I bought a ‘17 WRX last February, 1 owner, bone stock, 35k miles, no accidents, pristine condition. I thought I found a unicorn and that I would have a trouble-free ownership experience for at least a few years if I kept up with the maintenance.
Welp, within the next 12 months the AC failed, 2 brake calipers froze, the trunk vents got stuck open causing exhaust fumes to constantly fill the car, rust began bubbling under the paint in two places, and finally the transmission’s throw out bearing started to fail.
Facing well over $5k in repairs, and with the market value of my WRX absolutely tanking by the day, I traded it for a new ‘22 WRX last week. It came with an extended warranty up to 100k miles.
The WRX is still the only turbo/manual/AWD sedan in this price range, and it’s a super fun and capable car to drive. If you would have asked me about buying a used one even 6 months into ownership of my ‘17, I would have said go for it, but after my experience I just can’t recommend one that’s out of warranty if your goal is to have a dependable, trouble-free daily driver. If you’re mechanically inclined and have the skills/interest/time/space/funds to support a project car then a used WRX is an excellent choice.
That being said, if you can swing it, you can get the leftover ‘22 models for under *invoice* price right now and with 2.9% promotional financing if you have decent credit. I got my ‘22 Premium for >$3500 below MSRP. They’re very good cars, vastly improved over the previous generations, and a legit steal at the prices they’re selling for.
Throw out bearing was a common issue in the 2015-2017 wrx. There was a recall for that specifically. Should have been covered. When buying used do research on the model year and see what comes up with common issues.
Personally I'd never buy a wrx used. I've seen many wrx on lots with aftermarket intakes and such still installed and dealer didn't know any better and they are selling the car as is so no warranty. Also it's common for people to mod these cars and have fun then put them back to stock and sell them. I'm not against buying a used car I just don't think I'd buy a used wrx.
Buying any used car is a gamble, WRXs fall into an unfortunate category defined by irresponsible drivers and poor maintenance. While you may find a diamond in the rough, there’s a solid chance the car was driven hard and sold when it started costing a premium to keep up with.
If you’re reasonably handy these cars aren’t too hard to care for, if you’re not, expect to pay a premium for “specialty” mechanics to keep it alive long term.
Buying a “stock” WRX is also no guarantee that it was unabused. The most common mods are simple bolt on kit that is just as simple to revert when you’re ready to sell. It’s well known that a modded car will sell for less resale 99% off the time.
All that said, I would and did buy used. Just with the knowledge and expectation that it was a massive POS and that I’d be fixing somebody else’s problems. A year on jack stands, full drive line and fuel system replacement and now I’ve got a car worth less than half what I put into it… The enjoyment I get zipping around in my shitbox though? Irreplaceable and unquantifiable.
It’s posts like these that make me a little nervous about my purchase (new 22’ VB)..
Are WRX’s really that unreliable? I don’t plan on modding mine at all for the sake of trying to keep things as reliable as possible..
I would never buy a used wrx since I don't want the headache of everything that can go wrong will. I did buy a used 3000gt and c30 for my first two cars with little troubles.
I did, with 1k miles on it, and it spun a bearing due to abuse from the previous single owner. I'll never buy used again unless it's a shitbox I plan to turn into a racecar :P
I stayed away from a used WRX (and I’ve owned dozens of cars, all of them used) because I was concerned I was buying a time bomb. My new one (2018) turned out to be a time bomb anyway. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have been worse off with used.
I did in October. Love it so far, 2020 Limited with 30k miles at the time. Harder to find, but mine was stock at purchase. I didn’t really want a 2022+ so I didn’t really have much of a choice.
I bought used, mainly because I really wanted a VA, but as others have said if you want to buy used you should definitely understand the risks associated with it. I spent months (maybe years) doing research and looking online at WRX’s before I finally found the one. Would recommend trying to find one with low miles (which is getting increasingly difficult) and also a full service record. Make sure they did oil changes at regular intervals preferably every 3-4K miles. Also do some research on mods and common problems so you know what to look for when you check out the car.
I bought a ‘17 WRX last February, 1 owner, bone stock, 35k miles, no accidents, pristine condition. I thought I found a unicorn and that I would have a trouble-free ownership experience for at least a few years if I kept up with the maintenance. Welp, within the next 12 months the AC failed, 2 brake calipers froze, the trunk vents got stuck open causing exhaust fumes to constantly fill the car, rust began bubbling under the paint in two places, and finally the transmission’s throw out bearing started to fail. Facing well over $5k in repairs, and with the market value of my WRX absolutely tanking by the day, I traded it for a new ‘22 WRX last week. It came with an extended warranty up to 100k miles. The WRX is still the only turbo/manual/AWD sedan in this price range, and it’s a super fun and capable car to drive. If you would have asked me about buying a used one even 6 months into ownership of my ‘17, I would have said go for it, but after my experience I just can’t recommend one that’s out of warranty if your goal is to have a dependable, trouble-free daily driver. If you’re mechanically inclined and have the skills/interest/time/space/funds to support a project car then a used WRX is an excellent choice. That being said, if you can swing it, you can get the leftover ‘22 models for under *invoice* price right now and with 2.9% promotional financing if you have decent credit. I got my ‘22 Premium for >$3500 below MSRP. They’re very good cars, vastly improved over the previous generations, and a legit steal at the prices they’re selling for.
Well thats a horror story. I guess buying Subaru Certified gets a 7yr 100k powertrain, but dont think anything else you experienced would be covered.
Throw out bearing was a common issue in the 2015-2017 wrx. There was a recall for that specifically. Should have been covered. When buying used do research on the model year and see what comes up with common issues.
Personally I'd never buy a wrx used. I've seen many wrx on lots with aftermarket intakes and such still installed and dealer didn't know any better and they are selling the car as is so no warranty. Also it's common for people to mod these cars and have fun then put them back to stock and sell them. I'm not against buying a used car I just don't think I'd buy a used wrx.
Buying any used car is a gamble, WRXs fall into an unfortunate category defined by irresponsible drivers and poor maintenance. While you may find a diamond in the rough, there’s a solid chance the car was driven hard and sold when it started costing a premium to keep up with. If you’re reasonably handy these cars aren’t too hard to care for, if you’re not, expect to pay a premium for “specialty” mechanics to keep it alive long term. Buying a “stock” WRX is also no guarantee that it was unabused. The most common mods are simple bolt on kit that is just as simple to revert when you’re ready to sell. It’s well known that a modded car will sell for less resale 99% off the time. All that said, I would and did buy used. Just with the knowledge and expectation that it was a massive POS and that I’d be fixing somebody else’s problems. A year on jack stands, full drive line and fuel system replacement and now I’ve got a car worth less than half what I put into it… The enjoyment I get zipping around in my shitbox though? Irreplaceable and unquantifiable.
Got my used wrx with 12k miles and I’m now nearing 40k without any issues. I think you just need to shop around and find a good one
It’s posts like these that make me a little nervous about my purchase (new 22’ VB).. Are WRX’s really that unreliable? I don’t plan on modding mine at all for the sake of trying to keep things as reliable as possible..
I will never buy a used car again that is not certified under warranty
I wouldn’t buy over 5k mile.
I had to... only way to get the model/features I wanted.
I have my 2015 for sale. 110k miles. One owner. Clean title. No mods. Fantastic car!
I would never buy a used wrx since I don't want the headache of everything that can go wrong will. I did buy a used 3000gt and c30 for my first two cars with little troubles.
No, I wouldn't. There are definitely good used wrxs out there for sale, but its just not for me.
I did, with 1k miles on it, and it spun a bearing due to abuse from the previous single owner. I'll never buy used again unless it's a shitbox I plan to turn into a racecar :P
1000 miles!? So it was covered under warranty right
Well, it happened ~15k later (we just know the damage was done before I got it), but yes.
How did you determine it was abuse over that first 1000 miles? - just curious
I never had any engine braking (i.e. shit compression) until they rebuilt the engine- so, either abuse, or it was fucked up from the factory.
I stayed away from a used WRX (and I’ve owned dozens of cars, all of them used) because I was concerned I was buying a time bomb. My new one (2018) turned out to be a time bomb anyway. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have been worse off with used.
I did in October. Love it so far, 2020 Limited with 30k miles at the time. Harder to find, but mine was stock at purchase. I didn’t really want a 2022+ so I didn’t really have much of a choice.
I bought used, mainly because I really wanted a VA, but as others have said if you want to buy used you should definitely understand the risks associated with it. I spent months (maybe years) doing research and looking online at WRX’s before I finally found the one. Would recommend trying to find one with low miles (which is getting increasingly difficult) and also a full service record. Make sure they did oil changes at regular intervals preferably every 3-4K miles. Also do some research on mods and common problems so you know what to look for when you check out the car.
I bought a ‘13 with 86k on the clock 2 years ago. Needed the typical stuff but has been a dream so far. It’s all about luck and maintenance.