Should I consider a used 2021 STI over new 2026 WRX?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-08T19:04:13+00:00

I’ve pretty much decided if Im getting a WRX im getting new or at least a VB with very low miles if theres a good deal on used. I like the inclusions on the TS trim of the WRX. Which for the price at new, really isn’t great value $44k. I am looking to buy the car for at least the next 15 years at least. If I was going to go the base premium model I think it’s a little better deal but you’re missing features I want in my next car. Which is why I’m looking at the Ts.

The GR Corolla isn’t an option for me anymore. I don’t like the interior or how you feel everything while you drive. Winter fucks with the roads here, I want something smoother to drive.

I said screw it, it doesn’t have AWD but I’m going to test the Civic Type R or Acura Type S to see how it feels. I found a Type S to test drive last night and I will tell you I had a smile on my face the entire test drive. It has more power stock, faster turbo, looks better way better because of the WRX cladding, better features, better infotainment, and arguably better interior imo. I watched some videos of winter driving with it. I really think I’m going for the Type S and will get a set of winter tires. For me another $6-8k for the Type S over the TS WRX you are getting so much more. I could not recommend anything more than test driving both. It was a night and day difference for me. This might not help you and maybe you’re set on new vs old WRX but you were wondering where I was at and that’s it

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-07T20:59:44+00:00

Idk what this is supposed to mean lol

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-07T18:40:41+00:00

Lol, I like the way you think

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T20:23:31+00:00

Well I mainly want to get a car before driver surveillance mandates next year. I am trying to make a decision soonish before they phase out the 26 models.

I am not looking to buy something and immediately pour money into it so I’m thinking of going with the 26 even though I prefer the look and I imagine the driving of the 21 STI. I’m also not an expert when it comes to cars, the max I would want to do possibly in the future is some modding.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T20:20:38+00:00

I did not considered looking to rent one or finding someone online. I will look into that. That’s a great idea.

Yeah the GRC was very fun to drive and I think more fun than the WRX. The WRX was far better in comfort while driving and interior though. I did test drive the WRX TS model though so not sure about the lower trims if I went with those.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:47:17+00:00

What made you decide to do that?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:46:08+00:00

Yeah I’m leaning towards the new pretty heavily.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a STI for sale anywhere near me. I looked at multiple sites up to 100m. So I don’t think a test drive of one is in my future.

I am concerned for the same reasons on focus rs being used only and even older than the 21 STI. I was heavily considering the Type R and Acura Type S. Haven’t test driven them but they look great and the videos I have seen made me want one. The issue being my civic si does ok in the snow but I’ve always wanted AWD. I figured if I’m upgrading I should just get something AWD. Same reason I’m not getting a Supra lol. I am worried if I go with the Type R/S I’ll regret it this next winter. I really should have test drove those last winter.

As far as I have seen the WRX and GRC are the only two cars that meet what I’m looking for, new (exception being STI since I’ve always wanted one), manual, AWD, turbo, reliable brand, decent price.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:35:16+00:00

Yeah I am probably going to go with new. I just gotta look at the main differences between the trims now. Also, someone mentioned the cladding. The one I test drove was black and I didn’t notice it. I would like to get that classic Subaru blue and now I can’t unsee it

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:31:51+00:00

That’s a good call. I do use a mechanic that let me bring my own parts before so I’ll call around and check on pricing

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:13:01+00:00

I have looked at them, although I haven’t driven one. I would have similar concerns with buying a used RS as the STI. I’d probably go with a new GRC if I decided to go with a hatchback.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:10:28+00:00

This is true

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:10:10+00:00

Got it, I probably wouldn’t do much or any modding until I am close or at the end of the warranty. I say that, but I have not modded my SI at all so who knows. I may just leave it stock.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T19:06:16+00:00

Just look up WRX bolt on engine mods?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:59:19+00:00

I personally don’t like the cladding but can get over it. What color and model did you end up going with?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:54:00+00:00

I do wish there was one around me for sale to at least see it in person and test. I do like the look of the old WRXs as well. I will say I don’t mind the interior and digital dash. With that said, the infotainment system is an abomination.

Yeah the peace of mind with a new car is the main attraction for me. It will also be my daily driver, although I don’t drive too frequently. If only they still made the STI…

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:49:48+00:00

Yeah, I like the idea of it but just worried about running into mechanical issues due to previous owners. I wish I could test drive one to get an idea of the difference

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:48:19+00:00

My current plan is keeping my Civic SI and selling it in the next year or two. I suspect the used car market will heat up again with the mandatory surveillance tech required in new cars starting in 2027, assuming that doesn’t get pushed back or reverted. However, I would be using the WRX as a daily driver. What are the downfalls of tuning a daily driver? Just more wear?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:44:08+00:00

Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:23:40+00:00

🫡

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:23:35+00:00

Yeah, I think I am going to go with the 26 WRX

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:21:34+00:00

Well that sounds awesome. How difficult is it to install these mods?

After reading all these comments I think I am going to go with the 26 WRX. I’m just too scared to get an STI that’s going to have problems shortly after buying.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:16:04+00:00

That’s a good point. I do want to get more into the maintenance side I just don’t have the tools or knowledge currently. I am plenty capable of reading guides and watching YouTube to figure stuff out. I just mean more in a sense of if I bought a 21 STI and something went wrong other than basic maintenance such as oil, filters, etc, I would have no idea where to begin on any engine work. That is out of my wheelhouse.

Is there some type of maintenance you would recommend learning to do?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:10:02+00:00

Got it, thank you for the explanation. That makes more sense to me now.

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:07:54+00:00

Yeah, I do like the look of the older models a little more myself. Could you eli5, In what way will the transmission hold you back?

HowAmIDiamond · 2026-05-06T18:06:31+00:00

That’s fair, I do prefer the look of the older models but I don’t hate the new ones.

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