My 2014 Outback was just over a year and 9600 miles old when the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) started to go out.  It was replaced under warranty, thank heavens.  But after I got the vehicle back from the dealer, it was still having weird issues like shuddering when making tight turns, etc.  I dropped it back off at the dealer the next day.  I was starting to wonder if I had a lemon on my hands.  But the thing about lemon laws is usually it has to be the same issue that’s unsuccessfully fixed three or more time before you can invoke the law and get any joy.  I didn’t want to have to deal with that on a brand new car, anyway.

For better or for worse, I decided to take advantage of the still decent trade-in value and get a different Subaru.  At first I was thinking maybe a Forester would be good, as I’ve driven the 2015 and liked it.  More peppy than the Outback, even with the same 2.5 liter engine and CVT.  Odd, I know.  But when I was on the dealer’s site checking out their inventory, I noticed they had two 2016 WRX’s in stock.  Around these parts, a new WRX is pretty rare.  In fact, last year when I bought my Outback, I was originally looking for a WRX but they weren’t available at all in the Northwest at the time.  Plus the Outback was “more practical” I told myself, and settled on that.  Turns out I really haven’t taken advantage of the Outback’s practicality, and since I also have a real Jeep Cherokee, I don’t really need another off-roady vehicle anyway.

I test drove both of the WRX’s: a red one with CVT, and a silver manual.  I liked the CVT but I don’t like red.  And I am still a little doubtful of the CVT’s durability in light of my experience with the Outback, despite the claim that the WRX’s CVT is “high torque” to handle more power, etc.  Plus, manual transmissions are funner to drive, and I really missed not having one for 10 years or more.  So I traded in the “old” Outback for a new WRX Limited!!

I gotta say, this is by far the funnest car I’ve ever owned or driven.  It just sticks to the road like glue, even going fast on a 270 degree off-ramp.  And when the turbo kicks in, it likes to slam you back into your seat.  The first couple of days I was literally scared of this car, fearing I had bitten off more than I could chew.  Fortunately, the human mind is pretty adaptable and now it doesn’t feel fast enough!  To be fair, I’m still driving it pretty easy for the first 1000 miles to break it in.  But I just love driving this machine.  It is so precise, fast, stops quickly, has a great touchscreen head unit, nice alloy wheels, moonroof, heated leather seats, etc.

Plans for the near future are window tinting and paint protection film, probably Xpel brand?  After the warranty runs out in 7 years, I may mod it with a bigger turbo and better exhaust.  But this thing is great just like it is!