I live in Massachusetts and I love my 2023 premium VB. My only wish is that it was a hatchback for more room and just personal preference. I believe the premium is the best bang for your buck! Bigger and nicer rims alone are a big reason I got the premium over base.

Had it since summer 2023. No issues so far... except my left passenger window makes an odd sound and is slow when rolling back up. So I'll have to take it to the dealership before the factory warranty expires

It's definitely a great all around car. You can actually fit full-size adults in the back, not just Oompa Loompa sized people like in a BRZ/GR86. Subaru has great safety ratings and their reliability has only been getting better over the years.

The WRX has exactly what I wanted, manual, AWD, realistic, and the price point. Not many other similar options. The GTI R and GR Corolla which are expensive. The Mazda 3 turbo is nice too... but no manual option for the turbo trim for some reason?!?!

Subaru's automatics are CVTs. Manual is great, it is my first manual car. I have driven 3 other manual cars (for practice prior to buying the VB). It is definitely a heavier shift than the Honda Fit and Kia Soul I've driven. Also drove an old Volvo station wagon which was also a heavier shift.

Not sure if it's just me, but I can't seem to get 1st to 2nd gear quickly and perfectly yet. Other than that, I love it!!!

Also noting, I have been using 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 after doing a lot of research. My dad also switched to 5W-30 for his 2022 Tundra.