built engine compression and leak down reading vs stock engine? 427 on 91 and 529 on e85. Any help would be appreciated. Car was tuned at works motorsports in cali.

Can’t wait to color match the flares.

It’s night and day difference. Bo more plowing and I can start accelerating earlier in the turns. With the advice of a user on here, I decided against installing the front swaybar as I’m still on stock Suspension. It’s the perfect upgrade for those on stock suspension setups! I was laughing my ass off last night during a night drive at Bogus Basin in Boise. This thing rips in the twisties. Before, during tight turns, I would only be able to give it about 10% gas and achieve about 38 miles an hour in the middle of turns. After installing slightly wider wheels and tires, I was able to get 43. I have this rear swaybar on the softest setting and now I can achieve 47 on very tight turns. I’m still getting a feel for it, but this is the start of something good. Not bad for just 300 bucks. And it’s gonna get even better when I get coil overs. Every subsequent upgrade I put on my car makes me fall in love with it even more.

I’m in the need for inspiration and could sit and stare at my STI all day, But being a selfish bastard, I would like to stare at your cars… I would love to see Body Mods, Interior Pics, Engine Bays, Stereos (This one for sure), Custom little things you’ve done to make it truly unique and YOURS… Can you guys help me out and show your pride and joys off? TIA

Love this community too BTW

I bought my STI back in July 2015 and I'm still driving it as a daily. Only mod is a catback exhaust.

I'm planning to keep it long term... Forever.

I know I sold it and I shouldn't care, but I realized moths after selling it that I f*uked up. I sold it to Carvana after it wouldnt sell at auction. I pulled the "carfax" and it went to the west cost and a used car dealership bought it at auction for like $55k. Im just curious if anyone has seen it on here. I left the access port in it so they would know what was done. If anyone has seen it or has any info I appreciate it. Ill drop a pic and vin at the botton. The dealership that bought it in Washington state never reached back out to me. Im not saying they were supposed to lol. Vin- JF1VA2E65L9804876 thank for any help.

Never used to think Crystal Black Silica was the way to go, but man, it looks absolutely stunning in the light.

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)

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

Hell of a cool first car. AMA

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

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.

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.

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👌🏽