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Is the Subaru WRX STI a good first car?
I just got my license and have started the arduous car shopping process. I found a used Subaru WRX STI for a great deal, but I want to ensure I get something good. Is the Subaru WRX STI a good first car?
Natalie Todoroff · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The
Subaru WRX STI
is not a good first car. Its ultra-potent engine, premium fuel
-guzzling tendencies, and high upkeep costs make this a no-go for first time drivers. The engine has way too much juice for a first-time driver. The Subaru WRX STI can produce up to 271 horsepower, which can be hard for a newer driver to control. Generally, for a beginning vehicle, we’d suggest you stick to something in the 200 horsepower range.
The cost to fuel your WRX STI will take a hefty bite out of your budget. Naturally, exact fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits and location, but no matter how you slice it, the WRX STI gets poor fuel economy: only 16 city / 22 highway mpg. Plus, this little diva only takes premium fuel—which can drain your bank account even quicker.
If that wasn’t enough to dissuade you, we should bring up its average annual repair costs. RepairPal estimates that WRX STI owners spend an average of around $750 every year in maintenance. To put that figure into perspective, the average
cost of maintaining a Subaru
is lower at just around $600 every year. If you’re really in love with the brand, though, we’d suggest a
Subaru Impreza
. Its responsive handling, reliable reputation, stellar safety scores make the Impreza a solid option for first-time car buyers. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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