2022 Subaru WRX Official Announcement *Merged*

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

I realize that you can shift by ear, but in a performance setting you need to look or be acutely aware. Powerband is important as is staying in gear when a shift will put you outside the band. Usually you try to not shift if you can avoid it. Shift lights exist for a reason. You were out to have fun, not to be competitive.

So, you're telling me you have to look at the tach every time you drive your car? Even competitive? You can't learn it? I shift my car at 3K every time. Maybe 4K if I'm tryin to move a bit. RARELY look at my tach. Maybe I learned that on my early Justys that didn't have a tach. Dunno. When I feel I've tapped the power, I shift. That wasn't "near" 6100 in the WRX.

Originally Posted by samagon

this is not the accurate statement. if there is nothing by which we may compare the big mac, it is a great burger.

however, if you try to tell me that the Big Mac is better than even a Whataburger hamburger (or In-N-Out if you don't have access to a Whataburger) specifically because of the amount sold, I gotta call BS.

the Big Mac is cheaper and easier to access than either of those two options, but better? nope, no one can convince me that McDonalds hamburger is better than Whataburger, or In-N-Out.

and just to be clear, the WRX is the Big Mac, the GR Corolla can be the Whataburger, and the CTR can be the In-N-Out burger, and maybe the Golf R is Red Robin.



if McDonalds revamps their special sauce it may be better than the previous version of the special sauce, and in turn the Big Mac may be a better hamburger than it used to be, but it still isn't as good as other lower volume fast food options that add just a little bit more care into the creation of their burger, at a higher cost.

We just started getting Whataburger in our area(will have one within walking distance to my house in a few months). I did have one way back at the Crosstrek training in Dallas when it first came out. My assessment of it is the same as 11 years ago. It's OK. Now that I have a choice? I'll stick with McDs. Don't think I've ever had In and Out. Red Robin? That was pretty good. Ours closed.

Originally Posted by thill

Have not been around much, I think the new WRX looks worse in person than even in pictures, but is there any rumor of a refresh? In the Northeast dealers are offering discounts and there seems to be lots of inventory. One dealer near me is offering $4K+ off MSRP on the WRX but no discount on other Subaru's like the BRZ or even Impreza. Crazy. I have to think Subaru will need to do something.

Originally Posted by thill

I disagree on inventory and discounts. There is little to no competition right now where I live within a 75-100 mile radius (which in central New England encompasses about 4 states).

For example looking at Autotrader I see:
- 13 Elantra N's for sale and most of those are in-transit and many of those I guarantee will be marked up.
- 9 Honda Civic SI's. Same as above. You will have to order and wait and likely pay markup. You are definitely not getting any type of steep discount.
- 8 GTI's. Same as above. Good luck finding one for MSRP or less and be prepared to wait a long time for the exact spec you want.

200 new WRX's for sale. Many on lots with discounts. And you could also argue that Subaru also offered big discounts on Impreza hatchbacks, Crosstreks, BRZ etc in the past. Almost everything I am seeing is MSRP and definitely not $4500K off MSRP like I finding on the new WRX.

It tells me two things. One, dealers are having problems moving these at MSRP. With the competition having little to no inventory, Subaru should be selling every one of these cars at MSRP or higher.

You can't compare this to pre 2020. The market has completely changed with even less competition. For an AWD sports sedan there is nothing near the price range, Subaru literally has the market to themself.

It has to be the styling.

Well, they may have "problems" selling at MSRP.......so they discount them and now selling them in record numbers. Technically, last month was a record for the WRX as all the previous record months had STI sales in there. They missed an official record last month by a relative few cars; but, crushed previous WRX "record" sales by 600 units. Yeah, yeah. I agree that's a bad look at it since there isn't a STI to sell; but, it's still a fact. Discount or not, it's selling fine. Had they had a "bad" month while big discounts, then I'd have to agree the WRX is having problems... But, ya know. That's just not the case.

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[thill]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Well, they may have "problems" selling at MSRP.......so they discount them and now selling them in record numbers. Technically, last month was a record for the WRX as all the previous record months had STI sales in there. They missed an official record last month by a relative few cars; but, crushed previous WRX "record" sales by 600 units. Yeah, yeah. I agree that's a bad look at it since there isn't a STI to sell; but, it's still a fact. Discount or not, it's selling fine. Had they had a "bad" month while big discounts, then I'd have to agree the WRX is having problems/ But, ya know. That's just not the case.

But why is Subaru offering any discounts on the WRX if it is selling in record numbers? This makes no sense when the same dealers that are offering discounts on 23 WRX's offer no discounts, or least nothing on par with $1-4K off on any other vehicles on their lot. Maybe this is a Northeast anomaly. Logic is not computing.

[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by thill

But why is Subaru offering any discounts on the WRX if it is selling in record numbers? This makes no sense when the same dealers that are offering discounts on 23 WRX's offer no discounts, or least nothing on par with $1-4K off on any other vehicles on their lot. Maybe this is a Northeast anomaly. Logic is not computing.

Same situation in Cali too. It's not a region-specific anomaly.

[thill]

When does Subaru count a vehicle as sold? Once the order is placed by the dealer or once the dealer receives the vehicle, or once a vehicle has been sold to a customer?

Is it possible that dealers have committed to Subaru x number of WRX orders and this is why we see inventory and discounts, while Subaru is reporting strong sales? It is the only thing that makes sense to me. I looked into a BRZ a few months back and every dealer insisted on:
- full MSRP (and most of the full MSRP dealers required mandatory add ons like accessories paint protection coating, tint, etc, etc).
- full MSRP + the above + additional $3-5K markup

The same dealers offering discounts on the WRX won't give you any discount on a BRZ. Most did not have any in stock but did have allocations for 2-6+ months out.

It's not just the BRZ either, I was considering an Impreza hatch for my teens, and same story. Very limited stock, especially on the lower trim models and full MSRP. This was a few months ago, not sure if anything has changed but the same dealers I see discounting WRX's are not discounting these other models online at least. It's just the WRX.

[thill]

When does Subaru count a vehicle as sold? Once the order is placed by the dealer or once the dealer receives the vehicle, or once a vehicle has been sold to a customer?

Is it possible that dealers have committed to Subaru x number of WRX orders and this is why we see inventory and discounts, while Subaru is reporting strong sales? It is the only thing that makes sense to me. I looked into a BRZ a few months back and every dealer insisted on:
- full MSRP (and most of the full MSRP dealers required mandatory add ons like accessories paint protection coating, tint, etc, etc).
- full MSRP + the above + additional $3-5K markup

The same dealers offering discounts on the WRX won't give you any discount on a BRZ. Most did not have any in stock but did have allocations for 2-6+ months out.

It's not just the BRZ either, I was considering an Impreza hatch for my teens, and same story. Very limited stock, especially on the lower trim models and full MSRP. This was a few months ago, not sure if anything has changed but the same dealers I see discounting WRX's are not discounting these other models online at least. It's just the WRX.

[chanomatik]

We JUST had this conversation and SoDealer answered it. This is the heads up I was attempting to give.

Sent from my SM-F926U using Tapatalk

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by thill

But why is Subaru offering any discounts on the WRX if it is selling in record numbers? This makes no sense when the same dealers that are offering discounts on 23 WRX's offer no discounts, or least nothing on par with $1-4K off on any other vehicles on their lot. Maybe this is a Northeast anomaly. Logic is not computing.

I don't doubt a discount is "needed" to move them. Prices have gone way up over the years. At MSPR, perhaps it's just out of the range of many buyers; but, the discounts bring them to a level they can. Like my example. I was instantly approved for my '09 WRX, but, was turned down for LGT a little more than $1K more. Could many many reasons. I don't think SOA is offering much in incentives. The discounts are primarily, if not all, on the retailers. Subaru is certainly sending a lot to some retailers......and those retailers are selling a lot......justifying their inventories. There's a lot more to look at than just "cars on the lot".

[Straight6]

[chanomatik]

Needs smaller exhaust tips and more busy design to compete with the WRX. Also smaller, more sunken wheels. Hard pass. NEXT!

[Straight6]

VB in blue looks so good. Love it.

[chanomatik]

I prefer it in red, if anything.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Apologies, I was legitimately combining two conversations so as to cut them off at the head before they resurfaced. I wasn't intending to have your conversation of dealership lots and pricing come across as sarcasm.

I paid MSRP for my 2013 BRZ and 2011 WRX Limited because I chose to be an early adopter of both. Otherwise everyone after me got Invoice or close to it. My current Impreza was Invoice, so at this point no one should settle for MSRP.

Sent from my SM-F926U using Tapatalk

I hear ya (I wish we had a "like" button).

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

So, you're telling me you have to look at the tach every time you drive your car? Even competitive? You can't learn it? I shift my car at 3K every time. Maybe 4K if I'm tryin to move a bit. RARELY look at my tach. Maybe I learned that on my early Justys that didn't have a tach. Dunno. When I feel I've tapped the power, I shift. That wasn't "near" 6100 in the WRX.

When racing, of course you look. You need to see when you are just about to hit redline, clutch, shift, go... This is why the STI has a shift light, why other cars flash their lights and why F1 cars have progressive lights.

When cruising around town? No, I shift 3-4k and can hear it.

Both above are how I drive my paddle shifter Giulia. You look when taking it up to redline, and you use your ear/feel when not.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by thill

But why is Subaru offering any discounts on the WRX if it is selling in record numbers? This makes no sense when the same dealers that are offering discounts on 23 WRX's offer no discounts, or least nothing on par with $1-4K off on any other vehicles on their lot. Maybe this is a Northeast anomaly. Logic is not computing.

WRX sit longer than other models because they are more expensive, come in manual and are not as popular as the Crosstrek, etc. So, the major rush came in and bought cars. Now new inventory might sit longer. There is also the issue of interest rates.

Your average WRX buyer might have a lower credit score and so a $38k Limited is going to have a higher payment than it did a year ago. So, they lower the price a few grand, but the interest rate is high. They probably make money on the financing too.

It's also the end of the model year for 22 inventory.

Again, we always got a discount. So this does not mean it is not a good car or not popular. It's just a business model.

Tesla just lowered prices and they sell wayyyy more cars than Subaru WRXs. It's a tool to entice buyers who are on the fence.

[thill]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

WRX sit longer than other models because they are more expensive, come in manual and are not as popular as the Crosstrek, etc. So, the major rush came in and bought cars. Now new inventory might sit longer. There is also the issue of interest rates.

Your average WRX buyer might have a lower credit score and so a $38k Limited is going to have a higher payment than it did a year ago. So, they lower the price a few grand, but the interest rate is high. They probably make money on the financing too.

It's also the end of the model year for 22 inventory.

Again, we always got a discount. So this does not mean it is not a good car or not popular. It's just a business model.

Tesla just lowered prices and they sell wayyyy more cars than Subaru WRXs. It's a tool to entice buyers who are on the fence.

Tesla lowered prices once they were eligible for EV tax credit. And they have very aggressive sales targets and some of the highest profit margins in the industry.

The Subarus I’m finding with $4500 discounts are brand new 2023 models not leftovers.

[Straight6]

Flex fuel kit should be available very soon.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by thill

Tesla lowered prices once they were eligible for EV tax credit. And they have very aggressive sales targets and some of the highest profit margins in the industry.

The Subarus I’m finding with $4500 discounts are brand new 2023 models not leftovers.

They just lowered them again. It’s all about interest rates and slowing buyer sentiment. This is done to entice purchases. Doesn’t mean the product wouldn’t be popular in the old days.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by thill

When does Subaru count a vehicle as sold? Once the order is placed by the dealer or once the dealer receives the vehicle, or once a vehicle has been sold to a customer?

Is it possible that dealers have committed to Subaru x number of WRX orders and this is why we see inventory and discounts, while Subaru is reporting strong sales? It is the only thing that makes sense to me. I looked into a BRZ a few months back and every dealer insisted on:
- full MSRP (and most of the full MSRP dealers required mandatory add ons like accessories paint protection coating, tint, etc, etc).
- full MSRP + the above + additional $3-5K markup

The same dealers offering discounts on the WRX won't give you any discount on a BRZ. Most did not have any in stock but did have allocations for 2-6+ months out.

It's not just the BRZ either, I was considering an Impreza hatch for my teens, and same story. Very limited stock, especially on the lower trim models and full MSRP. This was a few months ago, not sure if anything has changed but the same dealers I see discounting WRX's are not discounting these other models online at least. It's just the WRX.

There was some confusion earlier about this.

Subaru’s sales figures are from when a car is sold to a consumer, not a dealer.

Subaru’s vehicle sales revenue on their financial statements is counted when the car is shipped to a dealer.

[20WRX20]

Originally Posted by Straight6

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, as wrong as it may be. Fact is that it is a vast improvement to the VA and it dominates this segment in terms of sales. It is a true and proven legendary platform. Articles are spot on. Cheers!

Would you stop parroting this statement. We get it, you’re a fan of the car and for some reason need to defend it on every page. “Dominating sales” means nothing when there’s nothing else to compare it to. The Chrysler K-car dominated sales too; that doesn’t mean it was a good car.

Subjectively, the car performs about the same as the prior Gen. Looks are as-is. Interior and build quality seems a bit better. It’s more evolutionary than revolutionary.

I’m still on the fence about putting the WRX on the global platform. This would be like Chevrolet basing their new Corvette on the Blazer platform. The car just lacks character behind the wheel. It drives exactly like an Outback with a manual transmission. Does the VB even have inverted struts?

Take it or leave it. For the price, there is no other option. And we should be glad Subaru is against dealers marking these cars up.

[rallly 4]

Originally Posted by Straight6

Flex fuel kit should be available very soon.

Keyboard shopper you can’t do anything but watch what others do to the VB. Must suck huh?

[samagon]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

We just started getting Whataburger in our area(will have one within walking distance to my house in a few months). I did have one way back at the Crosstrek training in Dallas when it first came out. My assessment of it is the same as 11 years ago. It's OK. Now that I have a choice? I'll stick with McDs. Don't think I've ever had In and Out. Red Robin? That was pretty good. Ours closed.

I'm not saying there are some people who prefer the flavor of the Big Mac. most people though, they are going to look at the Big Mac and say it's a volume product at a lower price and that's why they get it, but they prefer the other options, but yeah, there are definitely some people who want a Big Mac.

look at Straight6, he's spewing his ejaculate all over this thread for the WRX.

Straight6 is to WRX as JustyWRC is to McDs.

but most aren't picking the Big Mac for flavor.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by samagon

I'm not saying there are some people who prefer the flavor of the Big Mac. most people though, they are going to look at the Big Mac and say it's a volume product at a lower price and that's why they get it, but they prefer the other options, but yeah, there are definitely some people who want a Big Mac.

look at Straight6, he's spewing his ejaculate all over this thread for the WRX.

Straight6 is to WRX as JustyWRC is to McDs.

but most aren't picking the Big Mac for flavor.

What would they be picking the Big Mac for then? There are certainly cheaper options on the menu?

I get what the point was; but, it's like opinions. Everyone's is different. The WRX is a good car. A great car even. Now, the "best" car? Again, subjective; but, has more objective points against it to be "best". Which I'd agree it is not the "best" car. Best "all around"(it is) I find to be a different look at it.

[jimbobjohnbrown]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

I prefer it in red, if anything.

Agreed

[20WRX20]

WRX’s have always looked good in red, even the VB. It’s also one of the more rarer colors.

[jimbobjohnbrown]

Originally Posted by 20WRX20

WRX’s have always looked good in red, even the VB. It’s also one of the more rarer colors.

Yep, That's why I grabbed it in red. Although I fear it might attract too much attention, but so far I have not gotten pulled over

I know that you test drove a VB, and was not particularly impressed. I would agree with your assessment. The first test drive I took was quite restricted with traffic and lack of a smooth curvy road, and the salesman sitting right next to me. Suffice to say I was not impressed, and not ready to buy.

It wasn't until I went to another dealer that let me test drive the car WITHOUT the salesman in the car, and directed me to a prime route that would make the car shine, for lack of a better term.

A completely different car when you actually get on it some, and with the proper roads to do so. I'm not saying the car is a rocket ship by any means, but it's definitely more fun when it's driven the way it's meant to be driven on the right roads. Otherwise, it's pretty much a slightly more fun commuter car with a third pedal and all-wheel drive.

It's definitely not an a revolutionary update, more of an evolutionary update. Yes, the engine is completely different, but it doesn't feel all that much different than the VA. Where it shines is the lack of rev hang, improved suspension, better clutch feel, and better interior (aside from the crappy tablet infotainment screen, which I am still getting used to).

I would say that the VB is itching to get tuned, but for different reasons than the VA. With the VA it's to get rid of the horrible rev hang, the crappy acceleration (all at once and then nothing), and dead spot between 4 and 5K RPM. With the VB, the temptation to tune is to wake the car up, as we know the FA24 is definitely capable of putting out more power than the factory tune. It's incredible what power people are getting with just a tune and an intake. Seems to be much more mod friendly than the VA. I'm not the type of person that tunes their cars, as I like my warranty, but it certainly is tempting.... OH SO TEMPTING!