If I were to buy a WRX WTI hatch, what year would I want?

I haven't bought a car in about a year & have to admit I've been casually looking at CL and Autotrader.  I'm wondering if my 66# pitbull would fit comfy in a STI hatch.

Also, what year would be "best"?  I love my bugeye WRX but I'm definitely a hothatch kinda person and like the look of the hatches.  But I'm wondering if different years brought different pluses and minuses to the table?

Anything '11 and earlier is almost guaranteed to be trashed by now. Your pitty will fit fine in any of them. Or are you putting him/her in the very back?

Get an '11-14. That way they all have widebody :)

In reply to Blaise :

Nothing to add, but why will prior to 11 be trashed?

Adrian_Thompson said:

In reply to Blaise :

Nothing to add, but why will prior to 11 be trashed?

As they get older and less expensive, the more the chance it's been abused, neglected, or modified with improper tune. Nothing special to the WRX in particular other than being a cheap turbocharged tuner car.

In 2009 I had to search high and low for a bugeye that was stock. And it was HARD.

As new and unmolested and low mileage as you can afford. 

But I realize it's stupid for me to say I didn't buy one because I'm afraid of the engines..........then turn around and buy a modern BMW with the fancy flappy paddle gearbox........so take that as you will.

I would personally look for a 2008-2010 hatch for the stealth factor unless you want to have a car with a lot of flares and bulges, then get a 2011-2014 version. I had a 2012 hatch and liked it. No issues until I sold it last year.

Oh wait, what did you mean by wti? Is that a typo that was supposed to be STI? If so, then ignore what I said above about the 2008-2010 stealthy WRX, because that does not apply to the STI.

I misread it too. STi hatch, 08+ are same. Good luck finding a non-Fd one.

When I was car shopping pretty much every WRX I looked at was trashed, beat on, or "sti swapped", which is basically subaru talk for "i blew up my engine and put another wrx engine in it but with an sti intercooler"

I did mean STI , hazards of typing before coffee and can't edit titles.

I was thinking STI vs WRX simply to "Go for it", but would consider a WRX. Also the boy racer in me says wide body and bulges and giant hood scoop and big spoiler.

Also, reliability differences from year to year?  I've read somewhere (probably here) there's a big difference between '04 and '06 sedan STI's.

Honestly, buy the newest one you can. They hold their value SO well that it's not worth it to get an older one.

Jerry I got a wonderful 2017 STI sedan if you want to make a deal.

They make this huge blanket that fits in the backseat that connects with the headrests. I can put two 60lb labs in the back of mine no issues. 

Jerry said:

I did mean STI , hazards of typing before coffee and can't edit titles.

I was thinking STI vs WRX simply to "Go for it", but would consider a WRX. Also the boy racer in me says wide body and bulges and giant hood scoop and big spoiler.

Also, reliability differences from year to year?  I've read somewhere (probably here) there's a big difference between '04 and '06 sedan STI's.

http://www.comeanddriveit.com/engine/subaru-ringland-failure

The drivetrains and suspension continued to get better, the '18 models have jumped to 19" wheels and larger brakes. 

I was looking for '08-10 because i wanted something reasonably subtle looking.

WRX were technically quicker but they don't have the fast steering.