Car for the girlfriend: GTI vs WRX

[DarkSunrise]

To me, the GTI shines in being versatile.

- It's got a nice interior, is comfortable/quiet, and gets good gas mileage, so it makes a great DD.
- It's sporty enough to be fun on backroads or on the track/autocross.
- It's practical, so it can comfortably haul 3 friends or a mountain bike or luggage.

I haven't seen many cars that are as good all-around, for the price.

[n2oinferno]

I liked my MKV GTI quite a bit for the couple years I owned it. It was due for a DSG fluid change I think at 40k, had just hit 30k, so I asked about it. They said they wanted 350 bucks to do it, lol. Best thing you can do though is have her test drive both and get what she likes the most. Expect the WRX to be a good bit more in insurance cost.

Lastly, and this might come across a little harsh, but it's her car. If she wants an automatic, get an automatic. I promise you'll live even if you had to get over yourself and drive an automatic WRX. You already have your toy, let her be confident and happy with what she owns.

[coyote]

I think you're placing too much importance on power and handling when it sounds like your GF is more interested in looks and practicality.

For the same money as a WRX, she'd get a much newer NA Impreza with lots of factory warranty. I wouldn't touch an out of warranty DSG GTi, nor any other out of warranty VW for that matter.

Take it from an old bloke, even if she finishes up with a pink convertible covered in flower stickers ... if she likes it and you helped her get it, you'll be happy too.

[chrisl]

I'm with coyote on this one - let her get what she wants. It sounds like you're letting your bias towards sporty, powerful cars show up a bit too much in the choices. If she's OK driving a '92 Acura, she probably doesn't need a sports car, and if gas mileage is important to her, your choices (especially the wrx) aren't really the greatest. It also doesn't sound like you've done much research into the choices either - you mention that you refuse to get an auto WRX for example (the WRX only comes in stick). Figure out what her priorities are (not yours), and then make your choice accordingly. The goal here should be to find something that makes her happy, not something that she is willing to put up with to make you happy.

For what it's worth, between those two options, I'd lean towards the GTI (given what you said her priorities were), but I'm not entirely convinced it's the best option.

[Burrcold]

I traded in a white 11' GTI w/DSG for the BRZ. It was a GREAT car. I would completely 100% recommend one to anyone.

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by coyote

I think you're placing too much importance on power and handling when it sounds like your GF is more interested in looks and practicality.

While power and handling are important to me, they are near the top of her list too. We went through just about every car in this price range that i could think of from Honda Accord to Toyota Tacoma.

Her mom has an Accord and she doesn't want anything that slow or "grandma looking"

Originally Posted by chrisl

I'm with coyote on this one - let her get what she wants. It sounds like you're letting your bias towards sporty, powerful cars show up a bit too much in the choices. If she's OK driving a '92 Acura, she probably doesn't need a sports car, and if gas mileage is important to her, your choices (especially the wrx) aren't really the greatest. It also doesn't sound like you've done much research into the choices either - you mention that you refuse to get an auto WRX for example (the WRX only comes in stick). Figure out what her priorities are (not yours), and then make your choice accordingly. The goal here should be to find something that makes her happy, not something that she is willing to put up with to make you happy.

Well obviously i'm bringing my bias's into this(how could i not?). But her views aren't far off of mine. She got the Acura because it was her first car and it was what she could afford at the time, it was merely a tool, a means of conveyance, now she wants something that she can have a little fun in, while still remaining slightly practical.

They actually DID make auto WRX's, although maybe not anymore SEE .

[rice_classic]

TDI Golf.

It's hard to argue with 40+mpg and torque. But hey.. warranty that sucker.

http://www.fuelly.com/car/volkswagen/golf/2012

Go test drive them all and let her get what she wants, if she allows you to be the voice of reason, then be such, if not... well then I can't help you.

[SVTSHC]

GT500 IMO, it's the most practical option.

























WRX works too I guess

[Calum]

I didn't see it here, has anyone mentioned the horrid shifter in the Subaru?

[bakerr6]

I vote for a bus pass. Womens houldn't be able to drive (being very sarcastic)

between the two though, I would go for the subie, just because it is awd and we have snow here. My wife will tell you that she cannot live w/o awd (maybe seh can, but not in the snow haha)

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by Calum

I didn't see it here, has anyone mentioned the horrid shifter in the Subaru?

It has not been mentioned. The few that i've experience(09 STI and 04 WRX) felt fine to me, although i've probably got less then 100 miles of experience with them. What is so horrid about them?

Originally Posted by bakerr6

I vote for a bus pass. Womens houldn't be able to drive (being very sarcastic)

between the two though, I would go for the subie, just because it is awd and we have snow here. My wife will tell you that she cannot live w/o awd (maybe seh can, but not in the snow haha)

The public transportation in southern Oregon is almost non existant .

It only snows about 3 inches(maybe) all winter long where we live, so the subbie would only really have the advantage for that 1% of the time when she/we are visiting her family. Not to mention she's survived her entire driving life in a snowy area and FWD+chains/studs without any incident. The WRX would just be an extra safety net in winter.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

It has not been mentioned. The few that i've experience(09 STI and 04 WRX) felt fine to me, although i've probably got less then 100 miles of experience with them. What is so horrid about them?

I found them vague, rubbery and very hard to shift in a hurry. They just don't feel at all like they belong in a sports car. Honestly, the stock shifter in my ten year old beater Neon can be shifted faster, without feeling like I have to get angry with it.

[OrbitalEllipses]

TL;DR anyone suggest a Mini?

Originally Posted by Calum

I found them vague, rubbery and very hard to shift in a hurry. They just don't feel at all like they belong in a sports car. Honestly, the stock shifter in my ten year old beater Neon can be shifted faster, without feeling like I have to get angry with it.

Kartboy short shifter

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

TL;DR anyone suggest a Mini?



Kartboy short shifter

Mini Cooper S currently occupies the #3 choice. No dealerships within an hour's drive though.