New Loaded Focus ST or base WRX worth these prices?

[ballmode]

It seems about every month I bring up the question on buying a new car on the forums.

This time I actually put the effort into getting something from a dealer.

2014 Focus ST - ST2/ST3 packages (Full leather recaro/nav/dual zone auto climate/HID) with all rebates/military discounts found a dealer willing to sell for $25,300 + tax

2015 WRX is WAY harder to find right now and a base model with some accessories (short shifter/all weather floor mats) $27,300 MSRP. Who knows if I can talk them down and this is all the way down in Florida too

The ST gets refreshed next year, the WRX is all new therefore limited supply and all states with snow can't keep them in stock. I have only been able to find Florida and Texas negotiate with me.

So... AT garage should I even consider these cars or should I just take that money and get something used for the same price or cheaper? 135i/335i, 5.0 Stangs, STI Hatches, anything performance with backseat basically...

 

[vshah]

i'd take an STI hatch over those, if you can find one for the same price.

 

[ballmode]

Yeah the STI hatch is the do it all, finding one is the hard part that hasn't been riced out and abused. Its on my daily autotrader search

 

[CurseTheSky]

It really depends what you're looking to do with it. If you live somewhere where a FWD or AWD car makes sense, and it WILL be driven in bad weather, the Focus ST and WRX make sense. If it's going to be a second, garage-kept car that never sees snow, my opinion is that the 5.0 Mustang is a more capable platform in the long run, at least more than the Focus ST. I don't know enough about the BMWs to really comment.

 

[manimal]

I think the 135i is different enough that I think you will have a ton of fun with it. You have had a subie for so long now the BMW might be a nice change of pace.


Only thing I say is dont get a focus. Its wrong wheel drive after all

 

[NutBucket]

Wait for a BRZ turbo? It is almost inevitable....

 

[Wuzup101]

Both of the cars you mentioned and really everything everyone mentioned in this thread would be good options. Having an evo, I'm partial to the wrx (not a huge fan of the ej25 in the previous sti if buying out of warranty or modding without rebuilding - do love the looks of the latter wagons though).

How price tolerant are you? 135i might be a great option especially if you get an older n54 based one. Set some extra cash as side for repairs though.

 

[Zivic]

id have to drive both to make a decision. the FWD has me hesitant on the focus, but it is supposed to be a blast to drive. I'd probably have to drive the focus ST as well.

hard decision to make. I think if I got a wrx, I'd be constantly thinking I should have gotten an STI...

 

[ballmode]

I've driven a 135i and didn't like the run flat tires, enjoyed its hydraulic steering though. It is the second faster car to the Stang GT.

Been a passenger in the 5.0 Stang but it didn't have the track pack. Felt fun but it could get old real quick.

STI Hatch didn't seem much different than any other STI from 04-07. Felt longer but not heavier etc.

Focus ST has torque steer and it doesn't take much to make it happen.

Have sat in the new WRX but not driven. Felt just like a newer version of my car with a better interior. Probably a tie between that the the STI as the easiest to live with everyday due to a combo of storage space and not feeling constrained in the seats (Focus and Stangs had recaros) 135i barely had any storage space.