Watch This Video Before Buying A USED Subaru WRX or STI

[@offylibertylover4868]

I just bought a 2021 STI sight unseen, out of state, and waiting for it to be delivered. Originally I intended to buy a 2022 and was waiting to order one until the dreaded Subaru announcement. A salesperson here locally told me that they were going to make the next STI an all EV. To each their own, I have wanted one of these cars with the EJ engine since 2004 and I finally bought one. Might have over paid, but I was really picky, managed to find a limited in WR blue with a little over 2k miles. Wing deleted option, short shift option and popular package. Super excited to get it out on the road and enjoy my toy. It will be a garage queen, not going to daily drive it and probably keep the miles around 1-2k per year. Hoping not to lose too much value...but again, I over paid in this wacky car market we find ourselves in. Cheers, I'll be binge watching all your past videos now!

[@Autofreakgarage]

Enjoy it in good health!

[@Blue_Ghost-X]

Yea do a full inspection first. I got a used WRX and in 6 months spent 10,000 on repairs due to previous abuse to the car that didn’t show up on test drive.

[@hank1906]

Hey I was just wondering what were the issues that cause you to spend over 10k in repairs. It would help a lot Thanks

[@Blue_Ghost-X]

@@hank1906 the previous owner had it stage 2 and reverted it stock to sell it. the engine has issues with timing that could not be diagnosed by multiple specialists. Had the timing checked and various sensors replaced. The transmission snout had so much wear on it I had to replace the transmission as it was so worn a throw out bearing would not seat well. I tried a snout repair kit and that didn’t work. The motor also had significant oil leaks that started to show after a month of ownership. I had the entire engine resealed. I have since sold the car and now have a 22 WRX. Such a better car overall.

[@jimbarns7612]

Curious did you buy the car with warranty?

[@MillionDollarDream]

@@Blue_Ghost-Xmy motor blew during e tuning 20 minutes in while only owning the car for 2 months 😂, smh. But I since bought a stage 2 IAG motor closed deck, ets front mount, whole new fuel system and a bunch more. It was almost 20k including labor

[@liinaa.v]

@@Blue_Ghost-Xwhat year was the car

[@madloudnoises]

1. Car Fax 2. Maintenance history 3. PPI / Leak Down Test 4. AOS 5. Cobb Access Port (if it’s modded, don’t buy it)

[@antman677]

Thanks for putting out all these videos! Just bought a 2017 STI with high quality mods - compression and leakdown tests check out…dealer is now undeleting emission mods! Totally gonna keep track of all future mods and maintenance history :D

[@carnyx_]

Great timing with this video! I'm in the process of buying a 2016 WRX sight unseen (out of state), and actually this morning, it's off to get a PPI and compression test at the owner's local subaru dealership. It's exactly what I've been looking for - fingers crossed the inspection and compression is all good!

[@Autofreakgarage]

Goodluck!

[@joelvigil6012]

I got 2016 wrx it's nice but I just found this video . And is mentioned not to buy a moded car and mine came moded and with an accesport clip. So now I'm worried. A bit bit

[@6spd85notch]

Just bought a 23 sapphire blue and it’s such a cool little car. I’m a mustang guy for years and still have a few but always wanted a wrx. Finally got one. Love your car man.

[@jayrv4873]

My buddy and i were both getting out of the military and he wanted to sell his 17 wrx with only 50k miles! Honda offered him 14k and he knew I was looking for a new ride cuz I just paid off my last car and he was like, do u wana buy it 😮 10k all stock and never abused! Of course I said yes haha We where both station in Virginia so I got a truck to get it delivered to me in California. Now I'm just looking online to see what modds I can do cuz I got a wrx so cheap!

[@obs_j.a.g]

Enjoy it bro, what a steal. They are selling me a 2015 sti for $19k launch edition

[@Sxnti4k]

@@obs_j.a.gever since the new VB models the VA models held there value or gone up depending on your location

[@proamazing]

I have officially owned and sti for two months and your videos are helping me

[@Autofreakgarage]

I’m glad I could help!

[@proamazing]

You made a video of the aos right

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oovXaHehZ9KcrrM

[@proamazing]

@@Autofreakgarage I am 100% gonna buy the aos thank you

[@DrJayxxx]

Retweet

[@nealwright3124]

I agree with everything you said. I just traded in my 18’ WRX for a Lapis Blue Pearl 19’ STI the other day and couldn’t be happier. For those who are looking to buy a used Subaru, I’d definitely take it to your nearest reputable Subaru performance shop and have them do a pre or post purchase inspection.

[@ascendbmo9736]

do they do the inspectiion for free?

[@nealwright3124]

@@ascendbmo9736 no it was roughly $400 dollars (your move may vary), but worth it since I bought the car from vroom. Vroom has a 1 week trial period when you get the car so I had it inspected during that time.

[@Miguel_7]

Do you recommend Vroom?

[@nealwright3124]

@@Miguel_7yeah I do. The process was pretty easy, but they took forever getting paper work to the DMV

[@ftwpancake6477]

I just test drove a 17 STI and it seemed mostly stock it just had a borla catback and a set of advid 1 wheels video was very helpful

[@jdemp42]

👍 fwiw tho I just sold my well maintained '15 WRX limited w/ 55k miles. Was up front about it & provided the car fax which lists two accidents as "minor" which they were & shows a diagram of where the minor damage was done. Also provided the invoices for their related repairs. Provided him among other things, my Amazon order history showing purchase intervals for all the Motul fluids I bought over the years. Mechanically my car is stock, no Cobb, aside from Catback exhaust and RCE Springs. He's a doctor who owned a couple WRXs back in the aughts. I Bought it for $33K and sold it for $24K cash. Not bad for a 7yr old car. I miss it terribly and of course am seeing WRXs everywhere. I bought a cheap reliable used car, and hopefully when the car market settles in a year or two I'll get into a new or late model M3 or M340i. Cheers.

[@eknapp70]

Only advice I have as a GD owner is make sure everything but the engine is in the best shape possible, because you’ll probably have to replace that part anyway. But yeah, buy the chassis with these, not the engine. Don’t get baited by a shitbox with an iAG block

[@sebastiangrider98]

I'm hoping yo get into a 2015 as my first car in a couple months, this video does help and gives clarity on a few things. Thank you!

[@brian3136]

dude, I would love to see your maintenance history excel template. it will give me an idea on how to do what you do.

[@MackBurton]

that carbon fiber intake is beaaaaautiful

[@jonathanb1987]

Can you post a link to a blank copy of your Excel spreadsheet? I would like to use it for my car.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Don’t have a shareable link for it

[@messi3666]

Just sold my 2021 wrx premium (48500 miles)...Had AOS installed as soon as I bought it, Fortune 500 suspension, STI wing, Processwest intercooler, Hawk HPS brake pads, and vortex gen as my add-ons. Did regular 3k to 4k mile oil changes (Motul Xclean EFE 5W30 always, Mobil 1 once...had all the records of it...gave it to my dealer...they said that they would throw it away if it had my personal info). Transmission and differential oil change at 30K miles...pro tune by Panda Motor Works (St. Louis)...If you love your car, take care of it.

[@jlethal1983]

I literally just bought a 2021 WRX Premium with the same mileage as you had...it also has a Process west vertical intercooler, Grim Speed intake, downpipe/exhaust. I was concerned with the purchase but after driving it and the appearance of the engine bay and installation (as well as the fact that it already had at least 3k worth of modifications) I made the buy and the car is fantastic so far.

[@ThatMeansHesMad]

Oh how i miss my 05 STi 😢

[@alexm8662]

Compression/leakdown test, then find out if it knocks on the current tune. If all pass then the is are good to go, if not it pass on the car or offer significantly less money.

[@julianb1474]

I just drove my first WRX . 2017, 170,000 km, good service history, stock -- on paper it looked OK. I've got plenty of experience with manuals but right away this was tough getting into second, really tough. Other gears were fine. Because of this I over revved the thing and a check engine light came on! My interest evaporated but I'm left wondering is a bad 1-2 shift a common problem? This really felt like a bad trans to me, the worst in many years of driving many different MT cars.

[@allenstevenson5986]

A 2016 wrx premium. 141k mile. 1 owner. No accidents. Literally the carfax. All maintenance was done at Subaru for all of the miles. Oil changed like every 4k miles. 30k, 60k, 90k service doneat subaru Too risky?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Sounds like a well maintained example. However, that’s a lot of miles. I’d personally look for some thing a bit less used.

[@allenstevenson5986]

@@Autofreakgarage thanks. I've been hearing engine failures due to timing chain. I won't mod mines but I don't want to get a used one and engine goes

[@26pak]

Can you really say not running an AOS means you don't care about the car? I know what an AOS does but currently don't choose to run one to keep my warranty intact. I make sure to keep up with the maintenance and change the oil even if it hasn't hit the next mileage. If it wasn't for the warranty I would have already installed an AOS.

[@noxnyc23]

Unless Subaru can prove your aos is what cause watever malfunction and breaks down in your Subaru then you have nothing to worry about .. I’ve never heard anyone being denied warranty because they installed something that should have automatically came with this type of engine .. just my 2 cents

[@sevay696]

What is am AOS?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Air oil separator

[@jamesroark7093]

Why does it need one?

[@AkosiMRswabe]

I do my own oil change every 5 k full synthetic. Dealership don't put all the clips back on the skid plate. I ended up dragging mine and destroy it unknwingly. How can you say dealership is safer. CARFAX doesn't have info if the owner chose to do car repaid accident in a small shop.

[@yiga4171]

Yea ngl your wrx looks pretty cool

[@jeffclark967]

But is there any kind of aftermarket exhaust system/muffler that doesn't make them sound like a supercharged weed eater. Or a popcorn machine when its idling?

[@hatefunwrx]

Great video, even though I have an 07 wrx your info helps a lot. Do you by any chance have a video on clutch selection and an Idea of different choices, maybe with your recommendations based on power/torque(stages)?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Thanks! Glad to have helped. I’m in the stock clutch currently and haven’t had an issue. But when I go to big power, I’ll most likely go with an ACT.

[@hatefunwrx]

@@Autofreakgarage yeah the clutch my car came with is starting to give out in 3rd and 4th gear and try to see the best options

[@ranran2218]

Hit up smeedia on KZbin. If you comment he will answer your question. He is pretty knowledgeable about aftermarket clutch and what power levels require what clutch.

[@hatefunwrx]

@@ranran2218 that's what I was planing as well

[@alexvargas4114]

Traded in my almost full bolt on wrx to the dealership for a 80k miles STI bone stock with just a axle back saw the car fax and guy maintained the whole car all the way till he traded it in🤷🏻‍♂️ what chu think? Also love your sti literally the 2nd reason why i gotten a EJ over a FA

[@alexvargas4114]

My wrx was 2016 and gotten a sti 2016

[@dayledonne8272]

You forgot the number 1 Subaru rule bro! Check the tyres to make sure they are all the same brand. If they are a miss match then the owner doesn’t know his Subaru’s! And most likely done the rest of the maintenance incorrectly, if atall!

[@JEEPLIFEOZZY]

I currently have a 2016 STi with 74k on it. Purchased completely stock. I have only added an axle back and Cobb CAI with the Cobb OTS Stage 1+ 93. I MAY be selling it due to personal financial reasons. Am I better off removing everything and going back to completely stock to sell or should I leave those base mods on it? I understand the idea of someone possibly not wanting this crazy modded car. Never truly had the plan to ever mod it crazy anyway. Exhaust and sounds of the CAI is all I ever really desired to have on here.

[@Autofreakgarage]

The modifications you have on are fairly simply to remove. I would remove them and sell off to make some of the money back. You won’t see the return on them if selling it as is. Although, all it takes is one person to appreciate what you’ve done and buy it.

[@JEEPLIFEOZZY]

@@Autofreakgarage Great point. Thanks for the quick response! Is mentioning that it was previously lightly tuned something I should do? I guess that's purely up to me.. just don't ever want to come off as some sort of snake or anything like that.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Be honest and upfront about everything. Don’t hide anything from a potential buyer.

[@joshuawick5382]

They still make WRX’s. They didn’t discontinue them.

[@boostedrex9460]

They discontinued the sti stupid ass not the wrx. We all know this?

[@SoakdNBleach]

Almost didnt want to watch the rest of the video. After the first 2 minutes i was ready to buy one😅

[@AutomotiveAspects]

Such a good video!

[@diegogonzalez9329]

So how can you expect it to have an aos ? At the end you say only to buy one completely stock

[@goofyop4365]

Looking at an sti was gonna be heading tomorrow. Watching this video helped but also got me to feel not to look at this one. It’s for sure modified stated by dealer it has a Cobb package upgrade. 1 owner and only 10k mileage and it’s 2020. I don’t know if it’s worth looking at it anymore. It would help for a little insight, thank you.

[@muzzz9514]

My car has been stock since 2015 and I have an accessport…

[@1990hondacivic]

Most likely going to get a bone stock wrx, why? Because it hasn’t been fucked by the previous owner asboost seems to kill these motors, then again the way they drive the car in the past is a big issue too

[@edgaranaya9290]

That is sad i want the STI hatchback

[@borronachoproductions6865]

Oh man, I remember looking at this video in my recommendations, just dreaming and all. And now I find myself in a situation where I could be the potential new owner of a '17 STi! 64,000 miles on the odometer, looks clean from the photos listed and so far, I have only noticed an invidia exhaust... AND... a cobb access port... It's fairly new for it's age but the access port is what's concerning me. I am currently talking to the seller, but I wnated to know what you think? There are no lights on in the dash from the photos posted and they claim "everything" to be working. Any and all help is appreciated!

[@Autofreakgarage]

My advice is to check the car out in person. Pictures can show one thing when driving and seeing the car can be another. Having an accessport isn't the end all be all, but typically, it is more ideal to find something untouched and not modified when purchasing used. Less owners the better as well.

[@borronachoproductions6865]

@Scoobyfreak86 Just sent me the VIN number. Carfax verified TWO owner. Accident/damage reported... "Minor" damage reported for the front AND rear. Accident reported 11/21/19 involving left rear impact. Hit a parked motor vehicle. Vehicle was not damaged. Seller also said the car is on coilovers and oil change was done recently. Asking price $22,000.... If it's too good to be true, it probably is. The search continues. Thank you for your input! Keep up the good work on the G80!

[@w1sconsnedm359]

Hey guy i’m thinking about sell my 2017 sti with stage 2+ with fuel upgrade E85 car is sitting at 7k i’m the first owner should i keep it or sell it?

[@BrettRatcliffe-p2q]

Kinda sounds like we should run away from this car you if you try and sell it

[@carguysti6858]

how do i put an aos and cylinder 4 cooling mod on my sti without voiding the warranty pls help

[@subaruwrx2587]

So if I find WRX that is beautifully maintained with low miles on it, that happened to have been in a minor accident per the car fax, everything else checks out, & owner supplied support from a reputable body shop detailing the damage and repair to it; I shouldn't buy it?

[@Autofreakgarage]

That’s up to you. If you can live with the damages that occurred then that’s totally fine. For me personally, anything that’s been in any type of incident would have me looking somewhere else.

[@BDA0531]

As long as the accident has not effected the driveability of the car and the owner was completely honest about it then i'd say it shouldn't matter. I own a salvaged rebuilt Civic and it looks and performs exactly the same as a clean title. Bonus if owner took it to a reputable body shop and has receipts

[@liamfr7918]

Yeah my focus st just got totaled and I only had that car for like 3 months but I've really love boosted 4 cylinders and I also really liked ve the sound of the subie engines but I don't have a ton to spend on a focus RS which would be my goal but I don't want a high mileage one so rn I've just been looking at wrx because I've found some pretty clean ones under 20k but if you guys have any other suggestions pls let me know

[@juanr3972]

I have an opportunity to buy a 2016 hyper blue Sti. The guy is moving and needs the cash so he’s letting it go for 19k. Only thing is it has 105k miles it’s been garage kept and stored for winter. Is it worth the high mile risk being a hyperblue? Price is just to good, would like to get someone’s take on it thanks.

[@jaddixx554]

I have a question can you provide the link to your headlights?

[@Autofreakgarage]

No link. It’s custom ordered from Lightwerkz.

[@jaddixx554]

@Scoobyfreak86 ok thanks on getting back to me.

[@Reaper_787]

Do you have a copy of the spreadsheet so i could start doing one?

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Nice rims man. What are they

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6DPlYiMi7tosMk

[@MrTuffCookies]

So I just bought a 21 WRX a couple days ago and I’m just trying to learn everything I can… and from what I’ve gathered it sounds like installing a AOS voids the warranty (or parts of it at least). But it sounds like installing one is actually very beneficial for these motors. Is the AOS only really necessary with other mods, or is it really a good idea to get one even for a stock engine?

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Get it even if you’re stock. You’re gonna have to clean the valves eventually but the AOS will extend the time before you have to do that.

[@MrTuffCookies]

@@xil3ntkha0s Does it actually void the warranty though? I might have to put some real thought into it if that's the case. Assuming counting from 0, how many miles could I expect before I have to clean out the valves with and without the AOS? Are we talking something like 30k vs 300k or more like 50k vs 100k?

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@MrTuffCookies ultimately up to you but they’re a good way to reduce the buildup on the valves. Also look up videos about broken stock turbo inlets.

[@ethanspindler1758]

How did you get it to sound like that?

[@itsjustseb7328]

great video thankyou so much

[@crypto_creep8222]

I found a 2019 Sti one owner but its got 150k miles witch is crazy. Price is 28k i really want the car but im scared of the miles

[@Autofreakgarage]

Shew. That’s a lot of miles. I’d look for another example if I were you.

[@timb8643]

Is a rebuild title 2020 wrx base with 30k miles a good deal for $12k in Ca?

[@rafael502]

Why is a modified sti inherently bad?

[@alexanderavila563]

Do the cars not come with an AOS system from factory?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They do not

[@GosiaJarosz-ip8lf]

Totally agree.

[@OscarSauce]

Is this gen STI a good daily as far as reliability?

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZe4hXdrndKbo5I

[@kingsavage1660]

What exhaust do you have?

[@frankfly1368]

I wanted to ask you about wheels. I’m strongly considering the Enkei rs05rr wheels that you used to run. Worth the money? Or should I go a little cheaper and save the money with some TS10s or NT03m?

[@Autofreakgarage]

I enjoyed my rs05rr’s a lot. They fit this far very well. I say spring for the rs05rr’s as it’s. A bit better quality wheel. However, nt03’s have a soft spot for me. I’ve owned multiple sets of them in the past.

[@frankfly1368]

@@Autofreakgarage I think I’m leaning that way. Only 10k miles so I’m waiting a little bit to go crazy on stages

[@godsplannn]

Yo what did you do with those headlights? The thing on the high beam area

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6uwmZulhdeWqac

[@godsplannn]

@@Autofreakgarage Yeah I saw, but is there a way for me to get that piece? I already customized my headlight with diode dynamics c lights. Also your c light looked a little way brighter than mine lol

[@Autofreakgarage]

The stripe light is from diode dynamics as well

[@godsplannn]

@@Autofreakgarage Thank you!

[@godsplannn]

Mind sending me a link for the light on the high beam area? I can’t find it

[@NilexRacing]

Have you ever had issues with your clutch pedal? In my WRX (‘18) it feels like the clutch pulsates when I depress it from 1st-2nd gear. I just got it a month ago and I’m also new to manual but it doesn’t feel right to me..

[@Autofreakgarage]

I don’t have a wrx so no experience with that clutch.

[@elinfidele6631]

Can you share your excel sheet template?

[@Autofreakgarage]

No way to share it on here, but it's just a basic template of the mod, price, mileage installed, cost, etc. Nothing too fancy!

[@demetrickwalker6622]

Where you get all the white caps?

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnvVk36pea2ZY9k

[@princeherbert8054]

@scoobyfreak86 how about if the Sti is model 2020 still in stock condition, with 92,000km and no warranty. Is it okay especially with that mileage?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Up to you. Personally, I would try to find something with less miles. That’s a lot for the year.

[@tsix8987]

Im wondering if that cobb redline intake box/snorkel will fit with my EST FMIC piping. I have the cobb intake but the air box would not fit with the ETS piping

[@Autofreakgarage]

It does not. The only fmic that will fit with it is the Cobb. You can fabricate that side to have an ets fit, but out of the box it will not.

[@tsix8987]

@@Autofreakgarage That's a shame. Would love to have that. I'll have to make a custom airbox I guess.

[@astrobot702]

2018 is still the GOAT. 2018 Black Onyx, 1 owner, 42K, Limited, the dude traded it in cuz his female wanted a larger 'family vehicle' as they were starting a family. My WRX looks and handles thug AF. It's definitely a panty dropper. The newer body looks like a FIESTA. It's beta, soy and trendy... Don't be a beta, guys go OG...

[@nardostacks]

cornball💀💀

[@hugocortes1111]

Will installing an aos void the warranty?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Nothing “voids” warranty. However, modifications can give a reason for the dealer to deny the warranty. It also depends on what went wrong. If you have an AOS installed and the headunit breaks, then that’s a bit different.

[@26pak]

@@Autofreakgarage what if I install an AOS and get engine knock. Would they warranty it?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Depends on the dealer, but they do have probably cause to deny warranty.

[@jordangordon2350]

I'm in the process of buying a 2018 wrx premium. It has aftermarket exhaust and cold air intake. I test drove and every seemed good, but how do I know if it's been tuned correctly and there are no problems?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Is an accessport included with the sale? If so, plug it in and view the current map.

[@jordangordon2350]

​@@Autofreakgarage it has a cob access port on the dash like you mentioned. Is that what you mean?

[@jordangordon2350]

​@@Autofreakgarage ❤

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes. You can go to tune and click view current map.

[@jordangordon2350]

@@Autofreakgarage ok thanks so much for the info

[@Shahhh]

Where can i find the tail lights you have on your sti?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Subispeed although the one I have are discontinued. There is the jdm style that looks the same off, but illuminate differently.

[@Shahhh]

@@Autofreakgarage Awe that sucks I've been watching all your vids and I can't get over how sleek and clean those tail lights look, especially with the Lapis Blue color, I'll check out Subispeed!

[@EmmanuelMuchiri-h2r]

Choose your sti or your house🥲🥲

[@OOOnanana]

do they make the STI in automatic?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They do not. It has only ever been offered in manual.

[@OOOnanana]

lol i joke obvi not but 2026 will prove me wrong@@Autofreakgarage

[@SVT___SNAK3]

What wheels are those?

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6DPlYiMi7tosMk

[@Flickzypc]

He just said he doesn’t like zero history & he doesn’t like history of the vehicle

[@Autofreakgarage]

Maintenance history and history as in a story of accidents.

[@Mo_Money84]

Aos? 🧐

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes I had one

[@cjlsniper]

the tip is don’t buy a subaru wrx or sti if it’s used, thank me later 👍🏼

[@chaton51]

One advice dont buy a subaru with a motor that has been modified. This is the key. The rest is just sh*t

[@xil3ntkha0s]

I should’ve bought the STi when I had the chance 🥲

[@Autofreakgarage]

There's still time!

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@Autofreakgarage WRX will be paid off in a few months .. I'll keep it and see what the future holds for a new STi 🤞

[@jawidahmadi8032]

how much did you pay for it? and how many miles @@xil3ntkha0s