in the future that your kid will be the coolest person in the school lot!
Good choice, I liked the vb the first time I seen it, once I drove it I was convinced, I’ve now tuned with bolt ons and it’s super fun to drive for a daily…
How much power are you pushing??
@@carswithsepp 310hp,420tq, mild safe tune for a daily, could have pushed more but it’s enough for me and the gear box!
Welcome to the VB fam!
I got one because AWD, safe, daily driver and a ton of tuning potential.
Only thing this car lacks is brakes, but the TR solved that.
Enjoy your vehicle and thanks for posting!!!
Thanks for the warm welcome and the comment!
I went with the STI over the VB myself, the driving feel and aesthetics are the #1 and #2 for me, and the STIs hydraulic steering, tighter suspension and better 6 speed gear box + the ugly VB design vs the near perfect VA design + the stock wheel design & interior design & head unit all made it easy to walk away from a new 2024 WRX and purchased the 2019 STI I really wanted down the road + 10K in mods for the same price. If I'm getting a car I'm going to keep for a really long time I would never sacrifice on driving feel and looks, and I get 330whp after a protune and boltons now, I don't think I'll ever need more for the street. I just did my homework and got a clean low milage STI and got a SPECIALIST INSPECTION AND COMPRESSION TEST that showed the engine was in amazing shape. I'd always want an STI if I got a WRX, that was the whole point of getting a Subaru for me.
Thanks for sharing👍
I’m 45 and have owned many, many sports cars. Loved them all. I just traded in my 21 Accord Sport 2.0T in still night pearl. Beautiful car and fast! That drivetrain was the best Honda ever did! I really was going to keep it after my lease but I decided to let it go. I’ve been going back & forth for a long time what I was getting next. I really wanted a Challenger but the the prices for a R/T was nuts for what the car was. Mustang prices have definitely gone way up and I was not not going to do that at all. I then went and test drove a WRX and really liked it. I ended up leasing a WR Blue with the Sport Performance Transmission (CVT). The car is great! I’m glad I decided to get it. Driving this car doesn’t really make me miss my Honda but I know from driving the 2.0T to this one is a difference but I feel I did the right thing by going for the WRX. Also this is my first Subaru ever!
Thanks for your comment!
I wanted a wrx or sti for awhile drove a few generations bug eye heavily modified but needed a clutch i could tell on test drive at a dealership, drove a older sti i love the older sti but i test drove a 22 wrx and was impressed with how the car felt , its a really as you said a very great everyday car
hey bud im also thinking about buying one if u dont mind me asking where did u go to get yours i also live in jersey i went to Englewood dealer ship but they didn't have that many i would have to wait for a couple of weeks to get the one i want i mean i dont mind but would like to sit in and see how comfortable0 the seats area and idk if i wanna get the tr version or the premium
Truly enjoyed this ... subscribed to prove it!
Thank you!!!
Great discussion. I went with a 2020 STI bc of the aesthetics and what seemed like a core focus on the driver enthusiast.
I’m curious how the auto braking feature works on a manual. Does it kick you out of gear automatically somehow when it auto brakes? Or the system just ‘yolo’s’ it and doesn’t worry about stalling the engine out from the sudden reduction in rev’s as it brakes?
I am curious too, I have a feeling it's more of the yolo method, and they assume you will be smart enough to throw the clutch in yourself haha....
2020 STI is a gem - keep it as long as you possibly can. As the number of STI's are now limited, your car will go up in cost significantly over time. For the auto braking it can be used in 2nd to 6th gear. And when it engages, as you put it, it does actually yolo and stop the vehicle, even if it causes the car to stall. If you're quick enough you can clutch in and keep the car on, but in instances where the auto break is activated, the stalling may not be the worst thing to worry about. I have yet to experience an emergency stopping scenario but I'll make a video in a few months once I get a better idea how it is to live with. Thanks for the comment!
@@carswithsepp I got a 2011 STi hatch hoping it holds it's value for that reason lol but also I don't want to get rid of it ever.
does the eyesight on manual have lane keep/lane tracing? That was my favorite feature for long highway trips. I still want the manual for the twisties!
@@calebjared75 It does and it works pretty good
Got my VB at the tail end of December ‘23. Brought my ‘17 WRX in for a balance/rotation. Asked how much they would give for a trade-in, and the guy asked me if I wanted to test drive a ‘23 WRB Base. Night and day difference, and my ‘17 was lightly modded and tuned (GS jpipe, GS BPV, GS BCS, Mishimoto Intake, Drunkmann tuned). I was genuinely surprised at how well the power came on and how well the car handled. A week later I brought her home 😂
Haha thats awesome man! Any plans for mods for the VB?
@@carswithsepp once the warranty is up, yes definitely. As of now I just have cosmetic stuff and wheels
I went from a 2016 WRX to a 23 Premium - like you said, night and day. Great car.
I'm waiting for my RS to be delivered in november. My 18 VA is starting to age a bit it has 156k kms and some rust is appearing on the doors, trunk and top of the windshield. I decided to change cause the guy that owns the shop I send my VA to when it needs maintenance or parts replacing, told me the VB is prolly the best WRX he drove and he drove many models in every situation you can think of like road, off road, winter driving even rally. I'm still thinking if I put some Perrin stuff in there that don't need tunes according to them to get to 300 to 320 hp maybe. Most likely gonna change wheels when the S007s set will be dead. They look painful to wash. Maybe color matched fender plastics and a wing if prodrive decide to produce their 22b style wing and their fender plastics are looking sick.
Thanks for the comment! Yeah it’s a great car to drive. I daily drive mine and it puts a smile on my face every time. I hope to drive this thing as much you drove yours, 150k kms +. The FA24 is proving to be a tough engine so I have no doubt with regular maintenance it will get there. Congrats on the new RS!
Good review bro. Personally, my favorite WRX STi is the 2014 WRX STi hatchback, but I have to admit that the VA chassis was a big improvement on ride quality, sound deadening and interior quality. The absence of the hatchback option was a huge disappointment but I understand why the hatchback variant wasn't produced.
replying to comment about sti having front lsd center dccd diff and rear lsd and wrx only having open front diff and open rear diff. in intial d there is a episode where the takumi ae86 like the sti has lsd and itsuki ae85 like the wrx has no lsd but guess what the good driver takumi drove the ae85 and still beat someone. don't believe me look up ae85 vs silvia race, that shows it's up to driver that can win even without lsd.
My wife didn't like the BRZ I ordered... and I couldn't fit the kids in safely. SO I just went with the WRX Limited w/ leather package. I like it.
Got my VB for the exact same reasons as you. Pretty hard to find a clean STI with low miles. I said I wasn't going to tune mine for a few years. One Black Friday sale later and I am pushing 350whp :)
Nice man! It’s so tempting to tune this car knowing it makes power super easy with minimal mods. Those sales are deadly haha! Cheers
I'm in your exact same original position wanting the VA STI, low mileage, unmodded mechanically, one owner 2019+ but here Down Under prices are not just crazy but stupid crazy. In 2022 when the VB landed I didn't like it and now seeing some modded exteriors I'm liking it more and more and even planning to test drive one. Still not a fan of the super-large infotainment screen in them though but we'll see what way I go. Whatever I get will purely be a weekend fun car and not intended as a daily.
The VA STI has a fun factor that might be better than the VB for a weekender! If I had the money and garage space, I would buy the VA for the fun days and a daily for the regular Monday to Friday.
I bought myself a VB WRX a week and a half ago. I bought it because it's a turbo car it's cheap compared to something like a GR Corolla the tuning potential and because it's AWD
Good explanation of your reasoning Sepp. It’s a reality that as technology advances it drips its way into Subies often at a different rate to other manufacturers. For a company with such an impressive WRC history and development background they are very conservative.
I still love my VA STi over the VB garden variety for its mechanical properties but I remain grateful that the WRX exists in some form that resembles the original for whatever time remains on the analogue concept.
Long live ULH and 6SM 🎉
Thanks for the comment! I echo your thoughts, Subaru evolved their performance vehicles (WRX and STI) at a much slower pace compared to other competitors. Maybe too slow to the point that the STI had to be discontinued. However, I do appreciate the old school feel the cars retain, even the VB platform keeps the driving experience not too far from its roots. I'm grateful as well that Subaru still kept the WRX in their lineup and even expanded the trim levels (TR/RS) with more performance items. I feel Subaru's habit of slowly changing their cars and design philosophy will make them one of the few car manufacturers who will keep the driving experience analogue and raw for the foreseeable - which ultimately we car enthusiasts care about the most. Cheers man 👍
For most folks I recommend the WRX. If it's your daily driver/ use it on longer trips, it is smarter financially. Especially now save up a fat down payment to avoid these wild interest rates. Plus it will outdrive most folks abilities for a long time stock. You can then use the money you saved to customize it with better suspension, decor, etc. After the warranty is out, then you can mod the engine, tune it, etc and gain considerable power. The reason I went to the STI after owning my WRX for several years was because I could afford it and it's not my daily driver anymore. I got a good deal pre-pandemic on an 18 STI so I am lucky. You are paying for the brake package, suspension, better tranny, etc and it is worth it for a performance car. The STI was my dream car for over 20 years now (damn I feel old saying that). I drive it a couple times a month and have added some mods making around 365 to the wheels. Have fun with your cars, and to those folks dreaming of getting one some day, just keep working hard and saving. I promise it pays off.
Nice video ! This is what I was talking about 👏
I see it all as preference I chose my 2016 STI because to me STI is a flagship and automotive icon 😎
It's almost the "same power" but the VB dynos at subaru's advertised crank HP. Also, stock for stock a vb wrx keeps up with/slightly beats a va sti.
I saw some videos that the VB dyno'd a higher baseline then the VA STI baseline. Not sure how legit that was but was interesting to see
@carswithsepp ive seen a few like that too sti drive train I'm sure has higher drive train loss with how much beefer everything is tho so makes sense
Sti fd is 3.54 and wrx vb fd is 4.11
@@JoshDillon-lm3hw yeah you're spot on, I learned from comment below STI has whole different drivetrain like you said front LSD center DCCD diff and rear LSD, apparently STI was designed for handling, I never knew that, and that would explain why my friends stock STI handled better than my VB with coilovers and swaybars. Still like VB though, it's more comfortable than his STI for daily.
@elsicario7359 it's not the vb isn't designed to handle well lsds just perform better in track conditions when your cornering at the limits an the sti Trans is much stronger an can handle more power an abuse
I've had my base 2024 VB for a few months now.... I really, really like it, but I still desire a hatch STI.
I think the new VB handles better than the STI. That being said the STI puts the power down better, especially hard on the gas coming out of tight corners. No more STI’s with a warranty available and the VB is WAY easier to add power too. Any one ever look into what it takes to get 325 to the wheels in a STI? I did, then bought a VB.
I’m with you there bro! Totally agree
Had a 2005 sti sold it bought i bought a motorcycle and now i just bought the vb just coz they offered me 0% apr and 5k discount on the vb
Nice! Was it for the 2023?
@@carswithsepp 23 yes.
As much as people want to complain about the VB, sometimes buying a new car that no one has modified or drove rough is nice. The odds are that 8/10 used STIs have been altered or beaten by someone who just wanted to squeeze more power out of it. Either way, enjoy your vehicle. I upgraded my car to a VB early last year and still love it. It's comfortable, peppy, and doesn't look as bad as people say. Also, it's a beast in autocross.
Would i have loved an STI Trim for the VB, yes, but Subaru is in the business of making money, and their best selling vehicles are the outback, forester, etc. This WRX has the same engine as the xt outback and the accent 🤣. They're trimming the fat and looking at how they can keep these vehicles and save money, so, sharing components makes sense for them.
Are the recaro's comfy?
I wouldnt say comfy, theyre fairly stiff but liveable.
I bought 2006 WRX new.. I loved it so much that I never sold it. Almost 20 years later now I own a new VB. My GD is STI swapped with extreme mods. I am keeping the VB stock so I can have my cake and eat it too 😂.
i own a baja so the plastic cladding on the wrx doesnt faze me, what does though is the HIDEOUS interior. i cant stand to look at a big stupid tablet. this is a problem with every new car though.
I have a 22 ceramic white GT. Don’t give me wrong. I got the card looking great but now the new TR came out. I definitely want to trade in. There’s just something about a manual that is rewarding to drive. Unfortunately, unfortunately when I was buying, this was the only option I had and I desperately needed a car.
I bought a 2023 WRX because I really really hate the eyesore and nanny crap. I'm convinced the people that hate on it haven't driven one.
If your building for track and power the STI is hands down better. The transmission is in a whole different class. The vb transmission is pretty weak. If you just want to slap some basic bold ons and go in a straight line the vb I'd solid but if you want to really build a car the STI is that car. I also want to add tge 2024 wrx having eyesight is one of the dumbest things ever. Subaru eyesight is horrible and having it on a wrx is a huge mistake. It makes me 100% avoid buying one in the future.
The VB is the best WRX ever. Could have been the best STI ever too. But it is what it is. The car seriously only needs the STI diffs and gearbox to be perfect.
Ive had wrx put almost 200k on it and 25k on a sti now stage 3. If you wanted a sti get one even a used one you can fix whatever is wrong with it and make it yours. youll always crave a sti
Swapped an STi drivetrain into mine... perfection. Too bad the bean counters at Fuji couldn't justify making one of their own.
@@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n I already had a STI. I had a final production model that I owned brand new. First owner, I like the VB more.
Be careful what you wish for. Sti fd ks 3.54 and your vb is 4.11.
@@stock.cars.2ned yeah is geared very short. 80mph in sixth is at 3200rpm
You made the logical choice and as you stated, trying to find a used VA STI that’s not been all loaded up with a bunch of non-original mods would be nearly impossible.
OWNED 2 STI'S (GR) AND OTHER WRXS AND TO BE HONEST, BESIDES THE TRANS/LSD'S I FEEL LIKE THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CAR OVERALL. MY STI'S WERE STOCK AND MODDED SO IVE TRIED MAKING A TRULY UNBIASED COMPARISON..WITH A LITTLE SUSPENSION MODS ETC ITS JUST CRAZY HOW WELL THESE CARS RESPOND..HANDLING IS CRAZY. ONCE I DO THE STI DRIVETRAIN SWAP ILL BE GOOD TO GO
OH AND YES I OFTEN MISS THE EJ UNEQUAL LENGTH EXHAUST MANIFOLD RUMBLE BUT I DONT PLAN ON RUINING THE POWER,EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY THAT THE EQUAL LENGTH PROVIDES..AS HARD AS IT IS TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE OL' EJ ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS AT LEAST ITS NOT ELECTRIC AND WHERE ELSE YOU GOING TO GET SUCH A BARGAIN PRICE FOR A 4DOOR, MANUAL, AWD TURBO ? SUBARU REALLY WAS TIRED OF ALL THE HATE ON THEIR ENGINES AND REALLY DID THEIR HOMEWORK ON THIS PLATFORM.
On paper the VB wrx is my perfect next daily, but I heard one going down the street and even with my subaru fanboy tuned ears that engine does not sound good
@@stevenstiles1 I get ya. The rumble is missing for sure. But test drive one! Just try it, then make your decision after.
For me, my decision was very payment driven. The Jetta GLI with cloth seats has 84mth finance for $570 MSRP.. And Subaru has 81% residual on a 24 month lease for the base model... which is nearly unobtainium.... Well, I got lucky and found a base WRX in stock and leased for 2 years for $530. So basically... do I want a Jetta GLI finance for 7 years? Or 6 year old Civic Si with 100000km financed for 5yrs or a 2 year lease on a base WRX??? Uhhh... New Car Lease please... Because Used Subarus' cost WAAAYYY too much money lol ? If I need more than 25,000km per year... I can't be financing it for 7 years anyway - it would be 350,000km by the time it was paid off...
That makes a lot of sense. Subaru's do keep their residual very well!
@@carswithsepp msrp in CAD is $33695 plus freight and tax. Residual after 2yrs/48000km is $29350. They gave me $500 off (very kind of them to do one week before month end) plus $300 for my dead tranny trade in fiesta. That $800 plus tax knocked $40/month off the payment over 24months from $570 down to $530. If I want to keep the car and it’s worth way less than $29k when I’m done… I’ll just buy a different used one. If it’s worth way more (very unlikely)… I’ll get paid to trade it in for a new lease. The Fiesta was bought 2 years ago in the peak of used car frenzy for $5000… plus winter tires… so it cost me over $200 a month to drive a shitbox vs about $450 to finance new a base Jetta or this… the math makes it kinda a no brainer if you appreciate a manual sport sedan…
Both fun cars..can’t go wrong wit any…but if ya gunna make power go wit the sti …but it’s gunna COST ALOT
VB is a good car but the STI is just superior in every single way aside from fuel economy and probably reliability
Got a better job recently, trying to save up to buy a WRX in cash. Always wanted one!
@@supernintendo182 nice man. Congrats on the new job! Nice you’re trying to get it fully paid off, definitely the best way to go financially
Sti is way fun!
just found out from comment below, sti come with front lsd center dccd diff and rear lsd, disappointed to find out my new VB runs front open diff and rear open diff, it would explain why it would understeer and push when I tried to accelerate mid corner even after I put coilovers and sway bars and a052. still like new vb, and i have good example where driver matter. in a anime called initial d there is a car takumi ae86 that has lsd like the sti, and another car itsuki ae85 without lsd like the wrx. well the takumi driver drove ae85 without lsd and still beat another car in a mountain race.
VBs are for the kids that grew up with the knock off brand of legos..
But I think half the fun of the comment section is from the kids/adults that can't afford the base level Wrx from the 90s. Like being a teen, and getting laid. When you're 20 and arguing with kids that never quite got to lay the pipe hahaha
@@Arthog627 lol burn
@carswithsepp just saying. I love wrx/sti. But I grew up watching the old pre VA models crush the rally world. But still. Glad to see kids enjoying a seriously decent ass car. I always loved those things ❤️
@carswithsepp just saying. I love wrx/sti. But I grew up watching the old pre VA models crush the rally world. But still. Glad to see kids enjoying a seriously decent ass car. I always loved those things ❤️
@@Arthog627 all good man. GD/GC subies are classics and are definitely more visceral compared to how modern cars are now. I made a video on Subaru and the WRC so I too am a huge fan of when they were part of the WRC world. ua-cam.com/video/jYQGUexTyqw/v-deo.htmlsi=Z7uMOOJiSVssvrGq
@carswithsepp hey I LOVE the direction the engine/drivetrain is going! Just wish Subi had a brain with body design, as far as stock goes. The wrx/sti fan club loves the old - 2017 look. The 2015 started a trend of the traditional, wild rally car that grew up a bit, but kept to it's roots. The 2021+ Looks like star wars, AFTER disney bought it..
Appreciate both cars, ...
There is a reason we have WRX and STI , for daily WRX for me.. And only premium trim anything goes over 38k it doesnt make sense to me bc STI is there with better drivertrain and charcter to drive. For truck usage STI only .
Looking for straight line fast car, gtfo from here you are in a wrong house bobby ... Unless you have built a scoobie for roll...$$$$
Stay humble in your seats and play with l the size if your sheet .. Happy boosting !
i'm selling my stock 2018 WRX STI Limited. Are you or anyone you know in the market? It's only got 32,000mi. No accidents. just maintained and loved. Never launched it and never raced it. I have it posted on FB Marketplace.
Paid 45k for my 2020 STi used. No regrets.
I saw the price and im good
Naaa broo the sti price is going up lol…a sti wit 5k on the dash is going for 54k lol
... you're getting worse fuel economy than my 6.2L pushrod V8
Not paying 40k for a Tupperware car that has 250hp
@@jurpo6 damn the Tupperware comment 💀💀💀
Davis Daniel Clark Jessica Thomas Angela
Your first car may be my last car
I would to own a gc8 again to be honest
Eh, both are big, fat and boring. Should have just gotten another GD or a hatchback. I'd consider the new VB if they came factory with 400hp and if they fixed the ugly body with a better, sti body kit, and sold it for $40k
Basically...you compromised. That's why the sti exists. It's for the people that won't compromise on real Sti ownership
@@jkim8282 too bad the STI no longer exists as a new car.. then I wouldn’t have to make a compromise.
L where’s the marinara maotzeralla matiniansotlwralleall mari oats motzletaasl
I don't own a VB WRX. Why? Because it's ugly as hell
lol thanks moldyrefrigerator
or you cant afford it