Trying to decide on a fun car for the next few years

Scougar

Scougar

Scougar

Soldato
Joined
30 Jan 2007
Posts
15,505
Location
PA, USA (Orig UK)
First.. USA.

So... think target range WRX/Veloster N etc etc. Looking to replace my Juke NISMO RS AWD with a manual fun sporty car for 5+ years.

I'm basically feel like I am being ushered towards the WRX, possibly a base WRX manual 2021. I have test driven a WRX, STI and a Veloster N so far. Background: After getting burned by Ford to the tune of $5k for a new trans a few years back, warranty is important to me.

Veloster N> The VN was great, although the low seating position was bad for visibility, and the ride was a bit harsh compared to both the WRX and STI, which were both surprisingly comfortable. Rear camera quality on the VN sucked. Sounded amazing, and with the foot down it goes. I will say, it didn't feel as natural to drive as the WRX though. Clutch/trans was better. If buying brand new, the VN would be a stretch, but it has the 10 year warranty, can do some mods allowed in the warranty like catch can, FMIC, exhaust and even track it without issue.

WRX> Feel like the WRX is long in the tooth design wise, although I like the looks and I was more impressed in person than all the negative comments on reviews would have you think. Obviously we have the redesign coming this year. The test drive of the WRX was great, although the clutch is quite frankly, crap. One of the things putting me off is reviews talking about how bad the engine retards things all the time, and you can end up losing say 30bhp because of it's overly cautious interference. I am looking for keeping a car for the longer term (7 years ish), and I don't want to mess with my warranty my having to use a Cobb Accessport just to fix these basic drivability issues.
 
Scougar said:
Honestly, the only reason to stay away from premium vehicles like that is, if they do go wrong, the parts are insanely expensive.
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My boss refers to his 911 as a Bosch washing machine. I think that means they are fairly bullet proof/reliable.

Mustang 5.0 of no interest?
 
Yeah, a friend recommended Porsches as well (he has a few), but they really are out of my budget at present.

I actually talked for an hour to my real estate agent last night, about selling our house, so this might go on hold until after.

dLockers said:
My boss refers to his 911 as a Bosch washing machine. I think that means they are fairly bullet proof/reliable.

Mustang 5.0 of no interest?
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Yes, I actually very much like the Mustangs. I can't see myself getting anything other than the V8 engine, just for that gorgeous sound. Not looked but I think they are a little outside my price range.

The Running Man said:
Mustang tbh

Camaro
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The higher tier Camaro's I would consider, the lower one's... nah.


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Dealer near me offered me a brand new WR Blue base WRX with minor options for just over $27k. This won't be available to 'sometime' in April though. Seems like a bargain price to me though (they are listed as $29k). As above, I will talk to my wife again, as if I wait - and my Juke doesn't blow it's CVT transmission (wait for the thread lol) - then I can potentially get the new model later in the year, or frankly, just a nicer car... like a Supra or something... maybe.
 
Well... the Veloster N is out of the equation. It just isn't practical enough. I'm getting annoyed that so many great hatchbacks don't make it here. If the i30n was here, then I would already be driving it.

Currently looking at new WRX's (base), and used WRX STI's 2018 or newer. I am keenly aware that 1) The new model is meant to be coming out this year 2) I have concerns about Subaru reliability, especially their engines.

I see the Kona N is due to come out, but looks like at least in the USA we will likely only get the DCT. Robs so much personality from cars.
 
Nasher said:
The ones plagued with bore scoring issues? :D
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Pretty sure this wasn’t an issue with the 981 (3rd Gen) - I had one for a couple of years and never saw any mention. If it was ‘plagued’ I’m pretty sure I would have been aware :confused:

Awesome car, the 981S.
 
Subaru engines ain't that bad, the 2.5 has a few issues, but the 2.0 is pretty solid, mines done 120k+
 
Haze said:
Subaru engines ain't that bad, the 2.5 has a few issues, but the 2.0 is pretty solid, mines done 120k+
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Yea especially the non-turbos, they will likely outlast the rest of the car. I have a friend who ran an old 90s Impreza he picked up for a few £100. It did over 300k miles before the car rusted to bits. It still ran great.
 
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I think the newer FA20 engines are pretty decent, not sure what you guys get as you still seemed to get the EJ25 for ages, i'd avoid that engine for sure.

I had a EJ20 in mine and thrashed that car, sold it at 80k with no engine issues at all and that'd done quite a lot of track days with me and didn't have any engine work at all, just a remap. No baffled sumps or anything.
 
lol. "yeah nah" ;)

Test drove a 2018 WRX STI today. Very nice car, goes like stink. Had the faintest whiff of 'burnt tar' when I put my foot down which I thought was odd. It did just had new disks/pads put on the front though. Likely to buy this car.

Also test drove a brand new 2021 VW Golf GTI S. Very nice, very compliant, did what you asked, extremely easy to drive, and quicker than my NISMO RS Juke. Just felt a little 'numb' when driving. I'm sure this is the very smart choice at $27k, but I probably won't buy it.
 
The smell might be an oil leak dripping on the manifold and making a stink. It's quite common on boxers :/

As it's under warranty you can probably get it re-sealed if you find one.
 
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Nasher said:
The smell might be an oil leak dripping on the manifold and making a stink. It's quite common on boxers :/

As it's under warranty you can probably get it re-sealed if you find one.
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Thanks Nasher. I will see what i can find oil leak wise

I have indeed bought the STI. Will get a pic up soon.
 
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