My wife wants a WRX

[carterb]

How do you know when a car is legit? Take this one for instance:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/3244775140.html

 

Mismatched seats and door panels? No rear wing? (which is fine with me but still) I assume there are plenty out there who just bolt on STi stuff to their standard imprezas and WRX's to fake an STi?

[ofg]

Have to be very careful when buying a wrx and especially an sti. They were a favorite of the tuner kiddies, and as such many have been half ass modified, beaten up, and in many many cases a wrx has been made to look like an sti. Looks like somebody swapped front seats on that one. I would check and see if its a real sti or a built up 2 liter. Hard run turbo boxers are known to shat them selves around a hundred k miles. Known to break transmissions too from hard driving.

 

Here in Colorado I see many advertised with "new engine and trans". Or, needs new engine or trans. Very few good ones used that I can find anyway. I would have an sti right now If I could find a good one. BTW, if you can afford it,, its worth stepping up to an sti on the older models.

[carterb]

So Brenda and Victoria looked at a G35 today

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/3249183720.html

She said it was really nice and had plenty of power but drove like a luxury car... She really likes the quick steering in the Neon.

 

While there she drove a 2009 Civic Si

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/3246950103.html

She really liked the way that car drove and Victoria wanted to buy it. The interior was *really nice!* she said.

 

Then she went and looked at 2012/23 Civic Si's since they are not much more than a used one... So it sounds like that is an option.

 

I think she saved the best for last.

She went to Sea-Auto in Edmonds and drove an WRX

http://www.sea-auto.com/vehicle-details/1bfd73accb1865449ec9ddf5f68ea60d/2004+subaru+impreza+wrx+4-door+sedan.html

She liked it but didn't really like the turbo-lag.

 

Then she drive an STi

http://www.sea-auto.com/vehicle-details/9af082876f6a354da1d30332b0a700be/2006+subaru+impreza+wrx+sti+4-door+sedan.html

She "hooted" when she got on the gas and Victoria was scared! I think Brenda was too a little bit as she can see that she'd get in to trouble very quickly in one of these. Her eyes got really big when she got home and started telling me about her experience. She thinks it might be too much car though.

 

But if she changes her mind, I like this one:

http://www.sea-auto.com/vehicle-details/3992b2dc3642474ca687b34a56cc07a4/2005+subaru+impreza+wrx+sti+4-door+sedan.html

It looks nice and unmolested unlike the blue one which has all kinds of garbage tacked on...

 

Though truth be told, I like them lowered like this:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/ctd/3210288081.html

But I'm sure Brenda wouldn't...

 

Tristin, here is an Evo for you

http://www.sea-auto.com/vehicle-details/ef72239532f1c34bb6afd117c31defec/2008+mitsubishi+lancer+evolution+gsr+4-door+sedan.html

I just don't get the whole giant gaping hole/front grill that these, the mazdas, and even the new Lexus's are coming out with.

 

I'll keep you posted on what we do.

She still wants to drive a G35 and an IS300 with a manual tranny.

[Tristin]

Tristin, here is an Evo for you

http://www.sea-auto....door sedan.html

I just don't get the whole giant gaping hole/front grill that these, the mazdas, and even the new Lexus's are coming out with.

 

Thats an Evo X (10) but Im a big fan of the older models circa 2005... those are Evo VIIIs (8). Here are some images of a friends:

 

 

 

Still a bit of a grille, but nothing like the "big mouth bass" look of the Evo X. You can get stockish Evo 8s for about 12-15. Its a great car: AWD, 4dr, good power, easy to make more power if that interests you, reliable, and tough.

[86 720]

Subaru had to do a recall to some of their models due to a master cylinder, I think they were the 2012 models.

 

Some other models had MC problems as well where the MC would "flex"

 

[Ratwagon1600]

Flex issue has been around on the WRX's for a while.

 

This is an Aussie based shop which specializes in a couple of different Marques, including Subaru.

 

There may be some relevant info/ links here for you.

 

http://www.mrtperformance.com.au/

 

 

And a link to the info on their master cylinder brace.

 

http://www.mrtperformance.com.au/performance/brakes/572-brake-support-bracket

 

 

 

[Laecaon]

Or for a more local Subi specialization shop, Perrin Performance. http://www.perrinperformance.com/ This place is super awesome!

[dennis]

Not sure what your budget is but I have a new Mini Cooper Countryman S. They have a 6 speed manual as well as a steptronic auto with paddle shifters. Only 181 hp but the weight (2900lbs) makes it a quick car. The suspension is phenomenal, I terrorize all the ricers around here and mine is completely stock. I paid 30k for mine with 6 miles on it, but I have a bunch of options and steptronic tranny and that adds a bit on the price.

[carterb]

Thanks for the suggestion Dennis. Mini's are cool but we like 4dr Sedans.

--carter

[banzai510(hainz)]

I love the Subaru STIs

 

Just like you Carter I would be worried about the previous owner.

 

gas miage isnt so great

 

and later upkeep. Is a clutch change due in a few years. CV joints ect type of wear.

Does tire wear out faster on these rigs.

 

Are these going to be the future 510s where they are all broken with kids that have no money piled up like 510s old RX7s ect. But I too love that sound they make.

 

Is there a Ford Fusion manual trans???????? I think those would look cool with the right wheels and lowered a bit

 

Ford Escape? Look like a practicle rig and they come in all wheel drive options.

 

get a jeep 4dr Rubicon and go camping!!!!!!!!!

[Logical]

For a reliable daily I vote civic si 4 door '06 and up. Hell any honda with a K series. My '03 Si has 125k on the clock and hasnt had a single hiccup. Nothing except oil changes. Still on the factory battery almost 10 years later too

[bananahamuck]

My personal opinion is i would rather drive a Daiwoo than a Subaru.

 

Subarus are for 20 somethings that wear to much Axe deodorant or lesbians...period

 

 

:)

[banzai510(hainz)]

Subarus are for 20 somethings ??????????

Its mostly early 30 soemthings as most 20 yr olds still cant afford a Subaru STIs unless home with parents and making payments

[nismosilvia]

Scion frs or subaru brz all day long

[510-Trevor]

...Subarus are for 20 somethings that wear to much Axe deodorant or lesbians...period

:)

I actually read in AutoBlog that Subaru's 2013 marketing strategy is going to be heavily biased towards biker dykes and skinny jean hypsters.

 

 

On a more serious note, Carterb, have you considered the sleeper Subaru. The Forester XT 2002-2008, 2.5 turbo. They actually handle pretty good and have lots of power. A really good option if you are looking for a more family friendly option.

[dennis]

Thanks for the suggestion Dennis. Mini's are cool but we like 4dr Sedans.

--carter

 

May not be a sedan but it is a four door, duell ag in japan makes some of the best stuff for them.

 

 

[Uber Deaf One]

^^ You don't find those extremely ugly?

[INDY510]

^^ You don't find those extremely ugly?

 

and 10x bigger than the old Mini design, which was already 10x bigger than a real Mini?? ... . Why?? ... :confused:

 

... Carterb. wife wants Honda Civic or WRX ... at least one's safe and reliable. +cheap/free to maintain, and will last a long time

[Katalyst]

Excellent choice!! I have a 2006 WRX with some tasteful mods and the car is a blast! I have had it for over 6 years and every time I drive it is like the first time. AWD means its great for WA, plenty of power

[carterb]

Is there a Ford Fusion manual trans???????? I think those would look cool with the right wheels and lowered a bit

 

 

After feeling so cramped in the back of a Focus, we tried the Fusion. It wasn't a whole lot better. Plus, there is nothing inspiring about its looks. I agree though, lowered with nice rims improves just about any cars appearance

 

My personal opinion is i would rather drive a Daiwoo than a Subaru.

 

Subarus are for 20 somethings that wear to much Axe deodorant or lesbians...period

 

 

:)

 

Guess I better go buy some deodorant then. :poop: Oh wait, you said 20 somethings... I'm screwed.

Scion frs or subaru brz all day long

 

If only they they offered the small RWD platform in a 4 dr sedan...

 

On a more serious note, Carterb, have you considered the sleeper Subaru. The Forester XT 2002-2008, 2.5 turbo. They actually handle pretty good and have lots of power. A really good option if you are looking for a more family friendly option.

 

One of my co-workers has a Forester with all the trick bits. Still looks like a Forester. And a ground-scraping faux-SUV with bright blue paint and gold rims does not a sleeper make! :yawn:

[carterb]

May not be a sedan but it is a four door, duell ag in japan makes some of the best stuff for them.

 

 

The white one is nice looking. I saw some mini championship race cars in the UK on my las trip. It would be right at home there. http://www.msvracing...-challenge.aspx

... Carterb. wife wants Honda Civic or WRX ... at least one's safe and reliable. +cheap/free to maintain, and will last a long time

which one? Which one? Come on, the suspense is killing me! :frantics:

Excellent choice!! I have a 2006 WRX with some tasteful mods and the car is a blast! I have had it for over 6 years and every time I drive it is like the first time. AWD means its great for WA, plenty of power

 

Nice looking car Katalyst!

 

I'm hopefull that we will go look some more today or tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

--carter

[510-Trevor]

One of my co-workers has a Forester with all the trick bits. Still looks like a Forester. And a ground-scraping faux-SUV with bright blue paint and gold rims does not a sleeper make! :yawn:

When I said sleeper, I meant it more towards the potential that the XT model has. The one pictured is NOT a sleeper by any stretch of the imagination. I choose it to show how the appearance can be improved from its rather boring stock form. I also would not classify the 2002-2008 Forester as an SUV, its more of a tall wagon IMO. The $ to performance value is quite good though compared to the WRX/STI. And coming form a Neon ACR, I figured style wouldn't as important as performace. Just threw it out there to compare with G35 sedans.

 

Before I bought my current DD, I drove the WRX, an STI and a Forester XT. I liked the STI the best, but if I had a family the Forester would be my choice of the three.

 

Good luck with the search.

[carterb]

. And coming form a Neon ACR, I figured style wouldn't as important as performace

 

Ouch! :)

 

I have my 510 wagon and we have a 1972 Chevy Suburban for hauling/camping type duty so we don't need the utility of a Forester type vehical. My co-worker's is pretty much a sleeper. 99% of the people looking at it wouldn't know it was any different from stock.

 

My goal is really to treat my wife with something new/different/better so we'll see what ends up making her happiest.

--carter

[Datsunscom]

2002-2003 Protege5. Drive a 5-speed one. Not fast, but steering/braking feel and fun to drive is off the charts and more than makes up for lack of overweliming power.

[carterb]

We drove a Lexus IS350 today and another STi.

She is torn but leaning toward the IS350. Luxury is trumping sport at the moment. It really is a nice car. i will stick with my 510's though...

If the Lexus were a manual it would probably already be in the driveway. She has to decide if she really wants to live with an auto. It does have a "sport" position for the auto where you can shift it like a sequential tranny or you can use the paddle shifters but with no clutch, it's really just kind of faking it... I will be looking tonight for an IS250 which apparently had a manual available - though rarely chosen.

--carter