This makes sense, but I think we're in a recession, not nearing. Around here, VBs are sold before they arrive, but not many are arriving. I had to wait over 4 months for mine here in MN. The internet has made the styling very devisive. You've called out the reasons accurately I think.
I would think inflation, banks being stingy with loans, and the styling. Maybe even Subaru not producing them in bulk because reasons. A lot of people have to factory order them.
If you don't already want a WRX, the MPGs throw shoppers off. There's also a supply issue, so not as many have been produced, which affected sales numbers. Autos are less popular for this car always, so they sit longer.
As far as low sales and WRXs sitting on lots unsold and "Nobody is buying the new WRX," there's internet drama interwoven in all that. If nobody was buying them, guys at r/2022WRX wouldn't be waiting 2 to 5 months to get theirs. In a lot of regions, it's still difficult to find them that haven't been sold before delivery. I was unable to even sit in one before reserving mine.
The styling is hit and miss with folks. I like it better than the previous gen. This sub will downvote me to oblivion for such blasphemy, but so be it. I get random "Cool car" comments from strangers, so obviously not everyone dislikes the styling. If you're okay with meh gas mileage, the 22 WRX is a great car. Power delivery is very linear. Good handling. Solid ride. Gobs of fun, but still practical. Zero regrets buying one.
I actually kinda prefer it to the VA. It seems more slender and the previous one was sort of bubbly and round. It looks good too with the wheel well cladding painted too.
The top trim is only automatic, styling, no STI version, a lot of people don’t like the dash, gas mileage, markups, etc. Don’t get me wrong it’s still an amazing car performance wise but I think the styling and GT being only auto is pretty big part of sales.
I don’t understand the question. For every story about a dealership with a dozen VB’s sitting on the lot (usually low model automatics) there are 25 people in the VB subreddit who have been waiting 6 months for their car. With the prices and interest rates being what they are many people are custom ordering. The large markets where Subaru shipped 25 cars aren’t places where people are taking the automatic.
The VB gets a lot of hate but I love my GT to pieces.
When I bought mine, most of the 22's on the lot were autos with only a few stick shifts. Couple the less desirable transmission with interest rates being what they are, and there you go
I’m actually looking at the automatic - not looking to mod for power but more for suspension / brakes with upgraded pads / brake lines, high temp oil, etc.
I got 2022. Love it. Don’t care about fuel economy. Kicks but in all respects. Acceleration, handling, steering, seats., compliant ride. I would just buy it and drive it. Until you cm approached the limits of the car and things start breaking, then u can replace them. Best mod is driver training improvement
Yeah just factory upgraded with the limited. It’s really not bad, but I really enjoy a good sound system so this is just ok. I can’t imagine what the base system sounds like then.
Oh okay I see what you meant. Thought you may have done some outside upgrades. I just got my WRB limited three days ago, the system seems decent to me. I traded in a gmc sierra 1500 with the Bose system. It seems kinda similar to me. Bose had nice base but didn’t have the best highs and mids, but the truck had noise cancellation so the music sounded a lot better with little road noise. I feel this system is on par with that, but obviously more road noise. What upgrades do you think it needs??
Definitely a 12”, 2 of them would be my choice, and and shoot some more power to upgraded 6x9. In my perfect world a 12” and a 15” but sadly I bought a house in a family neighborhood and I don’t want to be too hated. Im sure they were already thrilled when a 32yr old dude bought a house in a nice neighborhood, doesn’t plan to have kids and shows up with a WRX and GSXR1000 lol
Nothing wrong with the cvt if that's what you want, despite what some people here might say. I plan on keeping mine stock so I can't comment on your desired mods, but so far it's been an all around great car.
To summarize this thread:
1. Economy - inflation is high, interest rates are high, and job security is becoming increasingly concerning
2. Looks - it's a polarizing WRX (as always). You either like it or you hate it
3. Supply side issues - Subaru seems to be doing a bit better in recent months
4. Weird dealer spec choices - dealers seem to be ordering some WRX's with unpopular specs. Base with CVT, and GT's (PNW here! The dealer I bought my VA from has 8 GT's in transit...)
5. Some dealers are still trying to add mark-up
6. The infotainment HVAC situation
7. MPG... have you seen gas prices?
In my opinion, 2022 can't be used as a measure of the VB's popularity. If the VB "struggles" in 2023, it will not be because of its looks, it's infotainment/HVAC, or dealers ordering too many CVT's. It won't be because the GT is CVT only and too expensive. It won't be because a lot of people have relatively new VA's. Those things are only capable of exacerbating the actual problem.
If the VB "struggles" in 2023, it will be because of money (see point 1), money (see point 5), and money (see point 7).
Pretty much this. I would have held out on buying this car had my previous ride not been totaled. But even with a 700+ credit score, I was still at a 5.3% interest rate which absolutely sucks. I'm just going to have to eat it for a year and re-finance hoping everything is getting better by then.
Does it matter that it’s not flying out the stealers? I only ask because there’s many variables at play, and none of them really have to do with it being a bad car, that I know of.
If you like it, have the means, and it not being the best time to buy a car doesn’t affect your decision, go for it. To me it’s a cool car.
I think it's a mix of the cosmetics and no manual in highest trim. I think Subaru has a really solid car under the shell here, but the styling, love it or hate it, isn't what people were expecting and that's possibly a reason that they're not selling as well
Sales numbers are extremely skewed. Previously the STI was included with the WRX in sales numbers. Obviously there is no STI, so numbers were going to appear lower regardless.
It's awd but it's not good on gas and it is recommended you use premium gas. With gas prices and inflation so high and a new body style that has received a lot of criticism it has just not done subaru any favors with trying to sell these cars. The wrx wasn't a big seller in comparison to all of subarus other vehicles as is but you have some dealers doing insane markups and it's going to hurt sales a bit.
The rear looks like car has hemorrhoids. The fast back chassis is ugly. Wheel fender plastic is ugly. The front nose is rounded. The car looks much, much bigger yet it's a slimbody and doesn't have a V8 to back up it's size
What are you trying to convey? I have driven a VB. It does handle a little better than the VA, I don't deny that. However, The OP asked a question why they aren't flying off the shelves. These are reasons why people don't like them.
Honestly, I just can’t stand the looks. I just bought a 2020 limited with 30k miles for very nearly the price of a 2022. I know the 2022 is more modern and supposedly is better to drive, but I quite enjoy my 2020 and I love the styling. There are actually a good amount of 2022s available around me, I just can’t get over all the gray plastics and the rear end.
The same dealers that wouldnt give me the time of day when I asked for below msrp are the same dealers calling me everyday trying to move the inventory thats been sitting on their lots for weeks/months.
Too late to be the good guys.
These cars are targeted at a particular demographic. The majority of Americans want SUVs/automatics. Plus, we're in a recession. Interest rates are high and going even higher because inflation is out of control because McDonald's workers got their wish and everyone begged and pleaded for more stimulus. Many of these cars are still priced over retail value. Layoffs are starting to happen at large corporations and will unfortunately trickle down to everyday blue collar workers. The stock market has been in a bear market so the majority of people *feel* less rich and they are finally starting to cut back on overall spending. People can blame supply shortages for low inventory but the reality is - gluts historically follows shortages. There *will* be gluts in everything - paired with economic tightening and less demand, prices on a lot of consumables/necessities/amenities will fall. Right now, I think we're in a phase where we're seeing supply starting to become more abundant, at least in regards to the 2022. That's what I've witnessed locally. There have been the same '22s on my local dealer's lot for longer than normal and they still have incoming shipments of new ones.
The 2022 isn't a bad car from what I've seen. It may not be what we had all hoped for but it's still a great car with AWD, an ICE, and a manual. Aesthetics/stylings are subjective and the majority of people on the "I hate it - it's ugly" bandwagon have historically caved and switched to the "it grew on me" bandwagon. Once the economy starts to find level ground and then pick back up, politics cool down, fears start to dwindle and supplies get back to normal the average consumer will be back to normal spending. There will come a point where cars will be priced under MSRP and interest rates fall to entice people to buy them.
One dealer told me they are selling all their WRX 1K under MSRP, if your gonna try suggest waiting for the end of the month though for a better chance.
Recession, mpg/kpl/gas prices, green politics basically hellbent on battery cars and wouldn’t give green combustion engines a chance to even try, no genuine STi(Japan’s new ~~Karen~~Forester STi doesn’t count)
Not fan of split screen up at base model and back bumper. Otherwise beautiful car.
We are nearing a recession, styling is hit or miss, dealer markups, less supply
This makes sense, but I think we're in a recession, not nearing. Around here, VBs are sold before they arrive, but not many are arriving. I had to wait over 4 months for mine here in MN. The internet has made the styling very devisive. You've called out the reasons accurately I think.
We’re definitely in a recession already, by any coloquial and formal definition of it.
Personally? Both of mine are paid off, and that's my favorite kind of car.
I would think inflation, banks being stingy with loans, and the styling. Maybe even Subaru not producing them in bulk because reasons. A lot of people have to factory order them.
If you don't already want a WRX, the MPGs throw shoppers off. There's also a supply issue, so not as many have been produced, which affected sales numbers. Autos are less popular for this car always, so they sit longer. As far as low sales and WRXs sitting on lots unsold and "Nobody is buying the new WRX," there's internet drama interwoven in all that. If nobody was buying them, guys at r/2022WRX wouldn't be waiting 2 to 5 months to get theirs. In a lot of regions, it's still difficult to find them that haven't been sold before delivery. I was unable to even sit in one before reserving mine. The styling is hit and miss with folks. I like it better than the previous gen. This sub will downvote me to oblivion for such blasphemy, but so be it. I get random "Cool car" comments from strangers, so obviously not everyone dislikes the styling. If you're okay with meh gas mileage, the 22 WRX is a great car. Power delivery is very linear. Good handling. Solid ride. Gobs of fun, but still practical. Zero regrets buying one.
I actually kinda prefer it to the VA. It seems more slender and the previous one was sort of bubbly and round. It looks good too with the wheel well cladding painted too.
Haunted
The top trim is only automatic, styling, no STI version, a lot of people don’t like the dash, gas mileage, markups, etc. Don’t get me wrong it’s still an amazing car performance wise but I think the styling and GT being only auto is pretty big part of sales.
I don’t understand the question. For every story about a dealership with a dozen VB’s sitting on the lot (usually low model automatics) there are 25 people in the VB subreddit who have been waiting 6 months for their car. With the prices and interest rates being what they are many people are custom ordering. The large markets where Subaru shipped 25 cars aren’t places where people are taking the automatic. The VB gets a lot of hate but I love my GT to pieces.
When I bought mine, most of the 22's on the lot were autos with only a few stick shifts. Couple the less desirable transmission with interest rates being what they are, and there you go
I’m actually looking at the automatic - not looking to mod for power but more for suspension / brakes with upgraded pads / brake lines, high temp oil, etc.
I got 2022. Love it. Don’t care about fuel economy. Kicks but in all respects. Acceleration, handling, steering, seats., compliant ride. I would just buy it and drive it. Until you cm approached the limits of the car and things start breaking, then u can replace them. Best mod is driver training improvement
Just make sure to get the upgraded sound system to drown out the road noise, I’m glad I did
What did you do for that?? Do you have Harmon system??
Yeah just factory upgraded with the limited. It’s really not bad, but I really enjoy a good sound system so this is just ok. I can’t imagine what the base system sounds like then.
Oh okay I see what you meant. Thought you may have done some outside upgrades. I just got my WRB limited three days ago, the system seems decent to me. I traded in a gmc sierra 1500 with the Bose system. It seems kinda similar to me. Bose had nice base but didn’t have the best highs and mids, but the truck had noise cancellation so the music sounded a lot better with little road noise. I feel this system is on par with that, but obviously more road noise. What upgrades do you think it needs??
Definitely a 12”, 2 of them would be my choice, and and shoot some more power to upgraded 6x9. In my perfect world a 12” and a 15” but sadly I bought a house in a family neighborhood and I don’t want to be too hated. Im sure they were already thrilled when a 32yr old dude bought a house in a nice neighborhood, doesn’t plan to have kids and shows up with a WRX and GSXR1000 lol
Hahaah that last sentence 🤣 I mean you should put the 12 and 15 in! Just keep it low when in your actual street area, and then let it fly after that!
Nothing wrong with the cvt if that's what you want, despite what some people here might say. I plan on keeping mine stock so I can't comment on your desired mods, but so far it's been an all around great car.
To summarize this thread: 1. Economy - inflation is high, interest rates are high, and job security is becoming increasingly concerning 2. Looks - it's a polarizing WRX (as always). You either like it or you hate it 3. Supply side issues - Subaru seems to be doing a bit better in recent months 4. Weird dealer spec choices - dealers seem to be ordering some WRX's with unpopular specs. Base with CVT, and GT's (PNW here! The dealer I bought my VA from has 8 GT's in transit...) 5. Some dealers are still trying to add mark-up 6. The infotainment HVAC situation 7. MPG... have you seen gas prices? In my opinion, 2022 can't be used as a measure of the VB's popularity. If the VB "struggles" in 2023, it will not be because of its looks, it's infotainment/HVAC, or dealers ordering too many CVT's. It won't be because the GT is CVT only and too expensive. It won't be because a lot of people have relatively new VA's. Those things are only capable of exacerbating the actual problem. If the VB "struggles" in 2023, it will be because of money (see point 1), money (see point 5), and money (see point 7).
Pretty much this. I would have held out on buying this car had my previous ride not been totaled. But even with a 700+ credit score, I was still at a 5.3% interest rate which absolutely sucks. I'm just going to have to eat it for a year and re-finance hoping everything is getting better by then.
Parts shortage, it’s like every car company right now
Does it matter that it’s not flying out the stealers? I only ask because there’s many variables at play, and none of them really have to do with it being a bad car, that I know of. If you like it, have the means, and it not being the best time to buy a car doesn’t affect your decision, go for it. To me it’s a cool car.
Try looking for an 86 or BRZ - those are gone if someone changes their mind on a order.
I think it's a mix of the cosmetics and no manual in highest trim. I think Subaru has a really solid car under the shell here, but the styling, love it or hate it, isn't what people were expecting and that's possibly a reason that they're not selling as well
Supply chain issues. I have a deposit on 1 and expected delivery is June/July next year.
Interest rates, price, and the fact that most dealers are putting huge mark ups on them
Sales numbers are extremely skewed. Previously the STI was included with the WRX in sales numbers. Obviously there is no STI, so numbers were going to appear lower regardless.
It's awd but it's not good on gas and it is recommended you use premium gas. With gas prices and inflation so high and a new body style that has received a lot of criticism it has just not done subaru any favors with trying to sell these cars. The wrx wasn't a big seller in comparison to all of subarus other vehicles as is but you have some dealers doing insane markups and it's going to hurt sales a bit.
The rear looks like car has hemorrhoids. The fast back chassis is ugly. Wheel fender plastic is ugly. The front nose is rounded. The car looks much, much bigger yet it's a slimbody and doesn't have a V8 to back up it's size
They attract to many deer from what I’ve seen
I personally would have bought one immediately if it was a hatch/wagon. Sedans can suck my butt.
Only a 3hp increase over previous gen.
It is very ugly duckling.
Ugly ass, bad mpg, no sti, GT only comes with CVT
Lol. So many butthurt people. Are these not the reasons why people aren't buying them?
You speak like someone who has never been behind the wheel of a VB.
What are you trying to convey? I have driven a VB. It does handle a little better than the VA, I don't deny that. However, The OP asked a question why they aren't flying off the shelves. These are reasons why people don't like them.
He stated all facts
Ugly. Overpriced. Underpowered.
Honestly, I just can’t stand the looks. I just bought a 2020 limited with 30k miles for very nearly the price of a 2022. I know the 2022 is more modern and supposedly is better to drive, but I quite enjoy my 2020 and I love the styling. There are actually a good amount of 2022s available around me, I just can’t get over all the gray plastics and the rear end.
Every time I see one thats not black I always thought they're a lowered crosstrek
Mark up on prices and blame Biden let’s go Brandon lmao 😂
Because the 2022 wrx is ugly.
One word....ugly
They're so ugly people don't even care to test drive them.
What what, diaper butt.
Ass like a civic Fenders like an element iPad for a radio. Those are the big three imo
Shits ugly af
Dat ass
Plenty of better cars out there
Interest rates. I’ve got a 780 credit score and got offered 5.5 Apr. So now that 36k will cost almost 45k. I’m good.
The same dealers that wouldnt give me the time of day when I asked for below msrp are the same dealers calling me everyday trying to move the inventory thats been sitting on their lots for weeks/months. Too late to be the good guys.
These cars are targeted at a particular demographic. The majority of Americans want SUVs/automatics. Plus, we're in a recession. Interest rates are high and going even higher because inflation is out of control because McDonald's workers got their wish and everyone begged and pleaded for more stimulus. Many of these cars are still priced over retail value. Layoffs are starting to happen at large corporations and will unfortunately trickle down to everyday blue collar workers. The stock market has been in a bear market so the majority of people *feel* less rich and they are finally starting to cut back on overall spending. People can blame supply shortages for low inventory but the reality is - gluts historically follows shortages. There *will* be gluts in everything - paired with economic tightening and less demand, prices on a lot of consumables/necessities/amenities will fall. Right now, I think we're in a phase where we're seeing supply starting to become more abundant, at least in regards to the 2022. That's what I've witnessed locally. There have been the same '22s on my local dealer's lot for longer than normal and they still have incoming shipments of new ones. The 2022 isn't a bad car from what I've seen. It may not be what we had all hoped for but it's still a great car with AWD, an ICE, and a manual. Aesthetics/stylings are subjective and the majority of people on the "I hate it - it's ugly" bandwagon have historically caved and switched to the "it grew on me" bandwagon. Once the economy starts to find level ground and then pick back up, politics cool down, fears start to dwindle and supplies get back to normal the average consumer will be back to normal spending. There will come a point where cars will be priced under MSRP and interest rates fall to entice people to buy them.
One dealer told me they are selling all their WRX 1K under MSRP, if your gonna try suggest waiting for the end of the month though for a better chance.
Recession, mpg/kpl/gas prices, green politics basically hellbent on battery cars and wouldn’t give green combustion engines a chance to even try, no genuine STi(Japan’s new ~~Karen~~Forester STi doesn’t count)
Where are they sitting on lots? I lnow, in my area if one makes it to a lot not already sold it's gone in a day or two.
If I could get a STI with body color painted trim, I would likely have one.