For those of you, like myself, who decided to purchase the 2022 base model WRX this thread is for you. Show off your new car, lets discuss why you purchased the base 2022 WRX, whatever else you'd like but at least try to get a pic of your new WRX in your reply. For me the base model was more appealing overall, and price had nothing to do with that. How about you, why did you choose the base model and what do you like about it?
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carlgarrard2112
2022 WRX BASE MODEL THREAD
For those of you, like myself, who decided to purchase the 2022 base model WRX this thread is for you. Show off your new car, lets discuss why you purchased the base 2022 WRX, whatever else you'd like but at least try to get a pic of your new WRX in your reply. For me the base model was more appealing overall, and price had nothing to do with that. How about you, why did you choose the base model and what do you like about it?
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2021 base, not 2022 but I think these differences carry over:
No sunroof - less noise, more headroom
Stiffer suspension - felt better & more controlled than premium's inverted struts,
Fewer electronic nannies
Cons - No fog lights or brembos but I installed both for much less than the price difference between trim levels.
No sunroof - less noise, more headroom
Stiffer suspension - felt better & more controlled than premium's inverted struts,
Fewer electronic nannies
Cons - No fog lights or brembos but I installed both for much less than the price difference between trim levels.
Why did you choose the base model?
Hey Drama, lol sorry if it sounded like I was downing the premie's and GT's. Not my intention. I have all the bells and whistles of luxury on my 2021 Ascent, so had even more incentive to go stock on the WRX. Not sure what I'm going to do further as far as mods. Right now I'm in research phase and not much out there for the 2022 WRX's so far. Nothing has tickled my fancy yet. Anything I decide on doing will have to genuinely make it better without ruining my warranty... that limits me greatly lol.
I understand most of the experienced members here suggest not voiding warranty and helping new comers fully understand the possible issues that arise with modifications. For that im appreciative!!!
In my case, I will wait a while to do engine mods, but this is probably my only and last chance to do something like this. I was uninterested in sports cars during my youth. And the way its going... options are already becoming limited.
EV is potentially killing the gas powered sport car. Cars have always been just to get me from point A to B. Until...My 2016 Impreza sport hatchback changed that. 🤣🤣🤣. Its nothing special, but it is fun to drive! While getting an oil change at dealership, I test drove a STI... STI is dead, next best thing is WRX which I'm awaiting delivery. Lol
Im not well off by any means, but I'm willing to work a lot of OT for these upgrades when time comes. I want to get WRX professionally tuned, even if that means buying a stand alone ECM.
In my case, I will wait a while to do engine mods, but this is probably my only and last chance to do something like this. I was uninterested in sports cars during my youth. And the way its going... options are already becoming limited.
EV is potentially killing the gas powered sport car. Cars have always been just to get me from point A to B. Until...My 2016 Impreza sport hatchback changed that. 🤣🤣🤣. Its nothing special, but it is fun to drive! While getting an oil change at dealership, I test drove a STI... STI is dead, next best thing is WRX which I'm awaiting delivery. Lol
Im not well off by any means, but I'm willing to work a lot of OT for these upgrades when time comes. I want to get WRX professionally tuned, even if that means buying a stand alone ECM.
Shoot you guys make some great points in favor of the base. Makes me feel like I fell into a marketing trap when i got my limited lol. I will say the lumbar support and premium sound system are things I feel I will enjoy and appreciate in every drive. Do you plan on AutoX or track use?
Prime_rex, I do wish there was more info and availability for a rally set up for WRX. I don't want to go full rally, but woterrain. A practical rally set up for my terrian.
I was going fast and hard around a tight bend. The subie handled it perfectly, but I was hugging too tight and road edge had a chunk missing. Bent rim and flat tire on low pros. 🤦🏽‍♂️
I was going fast and hard around a tight bend. The subie handled it perfectly, but I was hugging too tight and road edge had a chunk missing. Bent rim and flat tire on low pros. 🤦🏽‍♂️
Yes I'll agree the stock stereo is nothing to brag about, it's functional. Had Subaru allowed the option of upgrading to it without including the 11' screen, I probably would have. That said, I've heard worse stereo's by far, and the stock stereo in my 2022 WRX is better than my HK upgrade I had in my 2018 Crosstrek. Overall I felt the customization options Subaru provided were a bit too tight considering the day and age we live in, but I got at least 95% of what I wanted in terms of custom options so I'm happy. Still waiting for the backordered illuminated footwell lights to show up so I can take it back to the dealer and have the rest of everything installed.
Like you Drama, I'm taking my time and reading, watching, learning. I did some mods to my 2018 Crosstrek, and took my time with that, loved how it came out. So I've learned my lesson- take your time and let every decision sit overnight until you are absolutely sure you want to upgrade each and every item.
Likely I'll wait to do the big mods after I pay off my new WRX early. Since it's a 2nd car, I don't have to be so concerned about it being in the shop or breaking my warranty, and with it paid off I don't have any concerns about the bank either.
Like you Drama, I'm taking my time and reading, watching, learning. I did some mods to my 2018 Crosstrek, and took my time with that, loved how it came out. So I've learned my lesson- take your time and let every decision sit overnight until you are absolutely sure you want to upgrade each and every item.
Likely I'll wait to do the big mods after I pay off my new WRX early. Since it's a 2nd car, I don't have to be so concerned about it being in the shop or breaking my warranty, and with it paid off I don't have any concerns about the bank either.
The JBL MS-8 signal processor seems to be unfortunately discontinued but if you can find one (~$300 on fleabay) it makes a night and day difference to any factory system - base, upgraded, whatever. It lets you re-contour the frequency response, adjust crossovers, add sub(s), etc. There's some limited discussion on this site about the MS-8 already if you care to read.
I have one in my current Focus ST (ST3 audio) but I intend to keep it on the shelf when my VB comes in just in case I still want it.
I have one in my current Focus ST (ST3 audio) but I intend to keep it on the shelf when my VB comes in just in case I still want it.
The short answer is you either give the MS-8 line level (probably not us) or speaker level inputs. Then either line out to another amp or use the internal 25w/ch amp and run speaker out to each speaker.
It comes with its own test tone CD and a microphone so you sit in the driver's seat and it listens to itself to set initial levels. After that you use the EQ to tune to your preference. I assume you can rip the CD and play from a phone if you don't have a CD player but i'm not sure about that. Then you can hide the interface device and use dash/steering wheel volume controls from that point forward.
With my ST3 its super easy to tap in because the factory amp is in the trunk so each speaker can be intercepted and then lined right back out. Idk what the VB looks like.
And yes, you HAVE to run through the initial calibration at least once. A significant word of caution is the solders on the main board are flimsy and it's easy to break off the mic jack and then you're SOL (voice of experience).
It comes with its own test tone CD and a microphone so you sit in the driver's seat and it listens to itself to set initial levels. After that you use the EQ to tune to your preference. I assume you can rip the CD and play from a phone if you don't have a CD player but i'm not sure about that. Then you can hide the interface device and use dash/steering wheel volume controls from that point forward.
With my ST3 its super easy to tap in because the factory amp is in the trunk so each speaker can be intercepted and then lined right back out. Idk what the VB looks like.
And yes, you HAVE to run through the initial calibration at least once. A significant word of caution is the solders on the main board are flimsy and it's easy to break off the mic jack and then you're SOL (voice of experience).
So ordered a couple small things, both Subaru OEM parts- the STI door cup protectors, and the (wait for it)... STI license plate frame. Should be getting the footwell illumination kit, Subi oil cap/battery tie downs installed in about a week. That's it for the small stuff for now. Right now I'm researching tires, very likely going a size taller and a bit wider, all seasons. I want some meats on this baby. Thinking of going full rally look- we'll see. Must be inspired, green light in the head. 
Hey First post and love seeing the pics of your base model. That's a great looking car. I was on the lot looking at a Crosstrek today and among all the shiny blue and white WRX Premiums a dark gray Base model popped out. I am going to schedule a drive. the only problem that I have is that I have an hour long commute and those seats don't look that great and I'd like fogs. Is adding after market (or factory fogs) easy? What about aftermarket seats on a new car? I also have to get an automatic unfortunately. Anyone enjoy driving their auto? Ha ha!
I think the base seats are the same as the premium (which I have). The limited upgrades some of the fabric to ultrasuede. I don't think it will change the comfort. There are aftermarket seat covers from Katzkins and others. I'm adding Subaru OEM seatcovers to mine because I need to take my dog. I don't think comfort changes until you get the Recaro seats on the GT. Go for the base or the premium. Both way better and more fun than a Crosstrek.
I didn't even remember posting in this thread over a month ago but here is the car that I picked out way back then and just decided to grab this past weekend.
I love it. I got the base because I didn't see the value in most of the features included in the other trims. It has the same Engine so that's good enough for me. I do have some gripes about the horrible sound system. The two screens are awesome, the sound is horrible. like bad bluetooth speaker horrible. I've never modified a car stereo before but this is missing whole sections of music because there is zero low end.
I'll get some fogs for it but I'm thinking about aftermarket so I might just wait and see what comes out that I like. I'd love some KC FE3 or 4. Obviously OEM will work but I'm gonna wait for a second on that.
I'll get some wheels too. I have never put aftermarket wheels on any of my cars either but I really really want to pick the perfect ones out when the time comes for new shoes.
My 23 Base comes in March (hopefully). While I can afford any WRX the Base was the only one I wanted. I don't like big Infotainment screens or Keyless entry, I have those on my 23 Crosstrek and hate them. I almost didn't get the WRX because the HVAC controls are on the screen but you can't have everything. The fact the manual has a real handbrake and no Eyesight makes me extremely happy.
I got the ISM base model in late October, just made my way here. No mods yet. I look forward to more interior mods in more colors than red, black, and carbon fiber. It's going to be a daily driver, so not going nuts with mods, but may go nuts with the colors.
I am looking for a summer wheel setup and was planning to keep my winters on the stock wheels. The ones I really loved were a company that seems to have lots of flash appeal, but reviews repeatedly mention quality issues, shipping issues, customer service issues, and the only people talking about them were influencers, all signs that it's not to be.
The more I try to figure out the wheel/tire/offset situation, like what's safe vs. what is popular, but not very safe, I may just buy a set of someone else's stocks and have them powder dipped a ridiculous color instead.
I look forward to seeing all your mods, especially the small ones!
I am looking for a summer wheel setup and was planning to keep my winters on the stock wheels. The ones I really loved were a company that seems to have lots of flash appeal, but reviews repeatedly mention quality issues, shipping issues, customer service issues, and the only people talking about them were influencers, all signs that it's not to be.
The more I try to figure out the wheel/tire/offset situation, like what's safe vs. what is popular, but not very safe, I may just buy a set of someone else's stocks and have them powder dipped a ridiculous color instead.
I look forward to seeing all your mods, especially the small ones!
I was on the lot looking at a Crosstrek today and among all the shiny blue and white WRX Premiums a dark gray Base model popped out. I am going to schedule a drive. the only problem that I have is that I have an hour long commute and those seats don't look that great and I'd like fogs. Is adding after market (or factory fogs) easy? What about aftermarket seats
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I have a 23 Crosstrek Sport. As much as I can’t wait for my WRX to get here, I have no desire to use it for my daily commute to work. Changing out seats will be expensive and I believe they require deleting the Seat airbags. If you get a Crosstrek, get a Sport or limited so you get a 2.5 liter engine instead of the weak 2.0. The 2.5 gets better mileage, is much more powerful, and is way easier to drive. Either way, enjoy whichever you choose.
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I have a 23 Crosstrek Sport. As much as I can’t wait for my WRX to get here, I have no desire to use it for my daily commute to work. Changing out seats will be expensive and I believe they require deleting the Seat airbags. If you get a Crosstrek, get a Sport or limited so you get a 2.5 liter engine instead of the weak 2.0. The 2.5 gets better mileage, is much more powerful, and is way easier to drive. Either way, enjoy whichever you choose.
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