2012 ~ 2014 wrx/sti hatch or 2015 wrx/sti

[BRZPDX]

Trying to get a DD that is a hatch or a wagon, AWD, and still fun to drive. really torn between these options (golf R is an option as well).


2012 ~ 2014 pros:
Hatchback
I like the design better than the newest gen
Rumble


Cons:
Interior sucks
Older model but still holds its value (pro for selling)
Engine/trans reliability?
5spd only for wrx.
Only used, high possibility of abuse


+2015 pros:
Better interior
Better handling
6spd on all models
New = warranties etc.


Cons:
No rumble on wrx
No hatch
Uglier

[cdrazic93]

2015 wrx, you wont see head gasket issues, or ringland failure. Full blown has been experimenting with a hybrid DI/PI system on the FA20DIT, I saw a Facebook post that they wringed out 380 whp out of it.

[Tcoat]

Think you sort of nailed it when you said "high possibility of abuse" although I think the word should be probability.
Not sure you will find many "gently used" WRX/STis out there.

[strat61caster]

imo the hatch is worth it, money saved on buying used can be saved for a rainy day, skip the sti as it's a DD, save the couple bucks filling it up, and insurance, and consumables.

Personally I'm not sure if the AWD is worth it, I'd be looking at the plethora of fun economical FWD hatches available

[Touge_ninja]

Lol says the guy who used to praise superchargers then turns around and gets a turbo.....

[wbradley]

I had a 2011 WRX hatch Limited (CDN Sport tech), traded for 2015 WRX Sport Tech last summer. Excellent daily drivers in winter for sure. Had a Cobb AP with the 2011.

It surprises me how many people seem to comment that the 2015 is hideous on internet forums. I think it is a lot better looking than the previous sedan while still maintaining the flared out look.

They seem a lot less costly in the US compared to Canada. That doesn't seem to deter sales here mind you, there is still a waiting list to buy one.

Both cars are great, and the 2011 is a lot more raw feeling.

[tahdizzle]

Mentioned nothing about operating costs of the vehicles.

I smell troll

[hmong337]

If it had to be a Subaru STi, I like the blob eye.

[TylerLieberman]

New WRX is a bargain. The motor is much improved over the EJ and now it comes with a 6-spd. I will say it feels a bit odd being a cable operated system, but I'm sure a couple small bits from whiteline would easily make it feel much better (my opinion). 30mpg+ out of that car on the highway with that kind of performance as well? Can't get much better than that for that price.


I always thought the same with the hatch but I had a '12 WRX Sedan and I never wished I had gotten the hatch, or had a situation where I needed the extra storage from the hatch. That's just me though.

[BRZPDX]

thanks for the inputs. Its just a general overview of the 2, not a 10 page comparison.

I really like hatches, and I do have to put a electric scooter in the back for my step father sometimes. Its probably doable in a sedan, but much easier with a hatch imo.

The only reason why the 2015 wrx is tempting is everything mentioned here already. Everything is improved over the last gen, other than the styling. And I've seen numerous ones on the street/shows/auto-x, its better in person, but not enough.

The Focus RS looks interesting, as well as the Golf R. I think for AWD hatches, the choices are limited in the US.

[Decay107]

2015 looks like shit

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by BRZPDX

thanks for the inputs. Its just a general overview of the 2, not a 10 page comparison.

I really like hatches, and I do have to put a electric scooter in the back for my step father sometimes. Its probably doable in a sedan, but much easier with a hatch imo.

The only reason why the 2015 wrx is tempting is everything mentioned here already. Everything is improved over the last gen, other than the styling. And I've seen numerous ones on the street/shows/auto-x, its better in person, but not enough.

The Focus RS looks interesting, as well as the Golf R. I think for AWD hatches, the choices are limited in the US.

If you are broadening your options then the Focus ST is very worth your while to look at. They actually perform great and the ST suspension is miles beyond the RS. Loads of room, great performance and loads of tech can add to a pretty nice DD. No AWD mind you but the one I test drove didn't seem to suffer much for not having it.
Shit, if somebody told me 5 years ago I would be praising a Ford I would have laughed my ass off!

[TylerLieberman]

I have a Focus ST. It's my wife's car.

2 years later and neither of us can wait to get rid of it and get something else.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

I have a Focus ST. It's my wife's car.

2 years later and neither of us can wait to get rid of it and get something else.

Really? What are the issues? I took one for an hour test drive and really enjoyed it. Wasn't what I was looking for at the time mind you but it seemed like a nice little machine.