Duane

Hi Folks,

I'm still trying to decide on whether to buy a WRX or VW Jetta 1.8T. When checking the vwvortex.com forums, I noticed there were many complaints about reliability (coilpacks, window regulators). The Jetta is a few thousand less than the WRX, though.

How reliable has your Subaru been? If you've been to the dealer, what has been your experience?

I currently/previously owned 5 Hondas and 1 VW. I didn't have any problems with the Hondas, although my VW ('91 - 2nd year they started building them in Mexico) had a fair amount of problems.

Skitch

I don't know about Subarus because I have no personal experience with them, but from what I've heard and read they are pretty reliable. I have been going through the forums here a lot lately.
I currently have a 2000 VW GTI, and it has had quite a few problems, more than a car its age should have IMO.
I do like the car a lot, but the quality just doesn't seem to be up to par.
As soon as my GTI sells I will be buying an 03 WRX, I've been seeing some people have gotten good deals on them
I don't plan on owning another VW for a while.

figowitz

I just bought my WRX... not even a week old. Yes, I would love to know about their reliability. My only info on the subject is seeing hundreds of old POS Subarus running around still, long after there owners want them too. I'd say I see more old as dirt Subarus then Hondas. Don't know if that means anything.

Anyway, here's my angle... I love power & speed, as much as the next guy. I have no problem with the idea of dumping a little or a lot of spare change into my ride for a few more ponies. I do want a 400hp WRX... not going to happen, but I want one. So many choices too - for where to put the money. The thing I'm concerned about it reliability relating to aftermarket mods.

As I understand it, Subaru has these crazy employees called engineers that went to school longer than me. They make the car the way they make it for reasons. It is extremely unlikely they make cars slower just to sell me an aftermarket turbo. Now, some of these reasons that the cars have untapped potential aren't very important to me. EPA stuff, really, I don't care, but I have too to pass emissions - damn. Noise, I don't care about that, within reason. Price... no biggie, if Subaru needs to keep MSRP down, so be it. But what about Reliability and Life Expectancy of the systems being changed along with Safety? I'm not worried about Greddy making a bad exhaust or turbo, but how do these things affect my car... other than hp gains? Are my Tri-Lights I want gonna jiggle down the road at night? Burn out? Fry fuses? Are my rims gonna crack in half going over a pothole or ruin my bad weather traction with their respective tires? Will my modded rice rocket live longer than the terms of my loan? Are these things gonna kill my resale value?

I know the WRX hasn't been out very long in the US to answer these questions, but I'd love to hear some feedback from longtime tuners about the pitfalls of the mod. What are some of the least offensive mods one could do? Exhaust and airbox I would assume? Am I destined to have a bone stock WRX because I worry too much?

I write too much.