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The Subaru WRX STI Years To Avoid


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Subaru WRX STI on a racetrack

Source: Pixabay

The Subaru WRX STI is a development of the Subaru WRX, first established in 1994. It’s a variant and a new available trim for the Subaru WRX that’s been around for a long time. However, some years are clearly better than others. If you’re interested in this car, you might wonder - what are the Subaru WRX STI years to avoid on the modern market?

Investing in a car is a big deal, so it’s critical to know which years to go for and which years to stay away from at all costs. The Subaru WRX STI is a cult classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Read on to learn more about the Subaru WRX STI years to avoid, the best years for the product, and other helpful information before purchasing.

Subaru WRX STI Years To Avoid

The Subaru WRX STI is yet another iteration of the WRX, a popular vehicle from the Subaru name, well-known for its sporty appearance. There are many years available and some distinct WRX STI selections to avoid.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE SUBARU WRX STI

Some years were much better than others. If you want a Subaru WRX STI, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Subaru WRX STI year?


Here are the Subaru WRX STI years to keep away from on the market:

  • 2000 WRX STI
  • 2001 WRX STI
  • 2002 WRX STI
  • 2008 WRX STI
  • 2009 WRX STI
  • 2010 WRX STI
  • 2011 WRX STI
  • 2012 WRX STI
  • 2013 WRX STI
  • 2014 WRX STI
  • 2015 WRX STI
  • 2016 WRX STI

Keep away from these selections if you’re hunting for the Subaru WRX STI years to avoid.

These years had the most complaints by far. A few of the most expensive include engine troubles, issues with oil leaking, defects in the turbocharger, and more. Customers had the worst experience with these selections.  

What Was The Worst Year For The Subaru WRX STI?

The above years are easily the worst for the Subaru WRX STI. However, one stands out as the worst. According to hotcars.com, the worst year for the Subaru WRX STI is the 2008 version. It has severe troubles, impossible to overlook.

A few significant issues with the Subaru WRX STI include the following:

  • Lack of power on the road
  • Surge or hesitation in acceleration over 20,000 miles
  • Engine troubles
  • Faults when shifting into second gear

These might cause an issue on the road.

It’s ideal to avoid the worst years for the Subaru WRX STI, but you should especially avoid the least dependable year for this vehicle. It will require expensive repairs during your time as a driver.


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Best Subaru WRX STI Years

We’ve discussed the worst years for the WRX STI, but what about the best selections? Luckily, there’s an extensive number of years available if you’re determined to invest in the Subaru WRX STI.

Here are the best years for the Subaru WRX STI:

  • 1992-1999 WRX STI
  • 2004 WRX STI
  • 2005 WRX STI
  • 2006 WRX STI
  • 2007 WRX STI
  • 2017 WRX STI
  • 2018 WRX STI
  • 2019 WRX STI
  • 2020 WRX STI
  • 2021 WRX STI
  • 2022 WRX STI

If you’re hunting for the Subaru WRX STI years to avoid, stick with these years during your hunt for a vehicle.

These years have had the fewest recalls and reported issues from customers. They offer a safe ride and plenty of features to enjoy, all while offering a more dependable experience behind the wheel. The older the year, the more likely you will find it for a cheaper price point.

How Many Miles Does A Subaru WRX STI Last?

It’s ideal to know how many miles your vehicle will last on the road before investing. This number will typically tell you how long the car will last before it requires extensive repairs.

According to motorbiscuit.com, a Subaru WRX STI will last 250,000 miles if you take care of the vehicle. However, blowing the engine could result in the car falling apart no further than 60,000 miles into its lifespan. Several items will impact the lifespan of your vehicle.

According to carloanscanada.com, here are some things that will impact your vehicle’s lifespan:

  • The state of your transmission
  • Keep an eye out for rust
  • How you treat your vehicle
  • Look out for the oil levels

Watch for these items on the road.

The more care you put into your vehicle, the longer it will last on the road. Keep an eye out for fixes and address them as soon as possible to avoid allowing anything to go too far. Don’t drive your vehicle in the worst conditions and look for decay when necessary.


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Common Issues With the Subaru WRX STI

Several frequent troubles appear in the Subaru WRX STI years. It’s helpful to know what these are ahead of time to prepare for any possible issue.

According to motorandwheels.com, here are the common troubles with the Subaru WRX STI:

  • Possibility of head gaskets failing
  • Faulty oxygen sensors and rough running
  • Bad camshaft seal

Keep an eye out for these if you drive a Subaru WRX STI.

These issues might arise in the best or worst years of the Subaru WRX STI. However, they are most likely to appear in the least dependable years of this vehicle.


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The answer to this question isn’t as  simple as you’d expect. Let’s look explore the difference between gas and diesel engines and explore just how many spark plugs a diesel engine actually has.


How Reliable Is The Subaru WRX STI?

Dependability is a critical aspect of investing in a new vehicle. If a car isn’t reliable, it will cost extensive money in repairs and will take time out of your day you didn’t want to waste.

Unfortunately, the Subaru WRX STI doesn’t have great scores in dependability. According to repairpal.com, the WRX STI scores 2.55, placing it 36th out of 36 vehicles. It’s at the bottom of the pack.

The Subaru WRX STI is a classic design. However, it isn’t very dependable. 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re interested in the Subaru WRX STI, we recommend staying away from the worst years. The 2000-2002 and 2008-2016 versions are the worst on the market.

There are some quality years available for the Subaru WRX STI if you’re determined to invest in this vehicle. We recommend the 1992-1999, 2004-2007, or 2017-2022 selections for the best results.



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