Talk me out of it: 2017 WRX

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Careful with any Mazda prior to about 2015. They are very prone to hidden rust in structural areas. I have seen some nasty stuff in the 3s and 6s.

Yup my colleague's Mazda 6 Sedan is falling apart from rust.

I voted for the IS300 but apparently that soft touch dash will melt.

E46 M3 that rear subframe will fall off even if the frequent valve adjustment doesn't bother you.

Impreza I wouldn't go too far back since the rear shocks will bind (I think it's fixed when they moved to the Legacy rear suspension design).

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by krayzie

Yup my colleague's Mazda 6 Sedan is falling apart from rust.

I voted for the IS300 but apparently that soft touch dash will melt.

E46 M3 that rear subframe will fall off even if the frequent valve adjustment doesn't bother you.

Impreza I wouldn't go too far back since the rear shocks will bind (I think it's fixed when they moved to the Legacy rear suspension design).

Well go back far enough and pretty much anything becomes junk but those Mazdas really lead the pack.

My personal choice is pretty much unheard of on here. I would go with a 2008 to 2011 Lancer GT or GTS as a winter beater. That 3 year run were well done, almost bullet proof, and can be had for a very reasonable price.

[NOI]

If faced with your dilemma, I'd get an older H6 Legacy to cart the family around in, and buy an older Miata for kicks.

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by NOI

If faced with your dilemma, I'd get an older H6 Legacy to cart the family around in, and buy an older Miata for kicks.

2009 Legacy 3.0R stationwagon.

[daiheadjai]

No worries - I've had a Mazda Protege 5 before, so I know that they are (for some reason) particularly rust-prone.
I figure I'd get one as a disposable sub-$5,000 winter beater - as long as it is mechanically-sound, and structurally-sound, I could live with it.
The baby seat would stay in our Impreza.

EDIT: Hat-tip @Tcoat - that Lancer was something I'd forgotten.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Mitsubish...PO&orup=9_15_9

[Allch Chcar]

Speaking of which, I just got a safety recall on the '14-'16 Mazda3/Mazda6. Mine is a MY'15 Mazda3. It's for a part on the handbrake that can potentially rust causing the rear brakes to stick. It's the first recall that wasn't on the Johnson controls craptastic infotainment in the two and a half years I've had it. And it's still far more functional that Subaru's. It's also more interesting to drive than anything Toyota actually builds, (Yaris iA is just a Mazda2 by the way). I've never driven another Subaru so I don't know what to tell you.

My biggest gripe with the Twins deal is that there is nothing like it in their brand family. Toyota's options, ignoring the hybrids , are all boring by comparison. Then Subaru is, well Subaru. Either you like them or you don't. So the only upgrade from a FRS/BRZ is... another FRS/BRZ. Basically, having a family vehicle destroys driving enthusiasm. Buy another Twin and convoy everywhere.