Talk me out of it: 2017 WRX

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by Talus1

I'm only a month behind you - my lease is up in August. I just got the reminder card in the mail last night: "Please let us help you with your next Subaru"...

If I was going to have a single, year round car, I'd seriously consider a 2016/2017 WRX. I drove one last year and found the steering a bit disappointing but otherwise I liked it well enough. I've also considered a Golf R, which has the enormous advantage of being a hatchback and has a really nice interior, though for a chunk more change.

As it is, I'm planning on the wife and I becoming a three car couple. I'm thinking another 08-10 WRX hatch, but with King springs and Gorilla spacers, as my winter beater. Then next spring, buy something fun for the summer like a 987 Cayman S.

Attachment 133362
Dunno, but something about this car turns my crank. Especially the tow hitch.

2011 and up have the STI flared fenders, much better looking. Shouldnt tow with these turbo cars, as per the Subaru manual.

[Dark]

Originally Posted by tyrantcf

Talk about refinement and then suggest a Ford?

The WRX is not the be all and end all of performance oriented cars I concede, but it's not a bad medium, especially for a DD. The only thing I don't like about mine is how high the seated position feels (coming from BRZ) and the shifter. Other than that, for $28k out the door it has everything most people would need.

I suggest you go sit in a Focus. Report back where Ford can make a Focus better than Impreza.

[Dark]

Originally Posted by wbradley

Resale is very important when leasing since you are paying depreciation plus interest from new to end of lease term. Guaranteed Ford will have higher depreciation percentage. Plus its much more expensive, and in short supply which means most likely higher interest rate applied. Im going to bet it will be less dependable too. Dont get me wrong, if I had the budget I would consider the RS, but not without test driving and researching reviews crom previous years in Europe.

The brakes on the WRX are same quality as the twins but the car is 550 lbs heavier. If it is such an issue, get aftermarket pads and DOT 4 fluid like I have in my FR-S and live with the squeaking.

Steering boost feels same as twins except quick turn ratio of twins reserved for STI only.

WRX is a performance oriented practical car. Dark, sounds like you should have gotten an STI. LOL.

You know what. I was really considering 15 LE STI. Didn't know why I was idiotic and didn't. Oh well, I plan on trading it in for ND PRHT and drive the beater Camry I have.

[Joyride86]

I think a midsized sedan might fit the bill better. I know you like a sporty car, but with a baby it really changes things. I don't push my car hard with the kids in it nor do I drive fast. When they were babies, a quiet ride with a forgiving suspension was a big thing. A screaming child that has been jostled awake due to a firm/sporty ride is not fun. Also, a midsized car will give your a little more room, better for ingress/egress.

It's your call though. Whatever you pick, I hope you enjoy it.

[DarkSunrise]

It sounds like you weren't really impressed by the WRX when you drove it. Should probably test drive every sporty sedan or hatch under $30k that meets your needs. Aside from the WRX, there's the GTI, Focus ST, Mazda 3, and MS3.

If you're also considering used cars in that price range, you might think about an E90 M3 sedan (save some money for maintenance/repairs). I think you can also find Evo X's in that price range.

[Talus1]

Originally Posted by wbradley

2011 and up have the STI flared fenders, much better looking. Shouldnt tow with these turbo cars, as per the Subaru manual.

I had one of those, too, before the BRZ. I actually preferred my '08. It rolled more and understeered more but the ride was better and it had less lag than the 265hp. I thought the '11 had a bit too much tire to be fun on the street and I slightly prefer the look of the narrow fenders. Just personal preference, of course. Overall, I think a slightly raised '08 with a bit more relative rear roll stiffness would make an awesome winter/beater. And I can use the snow tires and summer rims/tires from the BRZ.

I don't see a problem towing with a WRX, once out of warranty. It will just be a light utility trailer around town or taking my dinghy 500m down to the lake. We have the wife mobile (also a 4cyl turbo, though with an 8spd auto) for long distance towing.

The trick will be finding an '08-'10 that hasn't got 250,000 km or been totally trashed.

[tyrantcf]

Originally Posted by Dark

I suggest you go sit in a Focus. Report back where Ford can make a Focus better than Impreza.

Sit in? I'm talking about build quality. Who really gives a shit about the interior do-dads?

[kev60625]

I saw you wrote bugeye and questioned the reliability afterwards...haha! The bugeye is VERY reliable, as long as you don't abuse it like a noob. I've seen soooooooo many listed on CL that have over 150k miles (I like to look often cause I miss it). Mine had 136k and was running amazing, with a downpipe/protune and making 233whp/t (should've made 250 but the clutch was slipping since it was still the original).

A clean built bugeye is something I think about getting myself into a lot. If not, a regular one tuned with only a downpipe/up pipe/injectors/fuelpump on e85 will make almost 300whp and torque on the stock little turbo (instant spool).

[Dark]

Originally Posted by tyrantcf

Sit in? I'm talking about build quality. Who really gives a shit about the interior do-dads?

Please elaborate what you mean by build quality, I'm all ear. I own the car, I own an entry level MB and owned a few MB C and S, Lexus, BMW 3 E36, E90, and various Honda and Toyota. I've driven everything in current Subaru lineup as loaners because I took my car to dealership to fix fuel door, underbody panel bolt loosened, brake, clutch list goes on...and. Subaru is by far the cheapest place to be in (Except Outback and Legacy).

I am happy I got the WRX, but I'm not going to let my ownership dilute the fact that WRX is a fancy up Impreza and Impreza isn't a good car quality-wise. You know how Subaru get up to 2nd place in initial reliability index knocking Lexus to 4th? They fix their issues and label it as "courtesy to the customer". You're on 2nd model year, you're probably luckier. 1st MY of any Subaru should be labeled as "prototype for guinea pigs."

[Talus1]

@daiheadjai, I think you should get the new WRX Sport Tech with the inverted front struts and then you can tell me what I am missing!

[RichardsFRS]

Okay my 2 cents
86 or whatever you wana call them now are the most gorgeous cars on the road
And the WRX is ugly

[Irace86]

I have a soft spot for 2jz's, as I owned two MKIV Supras. The VVTI version of the non-turbo 2jz in the IS300 isnt quite the same beast but the cars are good platforms for modifications.

[daiheadjai]

Originally Posted by Irace86

I have a soft spot for 2jz's, as I owned two MKIV Supras. The VVTI version of the non-turbo 2jz in the IS300 isnt quite the same beast but the cars are good platforms for modifications.

I hear you... I learned to drive manual during my summer job at a Lexus dealer, just so I could test drive the manual IS.
It was wonderful.

Incidentally, Jalopnik seems to be reading my mind.

http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/why-th...ias-1765468849

[Dark]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

I hear you... I learned to drive manual during my summer job at a Lexus dealer, just so I could test drive the manual IS.
It was wonderful.

Incidentally, Jalopnik seems to be reading my mind.

http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/why-th...ias-1765468849

If you read the comment section, the writer doesn't have a kid. If you care about your kid, get something that can absorb the bump well and ride comfortably... Something like... Lexus LS430? LS460?