The Biggest Thing To Avoid When Buying A Used Subaru WRX or STI

[@raceeverythinga1326]

Bought a stock 2016 1 owner STI wirh 65k miles. Left it completely stock other than a catback and wheels. Also upgraded the oil pickup tube. No power mods. Runs excellent owned for 2 years.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Very nice!

[@josebelisario9669]

I never thought I'd reach a point where I'm leaving my vehicles stock. Frankly, my VB is so fun as is. Just maintenance and joy of driving

[@AutoEnthusiast]

lol tuning can make it quite fun! Definitely long term something to think about!

[@xXpapercutsXx]

From someone who’s done it, save a little longer, put down a big down payment on a new wrx, keeping those monthly payments reasonable. You’ll get a better APR, a factory warranty, and just overall peace of mind knowing the cars history. Now if you hate the VB then, ya, idk, haha only buy one that you know the entire history of and hopefully its stock.

[@VitalSyntax]

I nearly fell into this same trap this last month or so, nearly to the other end of it... A large Honda dealership had a 2019 STI with 34k miles that drove amazing and was bone stock or at least so I thought. Later found it had an Invidia highflow downpipe and no current tune and started throwing P240 cat efficiency CEL. Luckily I caught it early before ever pushing the car and got a compression test from a tuner with great results (I should have done this test before purchasing). I've learned from my tuner that a downpipe without a tune can cause boost creep, where the boost levels exceed their target, which can cause detonation (blow your engine). It can also cause unstable boost, but will not run lean unless you have boost creep. I've been avoiding boost in the meantime. If you have an intake without a tune you will run lean under boost and will run too much timing and cause detonation (blow your engine). I have a tune scheduled in 4 days. Ended up getting additional reliability components installed while they were at it and an intake/catback. Wish me luck boys.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

^this, and good luck!

[@gndesign25]

This is the reason I never pulled the trigger on an STi hatch. Always wanted one but heard too many horror stories on engines blowing up. So I stayed away!

[@SC2gamertroll]

I just picked up my 16 VA WRX Limited with 80k 2 owners and non-modified. I am aware of the blown engine tales and got it anyway, but the reason is because the dealership I bought it from offers most of their vehicles up to 10 years old to have an additional 100K or 10 year power train warranty; which ever comes first. I am happy with my purchase.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

nice! congrats on the grab!

[@officialmoderndaysamurai]

Thank you. This video was extremely helpful

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrfixitguy72]

I'd like to chime in here. Since the motors are the same, would you please talk a bit about the Outback XT as well?

[@AWDTurbos]

Love your content I just bought a 2019 wrx im about to watch and im scared

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Congrats on the ride and thanks for the support. I am sure you will be fine. Email me if you have any issues!

[@brian6speed]

I was a honda/acura guy and still have my 2003 that is super reliable. I bought a 23 wrx and I am kind of surprised how bad realibility is in these cars. I wanted to buy civic type r, but the mark-ups just made that not possible.

[@JohnnyBlaze710]

How long have you had your WRX? Never heard anyone say this

[@waybach]

Still have my 00 ek hatchback with b18c5, also have the 23 limited. Just be glad you’re not in a EJ, these cars are actually quite reliable compared to VA’s, or any EJ subies. Just have to be mindful that we’re in a boosted car and have to drive it as such. Just take care of your maintenances and you’ll be fine! NA is Best! Boost is fun tho

[@Techcensorshipbot]

Why would anyone ever mod the banks car? Thats an astronomically stupid financial decision.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Probably not wrong in saying it is like 3:1 more common than not

[@omarmuhyar2005]

Pro tip for buying a used WRX: Don’t.

[@mikeydude750]

i was super bummed out when they ended the STI (always wanted one but never had the employment situation sorted out before) but man, the owner base made me not want to ever buy one used because there's no chance in hell i can find an unmolested, un-vaped-in one. bought a gr corolla instead

[@paulmarclalonde3834]

Pro tip Don’t buy a modified used wrx

[@mikeydude750]

@@paulmarclalonde3834 good luck finding one whos vaping owners haven't

[@demontech06]

The biggest thing to avoid when buying a used WRX to just to avoid buying it. My idiot neighbor paid 5k for a used one with a dead cylinder, and the person he bought it from said it only needs plugs. How many used WRX's are out there that haven't been abused? NONE! NO ONE buys a WRX for a going to church Sunday car. The other downside is the higher insurance premiums on those cars. I have never had an accident or a ticket, and still that premium was double than what my GT500 is with 30+ years of driving. I ordered a brand new one a few years ago and immediately canceled the order when I saw how much the insurance is. I'm not attacking the author of this video, but there's too many don'ts or red flags listed in this video to even consider one. I like the cars, but you're NEVER going to find a reliable used one. The reason for that is because they don't exist. If you do decide to buy a used one, then it's buyer beware! DONT BUY IT! They're not worth it!

[@sterlingskavas5965]

im looking at a 2016 wrx sti currently... the auto dealer says its stock.. the photos seem to be that way (stock exhuast, ect.). The only thing i see is a COBB shift knob... and there are no photos of the engine bay.... any suggestions ? Thanks

[@yungjefe7423]

Do a lot of research regarding what to look out for before buying and go check it out in person. They’re great vehicles and reliable as most any other car but the problem is the owners. You want to have as much info on the car as possible befor you purchase. Either that or buy from a dealer that’ll give you a really good warranty.

[@rc5324]

i am on the market for one )) great video

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Nice, what year?

[@rc5324]

I don’t drive manual so what year is good with cvt? Any suggestions

[@yungjefe7423]

@@rc5324stay away from cvt bro

[@WiliamRae]

You’re the best Ive just bought a sti 21 model 17000 klm I’ve done a full service on through Subaru I bought it with 14000 klm on it they said it’s been over serviced which is good so they recommend a 50000 klm service we will go right through the car I was heaps happy but would you modify it or leave it stock the car has a exhaust back end on and the car is very quick,,, I’m just thinking better sump and radiator and oil separate but I don’t know can you do a video on what you personally think and

[@jonathanmuller1741]

Love this video!

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Thanks!

[@jgomez7535]

Good stuff 👍🏼

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Thanks 👍

[@Kaizen2013v]

Is your VB lowered and with a lip in this vid?

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Just a front lip!

[@jayyjab]

I wouldnt say they are unreliable, but if you are buying a used one just be PREPARED to put a new engine in it(im not saying it WILL blow up, just be prepared)