Help me decide, Oppo: BRZ, Focus ST, or WRX?

"TheOnelectronic" (theoneelectronic)
11/02/2014 at 06:56 Х Filed to: None

EDIT: I decided

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Well, it's finally time to sell my truck (pictured below) in favor of something that doesn't lean 15 degrees around a corner, gets more than 10mpg, and has a stick.

The above are my prime candidates at the moment, and of course they're all pretty different.

BRZ

Pros: Small, light, "pure" sports car. Hoot to drive, and I like the simplicity.

Cons: SMALL. Back seats in name only, 2WD in an area that gets a good bit of snowfall, underpowered. (Keep in mind I live at 7000 feet. Getting to highway speeds involves redlining 1-3)

Focus ST

Pros: Torque for days, hatchback practicality, actual rear seats, most... interesting interior, something I haven't driven before (I've owned two members of the WRX family already...), best looking of the bunch (IMO), "barrel of monkeys" handling.

Cons: Ribcage compressor seats in the top two trim levels (haven't found one without), FWD (again, snow). I don't know what it is about ford dealers, but shitty salesmen every time.

WRX

Pros: Not as useless as the BRZ, slightly fastest of the bunch, AWD is more useful in the snow, if not as much fun, hopefully not as uncomfortable as the BRZ or the ST (cabin size and seats, respectively)

Cons: Been there, done that (07 WRX, 05 STi), not as practical as the ST in terms of interior space, worst mileage by a fair margin, haven't actually gotten to drive one yet since they're impossible to find, "could have gotten an STI" syndrome.

ЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧ-

I'm fine with car control in the snow with 2wd, my only concern is the actual getting moving part. In my experience with a RWD car with snow tires, stopping on any sort of incline meant you weren't likely to get moving again. I can only imagine FWD would be even worse, given the weight shift.

I really like the BRZ, and frankly it would probably be my choice if I didn't have hobbies that required sizable storage. Even though it's rare I have more than one passenger [or any at all :'( ], there is no way you are going to fit a third person over the age of 3 into the BRZ legally. Also there's the fact that the car is really, REALLY down on torque at this elevation. Given that 80 is the normal highway speed up some steep inclines, it is not a "set it and forget it" highway car.

I'm not sure how I like the ST, because every time I've managed to test drive one, I've had a ridealong salesman trying to tell me how it's a "real race car" while reciting the press release. Also, the turning circle is shit, as I discovered trying to pull a quick U-turn on a two-lane road. Not having to rev to 6000 to pass on the interstate is a plus, and the car is seriously torquey. It's like driving a diesel that can also rev past 4000rpm. Mainly, though, is the seats are just not comfortable for me. All the pressure is on the side bolsters. I know the base level has standard focus "sport seats," but I haven't been able to find one to sit in. Of course it just now occurred to me to find a normal focus with the same seats.

My hope is that the WRX will sort of bridge the gap. People rag on Subaru's industrial interiors, but honestly I like them. They're a bit of a throwback in an age of overstyled interiors. *cough*ford*cough*
Some people dislike the styling of the new WRX, but I think the front is gorgeous, and the rear is tolerable. As long as you don't look at it from the side, it's a fine-looking car.

There is a WRX down in Albuquerque that I'll hopefully be able to check out on Monday. Hopefully after that I'll have a better idea.

I'm also open to suggestions, provided:

It's under $30k

Nothing in the Fiesta size class. I tend to carry a lot of shit around. Exception for actual sports cars.

Stick

Not a Veloster. My brother recently got one and will not shut up about it.

DISCUSSION (100)

jkm7680 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:05

WRX. It's recently redesigned, endless aftermarket, a good amount of factory options and a pretty great community.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:06

Sounds like you've already mostly talked yourself into the WRX. Personally I'd go for the Focus because slightly better running costs, possibly more practical and I like the interior a little more, but the WRX is still a fine choice. The BRZ wouldn't really be a consideration for me to be honest, too many comprimises for the handling benefits.

mazda616 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:16

In my experience, front-wheel-drive can get going again go stopped on an incline about a million times better than rear-wheel-drive can. Depending on the amount of snow you deal with, I'd go with the WRX just because all-wheel-drive. However, my friend just got a Focus ST and he's so in love with it that I think he'd marry it if he could.

Nerd-Vol > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:19

Have you considered the 99 Ford Taurus? I think that will have what you are looking for.

Failing that, the subaru.

pip bip - choose Corrour > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:33

BRZ - 2 doors = impractical

WRX = $$$$$ fuel bills

Focus ST - simply the best of bunch (my choice if i had the money , and this is coming from someone who in their right mind would never own a Ford , i'd rather Holden all the way!)

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:47

Get in touch with tareimgaml, he just put down a deposit on a BR-Z. Discuss.

Derp Herpington > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 07:59

Remind your brother the Veloster is just an Accent with a redesign.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:03

I can't speak for the others, but the side bolsters in the ST soften up after a little while.

E92M3 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:16

Get the WRX.

DirtyBird > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:38

drove a st and absolutely hated the shifter, cant really tell what your shifting.. feels like a pipe stuck in goo. I was driving a 2000 trans am with a short throw shifter which may have something to do with how i felt about it tho

Vicente Esteve > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:44

Well, I think the BRZ is out of the question since it only offers the driver involvement but not the practicality or the Torque.

The Focus ST can be your choice if you find it with normal seats and actually like them.

The WRX though is still somewhat your familiar car, and my guess is that you will be convinced by it.

My recommendation would be to look at a GTI or a CPO Golf R. It has AWD, the same Horsepower as the Focus, and a fantastic interior.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:44

Just a heads up that the seats in the ST break-in after a while.

whoarder is tellurium > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:51

Scratch the BRZ off of the list at that altitude. Get a turbo car and enjoy the benefits.

I'd say go WRX.

Tekamul > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:54

At 7000 feet, it's better to stick to a turbo. It will handle the thin air better.

Between the two turbos, I'd go WRX, just because I'd prefer AWD over FWD, even though the hatch is a better package.

whoarder is tellurium > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:54

Scratch the BRZ off of the list at that altitude. Get a turbo car and enjoy the benefits.

I'd say go WRX. Or find a used Mitsu Lancer Ralliart "sportswagon" ...or Golf R

Grindintosecond > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:55

FWD gets going again. Its about weight on the drive wheels. Instead of sandbags in the truck bed you have an engine over the driveline. With that said AWD at your elevation would be nice, fwd not bad at all. And as far as underpowered cars, I dont get it. Every trip to highway speed should go to redline a few times :)

If snow is that much of a concern then subaru it. If not, focus it. You need room for stuff and focus is flexible. Besides...how long are you planning to keep the next car? Life changes man. Focus n Subie can handle those. Looked at fiesta st?

Nibby > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:57

Buy a Toyota Camry SE.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 08:59

Miata

Kinja'd!!!

Axial > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:14

I would choose the Focus ST, but it sounds like the WRX is perfect for your needs with all of the right compromises in all of the right places.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:20

What about a Golf GTI?

Either two or four door. Better looking then anything you listed (IMO.) Probably a nicer interior then anything listed. 210 (underrated) horsepower. 6-speed manual. Can be had loaded in two or four door for under $30k. Roomy for all your needs.

Thunderface > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:27

Honestly, I'd take the Focus ST for the perfect balance of real-world practicality and Hoonability/performance

thedevilinside > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:30

I have the Focus ST, it is a really nice car and I got used to the seats(10+ hour road trips no problem). I also test drove a 14 WRX and liked it, if the 15 is much better I'd probably choose it now. The BRZ was too small for me. I don't mean the car overall, I liked that part, but my head hit the roof trying to test drive it.

Bytemite > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:31

There is one sports car and two family sedans with turbos. I'd say the choice is pretty clear.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:43

Focus ST

Call ahead to the dealer. Tell them you want to ORDER a Focus and you have no interest in a model on their lot. they will complain. But at the end it's a guaranteed sale so they SHOULD shut up about it. They hate it because they've already paid for the ones they have. But if you don't want the seats that are in it you gotta order. Fwd is much better in snow than rwd...much much better. Also when you sit down in the test drive, tell him to shut up at the start. Say you really know about the car and want one, but you need to LISTEN to the car as much as drive it. Turn off radio too to prove your point.

 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:51

Focus because hot hatches are fun.

AthomSfere > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 09:56

My thought:

If the seats are bothering you then you know you will either hate the car quickly, or have to swap the seats day 2...

It really sounds like your only real logical choice here is the WRX. And I like industrial styling too.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 10:04

Just throwing it out there, I've sat in the back of an FRS and it wasn't that bad. I'm 6' and well over 200 lbs, so it's not like I'm small. But even at elevation it is in fact torqueless.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 10:19

I would give the new 2015 GTI a try before you decided. It's one of the most neutral Front-Drivers available today and you can get one very well equipped under 30.

Crest > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 10:49

*cough* Geneis Coupe *cough*

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:07

I grew up in MinneSNOWta, went to school in Wyoming at 7000ft, and lived in Colorado for a bit, as well as currently living in Oregon making many trips up the mountain. All I ever had until about a year after getting to Oregon were FWD's. I Only once had an issue going up hill and that was because the dumbass in front of me stopped, mostly glare ice on a 15% grade during a snow storm, but awd cars were having just as much trouble as me and I ended up right between two separate 5-6 car pile-ups. The only other times I got stuck were because I was being a dumbass or had shit tires. All I own now are RWD's, aside from my wife's AWD E-class wagon. RWD has nothing on FWD. I'm pretty good in the snow but last winter we got a nice blizzard and I couldn't even get my RWD car out of the driveway (which is kind of a deep bowl-shape if that makes any sense).

TLDR: FWD is great in the snow, don't rule it out just for that reason.

Steve in Manhattan > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:08

GTI?

Architect > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:19

Something to consider (coming from an ST owner), is that the FoST comes from the factory with summer rubber, and I can attest to the fact that the stock tires are useless in snow. Not that you couldn't swap them for snows or all-seasons, but it's just one more expense to consider. I'd unabashedly recommend the ST for the price point (especially if you track down an ST1, which also solves the seat issue), usefulness (euro hatchback ftw), power characteristics, and its genuinely exciting and lively personality. I once owned a 2004 WRX wagon, and that car was my benchmark for all others for a long time. The ST has so far been the only thing I've driven that gets close.

Jake > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:24

Have you put any thought into the new Golf R or upcoming Focus RS? Both are slated to offer FWD, but then again I'm still biased to a Subaru.

FWD isn't an issue starting on hills in bad weather, as most of the weight is on top of the front axle. Your only worry will have to be about understeer and stopping, as you won't be able to properly correct it with throttle as you could in an AWD or RWD.

All are good choices though. Driven all three and would be happy owning all of them. I like your taste.

Jake > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:25

Have you put any thought into the new Golf R or upcoming Focus RS? Both are slated to offer AWD, but then again I'm still biased to a Subaru.

All are good choices though. Driven all three and would be happy owning all of them. I like your taste.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 11:57

Hyundai Genesis Coupe!

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/2014-hyundai-gЕ

Dsscats > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:00

Wrx. Do it for the winter. There's a reason why you've dome it twice before

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Nerd-Vol
11/02/2014 at 12:00

Speaking as a former '99 Taurus owner myself, this guy is right.

Forgetful > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:10

Kinja'd!!!

Embrace the snow in the 86. Good snow tires and a little weight in the trunk are all you need.

Stupidru > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:16

I would vote for the FoST. You even said that your hobbies require a fair amount of cargo space, and coupled with the fact that you've already done the Subaru thing. Or get a WRX hatchback, but I've had bad luck with all 3 of my Subarus that have had the 2.5L, so I'd personally stay away from any 2.5L Subarus, not to mention the jury is out on the 2.0DITs reliability

Arben72 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:17

The wrx is coming out with a hatch next year, if you can wait. No bad choices there though.

James McRee > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:17

Out of those 3, I'd pick the Ford. It is most practical because it's a hatch, and the auto journalists talk about how well it handles. Paul from Everyday Driver says FWD with snow tires is no problem, and he lives in Utah. Also, the Focus ST has a lot of aftermarket support as well, so you can easily increase the power.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:31

Have you considered a used A4 Avant? Or Subaru Forester XT?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:32

Of those 3 choices I would definitely go with the WRX, hands down. I live in a much lower altitude, but get tons of snow, and I love AWD all year round.

Manuщl Ferrari > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:34

WRX wagon

Oh yeah, we don't get it in the US.

THANKS OBAMA

Bad72AMX > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:40

WRX. The first time you get 6" of snow you'll be glad you did.

Steve in Manhattan > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:41

GTI?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:41

TLDR: FWD is great in the snow, don't rule it out just for that reason.

rockingthe2 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:44

Personally? Keep the truck, buy an older sports car for a few grand (Miata, MR2, older WRX, etc...) The truck has winter daily driveablilty, can store all your stuff, and if you have paid it off, can be pretty cheap to keep around with liability insurance only.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:46

You live at altitude= NOT the BRZ. Seriously as far as n/a Subaru's in the mountains go, you may be better off with a VW microbus.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 12:46

WRX.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 13:17

TLDR: FWD is great in the snow, don't rule it out just for that reason.

Mosqvich > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 13:36

A CPO BMW 135i. Get a set of snow tires.

2strkblusmok > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 13:51

I ordered my WRX premium WRB june 10th and i just took delivery last tuesday. That being said it is completely worth the wait. I love mine and the FA20DIT it a perky little fucker, ive done a mix if highway and city (mostly city) and i only get like 21 mpg in return (1st tank, staying off of boosf, okay maybe i was bad once or twice) i love the interior, seats are reasonably comfy, cabin is roomy (6 foot 1 and theres a good 6 to 8 inches of head room). Body roll is non existant, ride is firm but i wouldnt quite say harsh. As other publications have stated the 6speeds rubber bushing is a bit sloppy and getting into gear can best be described as "metal pole into a bucket of crushed rock" i recommend wrx. Though i dont agree with "should have had the sti syndrome" because im looking for the most badass well rounded dd in all the land and the wrx fits the bill imo

James McRee > James McRee
11/02/2014 at 16:24

I meant to write Todd from Everyday Driver, not Paul.

Jake > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 16:37

Have you put any thought into the new Golf R or upcoming Focus RS? Both are slated to offer AWD, but then again I'm still biased to a Subaru.

All are good choices though. Driven all three and would be happy owning all of them. I like your taste.

Tom McParland > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 17:40

I just went through almost the same dilemma. No BRZ for me because I need practicality, but I had the WRX and the ST on my shopping list. I went with at '15 GTI with Performance Package (should arrive sometime Jan)...both the WRX and ST are great cars, but I didn't care for the lack of hatchback and really stiff suspension in the WRX, though it is super quick. As for the ST, I wanted something that "blends in" a little more and the interior of the VW just felt more upscale. Since you are coming from an Audi I would take the GTI for a test drive.

Tom McParland > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
11/02/2014 at 17:40

Yup...that's what I did.

Conan > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 17:50

Older STI? The new WRX sure looks good though.

TurboLag23 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 18:27

BRZ or WRX, in my opinion.

Build quality on Subarus has remained stellar, and both the BRZ and WRX are amazing cars in their own right.

If you live in a snowy place, the WRX might be the way to go. I have no idea what it's like to own a car in a snowy region because I live in SoCal and I've actually only driven in snow three times in my life (I'm only 20 though haha).

Also, RWD and AWD > FWD all day long. I've spent the last 30,000 miles in an FWD car, and I believe that wholeheartedly. As much as I love my TL, I can't wait to get my ass back into something with AWD, or to try out RWD.

Oontzoontzoontz > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 18:33

I love my 2015 WRX, and am looking forward to throwing on the blizzaks for this winter.

TheOnelectronic > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
11/02/2014 at 18:55

I have a strong prejudice against the GTI. It's like the vanilla yogurt of sporty compacts.

Also I've just gotten out of a VW product. It's time for something new.

TheOnelectronic > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
11/02/2014 at 18:56

So, fun fact: I can't sit in a Miata with the top up. With the top down, the top of the windshield is at eye level, so I can't actually see out of one.

TheOnelectronic > Jake
11/02/2014 at 18:58

I've got plenty of experience sliding FWD cars around in the slop with some healthy left-foot braking; that's not too much of an issue.

TheOnelectronic > rockingthe2
11/02/2014 at 19:00

Almost any passenger car is going to smoke the Tacoma in terms of snow handling, just because of weight.

Also, I'm looking at a ~140 mile daily commute. I'm not kidding about it getting less than 10mpg.

TheOnelectronic > Bad72AMX
11/02/2014 at 19:03

Pah, I've driven a lowered 335i on snow tires in 8" or so of snow... it's all about momentum!

TheOnelectronic > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
11/02/2014 at 19:03

Just came from an Audi. Don't like doing the same thing twice.

TheOnelectronic > Conan
11/02/2014 at 19:04

Used STIs are kind of like second-hand condoms. You can never be sure what the previous owner was doing in them.

TheOnelectronic > Mosqvich
11/02/2014 at 19:04

Already had a 335i a few years back. Again, been there, done that.

AbsintheMinded: NeonHeatDreams > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:05

I am in a similar boat right now sir. I am a 6'6" slab of man, and I have a baby on the way. (BRZ is out of the picture given my size alone). My 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is just drinking gas for my ~40 mile commute each day. Therefore, I am in the market for a fun hatchback. I have almost settled on a CPO 2014 Focus ST3. The wife just got a 2014 Escape, so she has been steering me towards a "fun dad car".

I drove the new WRX, but it, honestly felt kinda.....regular to me. It felt planted like a WRX, but it lacked the pizzaz the 2001 WRX I had recently driven. However, the ST makes me grin. It was a blast to drive. I really enjoyed my time with it. I was even lucky enough to get one of the "Drive it however you want. If you get a ticket, it is your problem." kind of sales guys. He let me go out for about 30 minutes, and I got some highway, backroads, and busy intersections. (Then again, I live in Metro Atlanta, so its always busy.) The ST felt alive, it felt engaging and when I didn't want to be spirited, it was very nice quiet cruiser. I can definitely DD one of them.

Just my $0.02

Matthew Case > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:07

Quite the opposite, you're pretty sure you know what the previous person was doing with a condom.

CompWizrd > Bad72AMX
11/02/2014 at 19:21

6" of snow is a good number for my '10 Fit Sport.. high enough that the front air dam can start working as a plow. Went out of the driveway last winter with over a foot of snow in the driveway, had snow coming up the windshield... didn't do so well coming home when it had compacted down and high centered it with the rear wheels off the ground.. had to dig out the flat snow shovel so I could get it out.

Sir Halffast > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:26

The XT is pretty nice though. Plenty of space, similar power to the WRX, plenty of ground clearance, and acceptable MPGs. And it's turboed so it'll be fine at altitude. Top trim is ~34k.

Conan > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:27

Fair enough. My only real Subaru experience is with a Forester GT, which aren't really treated the same at all.

Giles007 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:29

The ST is very fun in the snow. You can actually modulate the rear of the car with throttle inputs. The torque vectoring will, upon command, apply 5-10% brakes to the rear wheels while braking the inside wheel. This causes the car to pivot around you whenever you "lift" off the throttle mid turn (get back on the throttle and the car stops sliding). It's like magic and you feel like a rally driver on every turn.

Rand0nS > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:33

Anything other than the BRZ.

SpecB56 > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:40

Are you in a hurry? What about an SRT4 Dart?

doug.shaw > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:41

i live at ~9k', and luckily have more than one car. when i read this i'm forced to wonder where the question is? you've already got your answer, get the WRX. awd in the winter, room for your stuff (or the occasional passenger), and fun in the corners. oh, and it's not a ford.

BadMotorScooter > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:49

I've got a similar commute, mostly highway. I have a FR-S that I drive a couple days a week and I really like it. I have had small adults in the back seat and they actually do just fine once they get in there. However, the FR-S is not my only car.

From your group I'd get the ST. Practical and fun, although I agree with you on the seats. If you can't get them comfortable DO NOT buy the car as you'll be miserable with that long of a commute (trust me on this, I made that mistake and got rid of a car because of it).

If I had to pick a single car, that had to do everything well, and work on a 140 mile daily commute, I'd get a Golf TDI. Keep in mind that's 35k miles per year, just in commuting. You'll have 80k+ miles on this car in 2 years. Depreciation is a real thing and happens fast with that rate of mileage accumulation. The TDIs are famous for holding their value and holding up to high mileage. And they have the torque you need at that elevation. And they are actually fun to drive, just get the manual. And they get 40+ MPG in the real world, with a range over 700 miles so you won't be at the gas station every other day.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 19:58

Seat mod. Helps tall people out :)

whatisthatsound > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 20:01

30K. Sports car exception? Lotus elise. They are awesome, and you can get a trailer to carry all your stuff.

Kinja'd!!!

Sinanigans > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 20:01

As a BRZ owner, I was gonna say go with the BRZ. BUT, after reading your needs - I think the WRX is right up your alley. The new FA20DIT is a sharp motor - and more efficient than the EJ's. Also, the handling is razor sharp on the new WRX (plus you get a 6-speed and the new motor), so you'll have less STi envy...

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 21:20

To the second point I understand.

On the first point, how do you figure?

Coty > TheOnelectronic
11/02/2014 at 22:29

Kinja'd!!!

Dis Juan.

Also I sell you one, no be shitty.

TheOnelectronic > Matthew Case
11/02/2014 at 22:47

Same with a used STI.

JohnPlayerSpecial > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 00:38

Are you willing to part out the Taco? I would love to have the ARB bumper and the accompanying winch :)

Oh yeah I recommend the WRX btw

baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalls > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 01:07

Not a bad choice here....... well....... maybe the BRZ is.

TheOnelectronic > JohnPlayerSpecial
11/03/2014 at 01:17

I would if I still had the factory bumper. As it stands, though, The only things that will make sense to sell separately are the roof rack, lights, tent, and awning.

EleventhFromHeaven > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 01:57

I'd get a WRX, because you'd find the AWD handy in the winter.

JohnPlayerSpecial > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 02:03

Are you on TW?

Tripper > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 08:14

I will side with the WRX as a previous owner. I generally take care of my cars but I beat the piss out of my WRX because I was a stupid kid when I owned it. I drove it around dirt roads in rural VT full tilt, and the only things I ever broke were exhaust hangars. I would say it's easily the most practical if you don't factor in fuel consumption (because who cares about that). My best friend has a BRZ and I didn't really like it at first because it was so slow. Now he has supercharged and making crazy power (over 350) and it's a blast to drive but it sucks as an actual everyday car, and it's obnoxiously loud. As for the focus I have read good things on Oppo, in car mags, and elsewhere, but I would not consider because FWD.

eleister > Tom McParland
11/03/2014 at 08:43

Wow. I have the same issue. I have an 2005 STi , and have looked at the same cars. My difference is I have no commute and just need to haul around a mountain and road bike. If I were to buy a Ford Focus ST or Fiesta ST I would need 4 winter tires and wheels because they come with summer only tires, and a whole new roof rack system. But I've seen a new Focus ST for 18,000, compared to the WRX for 32,000. I did sit in a WRX and it is big. The front resembles my STi but I really do not like the rest of the looks. The BRZ, well, that's a perfect fit for me, just like the Miata. I'm 5'3", 125 though. They still would need a roof rack system and winter wheels and tires IF I ever ventured out in the snow, which I don't so the whole STi thing is kind of wasted on me. The roads are really crappy anyway so I really don't go out just for a drive anymore. If you're looking for a commuter, do what I've always threatenedЧ-get a Buick!

theshinobi01 > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 09:20

I'd say get a WRX out of the bunch. The fuel economy isn't THAT bad...if you don't have your foot glued to the accelerator and aren't on boost 24/7. The BRZ/FRS are the least practical of the bunch, but honestly it's not god awful. You aren't going to IKEA certainly with a BRZ/FRS. But for single people or even a married couple with no kids, it's not as impractical as a Miata or a Z4. The Focus ST is a good choice, but if you live in the snowbelt, all that power to the front wheels, nope.avi.

phee_the_emcee > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:02

i vote ST with a set of snow tires. Car plus tires should come in under the cost of a REX if you get a lightly used one.

WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:05

Gray Irwin > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:19

Can i interest you in a 2015 Mustang? An Ecoboost with the 6 speed and the performance package runs about 28k.

Plenty of power, and (IMO) fantastic looks. Maybe not so fantastic in the snow.

hobbes567 > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:25

Probably too late to chime in, but I have a 2013 WRX Wagon and my old roommate has a '14 BRZ. I bought mine used with 10k on it, he bought his brand new. They were within $1k of each other. We trade off all the time, and I honestly think you can't go wrong with either one. The two big things that made me choose the WRX was the space and the power. The BRZ is just plain slow and is quite small. But, the BRZ's handling is unmatched at this price point. The BRZ also has a nicer interior and is better equipped at the $26k-ish price point. Boost was just too addictive to pass up though.

Test drive everything. Then, test drive again. Wait some time, buy the one that sticks with you after you have test driven everything again.

Ditchhooker > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:26

Kinja'd!!!

Focus ST w/ these wheels. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelClЕ + these tires http://www.nokiantires.com/winter-tires/nЕ = bad ass snow machine

Alex87f > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:27

How tall are you?

I'm 6'2" and fit in an NC. Not a ton of extra headroom but it's acceptable. Leg & elbow room are just fine. Getting one without height-adjustable driver seat is a must though.

BlackDiamond925 > Tom McParland
11/03/2014 at 10:30

That's what the GTI is about, reasonably fun performance in a very practical package, while having some class at the same time. I've got a 2011 GTI and it was the perfect compromise car. It gets a B at everything, which is why it's a huge hit with reviewers. Reliability? Mmmmm.

Alex87f > TheOnelectronic
11/03/2014 at 10:32

BRZ for me. It's still fast enough, will get good MPG and most importantly it's the one of the bunch which will feel the most "special", thanks to its low, far back seating and it proper RWD-coupe shape.

The folding back seat helps it haul a little bit of stuff (shame they didn't put a hatch!). And the rear seat isn't that bad. I'm 6'2", and while I certainly wouldn't enjoy sitting there for 100 miles, at least I could seat there. Anyone smaller than 5'5" will fit just fine.