need help deciding

Kinja'd!!! by "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
Published 05/04/2017 at 13:34

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STARS: 0


Kinja'd!!!

I tried out EV life with my i3 and I’m ready to go back to having real range and ability to go places. Plus I want something more fun. I’m stuck between an M235i (rwd manual) and a Subaru STI. Which do I get?

Pic for attention shot a few weeks ago in the hills.


Replies (56)

Kinja'd!!! "TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
05/04/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0

Civic Type-R

Kinja'd!!! "nerd_racing" (nerd189)
05/04/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1

Miata RF! I test drove one and fell in love. I had just signed the paperwork earlier that day on my Mazda3 or I would have bought one. Everything was precise, crisp, and direct. Plus it felt like it had a lot more power than advertised and it sounded really good in the cabin.

Kinja'd!!! "Rico" (ricorich)
05/04/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 1

M235i

Kinja'd!!! "CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
05/04/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 1

M235i

Kinja'd!!! "Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
05/04/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1

M235I

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
05/04/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 0

Have you driven both? You could also throw the Toyobaru into the mix.

Kinja'd!!! "MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
05/04/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 1

Depends. Are you a douche elitist or a douche bro?

On a more serious note I can say that the STI is a blast, but I’ve never driven a 2 series (or any BMW for that matter). So I’m basically useless

Kinja'd!!! "PartyPooper2012" (PartyPooper2012)
05/04/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 1

Lamborghini tractor

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
05/04/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 2

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "camarov6rs" (mren2011)
05/04/2017 at 13:51, STARS: 2

Used or new? M235i used because depreciation. STI new because depreciation.

Kinja'd!!! "Tripper" (tripe46)
05/04/2017 at 13:57, STARS: 1

ooo man, this is tough. If you ask “Is Tripper a bimmer guy?” I’d say yes, but I might be wrong. I test drove an M235xi manual, it was really nice, really quick, but it suffers from the same issue that I encounter with every F chassis 3 or other new BMW that I have driven. It just did not spark that “this car is fucking awesome” feeling that I get every time I have been behind the wheel of just about any older BMW.

The STi on the other hand, gives me the same feels as the Grom, but with a ton more power. Sometimes I just laugh and laugh...They are so damn fun to drive, even the wrx...Every time I drive someone’s I’m like “I’m a rally driver now.” On top of that the STi has that “nuts and stomach switch places” acceleration. I can’t say enough good about them. I’m not a huge fan of the styling, and the BMW is a far “nicer” car. Smiles per miles however.

Edit: ownership experience with WRX,STi,E46M3,E90M3

Kinja'd!!! "Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/04/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 2

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:12, STARS: 0

Could prob get a sick deal on one but I don’t really like FWD.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 0

This is exactly what I’m struggling with.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 1

Eh I had a new MX5 for a week last fall. Great car very fun but too slow. I’ve got a nice vid of I think on my YT.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 1

Just a regular douche trying to find a niche for my douchiness. I’ve driven both I just can’t decide 

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 0

But can I lease a c7 for ~500/month?

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:16, STARS: 0

Have driven both. I want something with 300+ hp. FRS is fun but slow.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:16, STARS: 0

USED bmw or new Sub, correct

Kinja'd!!! "TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
05/04/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0

Boo hiss.

Kinja'd!!! "nerd_racing" (nerd189)
05/04/2017 at 14:18, STARS: 0

They sell turbo kits for them now too. I’d rather be able to drive my car flat out full potential than have to baby it everywhere. But that’s just my opinion.

Kinja'd!!! "cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
05/04/2017 at 14:20, STARS: 0

Something with chrome and carburetors. Be brave.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:20, STARS: 0

Ya but driving flat out all the time wouldn’t be fun. I want something with adequate around town power and also something that can run in the canyons.

Kinja'd!!! "Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
05/04/2017 at 14:22, STARS: 1

im actually surprised chevy doesnt offer any lease options for the vette. i figured that would play right into the customer base

Kinja'd!!! "Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/04/2017 at 14:28, STARS: 3

I don’t think so, but ....

Kinja'd!!!

707hp

Kinja'd!!! "Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
05/04/2017 at 14:29, STARS: 1

M235i, not even a contest.

Kinja'd!!! "MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
05/04/2017 at 14:31, STARS: 0

I guess it boils down to whether you use turn signals or not then

Kinja'd!!! "Tripper" (tripe46)
05/04/2017 at 14:32, STARS: 0

Have you driven one or both? I think that’s the only way to do it, you should have no problem getting a drive in either.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:37, STARS: 0

Give me a few months and I’ll be ready for something old and unreliable on the side.

Kinja'd!!! "nerd_racing" (nerd189)
05/04/2017 at 14:39, STARS: 1

I hear you there. My 128i was a great balance of that, but man it’s value dropped like a brick towards the end. I do miss the torque.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:41, STARS: 1

WELL THEN!

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 0

Yep have driven both a bunch.

Kinja'd!!! "camarov6rs" (mren2011)
05/04/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0

Hmm I’m gonna say M235i because the BMW dealer might be nicer to you with getting rid of the i3. The M will feel close to what you’re used to but drastically different in just as many ways. Then the M won’t have quite the penalty to everyday use the subi will have.

Kinja'd!!! "Shift24" (the-nope)
05/04/2017 at 14:47, STARS: 2

Do you want something to be challenging but rewarding when you get it right to drive? do you live in a warm climate? Do you want an interior where they spent more than 10 minutes on it? Are you buying used with a warranty? if yes buy the BMW

Do you want a new car that will hold its value? Are you wanting to do something other than tarmac? Will you be driving in snow? Do you want to not make 10 trips to the dealer in a year? Would you at some point like to do modifications your self? Do you need back sets? If yes pick the scooby

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:49, STARS: 0

You think the subie takes wear harder than the bmw?

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 1

Important questions.

Kinja'd!!! "Shift24" (the-nope)
05/04/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 1

Just saiyan. Both are great cars and when it becomes to close to call driving wise, you need to start looking at what you need/want out of the car.

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
05/04/2017 at 15:15, STARS: 0

Well, they can certainly be kitted out to get 300+, but then if you want to sell it, who might buy it?

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0

Ya I might not looking for something to upgrade, not now at least.

Kinja'd!!! "camarov6rs" (mren2011)
05/04/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 0

I think the subi will wear harder in the annoying squeaks and rattles area with its much firmer suspension. Overall reliability will probably be better in the subi based on the brands record compared to BMW. If you are ok with BMW as a brand after your i3 idk why not.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 23:53, STARS: 1

I think maybe I’d feel less bad beating on the Subaru.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/05/2017 at 00:03, STARS: 0

Just really need to get to work and back. I can put up with a lot if it’s a fun car.

Kinja'd!!! "camarov6rs" (mren2011)
05/05/2017 at 00:52, STARS: 0

True but how often are you going to beat on it vs it beating on you

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/10/2017 at 12:07, STARS: 0

You work for Honda now; shouldn’t you buy an S2000? =)

Are you that dead set against buying a car?

$500 month is a lot to pay for a few years to have nothing to show for it at the end...

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/10/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 1

Lotus Elise.

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/10/2017 at 12:09, STARS: 1

When does the STi get a modern engine? That’s my hold up.

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/10/2017 at 12:13, STARS: 1

Thought on E46 M3? Those may have left the douche phase and entered the educated collector phase. $500 per month for 3 years is $18k. I’m guessing you could find a very nice, well-maintained one for that price, and that I won’t depreciate much in the years you own it (assuming you don’t rack up miles/wear).

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/11/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 1

Definitely got S2000s on the mind, but not enough savings now to buy.

My buddy who leases the M235i has agreed to let me take over the last year of his lease, it’s a sweet deal at a bit less than $500/month.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/11/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 0

Way too small, but a good car despite.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/11/2017 at 12:56, STARS: 1

It was a fleeting thought.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/11/2017 at 12:57, STARS: 1

I’ll only have the 235 for a year and yea E46 ownership is DEFINITELY in my future :)

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/11/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 0

So you’ve decided?

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/11/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 1

Yeah, after my drive in one, I’m convinced it’s basically a 3rd car.

Tons of respect for people who actually daily them!

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
05/11/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 1

Well done - good solution for the short term.

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/13/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 0

Yep

Kinja'd!!! "Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/13/2017 at 22:55, STARS: 1

Yep and it’s already got a mild tune and some other goodies.