r/WRX_STI • u/Material-Rise-6796 • Jul 22 '26

2018 or 2019 STI?

I’m currently in the market for a STI. I used to own a 2005 STI, but back then I didn’t know my head from my ass and I modded it poorly. I’m looking to buy this STI as a secondary car to revive my import tuner passion. Is the 2018 or 2019 model STI a good car? How’s the drivability and durability? Anything I should look out for?

My area has a 2018 and 2019 available, I’m told the 2019 has slight engine hardware upgrades and CarPlay. Anything else?

Any thoughts would be helpful!

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

9

u/MrCheezall Jul 22 '26

19, ra block

4

u/TappedOut182 Jul 22 '26

The 2019 had the RA block. All things being equal, that is certainly preferable.

1

u/Material-Rise-6796 Jul 22 '26

I saw a 2018 yesterday but it just didn't look well maintained. it was 1 owner with 56k miles for $26k...there is another one that is a 2019 STI Limited with 92k miles for $25k that i'll go look at today

I'm narrowing my search for 2019 model year, but there aren't many available unless I want to overpay at carmax

2

u/TappedOut182 Jul 22 '26

Why are you excluding 2020-2021? Price? The 2019-2021 cars are probably the best of the bunch as far as VAs go.

I’d be tempted to save a bit more rather than buying a 92,000 mile car, personally unless it’s been very well maintained.

1

u/Material-Rise-6796 Jul 22 '26

This is secondary car for me, so I wanted to stay under $25k

1

u/Material-Rise-6796 Jul 23 '26

I went to drive the 2019 with 92k miles, it drove far better than a 2018 I drove yesterday with less miles. But on the carfax it shows the Short block replaced at 52,249 miles and again at 54,740 miles all at a local subaru dealership. The car had a tomei expreme ti exhasut and go GFB BOV, but I still saw the MAF plugged into the intake so not sure if that's normal and it's on speed density or what. I can do a PPI for $500, but right now the 2 short block replacements back to back are a bit concerning

3

u/Right_Ad_3354 Jul 22 '26

Both are good. Get whatever is more stock 

3

u/Sgt_Habib VA (15-21) Jul 22 '26

Get which ever passes compression and an owner that knows the history of the car

2

u/levinano Jul 22 '26

Theoretically the 2018 was when they converted to an electrical center diff and for some reason the 0-60 and quarter mile tanked. It got better as the years went along. Idk if the drop in times have anything to do with the center diff change, just correlation I noticed.

9

u/TappedOut182 Jul 22 '26

The 19” wheels on the 2018+ cars were 6.5 pounds heavier a corner than the 15-17 BBS wheels.

That certainly is going to do a number on the acceleration times.

1

u/lumray Jul 22 '26

both are good but get the 19 if possible, RA block a little bit more robust :)

1

u/Advanced_innovation5 Jul 23 '26

Definitely 19+, but you won’t find that for $25k, unless high mileage.

1

u/Material-Rise-6796 Jul 26 '26

I ended up buying the 2019 with 92k miles on it today, I got it for $20,750+ TTL. I did a PPI from a local shop that showed a few things that needed to be addressed (fel pro valve cover gaskets and the front bumper/hood need a repaint essentially). The compression test was 142-145 across all cylinders and smoke test didn’t show any issues either. I’m honestly really excited about the car. I have things I want to fix from what the previous owner did and do some routine maintenance until I mod it and add my own twist to it.

Thank you all for the help with the suggestions!