2015 Subaru WRX Ownership Update, 7k Mile Mark

"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown) 04/01/2015 at 10:45 • Filed to: None

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Five months ago I sold my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and purchased a brand new !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I've only purchased two brand new cars and funny enough both were Subarus. My first was a 2008 Impreza WRX STI but I didn't keep it very long before trading it in for a Mini Cooper S. You can see a complete list of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Back to the 2015 Subaru WRX. It is a major improvement from the outgoing GR chassis produced from 2008 to 2014. The new chassis is noticeably more rigid and that translates to improved handling, better ride quality, and should result in longevity. The WRX, while essentially still an economy car, sounds much less like a tin can when doing normal things like slamming the door shut in anger while yelling at your bitch to get out of the car. I'm kidding. I don't even own a dog, but if I did I would open the door to let it out.

One hundred and fifty days is a fair amount of time behind the wheel before reporting likes and dislikes, right? I may have jumped the gun on my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! article back in November just ten days after brining it home from Subaru of Annapolis. Some of those dislikes still hold true. The other things I wrote… well, I may have just been grasping for things to complain about. Now after logging 7,400 miles behind the wheel of the 2015 Subaru WRX I can bring things that are much more note worthy. This is a 2015 Subaru WRX Ownership Update.

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Notes

1. The cabin is loud at highway speed. Anything above 40 MPH and the road noise becomes annoying, even drowning out the stereo to the point I have to turn the volume up. Unfortunately I'm not totally sure I can blame Subaru for this one because I did replace the factory tires with a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires to be sure I could get around safely in the winter months.

2. Not having a coin holder still sucks. Coins are collected in the cup holder nearest the arm rest. BMW found small spaces to include coin holders. Why can't Subaru?

3. Heated seats are a luxury. So much of a luxury in fact that Subaru hid the toggle switch under the center armrest. If I want to warm my ass I have to either brake my neck or feel around blindly with my right hand until I locate the button. The toggle switch doesn't automatically turn off either. If it's on, it stays on. And sometimes I forget to turn it off. Then I'm a hot flash victim ten minutes after setting off for my next drive. And when the warmers are turned on the seats take an eternity to warm up. If it wasn't for my daughter in the back seat, sometimes I think I'm better off eating beans for breakfast. In all of my BMWs the seat warmers were noticeable within 30 seconds of activation. Not these! Oh, and the distribution of heat in these seats was clearly an after thought. Meaning they thought about it after production began. Maybe I'm dreaming, but in my M3 the heat seemed to distributed to all of the right places. Using the seat warmers was a relaxing stress reliever. In the 2015 WRX Limited, it's just a slow burning blob of warmth. But hey, better than no seat heaters at all!

4. A few weeks ago it snowed and the fuel filler door didn't open when I pulled the release latch in the cabin. Apparently the latch had frozen or perhaps it's just that the release spring is on the weak side. Luckily I had my beautiful wife in the trunk, I mean front seat, and had her pull on the release latch in the car while I pried the fuel door open. That worked. Hasn't happened again.

5. Fuel economy has been pretty good. The window sticker reads 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. I log all of my fuel-ups on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and am averaging almost 24 MPG. Not bad considering that I spend half of my commute in stop and go traffic and while I don't often wring the engine out to redline, I do put my right foot down enough to get the boost giggles. They're kind of like hiccups.

6. The brake pedal feel is nowhere near as sensitive as my BMW M3. In that car lightly tapping the brakes could dislodge your eyeballs if you weren't prepared. The 2015 Subaru WRX is the polar opposite. I really have to step on the brake pedal to get the car to slow quicker than a casual pace. These brakes don't inspire confidence if I'm honest. The bite, or lack there of, feels as if the pads are made of wood. It doesn't feel like the pad pressure on the rotors is diminishing but rather like there simply isn't any more pressure to apply. Don't get me wrong, the car stops better than most but there's drama with it – the kind with expletives as you pray you stop in time. Drivers planning on taking their WRX out for an autocross or occasional track day will definitely want to find replacement pads.

7. I changed the oil at 3,000 miles as recommended by Subaru. The oil was still a nice golden brown. If I had thought about it I would have sent a sample off to Blackstone for analysis. Next time. Total cost for the oil change was $43 for six quarts of Eneos Synthetic 5e30 oil and another $8 for a genuine Toyota oil filter. If you didn't know, the FA20DIT engine in the Subaru WRX uses the same oil filter as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota/Scion FR-S. Next oil change would have been at 9,000 miles if I'm not mistaken.

Moving On

Wait! Wait! Wait! You said "would have been" ? Yeah, I did. And that's because I no longer have this 2015 Subaru WRX and you'd know that if you read !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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In short, the Subaru WRX was fun but it was in no way refined enough for me coming from my 2004 BMW M3. Subaru owners are going to say, "Everybody knows the WRX isn't a luxury car and blah, blah, blah." And to that I can't argue. For me, it was a matter of comfort. Not only from the driver's seat (which is way more sporty and comfortable than the WRX) but also for my passengers, whom happen to be extended family the majority of the time. I like driving. And when we go places I want to be the chauffeur and the WRX was not a vehicle that other enjoyed from the back seat. The 535i is.

Plus it'll spank the WRX on the back roads. Shots fired.

//Follow Josh on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 10:53

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This is a 2015 Subaru WRX Post - Ownership Update.

Probably a better idea to write/share this post prior to sharing the one about selling it for the 535i a week ago...

bob and john > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:00

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Nice review. You bring up some points that most of (my) car guy buddies just dont get

Its not always about outright speed or boyracer looks. Some of us want comfort, a little bit of class, a pinch of style and quality. They all think I'm crazy when I say I'd rather have my dads 2010 A3 TDI then a WRX.

But the Audi is better built, its quieter, gets DOUBLE the fuel economy (45mpg WOOT) , is cheaper to insure, has a bitchin stereo system stock and looks classy AF. Not to mention it funny to see the Subaru brok ask: LOL what do yOU drive "an Audi" Oh...errmm . I dont need a car to be fun to drive or fast for flashy. I have my motorcycles for that . I want something thats comfy, good in snow, and doesnt cost me much to keep on the road

(and for the record, our A3 has only gone back to dealer unexpectedly twice for mechanical issues. EGR valve needed to be cleaner, once at 60K km, once at 120k km. Other then that, a flat tire, and some assholes who tore a piece of trim off the roof have been the only dealer visits. for 5, 6 year, thats not so bad)

E92M3 > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:01

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I knew you'd come to your senses. I can't imagine going from a some what modern BMW to a Subaru and being happy. Possibly an early 90's BMW..

BeaterGT > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:05

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This is why they need to make a new Legacy GT.

Brian Silvestro > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:05

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Strange title considering you don't own the car.

RightFootDown > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/01/2015 at 11:07

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In my defense, I actually started writing this before I traded in my WRX!

RightFootDown > E92M3 04/01/2015 at 11:08

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Precisely. If I was coming from one of my many E36's then, sure, the WRX would be way nicer and quieter inside. The E46 was a game changer.

RightFootDown > Brian Silvestro 04/01/2015 at 11:09

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Why? I owned the WRX up to it's 7,400'th mile.

Brian Silvestro > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:13

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What I'm saying is, the timing of this post is off, so it's confusing. It's saying "here's an update on my WRX guys!" And our immediate first thoughts are "wait didn't sell that car?" because you told us you sold it awhile ago.

William Byrd > Brian Silvestro 04/01/2015 at 11:16

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Consider it like a novel with a startling twist/revelation! :)

Brian Silvestro > William Byrd 04/01/2015 at 11:16

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no

William Byrd > Brian Silvestro 04/01/2015 at 11:17

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Hey I'm just happy that people are actually following along and remember previous stuff we write on RFD. :)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:20

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Ha! Okay, I'll let it pass (this time). I was going to comment on an earlier post about the absolutely bonkers number of cars you've owned, but I guess as an auto journo, it's good for business (for the wide range of experience, if not for the pocketbook).

jjhats > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 11:48

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so why post this now?

JBod > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 12:26

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I'm curious how many miles were on the BMW when you got it... seems like a steal to me.

Viggen9er3 > bob and john 04/01/2015 at 14:00

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'Its not always about outright speed or boyracer looks. Some of us want comfort, a little bit of class, a pinch of style and quality'

Quoted for absolute truth for most of us.

Viggen9er3 > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 14:02

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They must love you at the DMV, you are there every 6 months or less.

B_dol > RightFootDown 04/01/2015 at 23:21

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Any reason why you transition cars so much? And WHY would you ever let go of the NSX good god.

I'll still trying to go the Leno route and never sell any car I purchase, that also requires not picking any duds...

Personsayingsomething > RightFootDown 04/02/2015 at 01:58

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I feel like I'm at the next stage of this. After three BMWs (318ti m package, 2006 330ci, 2011 535xi) I'm in the market for a fast new car under 40k. The top contenders are the mk VII GTI/Golf R, 2015 Mustang and 228i. I also want to give the Challenger a spin and if it comes out soon enough, the 2016 TT coupe could be interesting. Glaringly absent from the list? The WRX. To my style-conscious future wife, the WRX would be indistinguishable and likely worse than most popular mid-size sedans. Even the interiors of budget sedans are more appealing, for half the price.

Then there's facing my friends, 1/3 of which have owned at least one WRX. They'll be unimpressed when my new car vaguely resembles the battered wrecks they drove last decade. I'm not even sure I prefer the look of this car to the 2009 sti wagon. The new Sti disqualifies itself with that ludicrous spoiler, which most will assume I attached myself. Sure there's something to be said for such an obnoxious accessory, but when I shell out 40 grand for a car, I want to actually enjoy looking at it. Ironic acceptance of its appearance is not sufficient.

RightFootDown > B_dol 04/02/2015 at 09:23

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I ask myself that question every time I see another NSX.

RightFootDown > Personsayingsomething 04/02/2015 at 09:36

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If NEW is a requirement, I'd be hard pressed to pass up the new Mustang GT but then again I may want to hold off to see what the next generation Camaro brings to the table. Perhaps GM has learned a bit more it's competitors. 10/10 would pass on Challenger due to size and interior styling.

Maybe what you need is a drastic change. Have you looked at the Lexus RC350 or IS350 F-Sport?

If slightly used or CPO is an option, I'd maybe look for a Boxster/Cayman S, E92 M3 or C63 AMG coupe. Not sure if you'll find any of those for $40k though.

B_dol > RightFootDown 04/02/2015 at 11:33

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I'm still applauding you for your ownership game (of thrones). Reminds me of folks stories trading from nothing to something substantial.

RightFootDown > B_dol 04/02/2015 at 16:44

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Thank you, sir!

Personsayingsomething > RightFootDown 04/02/2015 at 16:45

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I'd probably already own a 2015 Mustang if this winter wasn't the worst in memory. The snow made the Golf R's AWD more enticing. I haven't driven the R yet but almost bought a GTI last summer. I've always been a proponent of "don't buy AWD for 3-4 days a year" and prided myself on my control of RWD cars in the snow but 3-4 months makes for a different issue. I'm watching the Camaro situation closely and might buy a Focus RS if I can wait that long. There's also a lot going for the new TT; that winning GTI/A3 combination of the MKVII chassis, DSG, quattro AWD and torquey 2 liter turbo, wrapped in the Bauhaus-inspired exterior, with its distinctive roofline and updated grille, plus one of the best world's interiors. The TT addresses my biggest gripe about the GTI, Golf R and A3; their bland exterior styling. The 2+2 is virtually mandatory. No matter how useless the rear seats, the car needs to be able to legally handle more than one passenger.

This should eliminate the Cayman S, but I've been looking at them anyway and yes they're available in my price range. I'm mostly unlikely to go in that direction because my dad owned a Boxster. There are some crazier possibilities like a 997 or late model XKE in my price range, but I'm scared off by the prospect of expensive repairs.

My expensive BMW repair history has made me want to buy a new car for the first time in my life. Used cars have also climbed in price. Instead of a new car for $40,000, I'd seriously consider a used plaything + sub 30 new car if insurance allowed. Those monthly rates are actually worth checking on. Aside from price, I'm not sure how owning two cars would alter my primary car shopping list. Perhaps I'd actually consider that WRX. I'd most likely pair that with a 300zx...or maybe even a 996, which are widely available at decent prices. I'd just have to do this fix http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/how-to-own-a-r…

RightFootDown > Personsayingsomething 04/02/2015 at 17:07

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First thought is that AWD is over rated in the mid-atlantic even with the amount of snow we've received. Next thought is a 2015 GT with snow tires would be a blast and get you everywhere you need to be, short of the steepest inclines. Good call skipping the GTI. I looked at them too and actually placed an order that I later canceled. Glad I did. Bland and Bland-R.

While I wasn't a big fan of the Focus ST, I do like the exclusivity of the Focus RS but in a way it's just another Golf-R with cheaper interior and a limited edition badge.

The Audi TT always had that something I couldn't put my finger on. It's a good thing.

The 996 has been on my radar for years now. Almost purchased a black on black 2000 Carrera over the summer. It was from SC and had no negative history but the locations where rust was found was worrisome so I left it at the dealer by recommendation of my trusted mechanic.

Don't overlook a clean slicktop Z32. They're getting hard to find and the NA engines in those things were under rated, IMO.

Personsayingsomething > RightFootDown 04/03/2015 at 03:03

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Oh I'm getting a z32 at some point in my life. I've wanted one since I cared about cars. I've also appreciated Mustangs from a distance without ever experiencing one first-hand.

I keep hearing about the twin-turbos breaking in the z32 300zx, which is sad, because the system was somewhat sophisticated in its day, for its smooth, relatively lag-free power delivery. If I'm looking for a DD, the NA model makes sense, but if I'm just looking for a fun 2nd car, only the turbo model provides sports-car acceleration. Not only do the twin-turbos knock a second or more off the 0-60 time, these models also feature four wheel steering and probably some other performance features missing from the base model.

However reliability concerns and lower insurance premiums are enough to get me into the equally beautiful, (hopefully) less expensive base 2+2 w/T top. They all have T tops don't they? There's something missing from newer sports cars; targas, T-tops, whatever you call it. Large, retractable sunroofs give a valiant effort, but its not the same. Perhaps automakers concerned with performance stats aren't willing to sacrifice structural rigidity for base models, nor are they willing to offer a cheaper alternative to their ragtop. Its unfortunate, especially when newer performance coupes like the Mustang don't even offer a sunroof. Perhaps the new Camaro will offer some hope in that regard.

NotYetRated > bob and john 04/03/2015 at 11:02

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Just need to drop this nugget on this comment. I understand your experience with quality of Audi has been positive, however statistical data does not back that up for the manufacturer. So better built is, well not really even debatable given the data. :)

Though, you are also comparing an apple to a bowling ball. Yes, both are round, but the Audi is not a drivers car. People who buy WRX's typically buy them for the specific reason that, they are indeed a driving machine. Comfort is just a nice to have. :)

Not bashing at all, just stating. To each his and her own.