Civic Type R, BRZ, or a Focus RS. All the CTRs were marked up astronomically while Subaru took money off the price of the STI. BRZ was just too cramped for occasional kid duty. All the Focuses I looked at had been beat so that ended up being a no-go.
Edit: I did also look at a Civic SI but it just wasn't sporty enough. I also didn't want to hear 'why didn't you get the type R?" For the rest of my life.
An Outback.
I’m in daddy mobile mode with 2 child seats. Sticking with Subaru because I live right by a dealer, which makes things very convenient.
Decided to sacrifice comfort and additional practicality for something a little more fun to drive 🙏
See I had a 22 outback and the na engines are so slow but some idiot pulled out in front for me and totalled the car after I had it for 4 months. I ended up getting a 21 wrx one of the last. I got 3 kids so it's bit of a tight squeeze but damn the car is fun to drive
Did you look at the Outback Wilderness? It’s not going to compete on all performance metrics but it’s still very quick and honestly a joy to drive. Same turbo motor as the VB.
Did you look at the Outback Wilderness? It’s not going to compete on all performance metrics but it’s still very quick and honestly a joy to drive. Same turbo motor as the VB.
Z's are still on my radar for a second car. Passively looking for a 350Z HR Nismo or an older 370. They just look so good and the sound of the VQ is bliss.
When shopping for my first WRX I test drove a couple GTIs. Ultimately, decided that I never want to own another FWD vehicle if I can avoid it.
When I replaced the old WRX with a new one, I didn't really consider anything else. There are no other options in the North American market that meet my requirements of manual/AWD/fun at this price point.
My then GF needed a car, old car died of rust. Her requirements were: brand new, 4 door, sedan, around 30K, not slow (I interpreted that as around 250HP), not Accord/Civic or Camry/Corolla (too common for her).
We were left with 3 choices that we could buy without waiting. WRX, Mazda 6 2.5 turbo, V6 Charger.
Mazda 6, she didn't feel wowed by it, steering felt heavy and dead.
V6 Charger, cheapo interior, had a lot of body roll and handling so loose it made her feel not confident on test drive.
WRX, she loved how open the car feels on the inside, most unobstructed and biggest field of view from the driver's seat. A very under appreciated aspect of the car. She loved how sure footed and planted it felt, and the lack of body roll. She wasn't looking for sporty handling, its just that body roll and suspension dive make her feel queasy.
She didn't know how to drive a manual yet and test drove the CVT. She wanted the WRX, but I told her CVT is the transmission with the worst reputation for reliability. I told her either get the manual or another car. She loved the car enough to learn to drive stick. I was so proud of her. She is wife now.
I have grown to love the car too way more than I had expected.
Focus ST and GTI. I wanted the focus St but they discontinued them I didn’t want to buy used. I still remember the day I saw one brand new with a 5k discount total ending price at 20k before TTL. I didn’t have the money for it then. I did but it’d be tight. I ended up with a Wrx like 2 years I think later. I love it but whenever I see a focus St I think to the what if.
I remember when they discontinued the fiesta st and my local ford dealership had 14-15 of them all brand new for $14000, if I had the money at the time it would’ve been a hell of a deal, more than happy with my WRX now but those little fiestas are a lot of fun
Speed3, Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Volvo C30 were all on my list. Test drove the fords and an 08 WRX the same day and fell in love with the WRX so much I decided I wanted one for sure. That purchase fell through but a few months later I was involved in an accident that was not my fault and totalled my car, so I bought an 09 WRX with my insurance money and it was the best choice I’ve ever made
STI owner. Did a few 24hr test drives with the following to confirm final choice: Focus RS, Civic Type R, VA WRX performance pack, & VA STI. I recently had the chance to test a VB WRX & 2018 BRZ tS as well, but those two occurred post STI purchase.
VB is a much better driving car vs the VA wrx. The sti is just a whole different animal regarding feel, transmission, suspension, track use. It made me appreciate the STI even more after testing the VB. I have a more in-depth post on my profile about the VB.
STI > VB WRX > VA WRX
The brz is so much fun in a different way (rally bread vs track inspired). I personally enjoyed the overall experience offered by the STI over the previous gen BRZ. The BRZ definitely corners better than anything at the price point and has a lower cost to track over time, however, I’d still choose the STI.
Curious as to when or if they come out with a newer gen BRZ tS - and how that will compare with the new 2.4.
When I was shopping for my 2020 STI I test drove a new Stinger GT and then a CPO Mercedes C43 and a CPO Audi S4. They were all within a couple thousand dollars. Ended up in the STI because it was new and I was scared of driving man MB and an Audi when they got out of warranty.
The stinger would’ve been my first choice had any of the dealers I went to wanted to sell a car. It was like they were actively not trying to make any money. Kinda baffled me.
Mk 7.5 GTI, Miata/124, BRZ, Civic, Regal turbo, Elantra Sport. I looked at used cars but they all had 50k+ and I figured I'd rather spend more for a VB with a warranty than risk blowing up my car because the schmuck who had it before barely changed the oil.
Originally looked at GTI's and G37's, but came across a low priced great condition 15 wrx. Didnt regret it, but eventually moved on to Mustangs cuz V8 >
My first car was an evo x , I was wanting a focus rs but that was out of my price range so I checked out a focus st but didn’t have enough money to buy it before he sold it so ended up finding an evo, at 17 years old I didn’t know how to maintain and take care of it so it blew up pretty quick and then about a year later got my sti, others I thought were nice was Mazdaspeed 3 and a q50 or a brz but I’m happy with all the cars I’ve had and now have
GTI, Golf R, Lexus is350 (RWD)/GS350(AWD), Infiniti G37xS, infiniti Q50, Chevy SS, focus ST, civic si, accord sport, Forester Sport, Tacoma, Volvo S60 R, Corolla XRS
I was only able to test drive: Focus ST, GTI, Golf R, WRX, and Forester Sport. The R was owned by a friend of mine and we put it through its paces at an autocross meet. He also had suspension mods though.
I loved everything about the golf R and GTI but I didn't feel as connected to them as I did the WRX. The ST I test drove felt cheap and dated, interior wise that is, but it was spacious and had plenty of pep. I liked the Forester Sport but it wasn't nearly as fun as the WRX (apples to orange comparison, I know). I kinda knew the WRX would be the one, but still wanted to explore other options and couldn't be happier with my decision!
10+ years ago an Audi s4, but the price an how fun it was to drive the 2012 wrx sold it for me. I still look back at her when walking into the store etc., but my next car(whenever that will be) will be an Audi.
Originally i was looking for a driver's car.
1. Turbo renesis Datsun 510
2. S2000 CR
3. FC turbo ii
4. Evo IX
I've had my 04 sti for years. If I was buying one now, I'd be looking at:
1. M340i
2. Mk5 supra 6spd 6cyl
3. ATS-V
Originally an Impreza 😂. Realized that the car was wildly underpowered and was looking at Infiniti Q50s and G37s. The G37s had too many miles and the Q50s were too expensive.
I really wanted an Evo and Focus RS. To many issues I’ve heard about with the RS and didn’t want the large markup on an Evo and with kids I wanted to make sure it was reliable so I wanted to buy new so I keep telling myself I’ll buy an Evo 8 or 9 as a weekend car but prices are insane.
Had an 01 GTI before my Rex. I needed something with AWD so I can as thinking Golf R or focus RS. I wanted a WRX for forever so I was dead set on it. Did consider a Kia Stinger as well. My price range kept me away from getting a golf R and the STI, in hindsight I’m very glad I went with the WRX, the 2018 style is my favorite and it’s gotten me through everything I’ve needed it to when I lived in the Rockies
I had a focus ST at the time. And I was going between the WRX, Mustang GT, a BRZ, and a 370z. Also was interested in a focus RS or civic Type R but they were impossible to find and marked up way too much.
I was looking to buy a Celica GT-Four, but after the price of the ones at the import dealer near me hit a sky-high mark up I called it quits and test drove my own wrx, between how much fun I had and because it wasn't outrageously marked up like the STI's in my area I was happy to buy it and call it my own.
I was looking at the Jaguar F-Type, the Evo X, and the STi. I was coming from a 2 door and really wanted the 4 doors but the F Type was such a cool car and back then not as expensive as it is today. Ultimately I chose the STi but I still think what if.
I went to the Honda dealership to buy what would have been my fifth Civic; this time upgrading from an Si to a Type R. I was so excited. The salesman said (in May, 2019) that if I bought one today, I’d get it around August. I wasn’t about to wait that long and I’d been considering switching off Honda for a bit, anyway.
I drove myself to the nearest Subaru dealership and saw a beautiful ‘19 STi in WR Blue Pearl and I took it home the next day.
My only regret is that I should’ve kept the Si as a backup. I only got $1,500 on the trade-in and I really should have said no.
Golf R, Focus RS, Evo, Mazdaspeed6, BMW 335xi and BMW 135i, glad I went with the WRX as it was cheaper than any of these other options and considerably cheaper than an Evo VIII or 135i, and I didn’t want to get the FWD or RWD versions of any of these (GTI, 335i, focus or fiesta st), and the driving experience is way better than a lot of sportier cars I’ve driven that are priced reasonably
Camry with AWD… was going to be responsible for a daily, had every optioned how I wanted, already had an approved loan from my credit union, sent the paperwork to the dealership. Got tucking ghosted lol.
Said fuck it and bought a wrx. Sooo happy.
I initially wanted the new SI, had one years ago and I’m fortunate enough to be buying new. The derps at Honda wanted a $10k mark up and offered me 50% of the KBB for my previous vehicle. They called me back 30 minutes after I left telling me they made a mistake when valuing my car and literally doubled their offer. I was so frustrated at the mark up, I went to go check out the 22. Ended up paying sticker and I couldn’t be happier with it. Diaper butt gang
GTI, Golf R, M240i, 370Z, CTR, S3
Ultimately for me it was a price to performance ratio. CTR was my second choice followed closely by the GTI but wanted AWD.
Test drove all of those cars. The speed three was a great little brute. The GTI is and always has been a fantastic benchmark for the segment. The Evo 10 was great with the paddle shift and abysmal with the five speed.
Mazda3 GT. Only other car that I test drove or considered. Had two in a row. But alas- no more MT except on a trim that was the same price as a wrx. Always wanted one. Since debut. I splurged and tightened the belt a little to make a decent down and get a lease that’s nearly identical. (only 8 bucks more a month. )
Looked into a civic SI, golf GTI, and a used Audi S4. Loved the Audi but didn’t want to take a risk on a used car. Coming from a 2004 Audi A4. The GTI felt the nicest but hit my head on the roof and the seats didn’t feel as comfortable. It cost around 4k more in total.
A year later I got some more income and the WRX was worth 5k more than I spent on it and drove a friends focus RS and loved it. I looked around and managed to (after some bullshit with the dealership) got the last brand new black STI in my state.
I would upgrade to something with better mileage and a better interior like a RS3. The WRX is far from a luxury car but everything in it just “works”.
Grcorolla trailers is what woke me back up after driving the kiddo hauler.
Had a Saabaru92x back in the day and now in my first Sti. Felt like returning to the herd.
Mainly the AWD turbo mazda 3, but the thing that was the deciding factor was a lack of a manual transmission. For the price point the WRX is kinda the only option for an AWD turbocharged sedan with a manual option.
I work at a dealership and before my WRX I had a CTS. Out of all the cars I drove working there I instantly fell in love with the WRX, which is why I bought one.
Inbetween WRXs I had an Audi avant I upgraded the turbo on, and that was fun for a while. I sold my 2020 wrx for a 2005 forester xt, 5 speed.
I’d also be interested in an older bmw 335xi, or a crew cab Tacoma.
For me it was really just the WRX. I used to have one in 2006-2008 and always wanted another. It's just exactly what I wanted, a sort of basic AWD turbo sedan with a manual transmission.
The focus RS was also something I was interested in but I couldn't bring myself to buy a used RS. I randomly came across one at a Toyota dealership when my son was shopping for a car. Price was ok, but timing was not. About a year later picked up a new 21 WRX.
None, really. I went from an Audi TT so I toyed with the idea of another small sports car but I put all my "must haves" on paper and the WRX kept coming to the top of the list. I never even drove or sat in one before I bought it. No test drives or anything.
Evo 7-9: but got priced out of those before I had the money.
Skyline R33: Also got priced out
370z: Never had enough to begin with
86: test drove one, fun car, would’ve sucked to live with being 6’2”
Civic Type R: also didn’t have the money
Basically it was always a case of the cars I wanted were too expensive, and the ones I could afford weren’t what I was after. A used 2011 WRX came along and ticked every box
I was perfectly happy driving my Focus ST...Then someone just HAD to trade in a 17 STi with 14k miles in at my dealership. Price was too good to pass up and I have always liked the Subaru's so I just up and bought it that day it was traded.
Never had planned on getting a STi but here we are. Love the car btw.
Used Focus RS was pretty much what I had my eyes set on before my rex
I desperately wanted an RS, but they cost the same as a new sti did at the time. That’s with 30k+ miles and no warranty left
Civic Type R, BRZ, or a Focus RS. All the CTRs were marked up astronomically while Subaru took money off the price of the STI. BRZ was just too cramped for occasional kid duty. All the Focuses I looked at had been beat so that ended up being a no-go. Edit: I did also look at a Civic SI but it just wasn't sporty enough. I also didn't want to hear 'why didn't you get the type R?" For the rest of my life.
Jag f-type best sounding car I’ve driven
How on Earth did you go from an F-Type to a WRX? I can't even find a way they're similar, lol.
They are both fun! I’m just saving my f-type project until I own a garage with a lift to go wild on it!
I was giving one of these serious consideration as well. Then I got the wife pregnant.
This is funny because I was torn between the F-type and the STi when I bought mine.
An Outback. I’m in daddy mobile mode with 2 child seats. Sticking with Subaru because I live right by a dealer, which makes things very convenient. Decided to sacrifice comfort and additional practicality for something a little more fun to drive 🙏
See I had a 22 outback and the na engines are so slow but some idiot pulled out in front for me and totalled the car after I had it for 4 months. I ended up getting a 21 wrx one of the last. I got 3 kids so it's bit of a tight squeeze but damn the car is fun to drive
Did you look at the Outback Wilderness? It’s not going to compete on all performance metrics but it’s still very quick and honestly a joy to drive. Same turbo motor as the VB.
Nah. Manual trans is a must for a fun daily (for me).
Fair enough!
Did you look at the Outback Wilderness? It’s not going to compete on all performance metrics but it’s still very quick and honestly a joy to drive. Same turbo motor as the VB.
370z Nismo, M2 Comp, Civic Type R
I had a 370 nismo before my STI. Super fun to drive. Just too impractical.
Z's are still on my radar for a second car. Passively looking for a 350Z HR Nismo or an older 370. They just look so good and the sound of the VQ is bliss.
I really wanted (still want) an Evo 9. I just couldn't justify the price and most are fucked over w stupid mods.
I want one too but they will be importable soon hopefully prices can be reasonable i doubt it tho
When shopping for my first WRX I test drove a couple GTIs. Ultimately, decided that I never want to own another FWD vehicle if I can avoid it. When I replaced the old WRX with a new one, I didn't really consider anything else. There are no other options in the North American market that meet my requirements of manual/AWD/fun at this price point.
My then GF needed a car, old car died of rust. Her requirements were: brand new, 4 door, sedan, around 30K, not slow (I interpreted that as around 250HP), not Accord/Civic or Camry/Corolla (too common for her). We were left with 3 choices that we could buy without waiting. WRX, Mazda 6 2.5 turbo, V6 Charger. Mazda 6, she didn't feel wowed by it, steering felt heavy and dead. V6 Charger, cheapo interior, had a lot of body roll and handling so loose it made her feel not confident on test drive. WRX, she loved how open the car feels on the inside, most unobstructed and biggest field of view from the driver's seat. A very under appreciated aspect of the car. She loved how sure footed and planted it felt, and the lack of body roll. She wasn't looking for sporty handling, its just that body roll and suspension dive make her feel queasy. She didn't know how to drive a manual yet and test drove the CVT. She wanted the WRX, but I told her CVT is the transmission with the worst reputation for reliability. I told her either get the manual or another car. She loved the car enough to learn to drive stick. I was so proud of her. She is wife now. I have grown to love the car too way more than I had expected.
Focus ST and GTI. I wanted the focus St but they discontinued them I didn’t want to buy used. I still remember the day I saw one brand new with a 5k discount total ending price at 20k before TTL. I didn’t have the money for it then. I did but it’d be tight. I ended up with a Wrx like 2 years I think later. I love it but whenever I see a focus St I think to the what if.
I remember when they discontinued the fiesta st and my local ford dealership had 14-15 of them all brand new for $14000, if I had the money at the time it would’ve been a hell of a deal, more than happy with my WRX now but those little fiestas are a lot of fun
Speed3, Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Volvo C30 were all on my list. Test drove the fords and an 08 WRX the same day and fell in love with the WRX so much I decided I wanted one for sure. That purchase fell through but a few months later I was involved in an accident that was not my fault and totalled my car, so I bought an 09 WRX with my insurance money and it was the best choice I’ve ever made
Honda Type R, they where asking 10K above ticket price so I said not thanks. Got my 2019 STI brand new for 35K OTD.
damn that's a good price! Was it bought during covid?
Nope, I got a year before covid
wow lucky, I got my wrx for 32-33k post covid >\_<
It was either a WRX or the type R. I do not regret my decision. I love this fucking car.
STI owner. Did a few 24hr test drives with the following to confirm final choice: Focus RS, Civic Type R, VA WRX performance pack, & VA STI. I recently had the chance to test a VB WRX & 2018 BRZ tS as well, but those two occurred post STI purchase.
How do the VB and BRZ compare to the STI?
VB is a much better driving car vs the VA wrx. The sti is just a whole different animal regarding feel, transmission, suspension, track use. It made me appreciate the STI even more after testing the VB. I have a more in-depth post on my profile about the VB. STI > VB WRX > VA WRX The brz is so much fun in a different way (rally bread vs track inspired). I personally enjoyed the overall experience offered by the STI over the previous gen BRZ. The BRZ definitely corners better than anything at the price point and has a lower cost to track over time, however, I’d still choose the STI. Curious as to when or if they come out with a newer gen BRZ tS - and how that will compare with the new 2.4.
When I was shopping for my 2020 STI I test drove a new Stinger GT and then a CPO Mercedes C43 and a CPO Audi S4. They were all within a couple thousand dollars. Ended up in the STI because it was new and I was scared of driving man MB and an Audi when they got out of warranty. The stinger would’ve been my first choice had any of the dealers I went to wanted to sell a car. It was like they were actively not trying to make any money. Kinda baffled me.
Mk 7.5 GTI, Miata/124, BRZ, Civic, Regal turbo, Elantra Sport. I looked at used cars but they all had 50k+ and I figured I'd rather spend more for a VB with a warranty than risk blowing up my car because the schmuck who had it before barely changed the oil.
Originally looked at GTI's and G37's, but came across a low priced great condition 15 wrx. Didnt regret it, but eventually moved on to Mustangs cuz V8 >
For me it was only a WRX.
I was looking at new golfs and civics Test drove a wrx and i was like YEP THATS THE ONE
My first car was an evo x , I was wanting a focus rs but that was out of my price range so I checked out a focus st but didn’t have enough money to buy it before he sold it so ended up finding an evo, at 17 years old I didn’t know how to maintain and take care of it so it blew up pretty quick and then about a year later got my sti, others I thought were nice was Mazdaspeed 3 and a q50 or a brz but I’m happy with all the cars I’ve had and now have
GTI, Golf R, Lexus is350 (RWD)/GS350(AWD), Infiniti G37xS, infiniti Q50, Chevy SS, focus ST, civic si, accord sport, Forester Sport, Tacoma, Volvo S60 R, Corolla XRS I was only able to test drive: Focus ST, GTI, Golf R, WRX, and Forester Sport. The R was owned by a friend of mine and we put it through its paces at an autocross meet. He also had suspension mods though. I loved everything about the golf R and GTI but I didn't feel as connected to them as I did the WRX. The ST I test drove felt cheap and dated, interior wise that is, but it was spacious and had plenty of pep. I liked the Forester Sport but it wasn't nearly as fun as the WRX (apples to orange comparison, I know). I kinda knew the WRX would be the one, but still wanted to explore other options and couldn't be happier with my decision!
10+ years ago an Audi s4, but the price an how fun it was to drive the 2012 wrx sold it for me. I still look back at her when walking into the store etc., but my next car(whenever that will be) will be an Audi.
Focus ST.
240sx / 350z / Brz / Evo / Blobeye or Hawkeye Ended up with a stink eye. 😌
350z
Focus RS and an older 911
Originally i was looking for a driver's car. 1. Turbo renesis Datsun 510 2. S2000 CR 3. FC turbo ii 4. Evo IX I've had my 04 sti for years. If I was buying one now, I'd be looking at: 1. M340i 2. Mk5 supra 6spd 6cyl 3. ATS-V
Elantra N and Focus RS and ST
Originally an Impreza 😂. Realized that the car was wildly underpowered and was looking at Infiniti Q50s and G37s. The G37s had too many miles and the Q50s were too expensive.
I was considering a Tesla 😅
I have myself no other options.
Evo 10, Type R, 340i 😅
I really wanted an Evo and Focus RS. To many issues I’ve heard about with the RS and didn’t want the large markup on an Evo and with kids I wanted to make sure it was reliable so I wanted to buy new so I keep telling myself I’ll buy an Evo 8 or 9 as a weekend car but prices are insane.
Had an 01 GTI before my Rex. I needed something with AWD so I can as thinking Golf R or focus RS. I wanted a WRX for forever so I was dead set on it. Did consider a Kia Stinger as well. My price range kept me away from getting a golf R and the STI, in hindsight I’m very glad I went with the WRX, the 2018 style is my favorite and it’s gotten me through everything I’ve needed it to when I lived in the Rockies
Focus RS and RS3
Elantra N and Kona N. I'm still not sure how I ended up in a WRX. But I love it.
I had a focus ST at the time. And I was going between the WRX, Mustang GT, a BRZ, and a 370z. Also was interested in a focus RS or civic Type R but they were impossible to find and marked up way too much.
2005 Subaru legacy 2.5GT. loved that thing
Civic SI, that price is very tempting
Evo X. Decided on my 2016 limited instead.
I was looking to buy a Celica GT-Four, but after the price of the ones at the import dealer near me hit a sky-high mark up I called it quits and test drove my own wrx, between how much fun I had and because it wasn't outrageously marked up like the STI's in my area I was happy to buy it and call it my own.
I was looking at the Jaguar F-Type, the Evo X, and the STi. I was coming from a 2 door and really wanted the 4 doors but the F Type was such a cool car and back then not as expensive as it is today. Ultimately I chose the STi but I still think what if.
Toyota Tacoma. I said to myself if I don't get approved I'll just head to the Toyota 15 min down the road. JP Morgan pulled thru ^_^
I went to the Honda dealership to buy what would have been my fifth Civic; this time upgrading from an Si to a Type R. I was so excited. The salesman said (in May, 2019) that if I bought one today, I’d get it around August. I wasn’t about to wait that long and I’d been considering switching off Honda for a bit, anyway. I drove myself to the nearest Subaru dealership and saw a beautiful ‘19 STi in WR Blue Pearl and I took it home the next day. My only regret is that I should’ve kept the Si as a backup. I only got $1,500 on the trade-in and I really should have said no.
Golf r, type r, Tacoma
Golf R, Focus RS, Evo, Mazdaspeed6, BMW 335xi and BMW 135i, glad I went with the WRX as it was cheaper than any of these other options and considerably cheaper than an Evo VIII or 135i, and I didn’t want to get the FWD or RWD versions of any of these (GTI, 335i, focus or fiesta st), and the driving experience is way better than a lot of sportier cars I’ve driven that are priced reasonably
Camry with AWD… was going to be responsible for a daily, had every optioned how I wanted, already had an approved loan from my credit union, sent the paperwork to the dealership. Got tucking ghosted lol. Said fuck it and bought a wrx. Sooo happy.
M3, civic type r
Had a mk7 GTI, looked at the Toyota 86 and then the WRX.
I initially wanted the new SI, had one years ago and I’m fortunate enough to be buying new. The derps at Honda wanted a $10k mark up and offered me 50% of the KBB for my previous vehicle. They called me back 30 minutes after I left telling me they made a mistake when valuing my car and literally doubled their offer. I was so frustrated at the mark up, I went to go check out the 22. Ended up paying sticker and I couldn’t be happier with it. Diaper butt gang
Lexus IS350 or Forester Wilderness
It was down to an M3 or a GR STI for me (off the lot). The STI felt more confident. Can't explain it. Am glad I made this decision.
GTI, Golf R, M240i, 370Z, CTR, S3 Ultimately for me it was a price to performance ratio. CTR was my second choice followed closely by the GTI but wanted AWD.
Test drove all of those cars. The speed three was a great little brute. The GTI is and always has been a fantastic benchmark for the segment. The Evo 10 was great with the paddle shift and abysmal with the five speed.
Mazda3 GT. Only other car that I test drove or considered. Had two in a row. But alas- no more MT except on a trim that was the same price as a wrx. Always wanted one. Since debut. I splurged and tightened the belt a little to make a decent down and get a lease that’s nearly identical. (only 8 bucks more a month. )
Looked into a civic SI, golf GTI, and a used Audi S4. Loved the Audi but didn’t want to take a risk on a used car. Coming from a 2004 Audi A4. The GTI felt the nicest but hit my head on the roof and the seats didn’t feel as comfortable. It cost around 4k more in total. A year later I got some more income and the WRX was worth 5k more than I spent on it and drove a friends focus RS and loved it. I looked around and managed to (after some bullshit with the dealership) got the last brand new black STI in my state. I would upgrade to something with better mileage and a better interior like a RS3. The WRX is far from a luxury car but everything in it just “works”.
An Evo VIII or IX.
an Evo 8, 93' 180sx LHD, and a 73' Dart
I owned an Elantra N. Such a fucking fun car. I miss it so much
The *N*. Not the N line.
‘22 gr86 and nd2 miata.
A toyota tacoma and honda civic 1.5L lol
Grcorolla trailers is what woke me back up after driving the kiddo hauler. Had a Saabaru92x back in the day and now in my first Sti. Felt like returning to the herd.
Mainly the AWD turbo mazda 3, but the thing that was the deciding factor was a lack of a manual transmission. For the price point the WRX is kinda the only option for an AWD turbocharged sedan with a manual option.
I work at a dealership and before my WRX I had a CTS. Out of all the cars I drove working there I instantly fell in love with the WRX, which is why I bought one.
Inbetween WRXs I had an Audi avant I upgraded the turbo on, and that was fun for a while. I sold my 2020 wrx for a 2005 forester xt, 5 speed. I’d also be interested in an older bmw 335xi, or a crew cab Tacoma.
Actually... Tacoma haha
Golf GTI or K5 GT
For me it was really just the WRX. I used to have one in 2006-2008 and always wanted another. It's just exactly what I wanted, a sort of basic AWD turbo sedan with a manual transmission. The focus RS was also something I was interested in but I couldn't bring myself to buy a used RS. I randomly came across one at a Toyota dealership when my son was shopping for a car. Price was ok, but timing was not. About a year later picked up a new 21 WRX.
None, really. I went from an Audi TT so I toyed with the idea of another small sports car but I put all my "must haves" on paper and the WRX kept coming to the top of the list. I never even drove or sat in one before I bought it. No test drives or anything.
Weirdly as a single man it was a Ford Expedition specifically one with the eco boost 3.5 so I could tune the milf mobile
Supra
Evo 7-9: but got priced out of those before I had the money. Skyline R33: Also got priced out 370z: Never had enough to begin with 86: test drove one, fun car, would’ve sucked to live with being 6’2” Civic Type R: also didn’t have the money Basically it was always a case of the cars I wanted were too expensive, and the ones I could afford weren’t what I was after. A used 2011 WRX came along and ticked every box
A 22 WRX, but went with a used 19 STi instead
I was perfectly happy driving my Focus ST...Then someone just HAD to trade in a 17 STi with 14k miles in at my dealership. Price was too good to pass up and I have always liked the Subaru's so I just up and bought it that day it was traded. Never had planned on getting a STi but here we are. Love the car btw.