Talk me out of it: 2017 WRX

[daiheadjai]

Unfortunately, most good things must come to an end.
My 3 year lease of the BRZ is wrapping up this July (I am already about 10,000 km over my 60,000 km limit), and I need to think of the next car.

Some context though: My wife and I are planning to have kids in the near future, so it must be practical and allow for decently-easy ingress/egress with a car seat (rear-facing is a must).
This means another Twin is out of the question.

I have the option of leasing a new WRX, and it does have a number of things going for it:
1) 4 doors and a practically-sized/shaped trunk
2) Manual available, likely offers a somewhat similar experience to the Twins
3) Very good value (lower payments and insurance than the BRZ for arguably more car)
4) Lots of nice features that contrast with the spartan BRZ (not really a big issue - about the only thing I might consider important is the rear camera) - modern amenities like bluetooth
5) Worry-free motoring due to 36 mo. warranty
6) Similarities with the BRZ in terms of things like DIY oil changes, some interchangeable parts

That being said, I took it for a brief test drive (had to test drive the salesman's personal vehicle, as Subaru apparently doesn't have any models to spare for test drives - they are all spoken for), and I was not impressed by the shifter/clutch or seating position (didn't really get to drive it too hard, since it was a short test drive, I wasn't accustomed to the car, and the salesman was there - so no comments on the handling except that it is more compliant over bumps). Being used to the BRZ's snug, cockpit/cocoon-like feeling, the vast expanse of dashboard in front of me in the WRX feels strangely distant and cavernous.

Some options that I have considered in the past (it may give an idea of what kinds of cars I like/enjoy):
-MR2 Spyder (no longer on the list due to family duty requirements, and lack of availability/high price in Canada)
-IS300 M/T (still on the list, but concerns about reliability/quality - need to hunt for a good one - also not sure how it would handle compared to the WRX)
-E46 M3 M/T (this is one that I would love to own some day, perhaps permanently - having ridden in a E46 330ci, the back seats appear to be far easier to get in and out of than the BRZ)
-Older WRXs (I've always liked the bugeye - but reliability could be an issue)
-E39 M5 (longshot - might be too big for my tastes)

Ideally, I'd like to find something for no more than $10-15k Canadian (the WRX payments work out to something like $18k over 3 years).
Used appeals to me, because there are some great analog cars out there for decent money, but of course, YMMV in terms of reliability and mechanicals (plus, the missus would prefer an interior that doesn't look too worn out).
Having had the BRZ, I'd love to get back to something with a cable-actuated throttle, enjoyable driving dynamics, but also some practicality.
The car might see very occasional track use, and winter use (I don't mind RWD in winter at all).

Any thoughts and suggestions?

[go_a_way1]

TL/DR but you dont want a WRX....

[wbradley]

I suggest if you go for the WRX, especially a lease, add some dealer installed options.

I had the following items added:

-red floor lighting
-factory short shifter
-compass auto day night rear view mirror
-extra module for bump feature for the alarm system

The short shifter is kind of necessary if you are coming off a twin. Otherwise the throws will seem really long and sloppy. Having both an FR-S and a WRX, I really do enjoy the contrast moving from one car to the other. I have also added 35% window tint not from the dealer and I got a carbon fibre WRX decal on the steering wheel to fill in the silver space that has a logo on the STI.

The STI might be faster, but the engine is older tech and burns roughly 40% more gas on a daily commute!

Going from an FA20 to an FA20T

[MisterSheep]

E46 M3 is such an amazing car.... Almost bought one before the FRS until I realized it's a 10+ year old BMW.. And things will end up going bad soon.

[daiheadjai]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

TL/DR but you dont want a WRX....

Kinda.
I just didn't get that "WOW, this car is amazing!" moment when I test drove it.
It might be a good choice for the circumstances, but I'm not convinced enough to dive in right away.

Not a knock on it though - "it's not you, WRX, it's me"

Originally Posted by wbradley

I suggest if you go for the WRX, especially a lease, add some dealer installed options.

I had the following items added:

-red floor lighting
-factory short shifter
-compass auto day night rear view mirror
-extra module for bump feature for the alarm system

The short shifter is kind of necessary if you are coming off a twin. Otherwise the throws will seem really long and sloppy. Having both an FR-S and a WRX, I really do enjoy the contrast moving from one car to the other. I have also added 35% window tint not from the dealer and I got a carbon fibre WRX decal on the steering wheel to fill in the silver space that has a logo on the STI.

The STI might be faster, but the engine is older tech and burns roughly 40% more gas on a daily commute!

Going from an FA20 to an FA20T

Definitely. The STI isn't something I'd consider at all.
Have you found yourself falling in love with the WRX's handling?
I'm quite impressed with the WRX for what it is - I'm just not sure if what it is, is what's good for me.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

Kinda.
I just didn't get that "WOW, this car is amazing!" moment when I test drove it.
It might be a good choice for the circumstances, but I'm not convinced enough to dive in right away.

Not a knock on it though - "it's not you, WRX, it's me"

I say get something else and leave to WRX to all the kids that vape lol! (just a stereotype I know, but fun to make fun of)

I would look into getting a safe normal car for the family and a project car for you? For the 30 grand (just a made up budget) spend 10-15k on a used toyota van for the wife/future kids and the other 15-20k on a used FRS or other car of your choice?

[raven1231]

I switched from a 2013 frs to a 2016 wrx. All I can say is realize that you are switching from a small somewhat underpowered sports car to a quick sedan. It will never feel like you're driving the 86 but if you can get past that it's a nice car, and a great value.

[Guff]

InB4VanosFailure

Get the WRX! It's a nice car! Plus warranties are nice!

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

I say get something else and leave to WRX to all the kids that vape lol! (just a stereotype I know, but fun to make fun of)

I would look into getting a safe normal car for the family and a project car for you? For the 30 grand (just a made up budget) spend 10-15k on a used toyota van for the wife/future kids and the other 15-20k on a used FRS or other car of your choice?

To be fair the Vaping thing is a subie thing not just WRX so BRZ owners are all part of it.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by raven1231

To be fair the Vaping thing is a subie thing not just WRX so BRZ owners are all part of it.

hahaha your right! Good thing I got the knock off subie

[tyrantcf]

+1 for WRX

[weederr33]

Don't do it?

[Tcoat]

Well Dai I am not going to tell you what you should get. You have done you research and probably have already made up your mind.
Don't be a stranger!

[Mr.Impreza]

This is a hard decision haha, but I wanted to make a comment about the M3...I'd stay away from it. My friend has one and all he ever does is repair it. I wouldn't suggest any BMW's that are not brand new and without warranty.
I also had a BMW 335i and it was very unreliable.

I know this is not performance oriented, however a Honda Accord Sport in 6 speed is a great car. It's reliable, practical for a family and looks nice.