Subaru STI VA

The VA STI (2015-2021) is the end of an era: the last STI with the EJ257 (2.5T), while the regular WRX had long since moved to the FA engine. That's exactly what makes it special to enthusiasts — the characterful, grown-up EJ boxer with DCCD center differential, six speeds, and Brembo brakes, manual-only. Important: the STI never had EyeSight, so it was deliberately manual-only and free of the WRX's phantom-braking issue. On the engine, EJ257 ringland failure remains the central risk, especially on cylinder 4 and especially on tuned cars without proper calibration — a forged-piston rebuild runs into the thousands including removal. Stock and properly maintained, the EJ257 lasts a long time; buyers want to see data logs and a clean cold start without rattle or blue smoke. The Brembo brakes bring the bolt issue again: seizing caliper bolts raise service cost — watch for free bolts and even pad wear. Strut top mounts wear over time (clunk on steering). As with its WRX siblings, the VA is covered by the battery-drain class-action over the CAN system that won't shut down cleanly — confirm the software update was applied. A DCCD-related rear differential leak (the breather on the diff cover) is documented in a TSB, as is a wear issue at the throwout bearing and clutch fork covered by a TSB — a shuddering or poorly disengaging pedal flags work ahead. On price, as the youngest classic STI the VA is in demand: clean examples trade in the US market roughly around $20,000 and up, well-kept and rare editions (e.g. the S209) much higher; the odd cheap car with history sits below. In Europe it's present as an import. Insider pick: a fully serviced, stock or mildly modified VA STI with the original EJ257, data logs, the battery update applied, free Brembo bolts, a leak-free rear diff, and healthy clutch/throwout behavior. On the test drive: check the cold start for rattle/smoke, test the clutch on a hill and at a standstill, run through the DCCD modes, inspect the calipers and diff seal, and check battery/start behavior and software level. The VA STI is the last of its kind — catch a healthy, honest one and you secure the final chapter of the EJ-powered STI, and that alone makes it a collector's piece already today.