I Wanted a Subaru WRX Because STIs Are Expensive To Maintain, After Two Honda Civic Sis, I Bought a 2019 STI and Disaster Struck, My Engine Failed

Brandon bought a 2019 Subaru WRX STI, and then disaster struck twice.

Brandon had heard that the Subaru WRX STI was expensive to maintain, so he decided to buy a WRX instead. After owning two Honda Civic Si's, he was ready to upgrade to the WRX. 

A friend told him he should look at the higher-performance WRX STI instead of the tamer WRX. Brandon took him up on the suggestion and decided to take one out for a test drive. He was immediately impressed by the STI's powerful turbocharged engine, precise handling, and iconic wing. He fell in love with the sports car and purchased a 2019 STI. 

However, Brandon had terrible luck with his new 2019 STI. He had two disasters occur only a short time after he bought it. 

Here is Brandon's impressive story.  

"Ever since I started working in a tire shop through my college years, one car has been at the top of my list to own: a WRX. Learning about Subaru's history in Motorsports, what it stood for as a brand, and how it is deeply rooted in the car community led me to want to own one." 

"After owning two Civic Si's and learning how to drive and modify cars myself, I found myself in a position to upgrade." 

"While looking for a WRX Limited, my friend suggested I look at an STi. I wasn't originally sold on the idea because it was more expensive to maintain, but after test-driving it, there was no looking back." 

"I purchased my 2019 WRX STI Limited in January 2022. Although I bought it used, Planet Subaru of Hanover, MA, had given it a full refresh before I drove it off the lot. The car lived up to its original goal of being the fastest and most powerful street-legal Subaru available for the public to purchase." 

"I began building my car to fulfill my childhood dream, taking inspiration from Fast and Furious, Initial D, and Need for Speed. Unfortunately, in May '23, disaster struck when my engine failed." 

"I was without the car for two months while I gathered parts and sent it off to a local Subie shop to be rebuilt. After those two months, the car returned stronger, more durable, and more reliable than when I got it." 

Disaster stuck again. 

"I was so excited to have it just in time for my annual vacation trip to Cape Cod. Disaster struck again in Nov. '23 when I was hit by a tow truck on my right front side, taking out two wheels and a strut. But every setback is a setup for a comeback, right?" 

"Again, I spent time sourcing parts to improve on my idea until the car was back up about a month later. Now, a year later, Nov '24, the car is almost where I want it to be regarding looks and performance." 

He could have walked away. 

Brandon's determination to restore his STI is a testament to his love for the car and a source of inspiration for others.

This story proves that when you love a car, you'll stick with it even if it fails you. The engine failure could have given Brandon a lousy attitude toward his STI, but he didn't let it deter him. 

After his Subaru STI was hit by a tow truck, he could have walked away thinking he should get rid of the STI for sure now. But he was determined to keep the performance car because it was his passion. 

He didn't give up on his dream. 

Brandon says, "It's given me about 70,000 miles of car shows, snowboarding trips, and work commutes. I hope to continuously improve my mechanical skills while building something I've always wanted to."

By the looks of Brandon's STI, he's done a great job bringing it back to life when it could have ended up in the junkyard and scrapped for parts. 

Do you have a Subaru WRX STI story? If so, we'd like to hear it. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your experiences with us. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru USA