Quick info about me. Recently moved to the Buckhead area after graduating from Georgia Tech last May. I own a 1999 Civic Si with a few mild mods and will be selling it soon. More info on this in the "Introduce yourself" thread. Now, I am incredibly indecisive person by nature and am having a difficult time deciding on the best car for me. I thoroughly enjoy a spirited drive down a back country road (away from the city) and have always wanted a car I could really learn to drive with (Siegel Racing maybe?). I have looked at the following vehicles Acura TL, Acura TSX, Acura RSX, Audi A3, Subaru WRX/WRX STi/Legacy GT, and new civic Si. Out of all these cars I like the TL for the creature comforts (leather/nav/etc), but there is something about the WRX and specifically the STi I seem to keep coming back to. Keep in mind I have only driven a WRX once and never the STi and that was back in 2002 when they first came out. I hope to learn a lot while I am here and maybe I will end up with a Subaru of my own and can start participating in some of the local events/meets.
Welcome, and good luck with the tough decision. Excitement per $$$ I think the STI is tough to beat... my only real complaint is 1st gear (geared a little too low).
whichever car you decide to go with good luck.. as for my opinion of subaru...well as soon as my wrx is payed off im buying a legacy gt as my second car... SUbaru=symmetrical awd... :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
Thanks for the replies. It seems the overall opinion of Subaru by their owners is positive and many of which will continue to purchase their vehicles. Also, it seems almost every WRX owner aspires to eventually own an STi. I would like to try and find a low mileage used STi that has been babied, but unfortunately it seems everyone says they have "never raced, taken to the track, driven hard", etc and after my incident with the Civic I am a little reluctant to purchase another used vehicle. Ideally, I would purchase from an individual that frequents these or other boards and has many people who can vouch for his/her good care of the vehicle. Again thanks and I will be sure to ask any questions I may come up with.
Find a low mileage sti that has been babied? Thats very hard to come by. I dont think i met a person out there that has red lined it once or twice. If you wanting a sti then just save up the money and buy a new one. There a great car to start moding with. Only thing i did not like about it compared to the WRX was that the 2.5 block is semi-open deck.
Hey there, first I'd like to say welcome to WRXatlanta. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex, I am the founder of this community, WRXatlanta. We're a tight knit group and I thikn you'll be hard pressed to find one owner around here that would recommend anything other to you. As a Subaru owner and enthusiast I am pleased to see that you have left yourself with options, and still include a WRX/STi as one. As a gear head and general automobile enthusiast, I have driven a lot of cars that I would say are in the same sorta "mood" as the WRX. This includes BMWs, Audis, S2000's, RX8's, Acuras (RSX Type-S), Miatas, Maximas, and even a 944. Of course there are more, but this is a small list of a few sporty coupes/sedans I've had a chance to enjoy. Obviously, I cannot make the choice for you. You being indecisive has caused you to ask other Subaru owners, familar with their cars and many other types, their opinions. The true question is coupe vs sedan. I chose sedan because I have more than 1 friend, I sometimes need to carry more than 1 suitcase, I prefer have smaller doors (less chance to dinging someone else's door), etc. Sedans, for me, were all around more convinient. I attend Ga Tech and still live down on campus. Why a WRX? Well, its more of a question why not a WRX? Mechanically, the cars are very well structured from the get go and cost little to maintain. They're spirited, fun loving and can throw every bit of enthusastic driving you give it right back at ya. Most buyers of a WRX soon learn that owning a WRX is half of the deal. The other half is the WRX hobby life. WRX owners tend to be friendly, knowledgble and social. Bottom line, everyone here in the community is always willing to help out or just chill out over a few beers and a bbq. Of course, Ive yet to meet one WRX owner who could resist modding their car. Ah yes, modding, its such a fun word to say. Every car owner dreams about it, but WRX owners live it. With a turbocharged engine, the gains from exhaust, engine management, etc are unbelievable. For $1000 you could recreate the feel of your car entirely. WRXs have a personality of their own, one in which you can so easily make yours. The beauty of one is that it responds so well to your input and how you enjoy to drive. Its diverse and easily usable in all mediums of driving, whether it be Mountain Runs, Dragging, Tracking, Auto-Cross, etc. More importantly, for most of us, we still use our cars as a general city vehicle. We're able to drive from Home to Work to the Grocery Store in our own style and our own type of driving fun. I could go on and on, but I'd really like to hear what you have to say about this. Basically, what are you looking for in a car?
Welcome! I wouldnt necessarily say that all WRX owners aspire to STI owners, until they make an STI wagon I'll keep mine for utility. You can find amazing deals on 02/03 models and if you find one that has been taken care of, will run very well into the higher mileages. They're fun and you can do minimal dollar mods and get a lot more response out of the car.
Welcome! If you want a comfort car, I would go with the Acuras. Nothing against them but personally I want the main purpose of my car to be performace. The s2k seems to be the only car honda makes that is slightly more performace than comfort (well except for the NSX , but CND have been giving the RSX-S some good reviews too) I would definately suggest that if you are planing to track or autox that you buy something that is a little more geared to performace than comfort. Just my too cents. Another good idea is getting rides with various people. Most people in this forum are very friendly and will give you rides in their cars. Also most autox events and some track events let you have a passenger in the car. There is no better way to get a feel for a cars capabilities than at a motorsports event. Unfortunately the SCCA autox season is over, I usually try to get people out and people are always welcome for ride-alongs. Good luck!
welcome! ill cut you a deal on my 02 wrx with 21,500 miles! haha...but welcome to the forum, you wont find a friendier more helpful forum any where. My .02 is that once you get into subaru's and awd you will never go back as i am only 19 and have already had 2 wrx's and dont want any other kind of car after having civics and a turbo miata.
When is the next time everyone is meeting? I would like to come out and talk with some folks about their cars and perhaps then I can make a better educated decision. Right now I feel if I purchased anything else I would end up regretful. I have always wanted a fast, fun car I can take to the track to learn how to "really" drive, tweak and tune (within reason), and be a reliable, everday driver for my commute to and from work. Thanks again for all the responses.
I have always wanted a fast, fun car I can take to the track to learn how to "really" drive, tweak and tune (within reason), and be a reliable, everday driver for my commute to and from work. [/QUOTE] everything you have just mentioned describes the wrx/sti to a T.
the next get together is at Milos here is a link http://www.wrxatl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4146 welcome to the club i hope to meet ya in the near future!
I have owned many vehicles mostly American Muscle Cars. I am performance oriented. From a performance perspective the Subaru is definitely "In My opinion" Dominant in engineering/design/peformance /relaibility from a cost perspective. The STI as stated in consumer reports has "exotic car acceleration and performance". It also rates in consumer reports as a "best buy" and on the ten highest owner satisfaction ratings as does the WRX. It is also very safe with very good crash test ratings(all important in these parts). I am a mindful consumer and CR has never led me astray. Even though I don't have the STI I love my WRX. I aspire to not necessarily to own an STI but to mod my WRX to my own driving expectations once I master driving the stock set up. Mod's also seem very doable in these cars with the right shop. You may be better off in another car with creature comforts but as far is performance is concerned the bang for the buck with these cars is exceptional! The only down fall I have found with these cars is insurance but that goes without saying with performance cars. Best of luck and welcome!
Thanks wrxcoupe. I also follow Consumer Reports and it is nice to find a capable car such as the STi being mentioned as a Best Buy. Above all I am more performance oriented (engineer in me I guess) and the more I think about it, the more I think the STi suits me as opposed to the other cars I mentioned. I need to go up to SOG this weekend and test drive both the WRX and WRX STi and also come out to Milo's next month to further solidify my intentions.
If its safety you're concerned with, rest assured. The WRX/STI has to be one of the safest cars I have ever owned, ridden in, wrecked in. I've been involved with one accident, and I was amazed at how well the car took it. I've been witness to one other (WRX-WRC's totalling of his WRX into a median) and its so reassuring how well these's cars take a beating. They're designed as an automobile should. They may die in the wreck, but you walk away scratch free. More commonly, people are rolling their WRX's and coming out with a few broken ones at the most. In alex's case, he did a 180 into on coming traffic, and the front right hit the median first, and then boomeranged the right rear into the median, causing the car the actually bend around the b-pillar (middle). What happened on the inside? Window's blew out, seat bent, but he was just fine. Some slight rib pain, and dissolution, but he was fine. Here are photos, http://forums.wrxatlanta.com/showthread.php?t=2802. I've also seen photos of countless other accidents where drivers (and passengers) walk away. Including, but not limited to rolling at 140mph on a city street and being sandwhiched inbetween two Semi trucks at highway speeds. If you come to the install day at Milo's, you will be buying a WRX.
Man...I am glad he is okay. I will be coming to the install day and I am sure it will make me even more anxious to get my WRX.
I dont dare drive one (STI) on install day....or I will be buying one That wreck was wicked gald he's OK. Glad I stopped running Mustngs as well. Allot of fatalities in Mustangs with similar accidents!
I also owned american muscle cars.. and like i said i love my wrx i will definatly buy another subaru down the road.. and as alex was saying as far as saftey ... i wrecked my car not to long ago, spun out and backed it over a gaurd rail ... it was by far the "safest" i have ever felt in a crash, and the car took it like a champ a few under body problems but they were all easily fixed.... just my .02
If you are looking at the STi, take a look at the Evo also. They are both quite similar. I will have mine at install day if you want a ride. -- Brian
Thanks Brian. I have looked at them in the past, but I think the Subaru is more my cup of tea and who I support in the WRC. As far as the STi goes, I think I am going to look into a 2003-2005 WRX sedan or sport wagon instead. I have some CC debt I accrued throughout school that I will be able to get rid of after the sale of my current car and the check from the insurance company (which I just received). I would much rather have a slightly larger debt from a vehicle loan than CC debt. Hope that makes since. Anyway...if anyone comes across anything on the net for a car like I mentioned, please let me know. Thanks. Jonathan
Definately look into a 2002-2003 -- the "bugeyes". They're not overlypriced, not too difficult to come by and still look and run great.
Truthfully, I like all of the body styles. It will really come down to a particular car, whether it be an STi or a bugeye wagon. If I find something that a really like and is doable in the price range then that is what I will go with.
if your looking for a bugeye .... isnt tom still trying to sell his... alex i think you would be the one to ask how to inquire about this since tom is overseas and all....
I don't know who Tom is. But if he has a nice car he is looking to sell, I am willing to listen. Thanks.
I just bought mine in October. Best Money I ever spent on a car hands down: Got a 2002 WRX Sedan with 18,500 miles(Got Lucky). I paid $16,000 for the car. Insurance qoutes were high but I looked on the internet and found an insurance policy through a weblocater company recommended by consumer reports for $78 a month through travelers insurance.
Nice looking car WRXcoupe. I definately need to find a low mileage one. I am still keeping my mind open for other cars as well. Still looking at WRX, '06 Si or an Audi A4. All very different, but all good cars with nice potential.
Take into consideration: maintenance, insurance, cost and availability of replacement parts and mods if your a speed freek. Also good Subi speed shops here in ATL! These are all issues I have come accross that have accounted for $ budgeting. So far the Subi's been good!
2005 sti on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4601381478&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT If you have the patience you can find the deals I took my time and pulled the trigger at the right time and got a stepchild SAABaru wagon - Trunk space is important for me otherwise i would have got an 06 sedan. I dont want to depreciate my car faster than it should by posting the price i paid so i remain silent (smile). Let put it this way. I cant even buy a similar condition 2004 wrx wagon with more miles - and believe me i tried. Let me throw one more confusion to your search Audi A3 with DSG
Ditto: http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/factsheet.aspx Sorry it says the car is not there but it is. 2003 WRX with low miles. Food for thought!
One of my very close friends used to own an A4, which mean I practically owned the A4. Its a great car, but they're not nearly as reliable as the WRX in my experience. Granted, the A4 received a beating, every WRX owner I know that has beat on their WRX hasnt had the problems we had on the A4.
When the wife and I were Lemon Law'ing her Exploder the lawyer informed us that the VW/Audi line was #1 on their Most Lemoned List. I'd still rock the hell out of a S4.
Thanks guys. I know this is all within the same day, but I think I have already decided against the A4 for several engine issues with the 1.8T. To reply to the comment about the Audi A3, I have looked at them and driven one. The DSG transmission is incredible, but I still wish I had a clutch to push in. The A3 is nice, but the price is ridiculous if you ask me. I PMed Scott about my situation and he offered some good advice. As of today at 10:03 PM I am strongly considering an STi. My only concern is buying used because I was so recently burned on my current car. If I do buy used it will need to be extremely low miles. The way I see it is the STi already has many things I would want to do to the WRX immediately. I have been searching on eBay, Autotrader and a couple of the WRX forums. I am tempted to look at something from eBay, but I don't feel confident buying a used vehicle online having never seen it in person or driven it. Another key thing I need to do is drive a newer WRX and WRX STi. I haven't driven a WRX since 2002 and have never driven a STi. In my experience dealers do not readily give test drives on the STi, of course it was when I was still in college and I didn't want to be an ass and lie that I was definately considering purchasing that particular vehicle from that particular dealership. ***Maybe I could test drive a STi at SOG this week. Mention WRXatlanta and be really nice and sincere?*** Keep the thoughts coming guys, all of you have been helpful and I appreciate your time to type your thoughts and ideas. CHEERS!
One other thing. I personally am not a huge fan of the spoiler on the STi. Are the drill holes the same for a normal WRX spoiler? Something I could simply buy or trade with a WRX owner or would I need to swap trunk lids? In addition to my dislike of the spoiler multiple "non-car" people have mentioned this as well, but I assure you this is not pursuading my view on the subject. I am my own man. LOL
You'll have to trade trunk lids with a WRX. Unless you've got a hookup with a body shop. I swapped for a wingless one and am very happy with it. Something else to consider is the 06 WRX's have the 2.5L motor in them, so you could get a TR model and save some money.
The trunk swap for the STI will take you out of AS for SCCA Solo II Classic might let you test drive one. I don't know if SOG is letting people drive them. Also one of our members is selling his '06. http://www.wrxatl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4343
pEd drives an 04 STi. I have personally not driven a 06 WRX TR, but I have driven an 06 WRX wagon. I am not a salesman, and I am sure you are familiar with the difference in the new WRX product lines so I will not go into that. There are more and more STis for sale now (for whatever reason) and you should be able to find one in great condition with low miles. cheers,
I understand the STi is a special car, but I also understand it may not be for everybody. I think I would enjoy the car very much, however, dealers not allowing you to drive them is a little ridiculous. I have been told in the past if you WANT the car then you would BUY the car. How am I supposed to make a decision? By the way, I have seen the TR and I would rather get a normal WRX. The search continues...
$ is in your pocket If salesman dont even treat you like a customer - walk away. There are more than one dealer and there are more deals and better salesman. I do all my research online and all the dealer is there to provide me service for me and my potential car. keyword "potential customer". they earn the customer not the other way around
^^^ So true. I let my wife do the whole process of buying my car (minus the test drive). If they talked down to her or asked to talk to me about the car, she told them nevermind. I told her anything she needed to know so she was prepared. Needless to say she walked away from several dealerships that called back the next day offering apologies. Don't be afraid to walk away, they're trying to sell you a car. As stated above, there are more than plenty dealerships to work with.
Oh I definately understand the situation and have witnessed people succoumb to a salesman. I think in the past I felt compelled not to BS the salesman because I was not in the market at that particular time. Now that I am in the market I will have no problem walking away from a salesman unwilling to help me. But again, thanks for the thoughts.