2023 Subaru WRX: The Good, The Bad and The Fast - My Brutally Honest Take

[@BrianMakse]

Go to buyraycon.com/BRIANMAKSE for 15% off your order, plus get free domestic or flat fee international shipping. Brought to you by Raycon.

[@garygash9323]

I am an owner of a 2015 WRX, a 2000 Saab Viggen, a 2000 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet, and a 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero wagon. I love cars, and for as long as possible, I will only drive a manual. I recently gave my 24 year old daughter my 2015 WRX, so I was considering what to replace it with as my daily drive and of course, I again considered many cars and the same WRX. This review was very objective, it was extremely informative and the author answered every possible question that I might have. After viewing his video, I test drove a new 2023 WRX at my local dealer, and I agreed with all that he said. Today I put a deposit down for a 2023. Thank you very much, Brian. Gary Mitchel Gash, Esq.

[@austinhess4967]

Also, gotta say, when driving my 23 wrx I get so many waves from other subaru drivers on my daily drives. Haha makes me feel happy to finally be part of the subie community 😂❤

[@BrianMakse]

Right on!

[@felipemunoz5615]

Came here for wrx review. Got a headphone review instead

[@BrianMakse]

Appreciate your gratitude. 🙏

[@truckinguy92]

And that surprises you how? Most KZbinrs do this to make money, make a living out of it even. How else are they going to do that without throwing in advertisements? As long as they give an honest review that’s all I care about. This review is fairly honest.

[@4orrcountry]

Relax.

[@tomrakusan1179]

It was a great car review - you must have missed it - maybe you didnt have your headphones?

[@aireydc]

@@tomrakusan1179…..haha, good one.

[@carsnanime4719]

Great review! Enjoying my 2023 WRX so far, I can see why people love these cars now

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, really enjoyed my time behind the wheel.

[@austinhess4967]

Same here! Just got mine last week. Same color as in the video n everything. Manual ofcourse

[@BrianMakse]

@@austinhess4967 congrats!

[@ubroberts5541]

Me too. I like it a lot.

[@Mel-md6cb]

Great vocal presentation. Very professional, concise, precise and informative. Bravo

[@BrianMakse]

Thank you kindly!

[@elmerapijasv7848]

Just got my 2023 wrx premium last week, I loved it since the first time I drove it

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats!

[@kevindiyco]

Ordered a black, sport in April and is finally coming in 2 weeks. I cannot wait.

[@BrianMakse]

You’ll love it!

[@tomrakusan1179]

Great review - i love the ‘23…..had a ‘16 which i thought was great until i realized i over-modded it - got the ‘23 - very familiar, but at a much higher level…….just drove it 300 miles non-stop - quiet, quick, comfortable. As a sports car, it is a great blend of a sports car and a daily driver. Brilliant. Keeping this one stock. The platform is great as is.

[@BrianMakse]

Well done! Excellent choice. Enjoy!

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

I've had my 2023 Sport Tec since April and I love it. Tossable, fun, fast, easy to drive, very flat linear power delivery and practical despite the poor fuel economy. Love it.

[@BrianMakse]

What kind of fuel numbers are you doing?

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

@BrianMakse Still just leaving my break in period but I'm lucky to get 400kms a tank in mostly mixed but light driving.

[@clubdredd1337]

I'm getting about the same

[@coolchris]

I'm getting anywhere from 9 to 11 L/100km per tank

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

Yeah...at best I see the mid 10's in mixed driving. That being said, my 2020 Accord Sport 2.0T with over 250hp also gets 7-8L / 100 km's without even trying at it. I expected this. No big deal. Plus, my new toy is not a daily driver. @@coolchris

[@riley1733]

I'm getting this car in grey on Friday. I can't freaking wait. It's a beautiful car and it looks so fun to drive. It'll be my first Subaru vehicle. So damn excited to drive the car.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats!

[@riley1733]

@BrianMakse Thanks!!!! I got the base model yesterday. I freaking love it. It's a blast to drive. Drives amazing. It's an amazing vehicle and I'm happy with it. I had an Si before the WRX and I honestly love my WRX way more. I like that there's no rev hang in the new WRX's. Si had tons of it and it drove me nuts. I'll be keeping the WRX I think. I legit love it.

[@davevan9150]

I just moved onto a dirt road, so the plastic around the wheels is a plus for me. I was gonna go for a gr86 as my next car but it doesn't suit rural life as well as a WRX.

[@bigbuckoramma]

You may be the only person on the internet with a solid reason to own this car.

[@NightKidBrandon]

I bought the 86 living in the pnw lol can’t wait to experience bad weather in it tbh! This winter when snow hits I’ll be getting some dedicated winter wheels and tires. Never had so much fun in the rain before

[@matt1523]

2023 Limited in Magnetite grey with STI shifter. Just passed 1k miles 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️

[@BrianMakse]

Good stuff!

[@rapidtransit340]

I just got a 23 base manual Had a 23 GR-86 but it was just too small. I miss how the Toyota drove but the WRX is nice for what I need.

[@BrianMakse]

I totally understand that. Enjoy your WRX!

[@zombielivesmatter7294]

Makes cor a great daily driver, Subaru engineer event explained why that it's the first WRX built on SUV platform using the Forester and Crosstrek chassis, so very comfortable and quiet like a SUV, downside is handling isnt good since it uses the SUV's electric power steering and electronic brake vectoring with no LSD at all in front or rear.

[@BrianMakse]

The handling’s just fine. 99.9999% of buyers can’t extract 100% of its performance anyway.

[@chrisvanzyl84]

Great review - one of the best bang for buck performance cars on the market. Just fit an axleback for that Subi soundtrack!

[@BrianMakse]

It’s already loud enough!

[@Gregsheppo66]

Unfortunately these models have equal length headers so you won’t get that Subie rumble unless you have one fabricated.

[@Natedoc808]

I've put 300 miles on my 23 limited and damn it is so much more refined and faster than my upgraded 02 bugeye wagon.

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

just got a 23 premium in magnetite 6 spd harmon kardon ,roof etc etc only 350 miles so far so i have not got on it,waiting impatiently for 1k miles! absolutely love it as much as my 03 evo 8 and 06 evo 9,with very little work this lil beast has major potential to make safe power!

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats! Enjoy!

[@johnreed1268]

Big difference between the Limited and GT is the CVT Transmission,

[@gobear83]

If you re read the specifications you will notice that the CVT ..has all kinds of driver aides and are only available with the CVT

[@Konformation07]

I bought one of these in Sapphire Blue which for some reason isn't offered in Canada. Save the manuals indeed. One of the few cars sold in the US that the manual is more popular than its automatic counterpart.

[@chrisg5352]

Hey, great video! What’s it like to use the dual climate function? I’ve read that people can’t change their own climate without overriding the other persons climate controls

[@BrianMakse]

When I’m driving, passengers don’t mess with the climate controls.

[@Thankyou_3]

First time coming across your channel. Great job sir 👏

[@BrianMakse]

Welcome aboard! Hope you stick around!

[@mobile37446]

Hey Brian, enjoyed the video good job, i'm considering buying my 1st REX .. the similar variant of the model you drove ihere i believe called the RS (Top Man Package) in australia i've watched a few video's and i nearly thought the TS model is the better choice (top spec CVT) ..however i think you've sold me on the MAN even thou you lose some subaru safety tech ... you get that direct connection with man (or woman) and machine with the stick! i currently own MY19 FOZ Premium in BLACK! if it was a manual i'd keep it as its just a great car ...however its time to have a mid-life crisis and buying the car from youth.lol thanks agian

[@BrianMakse]

Cheers! Happy to oblige. The manual is fantastic here. This car deserves it.

[@marcsmith8716]

your videos are fantastic! first-rate. THANk YOU!

[@pabloromo3921]

Awesome review ... subbed

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

[@VitoC.]

Great review!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks Vito!

[@Samlol23_drrich]

The biggest takeaway from this video? You sit very close to the steering wheel! Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed it. Exactly who says I sit too close to the steering wheel?

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@BrianMakse just my observation! Watch the video. You definitely do. I noticed because I'm 6'3" and sit close as well.

[@BrianMakse]

@@Samlol23_drrich Cool, it's the right way. There are so many drivers out there who have the wrong idea about how to sit behind the wheel that we had to do a full seating position episode.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@BrianMaksethat’s really funny. In fact you did! Just looked back on all of your content. Okay, you got me. I’ve gotta subscribe now. Looks like a lot of awesome content.

[@BrianMakse]

@@Samlol23_drrich thanks, hope you stick around, lots of fun stuff coming up!

[@ak2112]

I like them. The styling quickly grew on me... they look really good on the road. #RayconEverydayEarbuds

[@BrianMakse]

I was driving around one in traffic the other day. Looks great. The chap had unfortunately put tow straps on the front and back of his.

[@msmarshall854]

LOVE the looks of this car but the rear visibility has been reduced, and the interior is allllll black. How suitable is this car for stop and go traffic driving with the SPT CVT?

[@pabloromo3921]

I have the GT trim which has SPT for 16k miles now . The eyesight assisted driving pretty much does it for you in stop and go traffic. You can space out distance pretty well and it maintains it well . The CVT never feels like it's bogging or shifting weird , especially with the different settings for the power delivery . It never has issues trying to find correct ratio. Centers in lanes well and doesn't need to be corrected . Has saved me from crazy drivers who cut me off to . There's been times the brake pedal was applied before I had time to because of how fast eyesight tech works

[@pabloromo3921]

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee cvts aren't what they were in 2013 you should really educate yourself. This isn't your moms jatco cvt Altima

[@bigpapiii3554]

Anyone here buy the 2023 premium wrx What’s the total price after taxes, fees, and apr. I want to buy one just curious, I have good credit but never bought a car before

[@JasZg]

I absolutely agree with you about this big lcd s ..They are disgusting.

[@krisschedler]

excellent video, new subscriber

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@dan16802]

Nice of you to put a wrx in your headphone review.

[@BrianMakse]

Nice of you to complain about free content.

[@syedputra5955]

If only the boot lid opens wide like vw arteon. It would be perfect. Or a turbocharged xv.

[@EXCELSIOR_INC]

I THOUGHT THIS WAS A WRX REVIEW , UNTIL IT TURNED INTO A LONG RAYCAN COMMERCIAL 2:20, SO I CLICKED OFF AND LOOKED ELSEWHERE THAT'S MY BRUTALLY HONEST TAKE ON THIS VIDEO

[@BrianMakse]

Shame you can’t figure out how to skip ahead so you don’t miss the most thorough WRX review on KZbin.

[@JustinHEMI05]

You're an idiot.

[@PaulBruinFan]

Flat-bottom wheel in theory to make it easier to get in/out of. So I heard somewhere. Makes some sense, if so.

[@BrianMakse]

It doesn’t make sense at all. For that to work, you’ve got to remember to make sure the wheel is straight every time you park. Flat bottom wheels are lame.

[@SCraig-Handsome]

That’s funny… when I grew up all my cousins were stock car race drivers at the local speedway. I spent a lot of time in the stock cars with flat bottom and no top. I thought my parents car was busted because they had a round wheel that you had to turn 2,000 degrees to turn a corner

[@josephlotrecchiano9359]

Bro...keep your hands on the wheel!!...lol

[@BrianMakse]

Why?

[@WRooXter]

If it was a hatchback I probably wouldn't want it.

[@BrianMakse]

I'd want it more.

[@SRTGerry]

Best way to describe the car cute face terrible body opposite of a butter face.

[@marvingarel74]

Rayon everyday earbuds

[@ubroberts5541]

Sitting up a bit higher is a good thing. Fiat made that popular in the 500. Getting in and out instead of climbing in and out of a hole.

[@BrianMakse]

No. This isn't an SUV.

[@michaelCarydakis]

i hate the plastic garbage on the guards

[@BrianMakse]

Interesting aesthetic choice for sure.

[@ronjohnson5070]

Are you like 5’4” ?

[@BrianMakse]

5' 2"

[@ronjohnson5070]

@@BrianMakse I’m 6’4” and was wondering about the driving position. I have a BMW 5 series and I can stretch out my legs all the way. Is there a lot of adjustment in the seats?

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

Who the fuck, has a problem with a flat bottom sport steering wheel ???

[@BrianMakse]

Real drivers.

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

@@BrianMakse Lol

[@ConemantheBarbarian]

Open rear diff? Huh? That seems detrimental to performance?

[@wardellward]

I’m digging the color but the flat black not feeling it

[@GwjejGsgsjj]

Rodriguez Charles Moore Helen Johnson William

[@VocalVirgo]

This SPONSORED video is ridiculous. And with Raycon earbuds no less. I'm laughing so hard as I'm hitting the thumbs down button while I look for a regular review from a real channel.

[@BrianMakse]

Thank you for enjoying your free content!

[@VocalVirgo]

@@BrianMakse I didn't enjoy it. I stopped when you were hocking Raycons. So your attempted #Burn was a swing and a miss. Thank you for trying the burn. Sorry you're. not that good at it.

[@a1hitmaker451]

Throw that car away

[@bangbang9175]

Pretty sure I thought about disliking and watching a new video all behind the headphone ad

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for sticking around and leaving a comment!

[@pr3239]

Not the Hyundai Elantra N.

[@BrianMakse]

Yes.

[@kikomanster8188]

2022 wrx wrb pearl premium with hk and moonroof. I just wish it revs higher than 6k which I forget when blasting around 3rd and 4th then I suddenly hit the rev limiter to quick. 7k would have made it perfect. Except for the below avg gas mpg, this car is worth the price and the awd helps around here in pacific nw during rainy days.

[@BrianMakse]

I don’t recall hearing being an issue. Great car.

[@kikomanster8188]

@@BrianMakse yes, you can hear the engine well when you are revving it but you just wish it will climb up a little bit higher

[@chadmikell6939]

Test drove one and didn't notice 6k rev limiter being an issue but I was distracted by how impressive all inputs were. Didnt buy it and probably should have but certainly walked away impressed.

[@ubroberts5541]

Yes. Red line should be closer to 7000 RPM.

[@asifhirji226]

Would have liked to see an Sti version, too bad that’s not in the cards. Great review.

[@8JFJK8]

Im a big Subaru fan but i dont get the hype around STi, who the hell wants to spend 60 grand on a Subaru lol.

[@JACKSTRAW860]

22 wrx is comparable and even faster than most previous gen Sti’s from a roll and a dig.

[@lou.yorke.x]

Yeah, I agree with a lot of the previous comments: great review! I like that you focus on driving dynamics rather than get distracted by interior appointments like A LOT of other car reviewers.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! Could it be because they’re better at dash stroking than driving?

[@eyecontrol4900]

i'm glad you reviewed the manual! can't imagine why anyone would buy the CVT one, unless they have to drive in heavy traffic everyday. Defeats the whole purpose of getting a Wrx in the first place. Long live the manual

[@BrianMakse]

The manual is the way to go. I wonder what the CVT take rate is on the WRX. Automated gearboxes have lowered the barrier to entry to enthusiast cars.

[@JoshDillon-lm3hw]

​@BrianMakse when I picked mine up 2 months ago the sheet said 95% sold were manuel

[@TheNewAgeCreater]

​@BrianMakse, anything CVT, maybe a hard sell due to cost to repair/replace

[@Michelle-414]

@brianmakse @joshDillon-lm3hw Maybe one reason for an auto-how hard was the clutch to depress Brian? I get dorsal foot pain that comes and goes. Not sure if it is aggravated from my NC MX-5 I drive 4,000 miles a year but probably. Thinking about trading my 2020 Corolla SE in which I've had 0 problems with. A longer 1st sounds like it would be better for Rush hour. I'll admit a manual in a MX-5 is an abomination but a WRX wouldn't' be as bad but mb bad for resale value. Just want a cooler car at 58. I hate the pressure of a test drive if I don't buy, I'm sure they get "talked to" as I work in sales for a 2nd job.

[@JoshDillon-lm3hw]

@Michelle-414 the wrx has the softest clutch out of any car I've every driven its too soft in my opinion

[@michelvermeulen61]

The basic WRX is the best bargain in the sport compact... $34k in Canada is the best bang for the bucks hands down !

[@BrianMakse]

Agreed!

[@xaviergoulet6032]

It’s why I got mine coming in like month👌

[@BrianMakse]

@@xaviergoulet6032 which colour did you choose?

[@Middz0845]

Got my base for 32k, so much fun

[@GrB-M]

Not only that it’s the only AWD you can still get with a manual [for a “reasonable” price (disregarding the Golf R. Which I’m not sure even warrants mention)].

[@free2chill727]

Awesome review!! 2023 WRX is the best car I've ever owned. Thx!!

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you liked it! Congrats!

[@ShadeShifted]

Holy fk. If you want people to watch your whole video then chill out on the length of your items you’re selling good Lord… also im 6’7 and have insane headroom. Fail on that one

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@naldovaz9157]

why do they have fancy names for automatic.. CVT has 2 peddles automatic ok, up to the driver really. l have the 2023 WRX 6speed. Already upgrade STI exhaust and really changed the car a little. WOW.. ordered intake and steering wheel shift knob and then wheels. Seats are so uncomfortable, have to upgrade, hate the steering wheel and cheap shift knob. Car itself is stiff and AWD has so much grip, Lots of snow and mountains here and car is a boss...never out of shape or scary on dry or offroad. Transmission and Motor perfect match and for every day driver power is good... . love the short gearing and torque, drive any gear. For the price the new WRX delivers..

[@chrisfrey6788]

that huge screen is tragic

[@saintless]

Took an Outback Wilderness for a test the other day and my first experience with that display was the Sirius app (and I even use the service in my current car). That alone was a major turn off to Subaru but I'll try again connecting my phone and see if I have a better experience. Like you said, it's Tokyo or Hong Kong or Vegas at night.. it just cheapens the experience completely.

[@BrianMakse]

It’s wild, isn’t it?

[@romererunamerika9437]

I am buying two today love the color🥞

[@chriswalter4632]

Ewww the black fender flares gotta go ASAP!! GROSS!!

[@pokerfred68]

The automatic is the dreaded CVT…why oh why not put a dual clutch in it Subaru…they do a nice job quietly on their vehicles with a good AWD system.

[@BrianMakse]

That would make sense to us, but I suspect it's resources and volume that would make a dual clutch unprofitable for them.

[@imnottellinudontwannaknow3188]

If they put a DCT in this car... it would be a street killer honestly. The launches would be insane. I bet it would be in the mid to high 4 0-60s

[@truckinguy92]

I agree with most of what you’ve said here. My biggest gripe is the hood flex every time I hit an imperfection in the road. My only other gripe is that it should be more powerful. The Mustang EcoBoost from the same year is 310hp/350 lb-ft torque with .1 less liters of displacement. That means this is missing 39 hp & 99 lb-ft of torque at minimum. With all of that said a tune can solve the problem but that voids the engine warranty. It will be the last WRX I ever buy, but maybe not my last Subaru.

[@BrianMakse]

Any hood flex is a result of inexpensive ways to lightweight the car. I wouldn’t use a Mustang as your comparable, plus this is not an STI.

[@truckinguy92]

@@BrianMakse why not compare the Mustang? They’re both turbo charged 4 cylinders. After that it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Just think how much faster this car would be with the higher Mustang numbers.

[@crispydelicious6751]

There is a hood adjustment on this car. Just discovered mine the other day.

[@truckinguy92]

@@crispydelicious6751 if you’re talking about the screw type rubber bumpers up near the hood latch, I already tried to adjust those and it made no difference.

[@alvaroperez7879]

Wrx mod for mod will gaptize a stang

[@scottl.6721]

The GT model is only available with automatic transmission, that kind of sucks.

[@KholLaC]

Man I wish I could drive manual.. I understand it but man I just need a way to practice. Because I reallly wanna get a WRX

[@BrianMakse]

We have an episode on this channel that can help you.

[@dtmcbride]

It just takes practice.. like riding a bike

[@richardmichael59]

“Just like riding a bike”….lol. Too funny.

[@mattfleig2621]

you can do it, I learned just recently :) I even used a video game to learn hehe

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

Most of us growing up in the 60s and 70s could drive manual transmissions including the girls ! Don't worry you could do it too. Just need a big empty parking lot on a Sunday morning once you get first and second gear down everything else comes very easy... have a person in your passenger seat that drives a stick shift giving you pointers

[@HomeDepotDade]

I love this car but after living with it for almost a year. The car is defined undertuned, the 1st to second gear is damn near impossible to shift perfectly, if you want to launch the car you basically have to make the car feel like its clutch is going to explode, the ac controls are a pain in the ass, the side plastic flairs should be color matched.

[@ubroberts5541]

Yes I own a 2023 WRX. First and second gear are way too short. In bad weather and snow, first gear makes sense.

[@ubroberts5541]

The hood is aluminum too.

[@BABALAGAJIGAPOO]

Do you have a great radio voice a great personality you’re really good at speaking but maybe not Car reviews

[@BrianMakse]

How are your car reviews?

[@victorherrero4790]

Good review. I Own a 2023 Base Trim. My 20 cents: Design: you either love it or hate it,.not a design for everybody. The Good: The drive is top notch, great handling and traction Fast enough Manual Gear Box A white canvas for mods. Good Value The bad: Too noisy inside, finishing should be better. Fuel consumption is subpar. Short Redline : 5 6000 Rpm. Overall great sport car.

[@oscarlopez2599]

Awesome review

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MattN03]

Would you pick the WRX Limited or a Integra A-Spec, both with 6 speed manuals? Winter weather is a non-issue. I'm looking for a 4 door family sedan that is reliable, sporty, fun to drive, and efficient. Thanks!

[@BrianMakse]

WRX. Please be sure to pick up some #savethemanuals merch in our merch store!

[@richardhetzel329]

Terrible design, all that plastic will look like poop in only a few years time. I have owned 2 STi's 3 WRX's and I am done with Subaru. Weak sauce.

[@BrianMakse]

That’s harsh!

[@BpgaMusic]

does the seat still hurt your back after 100 straight miles?

[@BrianMakse]

Not at all, and I have a pretty messed up back.

[@christopherevans6437]

I’m not a fan of the sts. Still kinda mushy to me.

[@lewis42o39]

Commercial included! I pay for no commercials but here you go! I ain’t subbing here 😂

[@BrianMakse]

It's remarkable that you think that's how it works 🤪

[@Peter-ho8zs]

Where’s the car review 🙄

[@Sky-bc7fh]

the video starts at 4:31

[@BABALAGAJIGAPOO]

I don’t know why they do the flat bottom steering wheel😂😂😂

[@BrianMakse]

Why?

[@deathmetal0073]

The most obnoxious ad I’ve ever seen in KZbin video

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, but you’re spouting fancy words that are way above your pay grade.

[@martypettenuzzo3446]

I don't get the hype over these things lol, like really?

[@BrianMakse]

Hard to imagine I know, but people really like these things.

[@AdventureMonte]

Headroom could potentially be better since a taller person would be sitting further back. A lot further back.

[@ubroberts5541]

The headroom is more than adequate in the new WRX.

[@AdventureMonte]

@@ubroberts5541 I drove one the week after my comment and headroom was indeed sufficient for me at 6'2". However I couldn't get all the way comfortable for other reasons. My preferred seat position is butt down, knees up. Couldn't get there exactly. Also the steering wheel diameter was a fraction too small. Rather minute sort of issues but if I'm buying something I plan to have for four years, it must be perfect. Absolute blast of a test drive otherwise!

[@jamestorregrossa1185]

Ridiculous commercial woven into a marginal review, shameful

[@BrianMakse]

🤣🤣🤣

[@richardmichael59]

Shameful? Your immature comments on a very good review are not necessary and add nothing to your credibility in the comments. So he has a few minutes of promoting a product. Big deal?

[@VitalJoe]

Have you driven an Elantra N?

[@BrianMakse]

Several.

[@atsgeekstar]

LoL I've got a buddy that has one of these in stock form and the engine died after hitting a puddle. LoL so much for reliability huh! Yeah it started right up after but that's disconcerting being were in a tempered rainforest. lol

[@BrianMakse]

I have no doubt that’s a true story! Another true story! My buddy Jim took his homemade rocketship out for a spin yesterday. I gotta admit, when he first rolled that scrap metal deathtrap of a ship onto the launch pad, I had my doubts. But Jim was determined to prove me wrong. He hopped in, strapped himself to the "seat", and started the countdown. 3...2...1... the rocket ignited with a burst of flames! Up it went, rumbling and shaking dangerously. We watched it go higher and higher until...BOOM! One of the scrap metal panels blew off and the whole thing started spiraling out of control! I thought for sure Jim was toast. But by some miracle, he managed to crash land that metallic monstrosity in one piece. Jim crawled out of the smoldering wreckage, gave us a dazed thumbs up, and triumphantly yelled "I told you I could do it!" Gotta give it to him, that crazy rocket man beat the odds and survived his janky spaceship's maiden voyage. What an adventure!

[@atsgeekstar]

@BrianMakse lol don't be smitten with me boy! LOL

[@BrianMakse]

@@atsgeekstar After Jim's near-disastrous rocketship flight, he shifted his sights to a new challenge - exploring the mysteries of the deep blue sea. He cobbled together a makeshift submarine out of scrap metal, plexiglass, and duct tape. We all shook our heads as Jim squeezed into the tiny submersible and plunged into the waves. Down he sank into the inky blackness. The creaks and groans of the homemade sub made us nervous, but Jim continued his descent undeterred. Suddenly the metal detector built into his control panel started pinging wildly! Through the scratched plexiglass window we saw Jim's eyes light up as he maneuvered towards large glinting objects nestled on the seafloor. Could it be? Yes! A massive trove of Spanish doubloons and jeweled treasure chests lost centuries ago! He grabbed armfuls of loot into his sub before pointing it upwards and making his triumphant return to the surface. We all cheered as the beaten up submarine breached the water and Jim popped open the hatch with a huge grin. That scrappy explorer had uncovered a king's ransom in pirate treasure through sheer determination and his questionable engineering skills. What will Jim build next in his quest for adventure? With his track record, it's sure to be wild. He still drives his Subaru WRX, doesn't avoid puddles, and it's reliable AF!

[@atsgeekstar]

@BrianMakse lol patronizing, nice! Anyways Boi, this happened last Friday so almost a week ago and if you want to believe me that's alright, ignorance is bliss huh? LoL anyways believe what you want it's your choice but it did happen and yeah I've got nothing to gain I still like them but I'll never own one because of their quirks. Ever palteform has their plus and minus and the ones the subbies have I don't feel like to be my own problems. LoL

[@richardmichael59]

Are you high?

[@ClemCadiddlehopper60]

What's with the hands off the wheel driving ?. Not a good look and definitely not a habit that you would want to develop. Example of a bad (over confident} driver. Smarten up Pal!!!

[@BrianMakse]

LOL says who?

[@ClemCadiddlehopper60]

you're setting a lousy example to younger (and for that matter) other drivers,@@BrianMakse

[@BrianMakse]

You didn’t answer the question, Andre. I’ll wait.

[@ClemCadiddlehopper60]

first of all, it's illegal, and secondly a dangerous habit and totally unjustifiable. it shows a disdain towards other road users in respect of safe driving.

[@BrianMakse]

@@ClemCadiddlehopper60 you still haven't answered the question, Karen. Still waiting.

[@alengreen589]

It´s a good compact AWD Sporty Sedan, only the Exterior design is not my taste. Thanks 😀

[@BrianMakse]

This definitely delivers on fun to drive. Today, some designs are ok, many are terrible, and very few are stunners.

[@alengreen589]

@@BrianMakse yes 😀

[@robertk1049]

Thought about subscribing but didn't due to the Raycon ad. Boooo.

[@BrianMakse]

That’s so weird.

[@19hundoc47]

I test drove almost everything in this segment and the WRX was at the bottom of the list. Feels like driving a truck with the high seating position and long throws in the gear box. Doesn’t feel special at all, exhaust note is awful, looks ugly, engine power is bad, just a crappy package. The Elantra N and Civic Type R are the standouts. And I bought both of them because they are that good.

[@Edwin_Lam]

Would you recommend switching to the STi short shifter?

[@robingupta23]

I had it replaced in my 2016 wrx. Def recommended

[@bigbuckoramma]

There is a first time for everything, and this is the first review i just cant agree with the overall findings of. The Subaru WRX is a great car, in isolation. As soon as it comes off Subaru Island, and is placed against any other car in the same price and performance class, it is last in nearly every metric imaginable. The handling is easily the weakest of the current crop of sport compacts, and is seconds off the pace of even the cushy GTi at the track. And lightyears away from something like an Elanta N. (I wont even mention the Type-R, thats cruel). The WRX suspension is way too soft, and the chassis geometry, along with that open rear diff, promote loads of understeer, long before you even get to the limits of grip on the tires. It isnt just because its soft either. The GR Corolla is perhaps even softer than the WRX, yet it doesnt immediately flop over into tire shredding understeer when pushed. The GR front end still stays planted and working, even when the car is at its limit, even if the added squish does slow down some transitional steering inputs. When you compare the WRX to something like the Elantra N, or even something softer like the Civic Si, its just not that special, or even that quick. The only way the WRX is bettet than those two cars in performance and daily living, is if you live in the snow, or only ever drive on gravel roads. I will go out on a limb and say most of us dont live in Finland. So that likely doesn't apply. And we havent even got into things like the horrendous brake fade when pushed even moderately hard, or the god awful and unreliable CVT, or the questionable reliability of this generation of Subaru engine, or some of the warranty nightmares people have detailed when dealing with Subaru warranty claims. Or, perhaps the real elephant in the room, the Subaru Outback'esque body cladding. Come on Brian, we all know why you want a black one. To hide that hideous plastic on the paint color. No matter how you slice it, this is a gimmicky car for people that want a Subaru, and little else. Because if you actually wanted a sporty car for its performance, and track capability, you would look anywhere else but at a WRX.

[@kevinsavard2681]

Maybe your right in some way but that’s what the STI used to be for, tracking. I feel like the wrx is made to be a good and fun daily driver for people in moderate inclimate wheather (ex.: Canada) that can do everything well except tracking which is not the goal of this car. Comparing it to a GR typeR or golf R is irrelevant. I don’t need to track or have tons of power I want an affordable fun daily. I have considered brz but it’s not viable in the snow here and I hate the user interface buttons etc. In the gti

[@bignasty.c.185]

Sold my Elantra N for my WRX. Zero regrets. The trick N exhaust was fun but overall, WRX as a daily is superior. I did like the digital dash in the N and the brakes were also better. Just hated FWD and the clutch was terrible in the N. I actually like the cladding.

[@bigbuckoramma]

@@kevinsavard2681 Well, that's the thing. Subaru discontinued the STi, and have said that the new WRX is the STi replacement, and make all kinds of marketing comments about how it's a different chassis than the Impreza, and the most horsepower of any WRX, and the fastest rack of any WRX. Basically saying it's not the basic turbocharged Impreza WRX of old, positioning it as a psuedo-halo product like the STi. But, I get the appeal of it as a daily, because it is an incredibly soft car. Which, sadly, flies in the face of Brian's comment about the "tight sporty suspension", it's just not. The spring rates are barely higher than the base Impreza. And in practice, much softer than they should be for a car positioned as a performance vehicle.

[@bigbuckoramma]

@@bignasty.c.185 You "hated" FWD??? What is that supposed to even mean? You basically just proved my point when I said the only people that want a WRX are those that want a WRX, i.e. AWD, and have no idea why, other than "just because". Gran Turismo isn't real life.

[@bignasty.c.185]

@@bigbuckoramma It means I hate front wheel peel, hop and torque steer. Plus the fit and finish on the N was terrible. Not saying it’s a bad car, just saying it’s bad for me. Too many quality issues. Edge of the hood wasn’t painted, alignment issues and panel gaps, seat seam pulling apart, chintzy center console handle, paint blems. Not hating on the N. Just wasn’t a good daily for me. If you turn off the exhaust it was actually somewhat boring. Not saying the WRX is thrilling, but it has been better as a daily.

[@RobbiePfunder]

looks like a regular car 😅

[@BrianMakse]

It is. It's a WRX.