ELLSSUU

What is the build quality and reliability of the WRX and STI? I plan on keeping the car hopefully 9-10 years.

I'm trying to decide on wether to buy a new car. Would like something less bland than the Accord I'm driving now. Needs to have 4 doors and a convenient dealer near the house. The last part kills BMW & Audi. Also needs to be trustworthy. I wish the GTI came in a 4 door variant.

Mike Frye

I was once owned by one, but it was only because I had a bad 2-3 shift.

rstagg

Do you mean as opposed to the 5-door? I assume hot hatches are out then?

Scootin159

I've had my '06 STI since it was basically new (<10,000 miles on it when I bought it), and have done everything from HPDE, autocross, rallycross, towing and daily driving with it since then. Right now it's got just over 100k miles on it.

As it sits now, my repair bill has been:
- Rear shocks replaced twice (infamous STI 'clunk') - both times were replaced under warranty. If it happens again I'm just gonna go with aftermarket coilovers.
- Turbo started to go around 100k. It could probably last a bit longer without issue, but I'm having it replaced under warranty.
- All other items have been 'disposables' (brakes, tires, etc.), all at respectable intervals.

Other than those two items, the car has been rock solid. I've had probably the fewest 'little things' of any other car I've owned - the interior trim all seems like new (no squeeks or rattles). The suspension, gear linkage and any other mechanical bits all seem just as tight as when new. Zero electrical gremlins.

In short - I'd say the build quality is right up there. About the only thing I've had that's been comparable was the Porsche, and the STI is considerably cheaper to repair when stuff does go.

cannon1000

Brother has had one forever - same thing...minor repairs and the usual wear items. A friend of mine had an STI (sold it for a CTS-V)...and now has the 2011 Hatchback WRX STI.

Extremely reliable car and ton's of fun.

Jay Gratton

You know they make a GTI in a 4 door right? It is sad and a sin, but they do have one. Also, I love the WRX, but I can't take the way they sound. They always sound like they have a mis-fire. I couldn't take it, but they do perform.

Scootin159

It's because the turbo's come with unequal length headers from the factory. If you swap in aftermarket equal length headers they'll sound just like any other 4-banger turbo.

CT03911

I have an '06 WRX I've had for four years. It's thrown a few codes under warranty that meant nothing and almost no other gripes.
Fluid changes and plug/filters are easy, with the exception of one plug. Can be done at home though.
It has what is a close to perfect oversteer in the snow as any car could- meaning, it is a blast in the snow if you push it but to just get somewhere it is very very good too.
The only track duty mine has seen is a one day Tim O'Neil winter driving school and two DE's. I taught my daughter to drive on it and she did the three days to make me happy.
Great little car for the money.
Bought mine new so it hadn't been beat on by some teenaged boy.

CBejbl

Have an 09 STi. Just my winter car, so it only hast 18K miles. I've had no trouble with it. With Nokians, I've not met a snow drift that has stopped me.

Just bought an car from a guy who has an 08 with 70K miles on it. No trouble either.

dime1622

It has 3-door and 5-door variants. They have the exact same length, height, curb weight, and wheelbase, but the body is 7 mm wider on the 5-door.

I love my MKV GTI. Only thing I don't like is the front wheel drive. If you want a 4-door, the Jetta GLI is the equivalent to the GTI.

Matt Romanowski

Subarus suck. Buy a MINI Countryman S.

V2Rocket

I've been driving a regular Impreza to work and around town for a few weeks now, it is a fun little car but the inside does have a cheap feel to it. Perfectly comfortable and livable but the quality of a VW interior is miles ahead. Makes a good noise and goes quick even for the NA model. AWD will never let go.

goldcountryboy

I have a 04 wry with 160,000 miles on it. When I purchased it had 4,000 miles on it. It has been a great and reliable car. Just did a clutch and idle control valve and that has been it. I must mention that the car does leak oil...but don' t all Subarus ?

ELLSSUU

Yes, sorry a 5 door hatch. Not available per website.

Marc Gelefsky

5 door GTI is available