2017 SUBARU WRX vs 'Bugeye' 2003 WRX// Review and Rally Test// ONE TRACK MIND EP. 4

[@ThrottleHouse]

Thanks for watching everyone! Make sure you check out our more recent videos to see James and Thomas put more cars head to head!

[@B.R.BGarage]

So the bugeye wrx has only one limited slip differential?

[@esteedees2756]

Proud owner of an 03’ WRX Sedan In Midnight Black Pearl. Couldn’t agree more with your assessment. The 03’ is a timeless classic with killer looks that always results in turned heads and appreciative looks. Despite stop and go traffic leaving me sweaty with a trembling leg after a bit I couldn’t imagine driving anything else. The older WRX’s have a spirit all their own that makes them feel almost alive. It’s like they are forever impatiently awaiting that moment you let them off their leash to run. Still smile just as big now as I did the first time I took my baby off-road. Never gets old.

[@maplispro9384]

Couldn’t agree more man, I’m proud of mine as well and will keep if for as long as I possibly can. Hope you still have yours, drive safe out there brother. 🎉

[@trevorturkin9411]

Owning a bugeye isn't something you will ever forget. It's a good feeling.

[@nplcdrums3746]

Had mine for 13 years, and STILL haven't found a car that compares!

[@srfr5054]

nplc 30 this was ur mistake in not buying an evo.

[@rossbaxter9621]

@@srfr5054 Funny how no one talks about Evo's these days. A 2nd Gen WRX will go down as one of the greatest cars ever produced. I had a Bugeye non turbo and even that was incredibly fun to drive. Had to bin it because previous owners just didn't care.

[@robertkuhnke6156]

@@rossbaxter9621 me too

[@Keef335]

until they blow... Mine spun a bearing at 296 000 kms, was my own fault. Having it replaced with an ej207. All up it is costing nearly 3 times the value of the car, but there is no other car I would rather have. Just a massive pain in the ass

[@BenTowle]

First/only owner of a fully-stock 2002 bugeye here. Absolutely loved this video. Wholeheartedly agree with: 1) This car is still a BLAST to drive. 2) Stick shift simile is spot-on: broom handle into a box of rocks.

[@boarderboi7]

sneeky7 they went to an open rear diff in 2008. I have an 06 and it has a rear lsd. It also has 2.5L instead of 2L making way better torque down low. Also poly shift bushings make a world of difference for the gearbox feel.

[@maximofreridr]

Better torques down low in the old motor??? Are you out of your mind??? The old EJ25 in your 06 pulls 236 lb/ft at 3600rpm. The FA20DIT in the new one, pulls peak torque of 258 lb/ft at 2000rpm. I have driven and owned both motors, and the FA is absolutely the winner in the torque department. Pulls boost way earlier thanks to the updated turbo, way more torque early on for better driveability. The EJ is more exciting once you get to boost, but it takes a lot longer to get there. My stock FA pulls peak boost at 3000rpm, where the EJ is JUST starting to pull boost

[@ZieClaw]

Max McGills He Obviously meant in comparison to the EJ20 in the bugeye.

[@TheTwtwo]

my bugeye wrx is still stock with 320,000 kms I LOVE IT

[@ryanlancaster3239]

@@TheTwtwo Same, but 270,000kms

[@benbennit]

I own a roger clark motorsport 2002 Bugeye sti running 340bhp with quality parts. no pods, no stupid plastic stick on body parts and stickers, no nonsense. I drove a 2017 sti the other day and it was day and night. The newer car needs work it doesn't come close. Please subaru, make lighter, fix the drivetrain, add power and give it some rally heritage again. Ditch pointless fake grills and sharp edges, make it badass again.

[@ThrottleHouse]

+benbennit I agree. It needs to be a little more "rough around the edges" to be true Subaru Motorsport feeling

[@benbennit]

If I could smuggle myself into Subaru's design team. The world would be a better place. I've owned 4 different Impreza's to date and this new line up is bugging me, in fact this video has driven to to contacting their headquarters and asking to be part of the next research group. Good work on the vid.

[@marcopolo8289]

the only positive upgrade I can say the 2017 has that the older models dont have is a much better , faster, and more responsive power steering rack.

[@dontfeedthecode]

Oh yeah like your bugeye didn't "need work" to push 340bhp - that's an unfair comparison.

[@TheComputerUnderground]

Subaru Rally is gone, that is why they are making their new cars more "Street" orientated. I would personally like the Rally inspiration to stay, even if they split the STI to two models, one that is a rough and tumble Rally Inspired version and perhaps one that is more Horsepower inspired, I would love to see a boxer-6 3.6L with twin turbos in a super-street version, something that would be somewhere in between the Nissan's 370Z and GTR in price and performance.

[@budzlightyear2212]

I had a silver wingless 2002 bugeye.Got it brand new in 02. I had it tuned to 275 hp at Vishnu in Blackhawk Ca. Great car stock. But after the tune it did 0to60 in 4.9sec.w/no turbo lag.Everything else was stock. well..except 18in wheels,235/40/18 tires and H&R lowering springs. Is literally THE best car I have ever driven

[@NoBubbles]

I'm 20 and in college to be an engineer at ASU, the 2002-2003 wrx has been my dream car since I was about 10. In October I found the car and happened to have just enough money saved up to buy it. 100% stock, maintained, and well cared for. I drive it as my daily and love it more and more each day! I hope you found one bro!

[@jnrivers]

Proud owner of a 03. I have to agree with your analysis completely, it's a unrefined and pure driving experience. Plan on keeping it forever.

[@robertkuhnke6156]

Hat's off to you. I wish I could have kept my 02 RS. You haven't driven a car until you've driven a Bugeye. Those bring out the meaning of fun.

[@dmvancorbach]

Proud owner of an 03 in sonic yellow. Favorite car I've ever owned...it's my winter beast!

[@tomc6593]

It’s not yours, it’s your boyfriends....

[@SuperScottCrawford]

i miss my white all-stock-because-i-was-poor '02 bugeye. some teenage broad clipped the rear left end with her civic while it was parked on the street. she ended up on her roof, fatally damaging my car. i miss the comfortably driving 80mph+ on the freeway, the fellow subaru owner camaraderie, the feeling of owning a cult car icon, and just looking at it. i've always been a fan of the bugeye style because it reminded me of japanimation for some reason.

[@coldtofu257]

ScotSpeed sad story about losing your subie

[@subaschen8595]

Type R It's cool to see a Honda fan showing appreciation for Subies :)

[@coldtofu257]

Sebashbag Miller I love all cars you have to show them the respect they deserve :)

[@coldtofu257]

Plus subies are AMAZING

[@aggt9266]

Reading this comment gives me intense anxiety because my WRX is parked on the street rn :|

[@greym6436]

Thank you for giving a review of the WRX in its intended environment...

[@brockhiggs2180]

I just bought a 2017 sti about a month ago. I previously had a heavily modded 05 wrx, and I must say even though my old car was faster, I feel like subaru did a good job at keeping the subaru feel with the new generation. It does feel more refined, but turn the traction control off and it gives you the same rush as the older cars did. Overall I think the new models are a step in the right direction for subaru, and anyone who owns one of these cars will be amazed with it.

[@namelessnoname6500]

Brock Higgs agreed

[@jacobhaugk5908]

I drive my 16 WRX with the traction off....its all on you and amazing. However a limited slip would be nice. However the car is nice

[@Turbolious]

@@jacobhaugk5908 you can drop in a limited slip rear diff for about $200 and an hour of work.

[@Danny760side]

Brock Higgs but killed the newer version sound with different heads

[@nickjanke227]

You made this comment a year ago

[@AlanAnt]

Good review. I've owned five Subarus; 2002 WRX, 2007 WRX, 2011 Legacy, 2013 BRZ, and just purchased a 2017 STI. I've owned a bunch of other cars as well. That 2002 WRX was my favorite so far. It was just fun to drive. It felt lighter, like I could just toss it around. Nimble.

[@ghyslainsabourin780]

What a lovely, understated and informative car video. No "Mr. Personality", hi-jinx, loud music, needless opinions or rudeness. Just honesty and passion. Thank you for this. As I'm winding down my days in the desserts of the Middle East and coming back home to Ontario, I will seriously look at getting a WRX. You've got me sold, Bro.

[@alexy2198]

Owners of the new wrx's dont wave back, they're not enthusiasts.

[@robertkuhnke6156]

I had a Jeep Wrangler once. We always waved at other jeeps. It was the thing to do.

[@sammyschon6049]

facts

[@classymuffin7131]

I own a 16 wrx, i still wave back. I’m a diehard enthusiast. Most ppl who have the new ones are dumb

[@TheTimstordahl]

These are enthusiast cars. Almost everyone who drives the old ones knows everything about them, fixes them themselves, and knows most the parts on a stock one are garbage. New ones are mostly posers who want to be cool but know nothing mechanically of these cars. There’s about 10 percent that actually do.

[@blockobutter]

Out of all the new gens I waved, 1 out of like 7 waved back.

[@bobbywhitmire2438]

I just picked up an 04 blob eye wagon two months back. Easily the most fun car I've ever driven. I love the bug/blob eyes. This was a great watch.

[@TALONIAN2]

You definitely deserve a larger audience. Very professional production and great to listen to. My only criticism is that the external/moving shots could use a little work, but I understand they're hard to master. Awesome stuff!

[@ThrottleHouse]

+TALONIAN I appreciate the feedback. Yea the moving camera that day was on a ten year old Nissan Titan on a bumpy road. Not the easiest way to get smooth shots haha.

[@somanymods]

my first WRX was a 2011 hatch. When the 2015 came out I test drove it and immediately traded in my 2011 because I loved how flat it cornered and the power delivery. Soon after that we had a baby and ended up trading in the 2015 WRX for a 2016 Forester XT. it's not that the WRX didn't have enough room, but the ride seemed unnecessarily harsh for baby hauling duty. I decided I wanted to get an older, cheaper car to mess around with rather than a brand new one so I shopped around a while and eventually found a 2002 WRX with 64k for $6500. I love how it drives compared to the newer wrxs. sure it's less refined and it probably handles worse at the limits but it's just so charming and tossable. the ride is also better and it sounds amazing, especially with its downpipe and Cobb catback. I was lucky to find a low mileage one with no rust and good compression, the other two I found before it were crap.

[@SCep34life]

somanymods That's an insane deal for one with 64k miles. Most people would sell that thing for 10+K since people will pay the Subaru tax. I'd kill to get a deal like that.

[@heazy87]

SCep34life I just sold my bugeye with 79k miles for 9500... it had sti seats. jdm parts, nice wheels.

[@heazy87]

and now I bought a 2017 wrx. Love it so far. 120 miles

[@jordanyang3066]

SCep34life probably a salvage title.

[@ricardoquezada3109]

somanymods I thought sti models were the only turbocharged ones

[@bluemystic7501]

Why do we all mod our cars but assume everyone else does it wrong???

[@tonymorris4335]

What bothers me is that everyone wants a stock bugeye or hawkeye... so they can mod it themselves. Nobody is buying an 02 car to run it stock in 2018? There's SO many better options for a stock car these days. It's so hypocritical.

[@Nordlicht05]

@@tonymorris4335 Mine 2005 ist Stock motorwise and Outsider. Only have an shortshifter an now an light flywheel an little better brakes

[@davidsprouse1697]

@@tonymorris4335I got lucky with my hawkeye, beautiful car

[@jamesshives5679]

Tony Morris This goes with pretty much all cars and it bothers me too. People want a stock this and a stock that, and they're usually rare or harder to find stock, just so they can mod them themselves. Makes no sense to me, if you don't like the mods of another one, but you are going to mod anyway, then buy that one and change it, since it's already been tampered with anyway.

[@kipp4805]

Honestly I'd rather buy a modded one to work on because then I won't feel bad about taking another stock bugeye out of existence.

[@Pilikestortoises]

Everyone is talking about their 2nd gens, well obviously because this video is about a 2nd gen, but I just wanna take a moment to say that the 3rd gens are criminally underrated. About a month ago I bought my actual first car (so, not a hand-me-down), a 2008 WRX sedan. Ive never owned a turbo car and as soon as I hit 4k for the first time i lit up with joy. Mine is 100% stock with 153k miles on the clock. Even if I only get 50k miles out of it, which is still a lot, I will be happy.

[@icee0711]

I about died laughing from that side styling comment. Also, what the hell is an Ootback?

[@CoupeBerlin]

Subaru Outback is a Subaru SUV Model

[@jedironin380]

The "Ootback" is the special Canadian Edition Outback, eh? ;)

[@ThrottleHouse]

Yea. It comes with a hockey stick, and two quarts of maple syrup.

[@forsaken.cowboy]

E46 Reviews with T.H. I would enjoy that! Seems Swedes and Canadians have quite a bit in common!

[@guac8927]

@@ThrottleHouse lol

[@jackhsu2758]

Thanks for coverage of the GD platform WRXs -- they are automotive gems. By every objective measure, the newer cars are better. But there's so much feedback with the early WRXs and so few electronics (mine had ABS and nothing else) that you know exactly what the car is doing. In this age of VDC, TCS, ESC, electrical steering pumps, drive by wire, brake by wire, adaptive cruise, auto-braking, etc., it is refreshing to have a simpler, purer driving experience.

[@dhj-i8g]

Another great video - glad I'm not the only one who prefers the bugeye!

[@bena3341]

Funnily enough I miss the momo steering wheels as much as anything.

[@JohnSmith-nd9js]

I was hoping you would take the 2017 out on that dirt track :(

[@ThrottleHouse]

+John Smith so was I! Lol.

[@TheAndrewMARGOLIN]

I totally get it. I have owned New WRX's and STi's from the beginning. My original 02 was more pure than the new model. My favorite was my 04 STi. I prefer the non electronics. No buttons to turn off before fun.

[@remiscarrlet]

There's one almost mandatory modification to a bugeye and that is to decat the up-pipe, because if the cat in the OEM pipe goes, it can get sucked into the turbo and that's just not cool. Plus, if you tune the ecu to match, you can get a slightly quicker turbo spool that makes the car a bit more fun.

[@ThrottleHouse]

+andu indeed. The owner is going to do this soon.

[@sbwzrd]

@Dalton Carter AP tune ? and what maps? do u need to tune for uppipe and downpipe install?

[@lukewestwest]

WRX 03 BUG EYE STOCK was my fav car ive ever driven or owned, once i got on gravel or loose dirt country roads, fell in love.

[@julianm4517]

The 02-05 Impreza manual transmission had an issue where the linkage would would wear out and it was non-servicable. You have to buy a new shifter linkage update which uses a design more like the 06 and beyond, improving rigidness and removing side to side slop that develops over time. Replacing that part along with installing a short shifter and new pro-urethane shifter bushings would make it feel like a viper. (the new Imprezas use a cable based transmission instead of the former mechanical one which felt more natural)

[@anthonyfell77]

I love these raw, analogue cars, buy them while you still can because they won't make cars like this again and original examples will get very expensive sooner than you think. 8:53 I entirely agree. I hated the look when they came out, and then woke up one morning and suddenly they look amazing, easily the best Impreza. A totally weird and inexplicable aesthetic volte-face. I now like them so much that I am going to test drive an immaculate low mileage jdm sti tomorrow. It will have to horrible for me not to buy it...

[@goldentrucker7921]

Knock it off! You still Don't own a car.

[@ArmstrongRacing]

Great video. I've been a Subaru Tech for 8 years and I've never felt like the brand was any less than awesome. I've owned 3 and loved them all. Yes there is an issue with EJ "ring lands", but here we are with a whole new engine lineup. The 15 and newer WRX's have been dominating SCCA DS class with only a tire upgrade, so there's no disputing it's still a premium Motorsports contender

[@ThrottleHouse]

+Armstrong Racing I want to get my hands on an new STI to test. I believe I'll be testing both the 2018 wrx and STI this summer. Can't wait.

[@ArmstrongRacing]

You won't be disappointed in the STi. Many have said they don't feel like it's worth the additional $10k, but then they go home and can't forget how it performed. It's not a perfect track car, because it was still designed to be creature comfortable....but with a few mods it can take on the Isle of Man

[@MrSteeleFPV]

Great content !! 💪💪 bugeye’s are my favorite. I wish they made the STI here in the states. I’d sell my Hawkeye in a heartbeat.

[@Marshcar]

Did not expect to see you around here haha

[@jasonmcconnell5412]

One video I've been waiting for ever since the new one came out!

[@SpoolySnail]

Anyone else think This guy looks like Jesus from the walking dead..?

[@ThrottleHouse]

+Ameer WRX I get that a lot

[@SpoolySnail]

E46 Reviews with T.H. Lol this is the first vid of yours I've seen.. but I like your content liked and subbed 👌🏼

[@bubble0bill]

I was gonna say Steve Buscemi

[@lifeistooshortletitgo9574]

Bam Majeram or whatever the heck his name is.

[@JAYDMGYM]

I can’t unsee it now🤣

[@Wonsdloc]

I could watch that GD chassis run that course all day. Great video and comparison.

[@jay_murs4508]

Dunno why but my eyes watered a bit at the end of the film - Good Work.

[@HavokStrifeX]

I live in Michigan, daily a stock bugeye for almost a year and a half now. Best vehicle decision I've ever made in my life.

[@DirtySouthGaming]

Just bought a 2002 Wrx yesterday with a jdm 2.0 swap with only 45k on it. This video is getting me super stoked as I'm picking it up later today. On the surface it seems unmolested with the classic subie blue paint/gold wheel combo but under the hood it has a very well maintained swapped motor with a new turbo. The oil was changed last month and still looks good enough to put on some pancakes! I know nothing about subies (nissan guy) but after searching the internet for ideas on styling, it seems mine is cleaner than any I can find unless heavily modified or custom painted. I can't believe I bought one of these but I'm excited for the journey ahead!

[@cafn8ed74]

I currently own an 18 year old '02 2.5 RS bugeye which I have owned from new. (Less power, shorter gears, no boost, no lag compared to the WRX) I clicked on this video because I wanted reassurance that letting go of the crusty old beater was going to be OK. What I got was a sinking feeling that I'm going to have try really hard to replace it with something that makes me smile as often as this fully analog AWD system running through a manual gearbox in a car that obeys when you make unwise choices then gleefully snaps back in line when you're finished being stupid. Great video.... Jerk.

[@camerabrah]

9:00 it looks hideous then immediately after you look at it.. it looks amazing haha so true. It's definitely going to be a classic if it ain't already is.

[@drunkdisorderly5377]

That last sentence is a classic. Holy shit. Thumbs up, just because I can't stop saying "if it aint already is"!...Just realized that comment is a year old...

[@KYLETEACHESBASSYT]

I own a 2004 STI with 41000 miles and is completely stock. It is a blast to drive!

[@blazbencic5453]

kbarboza04 Blobeye? My favourite generation, i want one oneday

[@RoughNek72]

You lucky bastard!!!!!

[@joshuafrahm8778]

I miss my 04 STI, it was way more fun than my '12

[@rickysubie]

I have one myself. Puts a smile on my face everytime. Love the dccd.

[@dagnal1367]

Keep it forever

[@LonewolfWRX]

I happen to get a 02 WRX when I wasn't planning it. It just kind of was put in front of me and I went for it. I had no idea what to do with it and wasn't a fan of the bugeye. But now a few months in of ownership and the cars charm just won me over. I freaking love it now and I get so much more compliments in it. The sound this car makes just puts a smile on my face and while definetly not the fastest car I owned the fun factor is an all 10/10. My faster cars I had I was more worried of losing control. This car gives me the control and confidence. I just cant praise it enough. Awesome video!

[@ThatFreakyTh1ng]

pushing "a broomhandle through a basket of rocks". What a perfect analogy XD. Exactly how it feels.

[@CherryNobody]

11:36 I was wondering how to turn off my traction control. Could never figure it out. not sure if I should be happy or worried about it's lack of existence.

[@waynes.2983]

I had the bug eye and I have a 2015. I honestly preferred the way the bugeye drove. I felt more connected to the road in the bug eye. Also I got adjusted to the rev hang. If you owned the car you would start to adjust to it. After awhile it's no big deal.

[@jkaa034]

Great review. And everything you said about the bugeye is true, I have a 2002 and I absolutely LOVE it.

[@snoopyslr]

Excellent video! I have a 2003 Bugeye with L pipes and X pipes making 300awhp. I wouldn't trade my Bugeye for a current gen WRX or STI. I love my car. Subaru has really dropped the ball when it comes to enthusiast and it seems that Ford has taken up the mantle of "badest AWD turbo 4cyl".

[@daguzify]

John Chad Ford failed with their unreliable engines. WRX cost me $23k in 2003.....if you want a NEW bare bones enthusiast car that won’t cost over $25k......Fiat 500 Abarth is pretty much it. No “fake” Exhaust sounds like Ford

[@DrRynsta]

Here the Focus RS starts at 55k, not sure which enthusiast they choose to market towards? Oh must be all them Neurosurgeon rally racing enthusiasts!

[@Evan_5.7]

John Chad what upgrades did you do to make 300whp?

[@hys420]

Great review, I drove a bugeye 2002 wagon for 6 years, then followed it up with the technologically advanced but soulless 2008 STI Hatch. I have a 2015 wrx with cvt for my wife and now I drive a 2017 STI Limited. Can vouch for everything about this video (except for the manual shifting in the 2017 wrx which I haven't tried). The 2017 STI feels like the bug eye and the cyber versions merged and it's totally amazing. All the raw feel of the original without the twitchy parts (although yes those could sometimes be fun). Great video.

[@Silent_Keith]

I knew that rally course the second I saw it. I've driven on it a few times. Crazy Leo is an amazing driver and has earned his name.

[@numangun7172]

hahahah his last comments. I love it. I found one of these stock last october and many people compliment about how much they want this car.

[@michapachocki9093]

2003-2007 Forester XT has a lot of that spirit as well. I can't wait for the snow to come this year!

[@dont5692]

Thanks for doing this. Finally someone tested them.

[@SuperBagge]

I am a proud owner of a 99 impreza wrx with 300hp. But it feels like it has more cause it is light and raw. And the sound from old wrx:s puts a smile on your face everytime and it pushes you back in your seat. Lovley.

[@wscott9779]

I agree that a stock WRX is hard to find. I own (8 months) a 2017 WRX, and it is completely stock, and it will stay that way as long as own it. Well the car is now more than two years old, and still completely stock. Still love the car.

[@rafaelmorejon3824]

Got my hands on a fully stock wrx 2004 blobeye. Wanted the sedan but the wagon was so taken care of and I knew I wouldn't find a sedan in this condition. I love it. Drives so well in the snow

[@pb4ugo08]

2016 Stock WRX owner and I absolutely love it. We also used to own a 2014 hatchback and loved it as well. I will say that I like the 2016 much more than I did the 14. Sadly I have never even driven or ridden in an older WRX than a 2011 STI. I would like to give one of the older ones a spin just to see what they used to be like but I def do not know anybody who owns one and I only see a few a year driving around my area.

[@krispewkreme4510]

I love my GD chassis. But after this review, I think the new WRX would be a perfect daily. Great footage!

[@jacedoyle6627]

Just bought an 02 bug eye sport not wrx but being a mechanical engineer I know what I’m going to do with it. Rn only has rally suspension and breaks and man is it amazing to drive, can’t wait to swap a drive train and throw a turbo

[@freedomlifemake2579]

Great video man! The love for E46 brought me here, I follow your channal since you started and I see a huge inprovement, the quality of your content is just amazing! You deserve way more subscribers! keep it up!

[@ThrottleHouse]

+freedomlifemake 25 great to have you here! Thanks for sticking with the channel. Lots more stuff coming.

[@forsaken.cowboy]

Great video! I love my 05 WRX, great for rallycross. True that we wear dents as badges of honour!

[@dominikwalker6608]

As an 02 WRX owner that has kept it stock other than a non-OEM radiator (that plastic top though), one quote in this video summarizes my love for this car. "I don't have to turn off the traction control, because there isn't any." New cars may have more power, and more torque, but for me the input is so electronic. I don't want to be surrounded by touch screens, I also don't want to be surrounded by analog gauges and a trucker wheel. Mid 90s - mid 2000's cars seem to have the perfect equilibrium between technology and mechanics. You have enough technology to provide a more comfortable driving experience, but the mechanics override the technology if you push them. I have friends with cars that are by paper faster around a track than my grandpa 02 WRX - but they don't 'feel' the car through the gearbox, they don't feel the body roll because its electronically compensated, they don't interpret the trans through the nuances of your clutch pedal. They're slow. I'm a software engineer, with an ample understanding of both mechanical and electrical engineering. But from a driver's perspective, if you really love driving, these vehicles provide the best driving experience available. Soft suspension, heated seats, traction control, etc., don't offer you a driving experience, they offer you a comfort experience.

[@cafn8ed74]

Good description of the looks of a bugeye. I bought one new in 2002 and still drive it very day. I feel the same way.

[@stevemellos2658]

I Still daily my 03 bugeye in 2020. I've owned it for 7 or so years it has 270whp with 235xxx still runs strong. When it dies I'm gonna rebuild it because I love my car so much 🤙

[@TheArcticWonder]

02 bugeye with 04 ej207 swap, love it!

[@MOOBLOB]

Love to see great Canadian content like this! keep it up

[@gerardjoaquino8856]

great content and high quality editing. keep up the great work! hope your channel gets more views.

[@roycezaro1998]

Very artfully crafted video. I love your writing and character; subscribed!

[@Kingpin665]

Nice review Tommy, I almost bought a 2016 WRX (tech package) last year, saw a lot of videos on it and I think yours is one of the better. keep it up!

[@christophersaa]

that was really a good video. well done! you couldn't have said it better. Subaru needs to bring back the essence of what it used to be in the past. well that what we all want, maybe it is something that it was left in the past... I own a 1997 wrx sti v limited 555 which is pretty much stock, and it is nothing like it. The feeling and the communication with the car on the road give you that raw sensation of driving a sports car.

[@ExtremeJohnyboy]

I'm thankful for my 02 wagon v7 swapped beast at 400bhp

[@kerenwang437]

Really to the point! I like this video! I drove a retired rally wrx on gravel track a couple of years ago and I immediately loved it!

[@Lorraph]

8:50 Hahaha it's exactly the same thing that I think !! I love my Bugeye ♥ Really nice video dude !

[@Nik.Coffman]

I seriously have ZERO complaints when talking about my (stock) '06 WRX. I love everything about it.

[@stocksj]

I bought a 2002 Bugeye wagon when they first came out, love it! Most fun I’ve ever had in a car. Wish I had one today just for fun driving. Currently rocking my 3rd Subie, a 2016 Crosstrek.

[@rc-ingaroundamerica8792]

I bought my 02 wrx bugeye 3 years ago completely stock, second owner, an yes I have mod'd it just a bit, but one of the best mods was my short throw shifter, fixed the sloppy shifter

[@wyleFTW]

This is my first time watching this channel so I wasn't expecting that break at 1:24 and ended up bursting into laughter at my college library lol

[@ThrottleHouse]

+wyleFTW glad I could give you a study break lol.

[@mathewsenn]

Great video! well produced, pleasant to watch and informative

[@Sychoeasy7]

I have 05 STi and yes that's an eerily accurate description of how my transmission feels now with 130,000 miles. I'm still the fast thing on the road when it's raining sub 100k AWD sportscar.

[@raul83duke]

Love this video! Nice work. I wish I could see the '17 on the rally track!

[@ThrottleHouse]

+raul83duke and I wish I could have driven it on the rally track lol

[@dirtywhitellama]

My 03 outback is obviously not as sporty as this wrx, but I love a lot of the same things about it that you described in this video. Never taken it on a track of any kind but I honestly look forward to every time it snows enough to make thre roads slick. Pulling out of every corner like there is no snow is such a great feeling. Lol. Only had this beast a year and she had so many problems....... But then winter came around and I'm in love.

[@rangerover06sc]

About the whole active torque vectoring thing. Braking one wheel does actually send more torque to the other. And unlike the mechanical limited slip diff in the wrx, it can actually spin the opposite wheel faster. Mechanical limited slips generally only limit how much faster the inside wheel spins than the outside wheel, they can't stop it from spinning faster. Which is why the electro mechanical system in the Mitsubishi evos handled so much better, because they could spin the outside wheels faster. They just didn't do it by braking the wheels. And while "brake vectoring" can more effectively transfer torque. I think it's the feel of having the brakes selectively applied that ruins the experience.

[@Ms.Fowlbwahhh]

Rev hang can be worked around. The rev hang is just as bad in the 9th gen si. You have to do some clutch wizardry to get it to be smooth and fast.

[@jaydenjohner6901]

Devin Stambolziovski this is true, I own one and after a few weeks I could hardly feel the shifts

[@LiquidNarwhal]

Owned the 9th gen Civic Si previous to my 17 WRX so I was already prepared, and yes "clutch wizardry" is fairly accurate. However it made me quite good at driving standard after dealing with it for so long.

[@stinkyfungus]

Devin Stambolziovski or, you tune the car and delete that tree hugger garbage and make it right. the ONLY reason its there is so it will pass emissions standards to be sold in the US. why should I adapt to a shit compromise tune?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

So how do you overcome the rev hang? I'm guessing Cobb access-port will get rid of it? Seems weird, I mean how does keeping the revs unnecessarily higher help with fuel efficiency? I'm guessing it hurts fuel efficiency but the helps the catalytic converter burn off emissions maybe?

[@SI0AX]

No, it's because of the pressure build when the throttle is suddenly closed under heavy boost(turbo). It causes the crank case to get pressurized and then oil gets burned which is very bad for emissions. The solution is to tune the electronic throttle map and to get an oil catch can installed between the PCV and intake manifold connection. Preferably a catch can that vents to atmosphere only when a spring valve activates when it's over preasurized.

[@jesseturner8693]

I took my daily driver to Race Lab a couple months ago! It's a blobeye obs. Leo himself even tore it up a few laps in it. It was a blast! Honestly the best time I've had all summer and I highly recommend anyone try it.

[@kelvinoh277]

As the owner of a silver bugeye then sold it for a STI briefly for almost 2 years until I just had enough of the payments and sold it. Then many many years later, recently brought another bugeye wagon. I just missed this old bugger so much that I had to have it back. They are harder to find now but they are no longer expensive. This time I got an automatic, yes it's auto but came with a nice torque sensing differential not found in the 5MT WRX which made the handling more interesting. Compare with the 5MT WRX, the Auto WRX, the car doesn't slide out the rear as easily and makes the car more neutral when turning. Still fun to drive and the great thing about this gen is no drive by wire.

[@ThurgoodJenkinz]

You have the perfect voice for commentating. Holy shit

[@rockymountboy]

I have an '02 WRX Wagon. Other than needed maintenance like replacing the valve cover gaskets, timing belt, motor mounts, a/c system, brakes, axle shafts, shift linkage bushing, light bulbs, & stuff like that, the only mods I've done are (a) remove the up-pipe cat, (2) replace the ashtray with power ports, and (c) replace the shift boot & knob.

[@BrandonTube88]

A well-made video, I properly enjoyed that.

[@kyd169]

"stick a broom handle into a basket of frogs"… that just made my day LOL

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Rev hang and the LSD was replaced with a system designed to make your brakes wear faster. Fantastic.

[@stevethomas760]

Own a '02 WRX hatch that I bought new. Turned 200K a couple weeks ago. No issues for the first 12 years. The last few I have spent some $$ on repairs. To me it's the price of admission.

[@grantatkinson4570]

From Australia I own a bugeye sti have had it forever I'm 55yrs old and can never see me parting with it just love it

[@aussietaipan8700]

Thanks for this great video, here is my little true story below. I purchased my bugeye new in 2003 - blue of course and sold it in near perfect condition in 2008 with 56,000km on the clock (I'm Aussie). Many times I thought of this little powerhouse and wished I still had it. In 2015 I was seriously looking at a new WRX in showrooms and on an Aussie car website I decided to have a look at some used ones. I could not believe my eye's, after a couple of search pages there was my old bugeye up for sale again. I immediately the current owner and made an appointment to see the car. There he was, still near perfect. The car had just clicked over 182,000km and the owner showed me the receipts of the complete engine rebuild at 164,000km. The engine was upgraded with forged pistons, rods and steel crank. It had spun a big end bearing so it required some serious work. The turbo was also professionally rebuilt. He spent $8600 in the engine rebuilt and I purchased the car for $8,000. Now its mine again!! It has now been upgraded to the following and has 174Kw and 292Nm torque on the dyno at the wheels (was 118Kw and 221Nm before the mods) K&N air filter (still standard air box) Blue Silicon in pipe Nvidia high flow exhaust with catless up pipe High flow fuel pump Oil Catch can Dyno retune. The result is the large smile on my dial and the car feels like it wants to go faster and faster. Max torque at 2,400rpm (was 2,800) and acceleration to boot.

[@ThrottleHouse]

+Aussie Taipan great story!

[@massif1007]

Bought my 1st Subaru... 2018 STI Limited. I have a restored 1973 Datsun 240Z that I got back on the road after 12 years in the garage. I was a bit disappointed in the Z as it does not have a radio, heater, AC in it, it's noisy and even tho it has all new bushings, tokico struts and 225/50-17 it still handles like a 45 year old sports car. I guess my expectations were a little to high after 18 months of work on it. I have to say with the exception of the rev hang and such a different clutch that I am still trying to figure out. I love my Subaru... I enjoyed your video and have subscribed to my 1st youtube... take care Rob

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great video. Covering all necessary aspects. Keep up. :)

[@SickCooperboss]

I love your reviews! Keep it up.

[@Gunma_garage]

Been dailying a stock Bugeye wagon for a year and its so sweet. And quiet 😂 And auto. 195k ALL STOCK. Truly from an elderly couple, I talked to her years before it was offered to me.

[@iKRPictures]

You have my subscription with this video alone my friend. Great job.

[@drewtramp1577]

I got a stock.bug eye. Its sweet. Crazy Leo crashed his Orange sti in front of me at Oregon trail. lol. He threw it in reverse and hammed down. It was awesome. good review. thanks.

[@mightymotors2074]

I got a bugeye wrx it's an 03 sonic yellow I love it it's Cobb stage 2

[@peevs33]

Wish I could find a Sonic Yellow one :( Love my Silver though

[@velocity8181]

Isn't 03 a blob eye?

[@vtechonda_guy9253]

velocity8181 02 and 03’s are bug eyes. They changed the front ends in 04 making them blob eyes.

[@dmvancorbach]

MightyMotors207- I'm also a proud owner of an 03 sonic yellow bugeye! Love that fucking car

[@moisesontiveros7766]

I own a 03 sonic yellow also!!! lordofthepies92 is my instagram

[@reflexboxer2ndlt807]

5:10 solid bushings and mounts fix that pretty much completely. It doesn’t need to be tuned out. It’s the upgraded mounts bushing for cheap. Just replace them and it’s 100% responsive improved.

[@mikelong9129]

I love my 18 wrx limited. Has every option and is an everyday driver. Great in the snow, no complaints yet. Looking to get an older sti soon hopefully 06 or 11. Great video! I love the canadian "aboot" and "ootback".

[@ma-scalia8629]

Love the channel, found you because I might get an e46 as a first car. But great production quality and personality!

[@ThrottleHouse]

+ma - scalia thanks for watching!