The 2019 WRX/STI Orders and Waiting Thread

[oichan]

Yes, another reason why not having a properly working CarPlay isn't that big of a deal on my 19 WRX Limited as well as I just use Siri.

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[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by soloz2

In my 19 Outback, I don't have to touch anything. Just say, "OK Google" and then say what you want. No buttons required.

Problem there is the phone hearing you over the car. That's the issue I had with AA in my BRZ (just used AA on my phone, not the HU). It often couldn't hear me.

[openuser]

AA should hook up with your car's microphone.. which could definitely also have problem hearing you over music.

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Problem there is the phone hearing you over the car. That's the issue I had with AA in my BRZ (just used AA on my phone, not the HU). It often couldn't hear me.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by openuser

AA should hook up with your car's microphone.. which could definitely also have problem hearing you over music.

I've found it only easily hears me when idling, even though on phone conversations folks say I come in nice and clear. Google assistant is fairly particular about background noise. Some low frequency stuff seems to confuse it when trying to get its attention but not when issuing commands.

So I just hit the talk button on the SWC. Its as easy as speaking "Hey Google" or "Okay Google". Easier for me actually.

I love the integration. Much bigger and easier to see when glancing quickly than at my own phone's screen. SWC makes pausing frustration-free. That's a big issue I've had just using my phone without HU AA integration.

[WrXMachine16]

Went from 2016 WRX Limited to 2019 STI Limited w/ short throw shifter & auto-dimming mirror/compass as of October.
Impressions after 1 month:
-Better steering than my WRX since it is hydraulic assist and faster ratio
-Much better braking due to the 6 piston Brembos
-Love the 19 inch rims and yellow Brembos
-at 2K miles already a buzzing sound on rear parcel shelf that some people have also mentioned. Same issue in my 2016 WRX. Subaru couldn't address this issue after all these years?
-Love the interior- Recaro seats w/ the Alcantara centers
-AA a welcome addition
-Nav has better graphics and has faster response than in my 2016
-Engine does fall a little flat in the 4500-5500 rpm range but this was addressed with the Cobb AP- OTS map 93 octane
-Have had similar issue on 3 occasions where the radio stays on AFTER the door is opened to exit. I would close the door and re-open it and then the radio turns off.

Other than that the car is a blast to look at and drive. Getting a ProTune in a couple of months.
QUESTION: I checked the FAQ but do not see how to add photos to my post. I do not see a button to Manage attachments and this is not a Quick reply.

[SirBrass]

That improved steering is due to the quicker rack, not due to hydraulic vs EPS.

[WrXMachine16]

No that is not true. HPS usually provides better feedback/feel of the road as opposed to the EPS,at least that is my subjective feeling, and the quicker ratio does just that, less steering wheel angle needed as opposed to my 2016 WRX. I feel the road surface that much better in my 2019 STI than my 2016 WRX.

[SirBrass]

Considering both are steering assist, not steer by wire, both have the wheel connected to the steering column which directly connects to the steering rack. The assist, whether by electric motor or hydraulics, still only assists, not takes over.

The reason you subjectively feel more feedback is most likely due to the suspension than the mechanism used to assist you in applying enough torque to the steering column shaft to move the rack from side to side.

The BRZ is EPS and feels way better than the STI. It's the suspension tuning in the front and the amount of assist provided. The quicker racks tend to be "heavier" in feel which helps provide a subjective improvement in feedback.

[oichan]

Hydraulic does provide a lot more feedback whether good or bad which is partly affected by the suspension but considering the wheels width, ET, and tire sizes are the same between my 16 STI and 19 WRX it’s more to do with the electric steering’s program. Electric Streeting mandates more of what it feedback removing a lot of the tramlining as it should.

I’m not much of a fan of the hydraulic steering on my STI but it is old school which I like.
And given own both cars, I will say with confidence that the STI is superior in every way over the WRX except for comfort.

[SirBrass]

No question that the STI performs better. However, if you drive the BRZ you'll probably find just as much feedback through the steering, and it's EPS not hydraulic.

[oichan]

I’ve driven the BRZ many times. I’m not saying EPS is bad, actually the WRX’s steering feels pretty good!

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by oichan

I’ve driven the BRZ many times. I’m not saying EPS is bad, actually the WRX’s steering feels pretty good!

Understood. And yes it feels light-years better than what my 13 STI's steering felt like. I'd have to test drive the current STI to see how steering compares.

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Understood. And yes it feels light-years better than what my 13 STI's steering felt like. I'd have to test drive the current STI to see how steering compares.

The STI has a 13:1 ratio while the WRX is 14-something:1, iirc. So the STI feels a little quicker with more feedback too with the hydraulic steering.

[WrXMachine16]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Considering both are steering assist, not steer by wire, both have the wheel connected to the steering column which directly connects to the steering rack. The assist, whether by electric motor or hydraulics, still only assists, not takes over.

The reason you subjectively feel more feedback is most likely due to the suspension than the mechanism used to assist you in applying enough torque to the steering column shaft to move the rack from side to side.

The BRZ is EPS and feels way better than the STI. It's the suspension tuning in the front and the amount of assist provided. The quicker racks tend to be "heavier" in feel which helps provide a subjective improvement in feedback.

I see. I thought the WRX EPS was steer by wire. Then it makes sense that the different suspension tuning on the STI and the quicker rack aid in that more improved feel of the road. I'll take it either way!

[WrXMachine16]

Originally Posted by oichan

Hydraulic does provide a lot more feedback whether good or bad which is partly affected by the suspension but considering the wheels width, ET, and tire sizes are the same between my 16 STI and 19 WRX it’s more to do with the electric steering’s program. Electric Streeting mandates more of what it feedback removing a lot of the tramlining as it should.

I’m not much of a fan of the hydraulic steering on my STI but it is old school which I like.
And given own both cars, I will say with confidence that the STI is superior in every way over the WRX except for comfort.

I agree, the STI is superior in every way except comfort but I rather enjoy the slightly stiffer suspension. I also notice another difference between the two cars. My 2016 WRX would bump steer which was very annoying. My STI does not exhibit this trait. I am guessing different suspension geometry or something along those lines.

[oichan]

Originally Posted by WrXMachine16

I agree, the STI is superior in every way except comfort but I rather enjoy the slightly stiffer suspension. I also notice another difference between the two cars. My 2016 WRX would bump steer which was very annoying. My STI does not exhibit this trait. I am guessing different suspension geometry or something along those lines.

On weekend drives I’m with you on the STI. But for daily driving, WRX is the clear winner here.. well, given one does at least the AP, Perrin shifter stop, and muffler delete.

Yeah stiffer suspension does improve bump steer resistance and I think the rack ratio might have something to do that too, as it takes more effort to turn. My WRX does not exhibit bump steer that I notice. It’s truely a nice steering system and it is a joy to drive. I’m not a big fan of my STI’s rubbery-feel steering. Perhaps Subaru improved that on the 18+ refresh as well.

Maybe the next gen STI will come with drive modes like adjustable damping.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by WrXMachine16

I see. I thought the WRX EPS was steer by wire. Then it makes sense that the different suspension tuning on the STI and the quicker rack aid in that more improved feel of the road. I'll take it either way!

You'll know a car is "steer by wire" (wheel has a motor to simulate resistance just like a video game racing wheel, and a position sensor which sends commands to the actual rack driver which operates the steering rack) when it advertises "variable ratio steering" it something equivalent. That's the main reason it's done.

When the steering is a fixed rate, there's zero reason to not have the steering wheel itself physically drive the rack. It's simpler. The main difference between hydraulic & electronic power steering is how the power assist is achieved.

From a design standpoint, EPS is superior. You don't have to worry about an additional flood source or pump on the motor to suck power, and the system can be more compact as well. You still have steering angle sensors on both to tell the computer how much assist to give (it also takes vehicle speed into account as power steering is better described as power assist). But at the end of the day, it's still your muscles via the steering wheel driving the rotation of the steering shaft to change steering angle on the wheel hubs. You just have additional mechanical torque advantage via hydraulics or an electric motor letting you have a faster rack without you needing lots of muscle power to turn the car.

[oichan]

On my other car the EPS stiffens in Race mode and such which is real nice. I never liked Nissan’s DAS but EPS is a ‘go’ for me.

[Aleja333]

I also have a 2018. I saw the RA in person last week, the carbon fiber spoiler and roof looks pretty sweet but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$. However, looking for some pricing on the spoiler, it's over 3k. Yikes!

[LouRoc24]

Hello all, I got all my ducks in a row and ready to get my Subie. Planning to get a '19 WRX Limited. I am in Las Vegas, last time I bought a Subaru they wouldn't budge much on price here due to limited competition I assume. I got a much better deal at a semi-near by dealer in St. George Utah at invoice price. So before I call that dealer to try and negotiate on price (most likely finance), is there any information I should know ? I have read about a $500 Ambassador coupon not sure how that works, or a $500 loyalty credit. With rumored changes to the 2020 WRX/STI, what kind of discounts can I reasonably get if any ? And also the website has a special promo 3.49% financing that ends 11/30, should I definitely make it a point to strike a deal before then or could I get a similar/better end of year deal in December ? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[TurboWRX]

Originally Posted by LouRoc24

Hello all, I got all my ducks in a row and ready to get my Subie. Planning to get a '19 WRX Limited. I am in Las Vegas, last time I bought a Subaru they wouldn't budge much on price here due to limited competition I assume. I got a much better deal at a semi-near by dealer in St. George Utah at invoice price. So before I call that dealer to try and negotiate on price (most likely finance), is there any information I should know ? I have read about a $500 Ambassador coupon not sure how that works, or a $500 loyalty credit. With rumored changes to the 2020 WRX/STI, what kind of discounts can I reasonably get if any ? And also the website has a special promo 3.49% financing that ends 11/30, should I definitely make it a point to strike a deal before then or could I get a similar/better end of year deal in December ? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I would call around to different dealers... I think WRXs move off the lots quicker than STIs for sure, but I was able to get $4k off MSRP on my 19 STI Limited (and actually had 2 different dealers offering the same, but I went with the one that gave me better value on my trade-in). I called SOA and explained to them that I have had 3 Subarus in the past and my wife has also had 3, and gave them the VIN on my wife's Legacy and got a $500 loyalty coupon via email the next day. I also wouldn't necessarily rush on the 3.49% APR financing, I believe what they do is give a monthly rate because when I bought mine in September it was 3.49% ending 9/30.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by TurboWRX

I would call around to different dealers... I think WRXs move off the lots quicker than STIs for sure, but I was able to get $4k off MSRP on my 19 STI Limited (and actually had 2 different dealers offering the same, but I went with the one that gave me better value on my trade-in). I called SOA and explained to them that I have had 3 Subarus in the past and my wife has also had 3, and gave them the VIN on my wife's Legacy and got a $500 loyalty coupon via email the next day. I also wouldn't necessarily rush on the 3.49% APR financing, I believe what they do is give a monthly rate because when I bought mine in September it was 3.49% ending 9/30.

That 3.49% has been going for months and they just refresh it monthly. That's what I got on my WRX.

I paid $3034 for my WRX Limited before TTL and paid less than half of SOA's delivery fee (I paid for the "docking fee" of $375 ordered so instead) but that was before the $500 off for my wife's military service and they applied it pre-tax (so it took $500 off the taxable amount).

Most dealerships will list a limited (unoptioned, which you generally don't find unless you order as their lot inventory on Limiteds usually always has the Nav/HK option) for around $33k-$34k. One dealership I talked to said they'd MAYBE take $1k off.

Call around and see which will play ball. They also have more wiggle room on price than they generally like to tell you if you order instead of take possession from lot inventory.

[LouRoc24]

My original thought was to order the car but after trading in my current I would have difficulty getting around for a couple months so that makes it tough. Thanks for the info guys I'll definitely call multiple dealers to see who is willing to haggle some. I read about trying to get 10% off msrp but I cant see any dealers near me doing that. We'll see what I can do!

[MagicDoorHinge]

Originally Posted by LouRoc24

My original thought was to order the car but after trading in my current I would have difficulty getting around for a couple months so that makes it tough. Thanks for the info guys I'll definitely call multiple dealers to see who is willing to haggle some. I read about trying to get 10% off msrp but I cant see any dealers near me doing that. We'll see what I can do!

They won't expect you to trade in your car until your new car arrives. They typically charge a deposit, and not the full price of the vehicle, when you order it. For me it was 500 bucks, but I have heard of deposits being up to $1000 plus the price of any hard-to-move accessories. This deposit price is removed off the total price you pay on delivery day.

So unless you're on a lease that will expire before your new car would arrive, you have nothing to worry about.

[LouRoc24]

Oh sweet thanks for the info. Maybe I will order then if I can get a better deal based on your guys' comments. I'm going to contact SOA also to see if there's any way to score a loyalty credit. I've only had 1 prior Subaru but it's worth a shot