Thinking about trading my WRX in... but on what?

Takumi Fujiwara

Takumi Fujiwara

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United States
Los Angeles, CA
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WRBWRXMAX
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Max Archer
Well, as the title says, I'm strongly considering trading my WRX in. Here's a list of the motivations:
-Loud
-Uncomfortable
-Stiff suspension
-Heavy clutch
-Expensive parts and tires
-Bad reliability
-INSANELY expensive insurance
-Impractical (Seats don't fold down, no rear legroom)
-Crummy sound system, lacks MP3 connection.
-No Satnav
-Ricer and police magnet
-Expensive gas, bad mileage.

I guess I've just grown out of these kind of cars. I've been borrowing my parents' cars quite a bit lately, just because the Subaru is a ton of hassle.

So I'm, therefore, in the market for a more mature, less problematic car. I'm looking at the 20-25k price range (new, financed). Qualifications are:

-I'm fine with anything from a two-door coupe to a five-door wagon. Cars only, though, no truck/SUV-type vehicles (unless... I MIGHT be interested in a Ridgeline)
-Either a manual transmission, or an auto with a responsive tiptronic. If a good tiptronic can be found, I'm leaning towards that.
-Nice interior
-Navigation system
-MP3/iPod compatibility
-25MPG+ average, preferably on 87 or 89 octane
-Reasonably sporty handling
-Not totally boring
-Good storage/carrying space. I do a range of "outdoorsy" and home-improvement kinds of things, so I need to be able to pack anything from a tent and backpacks, to a barbecue, to tools, to rifles and gear for airsoft games. Because of this, I feel like a wagon or hatch might make sense. (Or the aforementioned Ridgeline, if I can find an affordable one.)
-Decent rear leg/headroom.
-Overall moderate size, at most. I don't want to deal with parking a "big" car in LA.

So, any suggestions?
 
The MKV GTI's or MKV Jetta GLI's are awesome cars. I haven't driven a GLI but I'm going to assume they are pretty much like the GTI's which I have driven.

There is ample room in the GTI considering it's size and you can fit quite a bit of crap in it. They are quick and have sporty handling, you can get them with an optional Nav system and as far as I know an MP3 hook up. If you are going to look at one though, make sure it has the DSG with the flappy paddle gear box. The DSG is one of the nicest autos I have felt in a car.

You should be able to pick one up with a nice amount of options for around $23K which is the one I prices out ran. The only problem I ran into was the insurance cost, which wasn't bad but it was more then I wanted to pay...but my Blazer's insurance is dirt cheap so anything more then 75 bucks a month is expensive in my book.

**Apparently they come in a 5-door model as well now.
 
A friend of mine has a GLI V, I'm not impressed. It's very nice inside, true, and the DSG is nice, but it's still a bit too "Race-Inspired", and the insurance will reflect that. I'd go with the GTI over the GLI, but, still, the gas mileage and 91 octane requirement are big issues here in SoCal. I'm looking for something a bit roomier, and more mature, as well.

Just as a reference.... I live in a "bad" ZIP code, which makes insurance prices insane. My area itself is quite nice, some houses over a million dollars, and essentially zero crime rate, yet I pay $450 A MONTH for my WRX's insurance, with one speeding ticket on my record, just owing to the fact that I'm a young male in Hollywood. Couldn't find any better deals on insuring the car, either. The WRX itself is the big decider, and I could cut my insurance in half or two thirds by switching to a "normal car". For example, to insure me as the primary driver on my mom's Prius would be under $200 a month, and I was looking at about the same range for a Fit, Yaris, or that kind of car. Switching to a normal car is what would allow me to afford to trade the WRX in, in fact, as my payment could go up as much as $200 a month, depending on the car, and yet my total combined payment/insurance total would go down.
 
I thought your WRX was taken away by your parents and you had an MR2 and sold all your photography stuff. Or am I mistaken for someone else? I don't feel like searching.
 
Perfect Balance
I thought your WRX was taken away by your parents and you had an MR2 and sold all your photography stuff. Or am I mistaken for someone else? I don't feel like searching.
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The situation changed. At the time I talked about it way back, my folks had said that I could either keep up payments myself, which had become impossible, or sign it over to them, and it seemed like the latter was the only option at the time. However, life went back to normal eventually, and I was able to keep the car. The MR2, sadly, blew its motor a couple months ago.
 
Well, I have to admit that I too am in the GTI camp here, as it seems to meet the majority of requirements you've got there, but I'd be interested in hearing what the overall difference would be in insurance rates between the two, given the VW ability to keep prices quite high.

A list of other models worth keeping an eye on:

- Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe (meets most of your criteria)
- Pontiac GTO (there may be a few '06s around in Cali still)
- Ford Mustang GT (that is, if you can find one for MSRP)
- Mitsubishi Lancer GTS (the new one, I like it!)
- Volvo C30 (probably the sexiest small-car you can buy)
- Mazdaspeed3 (probably the most-outrageous car you can buy)
- Acura TSX (you may need to look for a 2006)
 
No test drive, but I've seen one or two on the road here. I really liked the looks, and they didn't sound too bad either. I'm going to have to go and see if they have them on the lot, as I haven't paid enough attention to know for sure.

...I'll have some free-time later this week, maybe I'll see if I can take one for a spin...
 
Every suggestion so far seems way to sporty.

I'm going to suggest an Accord Coupe or Sedan with the 6 speed stick and the V-6 (EX 6MT). Classy, slightly sporty, spacious, reliable, and comfortable. A nice long distance car that gives you good feedback so you can enjoy the drive. The only problem is, the MSRP is $27K. Perhaps with some really hardnosed haggling you can get it in your price range.
 
I don't think you guys quite get the point... I really don't want a "performance" car. I'm getting a bike, so I'll ride that for fun, I just want a nice normal daily, with no hassles of turbo, high insurance, or police attention. It's not going to see canyon runs or trackdays.

The TSX and the Lancer are the only cars on the list that really fit what I'm thinking about, and the Acura name may drive up insurance costs. I'm really thinking more in the Accord/ Mazda 6/ Camry / etc range. I do admit to liking the C30, but I'm trying to stay away from "sporty" two-doors, as I know I'll just end up modding a sporty car to hell and racing it, like I've done with every other car I've owned. Every car I've had was a sporty car, and they all ended up with stiff suspensions, heavy clutches, loud exhausts, and with me borrowing more comfortable cars for crawling around LA traffic. That's why I want a totally normal car, because I'm just sick and tired of living the racer lifestyle and having to be miserable on the street because of it.
 
Well, if thats the case, boring sedans are my specialty!

Quite frankly, I can think of none-better than the Saturn Aura XR. For about $25K even ($26K for the fancy leather), you're getting 252 BHP matched to a responsive 6-speed 6T60E automatic with manual override, and a competent chassis that provides adequate sporting ability at a reasonable price. Its quiet, roomy, good-looking, and built rather well for an 'American' sedan.

I think the only other reasonable option here, at least in terms of looks and a decent level of on/off sportiness would be the Nissan Altima, but the whole CVT thing is a big turn-off for me.
 
The Aura or Altima were on my list, as well, and I wouldn't mind getting a manual to avoid the CVT nonsense. This is gonna happen a while down the line, anyway, so some more options may be open in a few months. I'm thinking about getting the new Impreza when it comes out, and just keeping it stock.

Hell... I could even do a Forester. It's just a big Impreza anyway...
 
Takumi Fujiwara
The Aura or Altima were on my list, as well, and I wouldn't mind getting a manual to avoid the CVT nonsense. This is gonna happen a while down the line, anyway, so some more options may be open in a few months. I'm thinking about getting the new Impreza when it comes out, and just keeping it stock.

Hell... I could even do a Forester. It's just a big Impreza anyway...
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I don't know what kind of economy you get in your STi, but a base Impreza is only going to give you 21-23 mpg.
 
STi? If it were an STI, I wouldn't be selling it... Just a normal WRX, with a bunch of mods.

I just want to move to something that's not all modded to hell, and has modern features, so the upcoming '08 WRX hatch could be fine, if I could keep it stock.
 
Takumi Fujiwara
...if I could keep it stock.
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Well if you still find yourself sweating over the decision of whether or not to get that suspension or those new rims, obviously you still have a passion for improving your car's performance. You can get something more mature if you like, but I'll bet you'll be making it "better" soon, depending on your financial situation.

You need a 2000 Ford Taurus. You know, the jelly-bean-looking thing.
 
Don't get a Forester... they are bleh, more so with the auto.

Look into getting a semi used car (04-07). Why? Simply because they are generally quite a bit cheaper with no problems, except some miles on hte odo. Accords are a pretty nice drive, though the steering feels a bit odd on them. The tiptronic offered in the Outback XT 2.5 Turbo is nice, but I doubt 250 HP wagon is what you need from the sounds of it.

Your best bet is probably something like a Versa or Fit or Yaris of xA, or if wanting a bit larger, maybe a Mazda3 (not Mazdaspeed), Matrix or such. I know the Matrix with a manual will get around 35 MPG or so, with fairly aggressive driving.
 
I can think of a few cars for you....

1. Mini Cooper (Not an S, just a regular Cooper)

2. Toyota Camry SE V6 (Supposedly a nice drive)

3. A Ridgeline. I know you said that, but its just a cool pickup....

What about a Subaru Baja? They're funky. And a Subaru.
 
Last generation Buick Regal GS... room, power (280 ft/lbs torque), economy. Great sleeper, but needs premium fuel.
Matrix XRS/Vibe GT (kinda ricer-ish though).
02 or 03 Nissan Maxima SE 6-spd (255 hp).
Mazda6 GT V6.
 
Believe me, I considered a Leg, but a new one is out of my price range. I really don't want to go used, I know I'll be keeping the car for a while, so I really want something that doesn't already have 50k on it.

I really am liking that Camry SE for some reason...
 
I'm with YSSMAN and the Aura, I don't think you could do too wrong there. If you want to stretch it, the New Pontiac G6 comes with a six speed manual, but I hear its "rubbery" or "notchey". Also, there's the slightly frumpy-looking Malibu Maxx SS.

If GM's aren't your thing, I'd say the Jetta GLI Diesel offering. If you really want to stretch your luck, try to find a decent condition BMW 120d Diesel, or a 320i Sedan.

Leaving Germany and going back to Detroit, we have the larger offering from Ford, the Fusion, which also features a six speed auto with the V6. The New Charger with the 3.5 V6 is plausible, but I wouldn't reccomend it for the amount of weight it has to fight. Hence Sport Factor would die. 👎

Props to skip for mentioning the Accord Sedan Six Speed 6. 👍

Dare I say it, but Kia is making a very nice Optima offering, with a 2.4 Four Cylinder, though only producing 161 hp, is actually from what I've read pretty peppy. It's a DOCH engine with CVVT (Continuously variable valve timing.) It's best mated to the five speed auto with manual overide.


Out of all of these, however, I'd best go with the Aura or the Jetta GLI Diesel. 👍


Hope I aided your endeavor, mate.

Cheers,
Jetboy
 
Or a Saab 9-3? Maybe? The Ecotec gets GREAT (26-34 for me) mileage, and it's still fun to drive. Plus, the folding seats turn the car into a cavern.

Pros:
Responsive
Great mileage
Good looks
Reasonably sporty
Lots of space inside
a 2003 is probably worth about $15,000 now.

Cons:
Parts are EXPENSIVE!
Some older ones might be finnicky -thinking they are broken but not.
30,000 dollars plus new
Interior fuse panel seems to attract moisture
Manumatic thinks it's smarter than the driver.
 
I second the notion of a 2008 Lancer. Thing has great looks both inside and out and a ton of features, and a low low pricetag to boot.
 
I hear the new Lancer is quite nice, and I'm hoping to check one out soon. Early reviews have been mostly positive, as the car is a pretty good bang-for-buck sedan, which at least in my case is a big plus. I was a pretty big fan of the outgoing Lancer Ralliart, and I loved the way that car drove and felt. I'd hope they could replicate that in the new Lancer, but given the issues that Mitsubishi has been having lately, I have no idea what to expect from them anymore...

...That, and I have no idea what insurance would be like on those cars...
 
Insurance is pretty cheap on the GTS. I can't remember the exact number, but it was comparable to a Civic and Mazda3 (which is another nice car), maybe a few hundred higher/year
 
I actually test drove a Lancer GTS today, liked it quite a bit. Not very powerful, but the paddles are very responsive, and shift about as fast as I can with a stick.

Did someone suggest a 120d or a 320? I know there is no 1-series here in the US, and the 3-series starts in the mid 30k range, IIRC, which puts it out of my league.

I also came across an option today that I'd forgotten about, that being the four-door Civic Si. Seemed quite nice, but I didn't get to drive one.
 
The new Civic Si's are awesome cars, I drove the coupe version and I was impressed. I still liked the GTI more though.

The ride is a bit rough, the center speedo is hard to get used to, and it's some what loud. But good lord can you run that thing out.
 

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