WRX - worth it?

[wasssup]

Back in '02 when it was released yeah, it was revolutionary here in the states. But for $23-$25k (after tax), think I could do better for a daily driver/sporty car these days?

The other car I had in mind was the TSX (doesn't have the raw power the WRX has but definitely makes up for it in looks/comfort).

 

[OVerLoRDI]

If you have to commute a decent distance getting a car that you will enjoy driving is important. I honestly wake up every morning looking forward to driving my car. Do some test drives and see what you think. If all else fails get a used BMW 5 series like me

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Manual or auto?

If manual, drive both and get a feel for them, specifically on the clutch and see how you like both.

I've heard some people talk about the tranny's in WRX's, might want to check and see what exactly is up with those, if anything.

 

[fbrdphreak]

TSX is underpowered.

WRX is a great sporty car, but drive one to see if it fits your needs as a daily driver.

Better gas mileage, cheaper, slower, still fun to drive: Mazda 3.

Mazdaspeed3 is faster and overall nicer, but reliability still wins with the Subbie hands down; as does traction

Read Edmund's sport compact roundup:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=117762

 

[spaceman]

we've had one for almost a year, an '04
its small, but it handles very well and packs quite a punch.
like anything else, the thrill wears off after awhile.
i think we'd be just as happy with a 2.5rs or an outback.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I keep wishing they'd bring the Forester STI to the states...

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
TSX is underpowered.

WRX is a great sporty car, but drive one to see if it fits your needs as a daily driver.

Better gas mileage, cheaper, slower, still fun to drive: Mazda 3.

Mazdaspeed3 is faster and overall nicer, but reliability still wins with the Subbie hands down; as does traction

Read Edmund's sport compact roundup:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=117762

what is the wrx tr?

 

[Chrono]

test it! i love mine!

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
TSX is underpowered.

Have you driven it? The gearing is pretty short and a 6 speed tranny is optional, that should make up in daily driving for the power. Also, it really depends what kind of car the OP is in right now and what his expectations are - for all we know, this could be more than enough for him if everything else satisfies him, not everyone needs a powerful car for commuting or even feels the desire for that.

 

[Vic]

I love my WRX, but I fully understand that it is not a car for everybody, especially after modding. Drive one to see if you like it. It's definitely a "driver's" car.

Keep in mind also that the entire Impreza line will get a complete redesign for MY08.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: ncircle

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
TSX is underpowered.

WRX is a great sporty car, but drive one to see if it fits your needs as a daily driver.

Better gas mileage, cheaper, slower, still fun to drive: Mazda 3.

Mazdaspeed3 is faster and overall nicer, but reliability still wins with the Subbie hands down; as does traction

Read Edmund's sport compact roundup:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=117762

what is the wrx tr?

i'm pretty sure the TR just the stripper version.

for $25K, you can get a nicer, equally quick, more reliable car elsewhere if you are willing to forego the AWD.

BTW, I've driven the 2007 limited 5-speed, and i was impressed with it, but more impressed with other cars i drove in the same price range. it seems like its been nearly a decade since they released the first one and it's had nothing but plastic surgery since then. it has held up well, but not well enough. i'm sure no one hates their WRX, and that says something, but it's not the go-to car on my shopping list.

 

[ElFenix]

miata

 

[thomsbrain]

oh yeah, i feel like a broken record here, but since you mentioned the TSX and then expressed concern about its power... you'll find the Accord EX-L V6 6-speed manual to be roughly equal to the TSX in fit/finish, and it more than solves the TSX's little power issues. they go for about $25K these days.

also, have you considered a used G35 or something like that?

 

[Demo24]

After driving one for almost a year I can say that I wish I had saved for an STI. Wouldn't have taken me too long, but I didn't think I would need that. It's more than power, WRX has enough. The STI has the good gearbox, suspension, etc. WRX could use some improvements.

However it is a good car.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain

Originally posted by: ncircle

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
TSX is underpowered.

WRX is a great sporty car, but drive one to see if it fits your needs as a daily driver.

Better gas mileage, cheaper, slower, still fun to drive: Mazda 3.

Mazdaspeed3 is faster and overall nicer, but reliability still wins with the Subbie hands down; as does traction

Read Edmund's sport compact roundup:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=117762

what is the wrx tr?

i'm pretty sure the TR just the stripper version.

for $25K, you can get a nicer, equally quick, more reliable car elsewhere if you are willing to forego the AWD.

BTW, I've driven the 2007 limited 5-speed, and i was impressed with it, but more impressed with other cars i drove in the same price range. it seems like its been nearly a decade since they released the first one and it's had nothing but plastic surgery since then. it has held up well, but not well enough. i'm sure no one hates their WRX, and that says something, but it's not the go-to car on my shopping list.

Correct. When I looked like a year ago, the TR was $1000 less. For $1000, I'll take the amenities the full WRX comes with. For those who are going to re-do the whole car race-style I suppose it is useful.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
TSX is underpowered.

Have you driven it? The gearing is pretty short and a 6 speed tranny is optional, that should make up in daily driving for the power. Also, it really depends what kind of car the OP is in right now and what his expectations are - for all we know, this could be more than enough for him if everything else satisfies him, not everyone needs a powerful car for commuting or even feels the desire for that.

3200lbs car with 205HP/164TQ I-4 that takes premium? Not slow certainly, should get better gas mileage than the WRX, but not really comparable. Underpowered still applies, but not slow.

Whereas my 3400lb automatic wagon 165HP H-4 is both underpowered and slow

 

[canadageek]

my wagon will outslow yours any day.....1800KG, 88hp, 1.9l I4. and its automatic. top speed? oh, around 135km/hr. and thats going downhill at WOT.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: DEMO24
After driving one for almost a year I can say that I wish I had saved for an STI. Wouldn't have taken me too long, but I didn't think I would need that. It's more than power, WRX has enough. The STI has the good gearbox, suspension, etc. WRX could use some improvements.

However it is a good car.

If you want to mod, the WRX is what I see most people start off with, it's a great platform for just that