Subaru WRX or STI as Daily

[wuufer001]

I am looking for a fun little performance as a daily driver. Have always wanted an STI many many moons ago
So i guess right now it could be the time, i'm shooting for sub $30K.
I really like the previous Hatch STI because of the space and practicality and of course the extras over the current WRX. But that price on average i seen is about the same as a new WRX but no Hatch version for this generation.

i won't be tracking or racing but occasionally like the extra oomph when i need. So honestly i am leaning more towards the STI but want to know if there are things that i should know or beware like cost of ownership and etc
Have considered other like the RS which at this moment are still new so it doesn't fit in my projected price range, Golf R i don't think would me more fun though, too elegant compared to the Sub. Wife had a MK6 GTI and the turbo lag on that was ridiculous, not sure about the MK7's though
any thoughts?

[Wolf 335]

Could you add an option to the poll "None of the above"

These are the questions you ask at the subie forums, not here man.

Here we only breathe bmw.

[shoguniori31]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

Could you add an option to the poll "None of the above"

These are the questions you ask at the subie forums, not here man.

Here we only breathe bmw.

Yes sir

[mojobmw_e90]

My fiance has a Subaru wrx hatch. Bought it back in 08 with 19k. Currently has 127k.she absolutely loves it. She doesn't do any fun things with it, but taking off fast during snow seasons, cornering she loves it. It's a automatic so it's what ever lol

[TSM330i]

I have a 2015 Mk7 GTI and there's not turbo lag at all.
The upgrades from the Mk6 to Mk7 is pretty dramatic. You should definitely take a look.

Subaru is a little bit of a different animal. Yes, it's more raw and not as comfortable, but it seems that's what you're looking for. I'm not sure of cost of ownership from a maintenance standpoint, but I know fuel mileage isn't that great considering it's a 4 cylinder engine.

You can look at these for comparison as well:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/search.ph...chid=127709313

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

[J3T]

Wow we have a couple of elitists in here, If you dont like his question dont read the thread and move on geez.
I would prefer to get an auto if it was a DD, Subie if you want to play around on weekends.

[R3dliner]

Owning two stg 2 STI's in the past go with the new WRX. Most likely a used STI will be modded and with miles on it, things can break down. Not to mention people including myself always data logged with the accessport being paranoid about frying my ringlands or rod bearings. The used STI market prices are crazy.

With that being said, the new wrx has so much better technology and that new direct injected engine has so much potential. The interior is so much nicer than the old gr bodies. Torque vectoring is a nice feature. Biggest thing is warranty. Subaru is very strict on warranty claims on modded STI's. If you do get the STI make sure you do a full compression and leakdown test. Cyl 2 and 4 are always the known culprits.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by J3T

Wow we have a couple of elitists in here, If you dont like his question dont read the thread and move on geez.
I would prefer to get an auto if it was a DD, Subie if you want to play around on weekends.

Maybe my comment wasn't transparent enough.

So, let me clarify that I was kidding around.

[paliknight]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

Owning two stg 2 STI's in the past go with the new WRX. Most likely a used STI will be modded and with miles on it, things can break down. Not to mention people including myself always data logged with the accessport being paranoid about frying my ringlands or rod bearings. The used STI market prices are crazy.

With that being said, the new wrx has so much better technology and that new direct injected engine has so much potential. The interior is so much nicer than the old gr bodies. Torque vectoring is a nice feature. Biggest thing is warranty. Subaru is very strict on warranty claims on modded STI's. If you do get the STI make sure you do a full compression and leakdown test. Cyl 2 and 4 are always the known culprits.

Same here. Completely agree with this post. You will not notice a difference in speed between the WRX and STI since the difference is minimal.

I used to own a 2011 WRX. It was a sexy WRB color. I loved it, but the tech in it sucks and all the plastic parts rattle. So I hope you don't mind. I would never buy used though since these are the most modded cars on the planet. Especially with the notorious Rod bearing issue with the engines, fuck no would I buy a used out of warranty Rex or STI.

[wuufer001]

this post is listed under the 'NON BMW' section so i don't have a problem if people not liking this thread lol
i've been on this forum the most frequent and the longest so this is where i choose to get answers from as far as i care. great to see the diversity of people nonetheless
no worries though, i will just look away and wipe my tears

what about the current new STI? is it worth the extra premium compared to the current WRX? i know that extra $$ is way out of my budget but would you if you had the money?

[lens]

Originally Posted by wuufer001

this post is listed under the 'NON BMW' section so i don't have a problem if people not liking this thread lol
what about the current new STI? is it worth the extra premium compared to the current WRX? i know that extra $$ is way out of my budget but would you if you had the money?

To be honest, my friend had an STI and WRX, and he tells me that the WRX is better. For the price of an STI vs WRX, you can just buy full coilovers, exhaust tune etc... to make up the STI difference, and it's very minimal, so a stage 1 WRX can beat a stock STI.

But if I had to, I would not buy Subaru at all. The amount of money you spend on gas is absolutely stupid. My buddy is spending at least 400-500$ a month, and he drives to work 5 days a week, 60km a day. On my 335i, I spend about 250$ a month.

As much as you want fun, you're better off with a 135i or a 1M/M2 or even Golf R.

Subaru's highway mileage is horrible as well, 10-10.5L/100KM. I'm just giving you friendly advice that, you might have fun for a first couple months, but when things starts breaking or you're pouring too much money into gas, you'd regret it.

IMO though, the Golf R is fun and really a good car surprisingly, I rode in one and was surprised on the fun you can have with the DSG or manual, much better option than the WRX/STI.

[R3dliner]

Originally Posted by wuufer001

this post is listed under the 'NON BMW' section so i don't have a problem if people not liking this thread lol
i've been on this forum the most frequent and the longest so this is where i choose to get answers from as far as i care. great to see the diversity of people nonetheless
no worries though, i will just look away and wipe my tears

what about the current new STI? is it worth the extra premium compared to the current WRX? i know that extra $$ is way out of my budget but would you if you had the money?

Not worth it in my opinion. The EJ257 is more than a 10 year old engine. Yes aftermarket support is huge but its not that fast from factory. They've added more weight to the new ones. Does it drive nice? For sure but can't justify on a 40k subie. Get the new engine much better. Oh 1 thing gas mileage is terrible on the STI.

[wuufer001]

Originally Posted by chaungo

To be honest, my friend had an STI and WRX, and he tells me that the WRX is better. For the price of an STI vs WRX, you can just buy full coilovers, exhaust tune etc... to make up the STI difference, and it's very minimal, so a stage 1 WRX can beat a stock STI.

But if I had to, I would not buy Subaru at all. The amount of money you spend on gas is absolutely stupid. My buddy is spending at least 400-500$ a month, and he drives to work 5 days a week, 60km a day. On my 335i, I spend about 250$ a month.

As much as you want fun, you're better off with a 135i or a 1M/M2 or even Golf R.

Subaru's highway mileage is horrible as well, 10-10.5L/100KM. I'm just giving you friendly advice that, you might have fun for a first couple months, but when things starts breaking or you're pouring too much money into gas, you'd regret it.

IMO though, the Golf R is fun and really a good car surprisingly, I rode in one and was surprised on his fun you can have with the DSG or manual, much better option than the WRX/STI.

ok, i guess i really need to look at other options, my first impression is Euro cars are gonna cost more to repair/replace parts thats why my first choice was the above.

Originally Posted by R3dliner

Not worth it in my opinion. The EJ257 is more than a 10 year old engine. Yes aftermarket support is huge but its not that fast from factory. They've added more weight to the new ones. Does it drive nice? For sure but can't justify on a 40k subie. Get the new engine much better. Oh 1 thing gas mileage is terrible on the STI.

damn, didn't know 4cyl putting out that shit of mpg
and yes, 40k for a subie is way too much, really have to look at other options now

***low maintenance cost also my concern

[R3dliner]

they have 3 diff's hence shitty MPG.

[Nihilation]

I've owned an '08 STI hatch and a '15 WRX. I'd get the WRX, simply based on fuel economy. When the WRX is tuned with a Cobb AP it's more fun than the stock STI. Plus the FA20DIT is getting a heavy dose of aftermarket attention. It's the way to go, imo.

[F80Dreamer]

I have owned wrxs in the past. As others have said, the Sti is just old tech with an ancient motor. New wrx is a much better overall car, better value, way better fuel efficiency. One thing to note is the acceleration times. If you look at the 5-60 mph times, they are very slow, like almost 6 seconds. So you have to really thrash the engine and clutch to get low 5s. I would look at the GTI over the Subie for sure.

[litxus]

If you are forced to chose between the two I would go with new WRX, as you will have warranty and I really don't like the idea of replacing an engine. I was looking at these choices as well before, but what put me off is a very high asking prices for USED car which was most likely modded. And as someone mentioned gas mileage is average at best.

Another thing you have to ask is do you really need awd? As basically WRX / STI has no advantage if you don't need all wheel traction, or taking it off-road in some rally courses.

[paliknight]

Originally Posted by wuufer001

ok, i guess i really need to look at other options, my first impression is Euro cars are gonna cost more to repair/replace parts thats why my first choice was the above.



damn, didn't know 4cyl putting out that shit of mpg
and yes, 40k for a subie is way too much, really have to look at other options now

***low maintenance cost also my concern

There are current WRX leases for sub 300 a month. I loved my subie and the AWD is the best I've ever driven.

The Rex is a really fun car OP. Can't speak for any VW's, but I would recommend a new Rex if you have your heart set on it. Just don't mod it lol. Gas mileage isn't that bad depending on your driving. It's bad for a 4 cylinder, but not in general.

[Mingwan]

As a DD, probably the wrx. It does have the newer motor, and better fuel economy. They're both speeds now right? So is the gearing as short as it is in the sti? I've heard a lot of sti owners complaining about the super shirt gearing in the sti for daily driving.

[VRG_135]

I voted old, but then as a DD, do you want an auto or M? No auto on older wrx or STI.

But this thread also reminded me about my first car (1978 subaru dl, 0-60 14 seconds or so) and how it compares to my 135 dct (0-60, 4.6 seconds or so).

[SSJTrunks523]

We've owned an '11 STI and own a '15 STI Launch.

The new chassis/suspension is worlds better than the old one (so vote for new WRX)

The WRX is faster 0-60 than the STI due to 5spd vs 6pd. The shift point is at like 55-58mph or something stupid in the STI, killing the 0-60. 60-120 is a better measure. Vote WRX if you are keeping them stock.

STI tunes incredibly - cheap and easy, and pre-MY2012, they were much better built (motors). Our 2011 was bulletproof. Not so much the '15.

I'd say your big questions are:

1) how important is ride? if very - go new
2) Are you going to tune? - if yes, go STI. Saying a tuned WRX is as good as a stock STI is like saying a tuned Civic can be faster than a stock M3. Not fair comparison
3) If not tuning, how important is Warranty? - If not tuning, and/or warranty is important - go WRX
4) Hatch vs. Sedan - This is a personal "how much space do I need" question. STI/WRX

[ShocknAwe]

With the above poster. STI if you will mod, WRX is keeping stock. Have driven them both, I really liked the WRX a lot for what it was.

Still, there are other cars I'd rather have more in the same market segment.