Before I bite the bullet - Questions

[DarkSunrise]

Before I bought my FR-S, I basically drove every car I could. Ultimately, it just reinforced my conclusion that I wanted the FR-S, but it was fun seeing what else was out there. My favorites were:

RWD: Cayman S, S2000, Miata, FR-S (purchased)
AWD: Evo X GSR
FWD: Mini Cooper S, GTI (purchased)

The Fiesta ST is also getting good reviews, is a bit cheaper than the FR-S, and is more practical as an only car. Worth a look.

[PStaff716]

I would go wrx if you plan on winter driving.. I'll put some snow tires on my fr-s and hope she goes in the winter but I'm not expecting a whole lot. I only have to drive 2.8 miles to school or 3.1 to work, so I'm not too too worried, but I probably won't ever take it out when there is 30% or higher chance of precipitation (my gf now drives my 07 sonata v6, so I'll revert back to that in winter chaos)

Also, Evo's are nice as well but I was told they don't handle too well in the snow despite being awd

[whaap]

Originally Posted by PStaff716

I would go wrx if you plan on winter driving.. I'll put some snow tires on my fr-s and hope she goes in the winter but I'm not expecting a whole lot. I only have to drive 2.8 miles to school or 3.1 to work, so I'm not too too worried, but I probably won't ever take it out when there is 30% or higher chance of precipitation (my gf now drives my 07 sonata v6, so I'll revert back to that in winter chaos)

Also, Evo's are nice as well but I was told they don't handle too well in the snow despite being awd

I honestly think too much is made up about winter driving. I remember when 99.9% of all the cars on the road were rwd and most of us survived with no problems.

[jonbonazza]

I don't find winter driving being any more difficult than summer driving. You just need to change things up to account for the decreased traction... Think ahead rather than in the moment and consider the basic laws of physics and you'll be fine.

[tbwoodlee]

Dem00n makes a good point, let me expand on it further. As someone who likes to play it safe, if something happened and you lost your job, would you have enough in savings to last a month or two until you got back on your feet?

I'm not saying don't buy the car, I just wouldn't (and didn't) don't dump my entire savings into it. Having 15k saved up speaks to your credit though, so I am sure you know what you are doing.

Beyond that just make sure you do your research about the car. Someone mentioned buying a 2014 model, that might not be a bad idea. You will get a lot the extras that a lot of us have wanted or modded in, such as the EDM style headlights, foglights, etc

If you are looking at straight up power and speed you might want to look at a different vehicle as well. While its not nearly as bad as some people make it out to be, it's not a powerhouse and it looks meaner than it is.

All that being said, you will love the car the first time you take it 60 around a corner and it just shrugs it off like it was nothing. Also 4500 RPM's will make you giggle like a little girl.

[FRSupra]

before you buy this car, test drive it. Also, test drive the wrx and don't make a decision until you do.

If you have more money available the evo is a great car. As much as I love this car and being a big Toyota fan I still get giddy seeing an evo which I loved when I drove it.

I too live in the NE and last winter there were periods where my car sat in the garage without me even seeing it for 20 days at time due to snow. I'm sure you had it just like we did in PA where it snowed EVERY single day. Even if it didn't accumulate much they threw salt down repeatedly every day which I am not driving in. I am foruntate enough to have an old 4x4 beater that I can use in the winter.

Please take this into consideration. The wrx is extreme value for the money.

[TylerLieberman]

^ yup

I still say the WRX is THE BEST ALL AROUND car you can buy for under 30k. It can do everything you could possibly want from a car. Especially the wagon.

I miss my '12 WRX. So much fun with so little money put into it. The FRS is enjoyable to drive, just in different ways.

[serith]

Do not buy the car if you are draining all available savings to do so.

[f0rge]

new cars, I'd look at a Fiesta ST.

used cars under or around $15k, I'd look at an E36 M3 or an S2000.

[ndsleep612]

Have some cash reserves saved just in case. The Scion dealerships over here have an awesome financing option if you are able to put down 1/3 down payment to get a 2.19% for 5yrs. That rate is LOWER than any of the major US banks out there. Having decent cash flows available for car ownership is vital.

[RurumariGhost]

yeah I wouldn't put the full 15k down, keep some as savings and for car parts. I'm in ny, and my dad has a wrx, much better for the snow than i think my brz will be but i havent tried it out yet. If you go used route for a subie, definitely do your research and ask around on nasioc, used subies can be notorious for stupid mods done by 18 year olds and not well mantained. research research research is the key.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by RurumariGhost

yeah I wouldn't put the full 15k down, keep some as savings and for car parts. I'm in ny, and my dad has a wrx, much better for the snow than i think my brz will be but i havent tried it out yet. If you go used route for a subie, definitely do your research and ask around on nasioc, used subies can be notorious for stupid mods done by 18 year olds and not well mantained. research research research is the key.

Nasioc is filled with douches. I registered for that site years ago and I think I only made 2 posts. Brand new WRX is the same price as a BRZ, which is barely any more than an FR-S.

I would stick with a new WRX. Besides, the 2011+ are the good ones for this body style and 2011s with like 30k miles still go for like 24k. An extra 2k gets you a brand new car at that point. You could get a 2008-2010 but you get less bhp from the factory and a body that looks like a Kia. (pre widebody)

Just some things to think about.

[MyGT86]

I agree if you are dumping your savings on it not a good idea. Look to buy used maybe if this is the car for you. But do research test drive everything take your time and either you will end up with a twin or something else hopefully a twin. You will love it haha but good luck on your search.

Originally Posted by serith

Do not buy the car if you are draining all available savings to do so.

[BiLLiO333]

Just want to say thanks to all who replied! Seems as though the general consensus is split in 3, buy the FR-S for entertainment, buy the WRX for functionality, or buy a used for financial reasons.