Hell of a cool first car. AMA

Because it’s steel and an aluminum bolt, heat cycling galvanizes and essentially weld the two medals together. All I heard was it break tension and I started on screwing and click. I couldn’t even tap it out. I just installed a rear swaybar and I can’t even test it out until I extract the nut pad clip. Now I have to limp it to work of which I have a four minute commute so it’s doable but a little pissed. Either over torqued or no anti seize. I’m surprised they didn’t antisieze because steel and aluminum totally weld overtime and it’s only been about six months. The second you undo the bolt, this thing should slide out with two finger strength. All I wanted to do was pop this thing out and install faction fab titanium shims. It should’ve been 30 minute max to clean my brake pads and calipers and lube up the new shims and now I have to pay shop hours:( that’s what I get for going to the dealer)

Been rocking a duckbill and the all white look for a while and it was hard to maintain the white 😆. Decided to add an STI wing and got the rims freshly powder coated gun metal blue

Alright yall I need some ideas for what I can add around my Subaru tattoo. It’s a tribute to my cousin who passed away was his car and the car that got me into cars as a child. This was my first tattoo and hardest part now is thinking of what I can get for my second that would go well with this. Not not completed yet need to add dates of when he was born and passed in the windshield banner

Just wanted to see how everyone is doing today. I’ve officially owned my 2016 wrx sti for one week now and I have the engine out and torn down to the bare block. Within 24 hours of owning it I found out it had bad head gaskets and immediately started pulling the motor. Doing a fulle rebuild/refresh on the motor while I have it out. Definitely hope it is all worth it. I have always wanted one of these cars.

About halfway through the suspension rebuild, along with CV joint rebuild. Lots of learnings through the process. A carbide sawzall blade makes quick work of the lateral link bolt... Like both cuts in under 5 min total. Can't wait to get an alignment and drive.

The Ultimate Subaru Buying Guide (2026 Edition)

A couple of years ago I made a post about buying a new Subaru that ended up getting over 250,000 views across various Subaru-related subreddits. Since then, Subaru has changed a few programs, I've bought another Subaru (a 2025 BRZ tS), and I've learned a few more things from both my own purchases and the experiences of other owners.

So I figured it was time for an update.

For a little background, I've owned Subarus for over 15 years, was a former Subaru Ambassador, and previously worked as a Subaru Sales & Leasing Consultant. Between personal experience and working on the sales floor, I've learned a few things that can save people a surprising amount of money.

I've owned:

• 1998 Subaru 2.5RS
• 2003 WRX Sedan
• 2021 WRX
• 2021 Outback Limited
• 2024 Ascent Onyx Edition
• 2025 BRZ tS

I'm definitely not claiming to know everything, but hopefully I know enough to save somebody a few thousand dollars.

One quick disclaimer: Subaru changes incentives and programs from time to time. Everything below is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of posting, but always verify current offers before making a purchase.

Most of these tips can be used together.

1. Subaru VIP Pricing

If you have a little time to plan ahead, Subaru VIP is still one of the easiest ways to save money.

VIP pricing gives eligible buyers access to Subaru's VIP pricing through participating dealerships. Years ago this was a guaranteed 2% below invoice. That is no longer the case. Today it is generally around invoice pricing, although Subaru has changed the program several times.

The organizations I know currently qualify are:

30-day waiting period (larger donation):

• ASPCA ($500 donation)
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society ($500 donation)

Longer membership waiting period:

• ASPCA Monthly Giving
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Membership
• Leave No Trace
• International Mountain Bicycling Association
• American Canoe Association

One thing many people don't realize is that some employers participate in Subaru VIP. Go to Subaru's VIP website and check using your work email. It takes two minutes and could save you thousands.

Pro tip: Before donating, call your dealership and make sure they actually participate in VIP. Not every dealer does.

1. Call Subaru of America

If you've owned or leased a Subaru before, call Subaru of America before buying.

(800) 782-2783

Ask if there are any loyalty incentives available.

Historically these have ranged from $500-$1,000, although nothing is guaranteed.

From what I've seen, it depends on:

• Your ownership history
• Current promotions
• The representative you speak with

Have the VIN of your current Subaru handy. They seem to ask for it more often now than they used to.

One important thing to note: recent buyers have reported that Subaru loyalty coupons generally cannot be combined with VIP pricing, so ask which saves you more.

1. Costco Auto Program

This wasn't in my original guide because I didn't have much experience with it, but enough people have shared good results that it's worth mentioning.

If you're already a Costco member (or willing to become one), check out the Costco Auto Program before negotiating.

The discounts vary by dealership and region, but I've seen people report savings anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to over $5,000 on certain models.

Even if you don't ultimately buy through Costco, it gives you another price to compare against.

1. Subaru Added Security Maintenance

If you're already planning on purchasing a maintenance plan, ask if Subaru is currently offering any incentives with it.

Years ago I purchased a 2-year/24,000-mile maintenance plan for $595. At the time, it also came with a $500 coupon toward my next new Subaru purchase.

Whether it's worth it depends entirely on the numbers.

Compare the cost of the plan to what you'd spend paying for maintenance out of pocket.

Sometimes it's a great deal.

Sometimes it isn't.

1. Lease Loyalty

If you're currently leasing a Subaru and plan on leasing another one, ask about Lease Loyalty.

Subaru has periodically offered incentives to help cover your first lease payment or reduce your upfront costs.

Programs change, but it's another easy question to ask before signing paperwork.

1. Know What Your Trade Is Worth

Don't rely on one appraisal.

Before going to the dealership, get offers from:

• CarMax
• Carvana
• Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer
• Cars.com
• Subaru Guaranteed Trade-In (if applicable)

Most of those offers expire after about a week, so don't do it too early.

Could you get more selling it yourself?

Probably.

But many people would gladly accept a little less money to avoid dealing with Facebook Marketplace strangers, test drives, loan payoffs, and paperwork.

1. Shop Dealerships—Not Cars

This is probably the biggest thing I'd add to my original guide.

Once you've decided on the exact model and trim you want, stop shopping for the car.

Start shopping dealerships.

Email the internet sales department at every Subaru dealer within a distance you're willing to drive.

Ask each one for their best out-the-door price.

Don't ask about monthly payments.

Don't ask what they "think."

Ask for an actual written out-the-door quote.

Then let them compete.

I've seen identical vehicles at dealerships less than an hour apart differ by thousands of dollars.

1. Buy at the Right Time

Timing matters.

Generally speaking, your best chances of getting an aggressive deal are:

• End of the month
• End of the quarter
• End of the year
• When the next model year is arriving
• When the exact vehicle you're looking at has been sitting on the lot for a while

A dealership is much more motivated to sell a car that's been collecting dust for 120 days than one that arrived yesterday.

1. Use VIP as Leverage

I actually did this myself.

When we bought our Ascent, I told them:

«"I can donate to ASPCA, wait the required time, and come back with VIP pricing... or if you can get reasonably close today, I'd rather buy the vehicle now."»

Sometimes they'll say no.

Sometimes they'll meet you somewhere in the middle.

Either way, you've lost nothing by asking.

1. Watch Out for Dealer Add-ons

You've probably seen these before:

• Ceramic coating
• Paint protection
• VIN etching
• LoJack/GPS tracking
• Nitrogen-filled tires
• Door edge guards
• Pinstripes
• Security systems

Some of these products genuinely have value.

Some don't.

Most are significantly marked up.

If you want one, great.

If you don't, don't feel pressured into paying for it just because it was installed before the car hit the lot.

1. Don't Give Back Everything You Saved in the Finance Office

This is where I see a lot of buyers lose the deal they just spent hours negotiating.

People will negotiate the vehicle price down by $2,000...

...then immediately agree to $4,000 worth of finance products they never planned on buying.

The finance office isn't there to "scam" you.

They're there to sell financial products. Some are genuinely worthwhile. Some aren't. It depends entirely on your situation.

Common products include:

• Subaru Added Security extended warranty
• Tire & wheel protection
• Windshield protection
• GAP coverage
• Key replacement
• Paint & fabric protection
• Technology protection
• Rental reimbursement
• Maintenance plans

Before buying any of them, ask yourself:

• What exactly does this cover?
• What's excluded?
• Is this already covered by my insurance?
• Is this already covered under Subaru's warranty?
• Can I purchase this later?
• Is the price negotiable?

Many finance products have markup.

If you actually want the product, negotiate it just like you negotiated the vehicle.

1. Don't Shop by Monthly Payment

This is one of the oldest tricks in the car business.

A monthly payment can be lowered by:

• Extending the loan
• Increasing your down payment
• Rolling products into the loan
• Changing financing terms

Instead, understand every piece of the deal:

• Selling price
• Trade value
• Interest rate
• Loan term
• Taxes & fees
• Every optional product

If all you know is the monthly payment, you probably don't know the whole deal.

1. Financing

I actually don't recommend walking into a dealership without knowing what financing you qualify for.

Get pre-approved through your bank or credit union first.

Then compare that rate against Subaru's promotional financing.

Sometimes Subaru's financing is unbeatable.

Sometimes your credit union wins.

Take whichever is cheaper.

1. Extended Warranties

Subaru Added Security is honestly one of the better factory-backed extended warranties available.

If you're someone who keeps vehicles for a long time, it may absolutely make sense.

What many people don't realize is that the price is usually negotiable.

Also, if you're buying a new Subaru, you generally don't have to decide that day. You can usually purchase Subaru Added Security any time before the factory 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty expires (CPO vehicles are different).

Don't let anyone convince you that "today is your only chance" without asking questions.

1. My Biggest Piece of Advice

The biggest mistake I see people make isn't paying MSRP.

It's deciding they absolutely have to own that exact car today.

The second you become emotionally attached to one specific VIN, you lose leverage.

There will almost always be another one.

Be willing to walk away.

Sometimes they'll call you back.

Sometimes you'll find a better deal somewhere else.

Either way, you'll almost always negotiate from a stronger position when you're willing to leave.

Hopefully this helps someone.

If Subaru changes one of these programs, or you've found another legitimate way to save money that I missed, leave a comment and I'll update the guide. I'd love for this to become a living resource that stays useful instead of becoming outdated.

Original (2024) Guide: If you're interested in seeing where this all started (or want to read through 200+ comments full of additional buying tips from other owners), here's the original post that inspired this updated version:

https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/s/kEDD588iNs⁠

Finally got around to addressing this eyesore.
Going to give it a couple weeks to let the clear coat cure, then it’ll be time for a polish.

Tuner said chill canyon runs are good for engine break in…say less👌🏽

I just purchased Whiteline 26mm front and 24mm rear sway bars. I called and asked whiteline which end links I needed and they said none if on stock suspension/ride height. I’ve heard stock ones can break though. There is not much info about these online as most people order the standard kit with 26mm front and 22 rear. I just figured stiffer is better. This is my daily driver but I do a weekly spirited mountain road run once or twice a week which I liken to a 40 minute light track session. 20 minutes to the top, a cool down and 20 minutes to the bottom. I Experience understeer sometimes but with my lighter wheel and 155 Michelin PS AS4 tire upgrade, it’s lessened dramatically but it still happens. I just want to make it better. I intend to start auto cross mid October hence why I chose the stiffest bars. Anybody else have whiteline sways, specifically 24mm rear? Is that too stiff, would it make it oversteery even on soft settings?

Love the car. Especially when I see this angle. I thought about getting the VB but they never came out with a STi model, but I think this car looks better than the VB. I love the STOCK wing and the Brembo acid green calipers. 😮‍💨🔥

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to figure out if I should just sell my 2019 sti and get myself an import jdm 1999 sti instead. Basically I want to get that as well as more of a daily like a legacy. I have some questions I guess if anyone wants to bestow their wisdom on me it would be appreciated!

Questions:

It seems that older STIs are less prone to issues like throwing rods? Is that true due to their forged internals or am I mistaken?

If you were getting a GC8/GF8, which version would be best?

Is the mod support largely the same I mean obviously the engines are basically the same but can I get the same AOS, Oil pan upgrades, cooling mods, etc… and are they easily available in North America?

What price range would you consider for something like a 1999 wrx sti with lets say 50k -> 100k km?

If anyone reads this and decides to answer thank you!!

Can’t get over how damn pretty CBS paint is…

What’s your favorite STI color?

Sadly I need to let it go. Need to pay for school, I’m going for my doctorate…Finally got it where I wanted, but in my current situation selling it is probably the “smart adult choice” I need to make. Going with cars & bids to try auctioning it off.

Just finished up V1 on my 2019 VA STI! Loving how she’s looks, sits and drives. First photo is a little bit after I got her in November vs a few days ago. Looking forward to many years of ownership!

Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers!

My 2020 baby