'14 Subaru WRX STi opinions?!

'14 Subaru WRX STi opinions?!

Author
Discussion

DSharp

Original Poster:

270 posts

137 months

Wednesday 5th July 2017
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Hello!!

I'm on the look out for a new daily driver (from my Mini GP2) and have spotted a local low mileage, mint 2014 Subaru WRX STi.

The reviews online seem to be either new car reviews that it's not low enough Carbon by current standards, and expensive to run, or general comments about the reliability of the EJ25

Would anyone be able to share their ownership experiences? Any insights, experiences etc much appreciated!!

Thank you!!

BHML

307 posts

170 months

Sunday 9th July 2017
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I ran a 2014 for exactly one year and 10k miles. Reliability was top notch, no issues whatsoever.

MPG wise, if driven sensibly, around 25mpg in town, about 30 on motorway. Expect to get around 200 miles on a full tank of super unleaded with mixed driving.

Tax is highest bracket £500+ per year. Servicing is quite expensive and Subaru main dealer servicing are not that common.

I sold up because unfortunately it definitely attracts the wrong sort of crowd - apart from the boy racers, there were two attempts at stealing it and the second time it was vandalised when they couldn't get hold of the keys during a burglary. Interestingly, living in the same house, I had no theft issues with my C63 AMG.

If you do get one, definitely fit a tracker and a physical deterrent such as stoplock, etc.



Edited by BHML on Sunday 9th July 21:06


Edited by BHML on Sunday 9th July 21:08

Falsey

449 posts

139 months

Monday 10th July 2017
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Hello, I have a '17 model bought in late '16.

I get anything from 19-20mpg in town to 30-31mpg on motorways, but I think a tank gives closer to 300 miles than 200 for me. The warning usually comes on about 260 miles covered. Mixed probably around 27 ish.

I dont know why the carbon really matters unless you are concerned about tax, where yes, its the highest bracket. I find the dealers charge a bit too much for servicing but there isnt a lot to do about that. I suppose its less of a concern with an older one, but Subaru only use a digital service record with no stamps in the book - so if you want a flawless record then you do just have to go to them.

I think the STI only has a 3 year warranty too, so a '14 will be out of that and you may want to renew elsewhere.

Ive only covered 12k in mine but the engine seems fine. Before I got it I read into the issues and general consensus seems to be drive it properly and with a bit of mechanical sympathy and dont map it or modify it in a silly way. Without a map you shouldnt apply any performance bolt ons at all and with a map you shouldnt go for more than 350 without forging or replacing pistons etc. Dont boot it below 2500rpm if you can avoid it because thats how you det and pop ringlands. Only use 99RON. Enthusiast forums always echo the problems to be more than they are in my experience, and a lot of the UK based Subaru people seem to have a major chip on their collective shoulders regarding the '08+ cars.

Mine came with a tracker fitted from the dealer, so if yours doesnt already have one perhaps they will retrofit it for you? I havent had any theft attempts but I live in a quiet area. I did have my neighbour key it the week after I got it, but I think thats because shes insane rather than the fault of the car.

Edited by Falsey on Monday 10th July 09:46


Edited by Falsey on Monday 10th July 09:46

DSharp

Original Poster:

270 posts

137 months

Tuesday 11th July 2017
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Thanks for your comprehensive replies! Much appreciated.

Will put some thought to it - currently all over the place thinking of all sorts of different cars to get, so need to view a few and see what works!!

rastapasta

1,861 posts

138 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
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DSharp said:
Thanks for your comprehensive replies! Much appreciated.

Will put some thought to it - currently all over the place thinking of all sorts of different cars to get, so need to view a few and see what works!!
I drive a run out Legacy and the thing I was told with it was to have it serviced religiously every 15000km. Reliability wise its bombpoof provided that you have it serviced per subaru's guidelines. its in the higher tax bracket alright but so what. I have mine served at a toyota garage. Seems to be a cheaper option.

scoobychris555

64 posts

138 months

Wednesday 19th July 2017
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I gave the car some serious consideration but couldn't see past the lack of progress since circa 2004. Still 300bhp, poor mpg, high tax and a questionable reliability from the 2.5L. Having had 4 imprezas over 15 years I opted for a safer (hopefully) bet of a golf r. Good luck whatever you decide.

Cooper Green

206 posts

171 months

Wednesday 19th July 2017
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In response to scooby chris. Ive run 4 Imprezas over the years Classic, blob eye WRX modified, STI prodrive blob and Hawk EYE, Had my 2015 STI bought with low mileage 2months ago (2700) Miles. Never had any problems other than basic servicing and upgrades. Just saying.

scoobychris555

64 posts

138 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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Cooper Green, genuinely pleased for you. I had 15 years of trouble free motoring and I hope your wrx sti does the job for you. I was very close to getting one and could still be a mistake that I didn't but just explaining my decision making process.

Happy motoring!

nottyash

4,670 posts

195 months

Saturday 30th December 2017
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I am about to take the plunge and buy a 14 plate. After a lot of looking around and knowing the Golf R is cheaper to tax, run and service my heart said WRX STI.
I have a Mk 6 Golf GTI and its pretty boring. The R looks no different. I actually ordered a brand new Golf R in 2016 but vw cancelled my order because they are clowns, so I ended up getting a refund.
After a classic, 2 bugeyes, a Hawkeye and a Legacy B4 RSK its back to a Scooby... cant wait bounce

Ahbefive

11,657 posts

172 months

Saturday 30th December 2017
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I like them alot. Nice purchase, congrats.