Why I Bought The Most Controversial Subaru WRX - 2023 VB WRX Premium

[@jefferys9593]

I have had my 2023 WRX for six months and have loved every minute of driving it.

[@kristoffersana960]

What color?

[@HI-pi1er]

New intake , top mount , Cobb access port and a pro tune and a down pipe . Will blow ya mind

[@Vecc-tq3fb]

LOL and probably blow up too. Not everyone buys these things to indulge in street racing. Nice car though.

[@HI-pi1er]

@@Vecc-tq3fb done professionally and your services done on time u won’t have any issues

[@truckinguy92]

@@Vecc-tq3fb not to mention void your warranty if it takes a 💩!

[@JoeNocella]

I just test drove a new 2024 premium. I felt right at home behind the wheel. Acceleration was good. I will be getting one soon.

[@robalexander7348]

Thank You Mike, that was a well explained video. I have only just taken delivery of my new and 5th WRX a 2023 Premium silver CVT (11/23 build ) I have owned from new 2 WRX manual, 3 CVT, i find the CVT auto brilliant. I am in the running in period and have almost 1.000km up enjoying long drives, my average fuel economy is floating at around 7.5 L /100kms = 37mpg All of my WRX have given excellent fuel consumption ( at 100/110 kph) on trips as i have done Many long trips up to the mid north coast of NSW , Yes i am enjoying my new 23 WRX they are a wonderful drivers car, safe with great road holding manners. Enjoy your nice new Rex 👍 Au

[@Josh_GT500]

Thanks for the review. I'm more into American V8 cars but I'm debating buying a leftover new 2023 premium because the interest rate Subaru is offering now is unbeatable. I drove one and it was actually a fun car to drive.

[@The_SL0WRX]

I have my orange with CVT, currently tune with an intake love every moment of it

[@JonniHill]

Love my CVT. Have a civic type R and a 2002 TJ Wrangler. The 23' WRX Premium rounds everything out nicely

[@sparetheearthlings]

Really appreciate your in depth review and decision process. Especially since you actually purchased it so it shows you really did your research!

[@ubroberts5541]

Just bought a Premium WRX last month. It’s a lot of fun and pulls hard. First gear is too short. Had a RAM AIR WS6 with a Tremec 6 speed that was perfect.

[@Mpompi315.]

Love mine! Raw, clunky, zero safety bullshit and simple

[@andrewtamkin2511]

Looking at one to purchase in the next 12 months , Love the Orange. Thanks for your honest review.

[@TeganCantEven]

We bought the same car!! I always wanted an orange one, and I fell in love the moment I saw her on the showroom floor!! 🧡

[@fez3327]

I drove a Volvo 145 in orange. I called it "no affair orange."

[@Gensoukyo16]

Congratulations, Mike. I also had the same experience, I wasn’t too sold on this WRX until I saw it in person. I agree on all things you shared in here So yes, I already ordered mine haha (2024 model, so I expect to get it around March/April. Enjoy your new WRX, looks great in orange (I went for Ceramic White)

[@mike_cerra]

Thanks! Congrats as well on your WRX! Ceramic White was a close 2nd for me, it's such a good color especially with the cladding.

[@Gensoukyo16]

@@mike_cerrathanks and yes, I decided to embrace the cladding haha. It does look nice on most brighter colors

[@AlxRayn]

All the options he had his eyes on are the ones I have been looking at as well, He makes a very rational and logical argument. I’m caught between a preowned Elantra N or the WRX. I’ve found more bargains with the WRX than any other enthusiast car.

[@MattN03]

Picking up a leftover 2023 World Rally Blue 6MT WRX this weekend! ❤

[@mike_cerra]

Congrats! Welcome to the WRX family!

[@SansooIan]

Whats cool is the option package for the premium that gives the speakers and moon roof. Its a Carry over Package from the 4th Gen Legacy (My fav owned subaru), if you bought a 2.5i Special Edition Legacy (Pretty much a Premium), it came with the better speakers and moon roof. Such a simple and nice edition to the lower trims. Got into a 2022 WRX because it reminded me of my 08 Legacy 2.5GT

[@JamieParot]

He mentioned deep snow a few times and how well it would do if it had winter tires. With the right tires it does well on ice, it does well on shallow snow. It does poorly in deep snow because the suspension is so low.

[@loki_wolff]

Get the cvt and we can take that controversy to the next level 😂

[@mouseclicksforu9724]

some people prefer manual though

[@ranran2218]

The vb isn't bad but that orange on it is.

[@two_shot]

Have you got to try it in the snow? Its INSANELY good

[@mike_cerra]

It hasn’t snowed much this winter up in Boston. Only got to take it out once and it was so much fun

[@JoshDillon-lm3hw]

I got mine in July really enjoy the car an it being winter now an having snow tires on my car i understand why they have summer tires you get so much more performance out of them winter tires have tons of understeer an if you stomp on it traction control goes off like crazy cutting power takes all the fun oit of the car if there isnt snow on the ground I avg 25.5mpg in mine an never drive on the freeway an when i have I get like 28.5 doing 80

[@aireydc]

I like the cladding etc.

[@thabrownieviking]

Great color, I also have a 23 SOP WRX. I recently had a Kona N which was great but no manual made me sad so it had to go. Ive had 25 previous cars and the WRX is one of my favorites. Got it dyno tuned by TPG with an intake and exhaust and on 93 picked up like 70whp, its so much fun. Another thing, these things have super short gear ratios which is why they are so fun to drive in my opinion.

[@karmahunden]

How would you compare the Kona N to the WRX?

[@thabrownieviking]

@@karmahunden The Kona N is fantastic if you are cool with FWD and an auto (DCT). It was super comfortable, had tons of tech and customizability, and was a lot quicker than people expect. It even has factory launch control lol. The DCT was honestly REALLY good but I just couldn't deal with an auto after being in mainly manuals my whole life. I think stock vs stock a Kona N would bully a WRX around a track and it was great for daily driving. Sounded great from the factory too. It was a tad stiff even in comfort mode. The biggest knock is Hyundais reliability and the dealer network you have to deal with if you own one.

[@edscr87]

Nice review, I wouldn't place regular mats underneath the rubber mats just for safety.

[@saintless]

Not going to put much weight on your experience with the clutch.. all things considered. lol But otherwise, great review! There's a solar orange at my local dealership and I'm trying to warm up to it so that the color isn't a turnoff; you helped with that, significantly. I miss having a stick shift as a daily driver and they are only getting harder to find outside of RWD only options.

[@billmurray7709]

Have an orange 2022 WRX and love it!

[@jakeeames725]

Mine will be here in febuary! Ordered solar orange premium with every cool option available ended up being 41k all said and done

[@josephbernatowicz3954]

What do you think is the second best color? Maybe the gray?

[@mike_cerra]

Never been a fan of white cars, but my personal 2nd favorite color for this WRX is Ceramic White. But I also like Sapphire Blue Pearl for the VB

[@boxer4engine]

Congrats! The car looks terrific. Like a rally street car

[@maltpatriot4919]

If it had that burnt orange color that the Rams had years ago, I think it would have been killer with a set of bronze rims.

[@kristoffersana960]

Luckily for you, the modern transmissions are very “user friendly.” So if you could handle that old Honda, this car is easy peasy. I have the Crystal Black Silica Premium. Love this car and drive it like it’s meant to be driven. Definitely about the experience of the drive.

[@1anre]

I was in a similar position as you last year and i saw the VB WRX at the Canadian International Auto Show last year, and even though it was far spacious inside compared to the BRZ, i just couldn't get over how Subaru messed us the front fascia of the car. The Honda Civic Si 11th gen sedan that's also 6speed and around a similar price range with a notchy gerabox and better interior and infotainment system came up on my radar, and i just pulled the trigger on gettting one. Been a really good cruiser, and backroad carver. If only Subaru slightly modified the front of the VB to look a bit like the VA, i would've risked it all and tried out owning a WRX for the very first time.

[@fez3327]

I'm doing the same shopping. The Honda for me feels cramped. The WRX greenhouse is wonderful, the Acura Integra's hatch lift-over is less useful for me than the WRX's load height. I plan on traveling with my MiniCat 310 sailboat going in-out of my vehicle. I should prob just get a Crosstreck. BTW I don't find the 2.5 CX to be underpowered, it's just nothing to wind out like my current 1.5t Accord, which feels fast, but isn't but who am I racing anyway? Cheers.

[@1anre]

Not sure how large you are, though, but I'm over 6ft2 & the Si is nothing close to cramped one of the most spacious civics I've sat in quite frankly. You seem more outdoorsy than city person, so aesthetic looks might not be your thing. Go for the Crosstrek then & let's know what color you settle for ​​@fez3327

[@PikX221]

VA owners hating on VB look, as if they got the most aesthetic WRX ever made. I personally prefer VB’s diaper ass over VA’s ugly rear end.

[@LimgraveKnight15]

The VA rear end is leagues cleaner than the VB bud. People are paint matching these things for a reason

[@elgoogkcuf]

va looks as pedestrian as a early 2000s fiesta. @@LimgraveKnight15

[@BANDIT_ZX]

VA rear end looks like a Carola

[@Vecc-tq3fb]

@@BANDIT_ZX coming from a Steelers fan LOL. Both VA and VB have there pluses and minuses. Why hate on either?? Like I said; coming from a Steelers fan!!

[@bakedpanda6502]

14:00 minutes in you say you wont go to 400 horse power. if you end up keeping the car im curious to see how long that will last... cobb stage 2 is a good start fyi. 9.5 width wheels would be a nice feeling too. just make sure they are lighter than the factory spec

[@MattN03]

Did you consider the Civic Si or Integra A-spec 6 speed manual? I'm trying to decide between the WRX Limited or the Integra. We don't have a lot of snow so AWD isn't a big deal for winter performance. Just needing a fun, practical, family friendly, manual trans sedan.

[@mike_cerra]

The Si is a great car and I would have seriously considered it if it wasn’t for the markups. Just couldn’t justify spending close to $35k for a 201 hp sedan with Subaru dealers selling the WRX at MSRP. However the trade offs by choosing the Si would be the better fuel efficiency, a nicer interior, and possibly better resale value. 3 months in I have no regrets going with the WRX and it’s been so much fun to drive as a daily, but if you don’t need AWD take a close look at the Si or Integra. The platform makes that gen such a great car if you can get it at or below sticker

[@MattN03]

How's your MPG? I've driven all 3 now and it's a hard decision! I really like the infotainment in the Civic/Integra better, but the WRX power was noticably more powerful.

[@mike_cerra]

@@MattN03 I consistently get about 24-25 mpg but that’s mostly because I’m either on the highway or on suburban backroads. The 19 mpg city 26 mpg highway ratings that Subaru claims is pretty accurate at least from what I’ve experienced.

[@benglasby8014]

I haven’t driven one of these yet. I’ve driven a lot of others such as the Elantra N (i30N sedan in Australia) & GR Corolla. I wasn’t impressed by the GR Corolla in comparison to the Elantra n. Would be curious how the WRX compares.

[@truckinguy92]

I absolutely hate my 22 premium WRX in SOP. I traded it in on a 21 Mustang GT PP A10. Less than 2 weeks in I super regretted it. But I needed to lower my car payment and didn’t want to trade the Mustang on a putt, putt, vehicle. Also I wanted to try a car with AWD. What a huge mistake! I watched a ton of reviews of the WRX and almost every one praised the car & hardly had a bad thing to say other than the plastic cladding. So they were either paid promotions or they were WRX fanboys I guess. I also looked into a Honda Civic Si, but they were non-existent within 100-150 miles of my area (April 2023) There were plenty of Type R’s but out of my price range. The ONLY thing I like about the car are the driving dynamics and its AWD system. Because I don’t want to go through the hassle of changing tires every 6 months I’ve kept the original summer performance tires on it. They were OK in the last snow fall we had, about 4”, but any more than that I would’ve been in trouble. The next set will be a set of performance all seasons. I will admit that I did take it slightly off road and it did very well and didn’t feel like I was going to get stuck. The things I hate about the car are many. It feels cheaply made, super thin sheet metal. So much so that the hood flexes or bounces up and down with every imperfection in the road, even going over painted rumble strips. I’ve tried adjusting the rubber bumpers up front and it made zero difference. The stock speakers were atrocious and I replaced them at a cost of $300, they were really pathetic with tiny magnets. The fuel economy really sucks and I kinda knew this going in but I figured it’s a manual, so I’d be able to mitigate it a little. But no, as hard as I try I can’t get any better than 21-22 mpg going back and forth to work with normal every day driving mostly back roads in congested central Jersey. I can push 24 mpg but that requires driving VERY conservatively with no more than 1/4-1/3 throttle. On the highway the best I got was 31.4 mpg, but there again you must drive VERY conservatively to get that. Try to have a little fun with it, and that all goes right out the window. Personally I don’t think the car is all that fast especially for the hit on fuel economy you take, which wouldn’t be that bad if I didn’t have to fill it with premium gas. I got near as good with my Mustang with double the displacement and almost double the power. Making any modifications to make it go faster will only make the fuel economy worse. It will also cost 1000’s of dollars, shorten the longevity, and cause you to lose your warranty. Finally if the commenters are going to say “Then you bought the wrong car” I will agree with you 1000% so don’t bother. I really should’ve bought a Crosstrek or Forrester.

[@murmsuniversalrobotics3938]

I stopped reading when I realized little to nothing in your post diverged from driver error.

[@truckinguy92]

@@murmsuniversalrobotics3938 What driver error?

[@murmsuniversalrobotics3938]

@@truckinguy92 probably all of what you do behind the wheel. I feel sorry for your mustang. 🥲

[@truckinguy92]

@@murmsuniversalrobotics3938 the Mustang is gone, traded it in to get this.

[@YoYo-vc1os]

is it hard on gas ? is it one of those cars you go to the pump all the time?

[@mike_cerra]

I get about 24 mpg combined. For myself I only fill up once a week since I work from home half the time. I’m sure if I had to go to the office full time I’d probably be at a gas station more often.

[@BABALAGAJIGAPOO]

No controversy it’s the best choice if your a car guy :)

[@mike63ful]

I have a 23 base wrx and find the drivers seat very uncomfortable ! The car is very entertaining to drive, this one is my second wrx and never thought I’d buy one from the looks alone until I drove it.Unless I can correct the seat issue, my time owning the car will be short lived.There are metal bars inside the bottom bolsters that make it unbearable for me to sit very long ! Thanks

[@davecarlson6275]

I miss having a heated steering wheel. First world problem, I know.

[@Ben-bs4od]

Good choice. But if you just wanted a manual and that was the main thing not the speed or handling, aren't there millions of inexpensive manual cars??????? The only reason to buy this is the speed and the handling and then you want a stick shift I understand. Otherwise a $10,000 Hyundai will give you a stick shift. My favorite new car on the market. I don't like sticks though I've owned many. Can't be bothered by a stick anymore. If I could rent a car it would probably be this WRX or a Mazda 3 or Hyundai Veloster N. Not sure I would buy one, but to drive for a few days, it would probably be this car. Like the speed, the AWD, handling and I like the looks. 100% this is the best deal on the market. I have a Volvo V50 so this is my type of car.

[@mike_cerra]

As an enthusiast buying anything that lacks power and a sports tuned suspension is an automatic no. The WRX was purchased for many supplemental reasons that weren't mentioned in this video. The WRX is definitely the best deal in it's segment for a new car with a stick, which is why all the other cars I was considering didn't make sense for me.

[@fez3327]

I can afford a second car, but always regret seeing the extra insurance bill. I go back and forth on stick, I hate it in Chicago traffic and getting to the grocery. The rest of the time smiles. I am on the fence between this and a Honda / Acrura with a 6MT. BTW the Integra 6MT shifts like butter, this more like I remember my Volvo Bricks, event the ring to get reverse.

[@REVECRIT]

The most controversial is a GT wrx with a spt

[@MaxVonStierlitz-wy7zb]

Funny, the closest competition to WRX you can find is Mazda 3 Turbo on lower end and Golf R on high side. Lexus IS300 AWD closest. Excellent AWD, stick, 267hp, 4 doors, space in the back.

[@lnt3ch]

You don't think the GTI 380's are good competition? Less horse power but pretty comparable

[@MaxVonStierlitz-wy7zb]

@@lnt3ch sure is in no snow or below 40 degree states. If you don't need AWD then there a plenty of choices.

[@fez3327]

@@lnt3ch No awd... so no. The WRX is another animal as is the Golf R.

[@soarrogant3565]

I want one so bad but I’m scared of subis reliability

[@vMaxHeadroom]

wouldn't let that put you off...If it is new you will have a full warantly but more importantly, just keep on top of maintence and service and you will be more than fine. Great car!

[@suicicada]

Don't add any performance mods and you're golden.

[@robalexander7348]

I have owned 5 WRX now, with Never a issue, drive them with Respect, service it as per log book, as you would with any other car 👍 Au

[@roberthoovan4130]

Think if I wold get one I wold just get one in black paint

[@SubieLifeG13]

❤

[@andoverwarren6392]

I had the ‘23 base for five months. There is no damn spare. Moved to a ‘23 GLI which had the most basic part… a flippin spare tire.

[@karmahunden]

Terrible downgrade.

[@hamishmmc]

If you have a GTI this purchase makes zero sense lol, should've got the BRZ all day.

[@mike_cerra]

Not necessarily as the GTI is likely getting replaced in the spring. Not the biggest fan of the GR86 platform and I likely wouldn’t have driven it during the winter living up in Boston. The BRZ would have been a very short term purchase if I chose to buy it.

[@hamishmmc]

@@mike_cerra in the video you're specifically talking about a 2 car garage with a GTI and WRX. BRZ is fine in the winter, you just need good winter tires, which you would for a WRX or a GTI anyway.

[@mike_cerra]

Still not a fan of the GR86 in general. Flirted with the idea for a short period of time but it wasn’t a car that I could see myself keeping long term.

[@fez3327]

@@mike_cerra It fits me like my RX-7 did, fun, but a tight sweater no room to stow much and always feeling like a target amongst the Freightliners and Kenworths.

[@fez3327]

At 57, I can't take a guy seriously that has "only driven stick for about 2 weeks." I've driven long term at least 10 vehicles that were manual transmission.

[@mike_cerra]

It's this attitude right here that's leading to people driving automatics. Instead of being encouraged that there's still younger enthusiasts interested in learning manual, you find a way to be negative.

[@fez3327]

@@mike_cerra It's perspective. Also I guess how the production value of the video is so far above what we could expect from a network 30 years ago. Two weeks... it just hit me funny.

[@ital1anstallion4]

almost as good as a GTI? Dont you mean a Golf R? lol.

[@mike_cerra]

Golf R is $10k-15k more expensive. It’s not a direct competitor. The WRX has always competed directly with the GTI from a price standpoint, whereas the STi was the Golf R rival

[@ital1anstallion4]

@@mike_cerra that's sad because I paid $33,900, and with a cobb and ETS intake for $1k. I'm at 435hp.

[@dru4135]

Wow, that is a really ugly WRX

[@vr6gls]

Huge downgrade from your GTI. The looks alone aren’t worth the price.

[@mike_cerra]

Disagree. I still have the GTI and it’s great as a daily, but the WRX is more fun out of the box and that’s mostly because it’s a manual. And buying a manual Mk8 is a downgrade in my eyes compared to the Mk7

[@vr6gls]

@@mike_cerra I have driven both as well. Not the newest body style though. The WRX felt cheap and not much faster than the GTI and Focus ST. Also, if you plan to modify, Subaru motors are pretty weak. Regardless of how the new WRX drives, the looks alone are enough to sway me away from

[@lronSausage]

​@@mike_cerrathen I guess the question is why wasn't your GTI a manual to begin with? The manual transmission should not be a pro of the WRX because because all 3 cars (GTI, BRZ, WRX) are offered in manual.

[@mike_cerra]

@@lronSausage bought the GTI 4 years ago and driving a manual car was not a priority at the time. Had no real desire to ever own a car with a manual until this year.

[@DL-ut8vr]

my 23 wrx has a tight / heavy steering wheel. wtf r u talking about my audi has the most loose wheel, '06 beemer tightest. wrx is just like the beemr but a step down. this is why noone likes VW ppl

[@DL-ut8vr]

and u got the orange my FUCK

[@mike_cerra]

Absolutely not. If we’re going to base it off of steering input, the WRX is lighter compared to any German car. There’s very little weight from the steering when you’re cornering, unlike the GTI. The suspension is what makes the WRX feel planted and sharp, not the steering