BRZ to WRX/STI?
 

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my BRZ, but I have a family of 4 and I am finding that all too often I would like to have a more "family friendly" vehicle. We have a Sienna van and a Camry Hybrid (wife's car), but I have been thinking about something still fun, but could have more utility (fishing trips with my son, family outings, taking my mt./road bikes with me, etc.).

From those who came from a WRX/STI to the BRZ (or vice/versa), what would be the biggest thing I would like/disappointed with? This is somewhat of a gut wrenching but realistic decision for me.

I know the next gen WRX/STI is around the corner as well.

Thanks!

If you already have a minivan and a Camry, why would you need a larger car for trips/outings? I have a wife, three kids, and a minivan. If I ever have to haul more than two kids, I take the van. The BRZ seems like the perfect fun car for you and a nice break from a heavier minivan/Camry.

No issues so far and the kids love riding in the BRZ.

I came from a 2006 WRX. It wasn't nearly as precise as the BRZ but it was a great car. The softer suspension of the base WRX certainly didn't help so I'd opt for the STI or account for suspension work. Sometimes I miss the 4 doors and being able to take more than 1 person for a ride comfortably so it may be the right move for you but if you already have a family hauler maybe not. I would wait to see what the next gen brings at this point though.

Why not just use the Camry as the bike hauler instead? I dont see the point in exchanging the BRZ for a WRX/STI unless you < Straight line power > agility

came from an 08 sti and 08 evo x mr and heres what i can say about them compared to the brz. 4doors4morewhores, boost is fun and the brz will never match the sheer acceleration of an awd launch, but they feel like they are lugging around alot of weight compared to the brz and don't have the same level of confidence going into a corner. they are still great handling cars, just not compared to the brz.

I would say Ford Focus ST if you're looking for practicality + handling

One thing I'd say is that the Focus ST has weird steering. I really felt it on my test drive when shopping around. Be sure to drive it for a long while on the test drive to understand what I mean (overboosted at low speed, underboosted at speed).

If you can replace your Camry or Sienna with an STI - sure. Otherwise keep your BRZ and drive your Sienna to the places you've mentioned. You'll come ahead in total driving fun.

<-- I own both, trust me ;)

Hold off til the MK7 GTI gets here

Given your situation, axe the minivan and the BRZ and get the WRX/Impreza/STI. You won't be losing that much utility, you'll be saving a ton of money, you won't hate driving to family outings (assuming you already enjoy the BRZ levels of comfort and luxury) while still retaining something that you can take on your own and enjoy. Odds are if you really miss it you can pick one up used in a couple years for cheap when you don't need to haul kids around.

Or racecar, sell the van and start going to track days.

Swapping out the BRZ for whatever practical sporty car while keeping the other two borefests will just be a waste in my opinion, you'll never want to go anywhere in the van and you'll be bored out of your mind in your wife's car when you know the hot hatch is sitting in the driveway and it's capable of doing the same thing without destroying your soul.

Edit: also consider Fiesta ST (although may be too small) as well as the aforementioned Focus ST and GTI, all are available in 5 door configurations.

I know where you are coming from. The BRZ doesn't get enough seat time. Get the WRX manual if you don't lose much when trading it in.
The WRX is plenty fast, sporty, AWD, semi-driver's car and very practical. You'll have a blast passing all the those FRSs and BRZs :thumbup:

I came from a built 2008 sti and I don't regret it at all. As far as performance the wrx chassis can't even compare. Sure the boost was fun but hard to drive a fast car slow.
I can see the need for a practical car but I agree that u should sell the wife's camery and buy a four door hot hatch. Shell like it and u won't hate driving it. I say brz over wrx

These are all great posts and considerations, thank you! The van is a 2004 with 68k miles in great condition (and paid for). And there seems to be several times per month that I am really glad we have it. The Camry Hybrid, my wife drives it carting kids around, and she averages 35 mpg. I ride my bike to work 4 days a week (i am one mile from my office). Then the weekend comes and I go fishing with my son, up to Tahoe last weekend (dirt roads), etc. The BRZ tends to sit there too often! Unfortunately, all too often life is full of compromises, so we must choose what is most important to us. The BRZ is the first car I have gotten excited about since my 2002 MINI S. A lot to think about.

I have owned a 2004 and 2007 STi. I say if you already have kid transportation options keep the BRZ. I really liked my STi cars, but they don't feel like true sports cars like a FRS/BRZ. They feel like fast family cars which quite honestly are a dime a dozen nowadays. I personally would keep the FRS/BRZ you have if you already have a mini-van and camry.

BTW. I have wife and three kids. Two car family - Honda Pilot and BRZ. :-)