What are the cons of a WRX?
The Subaru WRX is a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its rally-inspired performance, all-wheel drive capability, and sporty design. However, like any vehicle, it comes with its own set of drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the cons of owning a WRX to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering this car.
1. Stiff Ride Quality
The WRX is designed with performance in mind, which means its suspension is tuned for sharp handling rather than comfort. This results in a stiff ride that can feel jarring on rough roads or during long commutes. If you prioritize comfort over sporty handling, this might be a significant downside.
2. High Insurance Costs
Due to its sporty nature and appeal to younger drivers, the WRX often comes with higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies may classify it as a higher-risk vehicle, which can make it more expensive to own in the long run.
3. Fuel Economy
While the WRX offers impressive performance, it does so at the cost of fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine requires premium fuel and tends to consume more gas compared to other vehicles in its class. This can lead to higher fuel expenses over time.
4. Interior Quality
Although the WRX has improved in recent years, its interior materials and overall cabin quality still lag behind some competitors. Hard plastics and a lack of premium finishes can make the interior feel less refined, especially for those expecting a more luxurious experience.
5. Turbo Lag
The WRX’s turbocharged engine delivers great power, but it’s not without its quirks. Turbo lag, the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering power, can be noticeable. This can make the driving experience feel less smooth, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
6. Maintenance and Repairs
Performance vehicles like the WRX often require more frequent maintenance and specialized repairs. Components such as the turbocharger and all-wheel-drive system can be costly to repair if issues arise. Additionally, regular maintenance like oil changes may be more expensive due to the car’s specific requirements.
7. Noise Levels
The WRX is not the quietest car on the market. Road noise, engine noise, and wind noise can be more pronounced compared to other vehicles in its price range. This might be a concern for drivers who value a quieter cabin environment.
Conclusion
While the Subaru WRX offers thrilling performance and a unique driving experience, it’s important to weigh these cons against its benefits. If you’re someone who values comfort, fuel efficiency, or a quieter ride, the WRX might not be the best fit for you. However, for enthusiasts who prioritize performance and all-weather capability, the WRX remains a compelling choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year WRX is most reliable?
There are many decent choices for a used Subaru WRX STI. We recommend the 1992-1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 versions for the best results.
Why are boxer engines so hard to work on?
Due to the low, wide mount, the boxer engine can prove difficult to service. Even changing spark plugs can be a substantial job. However, boxer engines are known for their reliability, and should require less service than most other engine types.
How long will a WRX last?
150,000 miles
WRX and WRX STI: The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are high-performance sports sedans known for their powerful engines and agile handling. Despite their sporty nature, WRX and WRX STI models can still provide long-term reliability, lasting 150,000 miles + with proper maintenance and care.
Is WRX hard to maintain?
A WRX / STI isn't the best platform to start learning how to “tinker” on. Start with a simpler platform if you wish to be a do-it-yourself type of owner. Turbo Subaru ownership can be a bit demanding. They're not your average car in terms of maintenance and ease of ownership.
What year is WRX the most reliable?
There are many decent choices for a used Subaru WRX STI. We recommend the 1992-1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 versions for the best results.
Why are they discontinuing WRX?
The sales decline is staggering. When Subaru dropped the WRX STI high-performance sedan, the lesser horsepower WRX sales steadily declined. Subaru Corporation chose to discontinue the STI because of emission regulations and the massive push towards electric vehicles in 2021.
What is the cons of a WRX?
On the downside, the WRX is pretty noisy, with a little rumble from the engine at highway speeds and some pronounced wind noise over the doors and mirrors at speed.
Is the WRX a safe car?
Some of the Best and Safest Cars
The 2024 Subaru WRX, Impreza, and Outback have been given the Top Safety Pick designation, with the 2024 Ascent and Solterra taking the Top Safety Pick+ awards.
Is a WRX a good daily car?
The Subaru WRX is the lone surviving rally car, with good reason. A combination of efficiency, fun and speed, it makes the perfect daily. Confession time. I don't do so well with the whole “daily driven” concept.
What is the biggest problem with the WRX?
The 2015 and 2016 model years are often cited as the least reliable for the WRX. These years saw a higher frequency of issues, including: Clutch problems in manual transmission models. Drivetrain issues, particularly with the center differential.
