u/suzuki_swifting — reddlx

Another seized engine story :’(

Car: 2018 WRX STI Limited
Miles when bought on October 31st 2024: 47K
Seized on April 30th 2026 at: 63K

Buying this car was literally getting my dream car. After turning 30 and having a good income I told myself I’m getting my dream car. For many years that spot belonged to the Mitsubishi EVO and I wanted a Final Edition, but I told myself, “do I really want to spend 30-40k on a decade old car when I can get something newer?” So I started looking around.

I test drove many cars. I test drove a 5.0 Manual Mustang, and the dealership flat-out told me, “we will give you an awesome price, we’ve had it in the lot for a long time and not many people are looking for manuals anymore” (which we all know is true) but anyways, I was not feeling it, I told myself “If I buy this, I’m not going to be happy”. After that I test drove a Manual Widebody Challenger Scatpack, again, amazing car and power, but not happy with it. After that I test drove a Manual 2019 SuperSport Camaro, a fking beast, it did wow me, the throttle response and feedback was amazing. But the dealership wanted too much for a used Camaro so I moved on. After that I test drove a brand new 2024 Honda Civic SI for $30K. For being a brand new car, with all the latest tech/bells/whistles not bad, but the sporty side of it was laughable, the delay in throttle response and slow acceleration made me not get it.

Then there it is a 2018 White STI Limited. 47K Miles, Sunroof, push to start, touch screen, Recaro seats, Harman/Kardon sound system, short shifter, mirror compass with homelink, Blind Spot Detection & Lane Change Assist, wing, ppf on the bumper, hood, fenders, roof, side mirrors, TurboSmart Blow Off, Invidia Performance Catback Exhaust, All weather floormats on top of the regular floor mats. I test drive it (even before knowing what i/s/s# is) and I fell in love with it. It was perfect, 100% what I was looking for. Got it for $30K.

Whoever had this STI before me, thank you, it was perfect.

Thinking I was taking care of her by the book, not skipping a beat, looks like it was not enough. It was drinking oil like crazy. And just as I put new bezel lights and rear F1 5 in 1 light. I started hearing rodknock, the engine seized on me 2 miles away from the dealership after an oil change (they did showed me a picture of the glitter in the oil) but I thought I had more time before taking it for a proper tune up.

Now I’m left with a locked engine 2018 STI and $15K still on the loan note.

One dealership quoted me $30grand, another $20-25grand, another 11K just for the parts, and I found an independent subaru performance tuning shop quoting me $11-$15k for both parts and labor.

It feels like paying the car all over again.

Ugh :’(

TLDR:

I bought this used 2018 STI Limited with 47k miles for $30k and the engine seized at 63k miles with $15,000 left on the loan note. OP Sad.