2015 WRX - New hope for turbo AWD cars?

DirtyBird222 wrote:

jv8 wrote:

DirtyBird222 wrote: I priced a Golf R and said well E36 M3 used CTS-V is same price and 100x more awesome.

Where can I get a used CTS-V wagon for $32K? New-vs-new the Golf R is less than half the price of a CTS-V wagon. The R gets better gas mileage and is AWD. I agree the CTS-V is awesome and I want one. But I need a wagon and well E36 M3 any CTS-V wagon is expensive.

Golf R starts at like $35k. Used CTS-V Sedans can be had for around $35k as well, not the Vagon. I'm sure both have high operating costs too. VW because VW; CTS-V because of mileage on used one for that price and a Cadillac.

You are comparing MSRP of a brand new AWD hatch to a rare used price of a 4 or 5-yr-old RWD sedan (I found only 2 manual trans 09+ CTS-V sedans under $36K on autotrader).

Check out truecar.com for R pricing at $32K. I've heard on the forums they are selling below invoice.

I don't want to get into new-vs-old except to say I have no problem paying for new if I'm confident I'll get another 10 years like my STi. Unfortunately with the Golf R I'm a little suspect given VW's record.

Regarding AWD hatch vs RWD sedan muscle car... if I owned a CTS-V sedan I'd be tempted to keep another truck or winter beater around which would add cost to the CTS-V option (in addition to the costs you mention).

When my '04 impreza needed it's transmission rebuilt / replaced at 37k miles, SOA did the right thing (it needed another rebuild at 80k btw :)

The flaky paint, horrible mpg, clutch chatter, squeeks/rattles were the reasons I sold mine; it's what makes a subaru... a subaru. Good riddance!

After leasing my 2013 WRX Limited hatch 5 months ago, I'll sadly have to side with those who have lost faith in Subaru. I lusted after the WRX/STi since they started selling in America, but have been sorely let down by the quality of this car. In just the past few months, the clutch release bearing makes a horrible chatter when its cold, dash rattles galore and all of the interior plastics are scuffed to oblivion, despite my best OCD efforts to keep the interior in good shape. Yes, the car is entertaining, especially with an intake and Cobb thrown on, but I'll just go ahead and say I'm happy I've leased this thing and not purchased it...

SilverFleet wrote: A lot of former WRX owners on NASIOC have recently picked up the XV Crosstrek. They seem to like it. It's a simpler,more rugged car than the WRX, and it has the new direct injected 2.0L boxer, so it's a little more modern and more efficient than the older EJ-series engines. There's not a sporting bone in them though, and the transmission choices leave a lot to be desired (sloppy 5-speed or a terrible CVT). Think of them as a new AMC Eagle 4X4 wagon. But if you need go-anywhere AWD in a car, that's a good choice.

I've considered the crosstrek, but at that point it is so not fun to drive that there are plenty of CUVs that will likely do the job just as well. My big issue is poorly cleaned side roads and parking lots in the winter when I still need to be at work. I feel like a previous gen a escape would be more useful if I am giving up fun to drive. Plus, it sounds like my glovebox has a better chance of staying attached.

To those who have lost faith - what fun AWD car do you drive now?

I had a Forester XT that popped an engine. Currently we just have a 2012 2.0/6AT Mazda3, but next year when we need a second vehicle I'm looking to get an Evo IX MR. New, I would maybe consider Golf R for a mostly street car. Might anyways if I can't find the right Evo.

jv8 wrote: To those who have lost faith - what fun AWD car do you drive now?

I don't.

I traded my WRX in on a new (at the time) 2012 Mazda 3 S Touring. Pretty much a Mazdaspeed 3 with no turbo or LSD. It has the same seats, steering wheel, etc. as the MS3, but is down about 100hp, but gets slightly better mileage and drinks 87 octane instead of 93. It handles better than my WRX right out of the box, too. Go figure! It is simple and easy to maintain, and that's just what I wanted in a DD this time around.

It has been a great car, and Mazda has been more than accommodating. Hell, they even send me coupons for over-the-counter parts! They don't care that I wrench on my own stuff. After I ditched the WRX, I bought a set of steelies with Blizzaks for cheap on Craigslist, and in winter mode, the 3 is an absolute tank in the snow.

If I had to do it again, I would have given the MS3 a closer look, but I'm not sure if I would have bought it or not.

turtl631 wrote: I had a Forester XT that popped an engine. Currently we just have a 2012 2.0/6AT Mazda3, but next year when we need a second vehicle I'm looking to get an Evo IX MR. New, I would maybe consider Golf R for a mostly street car. Might anyways if I can't find the right Evo.

What did you do with the Forester XT? I have a nice 02 WRX drivetrain in need of good body. I am semi-actively looking for something like that. Tin-worm is getting my WRX.

I sold it to a local shop owner. I'm sure there are plenty of turbo Subarus out there with popped engines and broken dreams for sale.

jv8 wrote: To those who have lost faith - what fun AWD car do you drive now?