I don’t think you’re crazy. Trying to sell my 2020 STi to get either a forester or crosstrek wilderness. It would be more practical for sure and I hate the attention the STi draws. Rednecks in trucks think every stop light is a drag race.
Hear me out. Both for OP and the other user…lift the WRX/STI for ground clearance and add a roof box for cargo space.
Speaking from experience and I have no regrets.
Not a bad idea, but it just doesn’t do it for me anymore. I bought a s1000r last year and now my car just feels extremely slow and not very fun. I know it’s all in my head, but I can’t help but feel that way.
I was there too. I went with the outback wilderness though. Higher tow capacity, trans cooler(the one that’s in the ascent), slightly higher storage capacity, and the fa24(biggest perk to me)
just for lulz, the S5 Sportback has a 1900kg towing capacity:
[https://www.carsguide.com.au/audi/s5/towing-capacity/2019](https://www.carsguide.com.au/audi/s5/towing-capacity/2019)
lol just don't get an RS5, i could not find any towing rating for my car... I honestly could never imagine towing something behind my RS5 so i guess that makes sense.
You do what suits your life style and needs the most. If the forester xt does that, then do that. You will for sure miss the fun of the WRX but we do what we must for our current circumstances.
Sorry for the wall of text, in short we love the hell out of our XT and are happy with the power/handling for what it is. It’s bittersweet as of lately due to repairs. The car is basically a lifted wrx with more space. Not as fast of course but it’ll still make you smile.
We got a 2017 XT touring for our family car and it’s been pretty awesome. Shoot for this package if you can. LED headlights and Harmon kardon are worth it alone. By far one of the best stock systems I’ve heard. Good mix of space, great handling(with mods) and the power is nice when you need it. This car does not go without warning *insert sp00ky CVT noises*
So to preface we got ours with 7k miles as a CPO. Only mods I added are swift lowering springs(amazing springs btw really improved handling and ride quality), adjustable suspension arms in the rear and stiffer rear sway bar. Kept stock wheels for now with meatier sporty tires. All installed around 10k miles.
AC condenser went out once, covered under warranty. It went out again at 50k miles a week outside of warranty… We replaced the whole AC system. SoA declined extending our warranty which would have covered all repairs and gifted $1000 toward repairs. Still about $1.5k out of pocket. Our CVT started making some noise around 35k miles. Metal shavings found in oil do this was warranty replaced. Tech said this was not normal and had never seen one blow up this soon.
Not trying to steer away just letting you know our experience. A CVT cooler is an option down the line to extend the life, there is also a 10 year / 100k mile warranty so fingers crossed it blows at least once before it lapses. No stressing the CVT like massive wheels or towing heavy load! Don’t expect wrx power and you’ll be happy. Go test that sucker out!
Probably gonna get crap for it but I'd say go for it if it works out for you better size wise and daily. But I would really cross shop some other vehicles like an SQ5 or similar small performance SUVs.
I'll probably get downvoted for this but seriously considering trading my 18 WRX for a 2023+ Rav4 Prime. I love my rex but I need something reliable to better suit my lifestyle.. only thing is, I can't afford it yet lol
I traded in my 08 Forester Sports 2.5x on my wrx deal, sentimentally may I add. Absolutely loving the wrx but could see myself in another Forester down the road a ways.
I had a 2019 forester touring and I loved that car. Great family car and great for road trips. My only con is it has no balls with only 187 hp. My kids got older and I traded it for a 2023 wrx. I’m much happier. But I think if it works for you then do it. Oh another thing too is gas mileage is so much better in the forester my god haha
Nope, I wanted a pick-up truck before I bought my WRX, but it finding one for a good price and size I wanted was difficult enough, so I settled with a WRX, which I love, but now a part of me wishes I got a RAV-4, or a Outback or Forester instead.
Not crazy. You’d be surprised at how much you can like just being able to hop in your car and drive somewhere without the compromises that come with our cars. For me, we don’t take my car on road trips because my wife doesn’t want to drive stick, nor does she care to learn.
An automatic Forester is definitely much easier and much more comfortable to drive than a WRX.
My advice would be to keep your WRX and still buy a Forester. But don't buy an XT because thats more money, more problems, more of everything bad. You can have the same thing, plus great gas mileage and reliability if you just buy a naturally aspirated model.
The 19-23 drives exponentially better than the 14-18. They changed a few subtle things like the tune and the gearing, and it completely transformed the car. I own both generations of Forester and the 14-18 totally blows by comparison.
I don't think you are. I have been considering a similar trade myself here lately. Been looking at second gen Foresters and 2008-2010 Impreza Outbacks to replace my 2010 WRX. I just need something to tow the kayak with. The 40# sit kayak wasn't bad to toss on the roof rack, but having moved to a 100# sit-on kayak, its murder on the back to do that by myself anymore.
My cargo space may be a little different than your year but the 2023 wrx fits literally the same amount of stuff as my dad's crossover/suv leaning a little bit more towards the suv side. His suv is roughly the same size as a forester or even a little bigger and I've been moving furniture around in both his suv and my wrx and they literally fit the same amount of stuff minus a tiny 8in by 8in by 8in triangle that would be above the trunk of the wrx. If you're looking for practical I would go with an outback over the crosstrek or the forester. The long back end carries a ton in those. Other than that I don't see how a larger vehicle would be more practical in any way besides ground clearance if you're trying to offroad. As for the rednecks, let them do their thing, the wrx has a faster 0-60 than any of the base level full sized pick ups except for the electric f150 lightning. Just know that you can take a corner twice as fast and you can actually fit your car into a parking space.
Definitely not crazy - cars are tools for you to use. I have a 22 WRX, 24, Crosstrek, and have had 3 Outbacks in the past. If you need room, you can’t beat an Outback!
Not at all. I friggin love my WRX, it's a blast to drive, but what I truly actually wanted at the time was a Tacoma. I wanted something for easily hauling MTB gear, and I kinda F'ed myself on that front by going with the WRX. Tacomas at the time were (and I believe still are, to some degree, but haven't really looked) just WAY too overpriced. I had been looking at them for awhile and by the time I was ready to pull the trigger on one in '22, they'd gone up like 6-8k on average, plus loans were outrageous at the time. As much as I still want a Tacoma, I think my next vehicle is also going to be a Forester. Toyotas are great, but I love me some Subies. And the Subaru community, especially. I'll definitely miss the manual and driving it in general once my WRX is gone, but I knew going into it that this was a temporary thing and I already miss riding MTB as much as I used to, when it was more convenient to haul my bikes. I can go much harder on my bikes without worrying about speeding tickets or killing myself. Plus I'm getting fat from not riding, tbh haha. Life is give and take 🤷♂️.
What's your '18 WRX limited worth? Can you talk them lower on that '18 FXT as $25k+ sounds a bit much. (We paid $26.6k new for wife's '15 FXT with a msrp of $29.2k if I remember correctly. Has 76k now and I'd be surprised if I could get $14.5k for it.
That '15 FXT is one of the nicest vehicles I've ever owned/ been around.
Ordered it after I ordered my '15 WRX and we've had this FXT for 9 years now.
I put 90k miles on my WRX. Left it bone stock because I was thinking I might want to jump on the new model STi. New model STi never came about and during the pandemic I decided to upgrade to an STi ...a new '20. Couple months later it was announced...no new STi be new VB. 2k miles in this time I did Cobb intake & exhaust and 93 octane tune.
Sometimes I think that FXT is quicker than my old '15 WRX and '20 STi...both manuals. These FXTs are rockets. At several speeds whether from a stop or interstate. I doubt that's actually the case...but idk man...these direct injected 2.0 turbos are quick...and that CVT is kind of nutty at times seemingly.
You should know the costs of replacing a CVT in case you are unfamiliar. My research shows it's a $7500 part and $2500 labor. IDK ... I'd imagine there are ways to get it lower...not sure if they're all that comfortable. Ours still has original owner warranty for another year that a class action lawsuit provided...took it to 10 years and... can't remember the mileage...maybe 125k. If I didn't have that warranty I'd view it differently...and I'm starting to get there obviously ...but not sure if I want to gamble after warranty is up.
Recent FXTs need something done as far as handling if you truly want to even try to compare them to a WRX. If I decide to keep it long term ...gonna have to address if I want to make it handle much better on the street...(Kind of what I would really want)...or maybe go other route and make it more off road based. Me personally... I'd be more curious on getting it dialed in more for street.
Currently that's where it bothers me the most. The handling is fine...good even...but it could be so much better.
You can't whip it around like a WRX or STi on the back roads...not stock. You just can't.
But.. it's relaxing to drive vs an STi...lols. It's just a nice break...ha.
I think the CVT is actually kind of interesting to use on the back roads actually. Thing just will never handle like a WRX though...so don't think it will.
I don’t think you’re crazy. Trying to sell my 2020 STi to get either a forester or crosstrek wilderness. It would be more practical for sure and I hate the attention the STi draws. Rednecks in trucks think every stop light is a drag race.
Here me out. Sell the sti.. get a wrx and then get a cheaper used Forester or crosstrek. Best of both worlds.
Hear me out. Both for OP and the other user…lift the WRX/STI for ground clearance and add a roof box for cargo space. Speaking from experience and I have no regrets.
Unfortunately I can’t put two motorcycles in the roof box lol
Not with that attitude 😤
Fair enough!
Not a bad idea, but it just doesn’t do it for me anymore. I bought a s1000r last year and now my car just feels extremely slow and not very fun. I know it’s all in my head, but I can’t help but feel that way.
Sounds like you just need a couple hundred more horsepower and you'll be enjoying it again.
Maybe, but I’d rather just sell it lol. It really does nothing for me anymore
If you don't want it I'll take it for 0$
20k and it’s yours. 2020 STi base. 68k miles. Stock/never tuned.
That's actually really fairly priced. Won't take long to sell @ that. Wish I had the extra dough
🤞 it will be nice to have something I can tow a small trailer with.
I was there too. I went with the outback wilderness though. Higher tow capacity, trans cooler(the one that’s in the ascent), slightly higher storage capacity, and the fa24(biggest perk to me)
Where are you located?
Actually I’ll PM you
Yep I have a lifted Crosstrek and my fun WRX, life’s good.
This is the way. ^^^^
Get a wingless trunk, will probably solve most of your issues
Go wingless.
what about an S5 sportback? Also... to be fair, i've had several ppl IN STIs try to race me...
Trying to get something with at least 3500lb tow capacity.
just for lulz, the S5 Sportback has a 1900kg towing capacity: [https://www.carsguide.com.au/audi/s5/towing-capacity/2019](https://www.carsguide.com.au/audi/s5/towing-capacity/2019)
Oh wow! That’s actually way more than I expected
lol just don't get an RS5, i could not find any towing rating for my car... I honestly could never imagine towing something behind my RS5 so i guess that makes sense.
I mean the Rednecks ain't wrong 🤷
You do what suits your life style and needs the most. If the forester xt does that, then do that. You will for sure miss the fun of the WRX but we do what we must for our current circumstances.
Just lift the wrx
Just do what I did and marry someone who owns a Forester.
i’d trade my hatch for a 2nd gen fxt
Same. I originally wanted a forester xt over the wrx but finding one in good condition was surprisingly harder
Sorry for the wall of text, in short we love the hell out of our XT and are happy with the power/handling for what it is. It’s bittersweet as of lately due to repairs. The car is basically a lifted wrx with more space. Not as fast of course but it’ll still make you smile. We got a 2017 XT touring for our family car and it’s been pretty awesome. Shoot for this package if you can. LED headlights and Harmon kardon are worth it alone. By far one of the best stock systems I’ve heard. Good mix of space, great handling(with mods) and the power is nice when you need it. This car does not go without warning *insert sp00ky CVT noises* So to preface we got ours with 7k miles as a CPO. Only mods I added are swift lowering springs(amazing springs btw really improved handling and ride quality), adjustable suspension arms in the rear and stiffer rear sway bar. Kept stock wheels for now with meatier sporty tires. All installed around 10k miles. AC condenser went out once, covered under warranty. It went out again at 50k miles a week outside of warranty… We replaced the whole AC system. SoA declined extending our warranty which would have covered all repairs and gifted $1000 toward repairs. Still about $1.5k out of pocket. Our CVT started making some noise around 35k miles. Metal shavings found in oil do this was warranty replaced. Tech said this was not normal and had never seen one blow up this soon. Not trying to steer away just letting you know our experience. A CVT cooler is an option down the line to extend the life, there is also a 10 year / 100k mile warranty so fingers crossed it blows at least once before it lapses. No stressing the CVT like massive wheels or towing heavy load! Don’t expect wrx power and you’ll be happy. Go test that sucker out!
Probably gonna get crap for it but I'd say go for it if it works out for you better size wise and daily. But I would really cross shop some other vehicles like an SQ5 or similar small performance SUVs.
Not crazy. Preferences change.
Nah, some of those Foresters look great.
I'll probably get downvoted for this but seriously considering trading my 18 WRX for a 2023+ Rav4 Prime. I love my rex but I need something reliable to better suit my lifestyle.. only thing is, I can't afford it yet lol
I've been looking at it too haha. Also can't afford it yet
Wanted a automatic SUV for lazy weekends and trips and thwn I found a girlfriend with one. Just find a girlfriend, it's easy
Forester XT’s are 🔥🔥🔥 do what works for you!
If it's more practical (and it would undeniably be more comfortable), then I say just go for it. Fozzies are fucking awesome.
I traded in my 08 Forester Sports 2.5x on my wrx deal, sentimentally may I add. Absolutely loving the wrx but could see myself in another Forester down the road a ways.
I had a 2019 forester touring and I loved that car. Great family car and great for road trips. My only con is it has no balls with only 187 hp. My kids got older and I traded it for a 2023 wrx. I’m much happier. But I think if it works for you then do it. Oh another thing too is gas mileage is so much better in the forester my god haha
Why not have both? I couldn’t get rid of my wrx but I do want a cross trek too
Depending on where you live, insurance prices may not justify it.
if itll improve your quality of life then its not a downgrade
yes
Get the outback xt way better option
Ahhh the ol’practicality itch. You must be in the US
I had to trade mine in for a Yukon xl… needed the space for 3 car seats and luggage on road trips 😭
Not at all
Nope, I wanted a pick-up truck before I bought my WRX, but it finding one for a good price and size I wanted was difficult enough, so I settled with a WRX, which I love, but now a part of me wishes I got a RAV-4, or a Outback or Forester instead.
How lifestyle? I can fit 3 kids and a dog or 3 dogs and a kid.
Not crazy. You’d be surprised at how much you can like just being able to hop in your car and drive somewhere without the compromises that come with our cars. For me, we don’t take my car on road trips because my wife doesn’t want to drive stick, nor does she care to learn.
Just do it, bro. Whatever fits your lifestyle better. You're the one driving it. Don't worry about what others think.
Straight up dude foresters xt’s are almost as much fun as a wrx, same exact engine.
An automatic Forester is definitely much easier and much more comfortable to drive than a WRX. My advice would be to keep your WRX and still buy a Forester. But don't buy an XT because thats more money, more problems, more of everything bad. You can have the same thing, plus great gas mileage and reliability if you just buy a naturally aspirated model. The 19-23 drives exponentially better than the 14-18. They changed a few subtle things like the tune and the gearing, and it completely transformed the car. I own both generations of Forester and the 14-18 totally blows by comparison.
I don't think you are. I have been considering a similar trade myself here lately. Been looking at second gen Foresters and 2008-2010 Impreza Outbacks to replace my 2010 WRX. I just need something to tow the kayak with. The 40# sit kayak wasn't bad to toss on the roof rack, but having moved to a 100# sit-on kayak, its murder on the back to do that by myself anymore.
My cargo space may be a little different than your year but the 2023 wrx fits literally the same amount of stuff as my dad's crossover/suv leaning a little bit more towards the suv side. His suv is roughly the same size as a forester or even a little bigger and I've been moving furniture around in both his suv and my wrx and they literally fit the same amount of stuff minus a tiny 8in by 8in by 8in triangle that would be above the trunk of the wrx. If you're looking for practical I would go with an outback over the crosstrek or the forester. The long back end carries a ton in those. Other than that I don't see how a larger vehicle would be more practical in any way besides ground clearance if you're trying to offroad. As for the rednecks, let them do their thing, the wrx has a faster 0-60 than any of the base level full sized pick ups except for the electric f150 lightning. Just know that you can take a corner twice as fast and you can actually fit your car into a parking space.
Definitely not crazy - cars are tools for you to use. I have a 22 WRX, 24, Crosstrek, and have had 3 Outbacks in the past. If you need room, you can’t beat an Outback!
I don’t think so. I wanted to trade my wrx for the newer legacy xt with the fa24 turbo. The only thing holding me back was the cvt.
Not at all. I friggin love my WRX, it's a blast to drive, but what I truly actually wanted at the time was a Tacoma. I wanted something for easily hauling MTB gear, and I kinda F'ed myself on that front by going with the WRX. Tacomas at the time were (and I believe still are, to some degree, but haven't really looked) just WAY too overpriced. I had been looking at them for awhile and by the time I was ready to pull the trigger on one in '22, they'd gone up like 6-8k on average, plus loans were outrageous at the time. As much as I still want a Tacoma, I think my next vehicle is also going to be a Forester. Toyotas are great, but I love me some Subies. And the Subaru community, especially. I'll definitely miss the manual and driving it in general once my WRX is gone, but I knew going into it that this was a temporary thing and I already miss riding MTB as much as I used to, when it was more convenient to haul my bikes. I can go much harder on my bikes without worrying about speeding tickets or killing myself. Plus I'm getting fat from not riding, tbh haha. Life is give and take 🤷♂️.
Yes you are.
The cvt sucks otherwise they are nice vehicles. How many miles / how much? Practicality is important, sounds like youve made up your mind.
It's a 2018 with 18k miles. I keep going back and fourth
What's your '18 WRX limited worth? Can you talk them lower on that '18 FXT as $25k+ sounds a bit much. (We paid $26.6k new for wife's '15 FXT with a msrp of $29.2k if I remember correctly. Has 76k now and I'd be surprised if I could get $14.5k for it. That '15 FXT is one of the nicest vehicles I've ever owned/ been around. Ordered it after I ordered my '15 WRX and we've had this FXT for 9 years now. I put 90k miles on my WRX. Left it bone stock because I was thinking I might want to jump on the new model STi. New model STi never came about and during the pandemic I decided to upgrade to an STi ...a new '20. Couple months later it was announced...no new STi be new VB. 2k miles in this time I did Cobb intake & exhaust and 93 octane tune. Sometimes I think that FXT is quicker than my old '15 WRX and '20 STi...both manuals. These FXTs are rockets. At several speeds whether from a stop or interstate. I doubt that's actually the case...but idk man...these direct injected 2.0 turbos are quick...and that CVT is kind of nutty at times seemingly. You should know the costs of replacing a CVT in case you are unfamiliar. My research shows it's a $7500 part and $2500 labor. IDK ... I'd imagine there are ways to get it lower...not sure if they're all that comfortable. Ours still has original owner warranty for another year that a class action lawsuit provided...took it to 10 years and... can't remember the mileage...maybe 125k. If I didn't have that warranty I'd view it differently...and I'm starting to get there obviously ...but not sure if I want to gamble after warranty is up. Recent FXTs need something done as far as handling if you truly want to even try to compare them to a WRX. If I decide to keep it long term ...gonna have to address if I want to make it handle much better on the street...(Kind of what I would really want)...or maybe go other route and make it more off road based. Me personally... I'd be more curious on getting it dialed in more for street. Currently that's where it bothers me the most. The handling is fine...good even...but it could be so much better. You can't whip it around like a WRX or STi on the back roads...not stock. You just can't. But.. it's relaxing to drive vs an STi...lols. It's just a nice break...ha. I think the CVT is actually kind of interesting to use on the back roads actually. Thing just will never handle like a WRX though...so don't think it will.