Finally placed my order for 2015 Limited, after many test drives

[Erci]

On Monday, I put down my deposit for a 2015 Limited BRZ (6sp), after months of looking / testing / comparing cars.
My beloved Protege5 blew up, after 10+ years / 113k miles of ownership about a month ago, which prompted me to step up the search. I mostly commute by motorcycle, so it still wasn't an emergency, but it does help to have a car now and then.

I've test-driven the following (all manual trans.. not interested in auto):

2014 WRX, 2015 WRX, 2014 GTI, 2015 GTI, 2014 Civic Si, Veloster Turbo.

As well as (not really worth mentioning):

Accord, Hyundai Accent hatch, Elentra GT.

I absolutely loved my Protege5 and BRZ is the closest thing to it, in terms of driving experience. Obviously BRZ handles every better and it's RWD vs FWD, but the noise, the *just enough power*, the overall feel.. everything else was too *grown up*, if that makes sense.

If anyone is interested in how any of the above cars compare to BRZ, or just want to read my *review*, I can post it up here.

Can't wait to get my car!! It'll be a long wait (late July at best).

[Churnobyl]

'15 WRX comparison/review would be cool. Thinking of getting wife one at year end. As a winter companion to my BRZ.

[sshole]

Why didn't you go with another Mazda?

[Erci]

Originally Posted by sshole

Why didn't you go with another Mazda?

I test-drove the new version of my car.. Mazda3 Hatch. Unfortunately, manual version only comes with 2.0 .. 155 hp. It too is too *grown up*. The engine is barely audible. The steering is numb. Not a single thing about being in that car or driving that car made me smile.
It has its purpose and it IS a very nice car, but comparing it to Protege5 was like comparing a go-kart to an Accord.
It probably would have been more interesting with a 2.5, but a brilliant move by Mazda.. 2.5 is only available in the states with 6sp auto. The car moves singnificantly better with 2.5, but I am not willing to give up manual for it.

[Erci]

Originally Posted by Churnobyl

'15 WRX comparison/review would be cool. Thinking of getting wife one at year end. As a winter companion to my BRZ.

2015 WRX was the only car which made it VERY hard for me to make a decision! Massive improvement over 14. Interior is much improved and exterior actually looks pretty good in person too.
The turbo spools up much sooner and comes on much more progressively, but don't be fooled.. there's still plenty of turbo lag and if you're not paying attention and let the RPMs drop way low, you can floor it and the car will barely move.
The steering is a bit softer than in BRZ and on-center feel is just shy of BRZ, but all in all it's precise and direct. Shifter is very mechanical and notchy (as it should be!), but throws are significantly longer than in BRZ.
Handling.. the thing is dead-planted! In a bumpy curve where BRZ would come loose and move around (pleasantly predictably), WRX will swallow the bumps like there was nothing there.. almost zero body roll too. It's "too good", if there is such a thing.
The only real *dislike* is the seat. Not nearly as good as BRZ's. Bolsters are there, but they're too wide apart and the biggest issue is the flat, short bottom.. there's is no thigh support. Quite a few people are complaining about this on WRX forums.
Over all, this is an outstanding car.
The reason I chose BRZ over WRX: the smile factor in WRX comes from "hyperdrive".. getting into boost and being pushed into the seat. They throw in speeding tickets for free! BRZ is a laugh at any speed. It makes me smile, without breaking the law.

Everyone's different, of course.. I'm sure loads of folks will jump ship and trade BRZ for WRX, as it may potentially outcorner BRZ (seriously.. it turns ridiculously well) and of course has loads of torque and power if you keep the RPMs up. For me, BRZ is just more fun.

[mikeschmeee]

Up here in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Subaru won't let anyone test drive cars before a down payment is made. It's makes shopping for cars some what silly and difficult. I guess its just the Subie dealers out here.

Congrats on the new vehicle!
Please post some images once your new toy arrives.

Cheers

[Erci]

Originally Posted by mikeschmeee

Up here in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Subaru won't let anyone test drive cars before a down payment is made. It's makes shopping for cars some what silly and difficult. I guess its just the Subie dealers out here.

Congrats on the new vehicle!
Please post some images once your new toy arrives.

Cheers

Wow that's terrible. This is common practice with motorcycle dealers, but shelling out 30k on a car you can't even test? I guess you can do the deposit thing and if you hate it you only lose what? $200?
Still.. I like that all car dealers in the states allow test drives (at least all the ones I've visited).

[Turbo95eg6]

What color?

[Mr. Banana]

Congrats, and I'm sure it was and will be well worth the wait and effort for you.

[Erci]

Originally Posted by Turbo95eg6

What color?

#1: Lightning red. #2: WR blue .. depending on what's available in that particular shipment.

P.S. where's the "thanks" button? Do I not have it yet cause I'm a nOOb?

[mjh712]

Originally Posted by Erci

#1: Lightning red. #2: WR blue .. depending on what's available in that particular shipment.

P.S. where's the "thanks" button? Do I not have it yet cause I'm a nOOb?

You need 10 comments, I believe, so you're almost there.

[YMAA]

Originally Posted by Erci

Still.. I like that all car dealers in the states allow test drives (at least all the ones I've visited).

I asked to test drive a 2015 WRX at a local dealer and was turned down. However, there's another dealership a bit further away that let a buddy of mine test drive a 2014 WRX without putting down a deposit...but I refuse to go back there even to test drive a car because of poor treatment from their service department.

Congrats on the purchase, I'm sure you're gonna love it.

[Erci]

Originally Posted by YMAA

I asked to test drive a 2015 WRX at a local dealer and was turned down. However, there's another dealership a bit further away that let a buddy of mine test drive a 2014 WRX without putting down a deposit...but I refuse to go back there even to test drive a car because of poor treatment from their service department.

Congrats on the purchase, I'm sure you're gonna love it.

Unreal! Well.. I can definitely recommend my dealer (Flemington Subaru). This is the 2nd Suby I'm getting from them (first was a 2005 Outback.. looong time ago).

Zero pressure.. all nice people and they hand you the key, WRX or not. They never go on test-drives with me. "Here's the key.. have fun!".

[brzninja]

I owned a 2013 BRZ and opted to buy a new 2015 WRX.

Long story short the only thing the BRZ has over the WRX is stiffer handling. That car never EVER swayed and the WRX, since it sits higher tends to sway in the corners a bit more. Nothing bad mind you, but that's really the only difference I would complain about.

Have fun with the new BRZ its a blast. Only reason I sold it was bad winters...needed AWD....turbo wasn't a bad addition either