Need your oppo-pinions **Update**

"ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback" (armadaexpress) 06/30/2015 at 08:31 • Filed to: BMW, replacement, sti, wrx, subaru, manual overlord

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I currently own and love a 2009 BMW 535 xDrive with 55k miles. I was it expecting I’d have a lot of maintenance to do but I thought I’d have the time to do it. Unfortunately that is not the case, and although the car has been reliable lately I’m getting anxious about it.

So I have started looking at replacements, and this time around my wife is completely on board with me having a manual transmission. (Hallelujah!) My intentions are something very fun to drive with room for kids car seats in the back and more reliable than the BMW.

I’ve been looking at WRX’s and STi’s. What your Oppo-pinion?

**___________________ Update ___________________**

I test drove an ‘09 STi last night and I forgot it would be a compact car. That and the six speed wasn’t all that fun. I think I’d prefer the 5 speed in the WRX better.

But either way, I think I’m leaning away from an STi, although I might try to test drive a new STi and see if that feels much better.

In regards to the suggestions that the interior quality is much worse in the STi, you are absolutely correct. But to be honest that doesn’t bother me. I like that it’s easier to just wipe down and keep clean. And although it was tough to find a great driving position, the seats were comfortable, even the head-rests that most people dislike. The backseat had decent space and would be fine for the kids car seats. The engine/transmission noise was much louder than the 5 series, which is to be expected, but I actually really liked that. The car sounded like the PO had installed unequal length headers, but the dealership had no idea what I was talking about. The rear tail lights certainly didnt look stock either, but I could be wrong.

The test drive told me that I dont think an STi is for me because it felt cramped going from the 5er and the power really seems to come on strong mid range and then disappear. Thanks for all the suggestions. I’d love to find a Forester XT for the winter, but trade my car in for the same 535 but with a manual. I know it doesn’t really resolve my conundrum, but I don’t think I could find much else that would really be an ok swap for the E60.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:33

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FoST or FiST an option?

jkm7680 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:34

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How’s your driving record? WRX insurance is terrifying.

pip bip - choose Corrour > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:37

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2015 Chev SS?

Party-vi > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:37

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Maintenance

Reliability

A car won’t be reliable if you don’t perform maintenance. It is no fault of the car that regular maintenance isn’t performed.

I’d pick WRX over an STi, because insurance premiums and cost.

philsphan09 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:44

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How in the world are you going to go from that car to a WRX. Why not look at a CPO Manual 335 / 335Xi? Such a fun car, can be had for cheap and you’ll still maintain the quality you enjoyed.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:47

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I’d go CTS, they can be quite fun. Or so I've heard at least.

Tripper > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 08:53

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I believe RightFootDown did an article a few months ago about how he traded in his E46 M3 for a WRX, and then dumped it a few months later for a 535 lol.

http://www.rightfootdown.com/thoughts/to-ja…

I’ve been going through a similar pickle as my E90 M3 will be out of warranty in a few months/few thousand miles. I have owned a 2005 WRX followed by a 2004 STi, so I figured that I might go back to a Subaru. I have been trying to schedule a test drive in a 2016 STi for the past few weeks but the local dealer had sold the two that they had and I have been on vacation for the last week. However, I’m glad that I had that time to think because I decided that I’m going to hang on to the E90 until it gives me a reason not to. I had an E46 M3 for 7 years out of warranty...best car I have owned to date.

If you decided to go with the Subaru, go for the STi a little less practical but a lot more fun.

Patrick Nichols > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 09:12

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If you’ve been looking at STI’s why not test drive a Golf R?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tripper 06/30/2015 at 09:41

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I’d imagine you wouldn;t be happy with the WRX interior. But if you want a fun car to drive that will do it. I have twins and they fit fine in the back seat. I’ve heard taller people (maybe 6’+) could run out of space with their seat pushing back into the car seats (rear facing)

Tripper > OPPOsaurus WRX 06/30/2015 at 09:53

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The interior is fine, and both the WRX and STi are a blast to drive just not quite as fun as either M3 that I have owned. I prefer RWD and no turbo/supercharger.

f86sabre > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 09:55

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Our two kids ride happily in the back of our Evo, so rally rockets are workable as family cars.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Party-vi 06/30/2015 at 10:03

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I keep my cars maintained without issue. The matter was whether or not I'd do it myself. I don't have time to do it myself, so I'd like something that will be less expensive to maintain in the long run. long run being measured in years.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Tripper 06/30/2015 at 10:04

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Yeah I think I’ll try to find an STi hatch if I can.

Party-vi > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 10:05

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At 55k miles you should have at least another 20,000 miles before any service is needed (assuming you had a 50k mile service performed). I don’t think any luxury car is meant to be light on the wallet, hell my decade old BMW takes about $2,000 a year thus far, but that’s playing catch-up to the lack of maintenance from previous owners.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > OPPOsaurus WRX 06/30/2015 at 10:05

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I don't care about the interior too much, just the driving experience. My current car is an automatic, and I can't wait to get back to a manual.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Tripper 06/30/2015 at 10:06

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My current car is turbo-charged, so I don't mine another turbo.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > philsphan09 06/30/2015 at 10:07

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I've considered it, but I'm not a huge fan of anything newer in BMWs lineup. Maybe I'll take a closer look, but I miss the noise a little bit.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > jkm7680 06/30/2015 at 10:08

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My driving record is without a ticket in a long long time, so insurance doesn't care me. I drive responsibly, especially with my kids in the car.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 06/30/2015 at 10:09

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I’m not a huge fan of domestics, although the CTS has come a long way.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/30/2015 at 10:11

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The thought seriously crossed my mind, but I've always been a fan of Subaru and we have an awesome tuner out here. Being in Buffalo and having 7 ft of snow in one weekend last year, I kind of want to get back into an awesome AWD system. The BMW a was fine, but it wasn't super confidence inspiring. Always afraid that if I put it in the ditch, it would cost me a ton. Not as worried about it in a used WRX or STi.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > pip bip - choose Corrour 06/30/2015 at 10:11

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I want to stick with a used vehicle mainly, and I'm not a huge fan of Chevy. But thanks for the suggestion.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Party-vi 06/30/2015 at 10:15

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Yeah I agree with you, but I think the PO beat on this car pretty fiercely. The transmission had to be replaced at 25k miles and it’s starting to act funny already. Also the ability to get back into a car with a manual transmission is a huge part of the appeal. I miss that dearly.

I do love the E60 though, and I think it’s a very good looking car that’s very understated. If I part with it, I’m sure I’ll miss it. But at the same time if I keep it, I can’t imagine keeping it into the 100k+ mile range, but I could easily do that with a Subaru. It’s a tough choice and I’m hoping to get a back to back test drive of a ‘12 WRX and a ‘15 STi this week to give me a better idea.

jkm7680 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 10:26

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That’s good to hear, you should be fine on the insurance front!

I’d recommend leather seats if you’ve got kids though.

Party-vi > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 10:36

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25k miles!?!? My god!

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Party-vi 06/30/2015 at 10:41

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Yeah I found out after the fact. Curious if there was an unreported accident that is causing extra stress on the transmission too, and is increasing the wear on the transmission. Either way, I'm afraid this one is going to bite me soon.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tripper 06/30/2015 at 10:46

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aw crap i just noticed i didn;t reply to the guy posting the question. oops

OPPOsaurus WRX > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 10:51

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i’ve been going back and forth about selling mine. I just hate the car payments but theres nothing else out there that could replace it. What I have learned is that these things hold their value to an insane level. Even having mine for 1.5 yrs and 18k miles it looks like it could sell for what I paid for it. If you need to have the hatch and have the funds you should go for the STi. I really wish I had a 6th gear and the AWD system is supposed to be much better. unfortunately your not going to get a lower price from depreciation that most other cars see. this is also why I hope they dont make another hatch for a while so my value can stay nice and high.

OPPOsaurus WRX > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 10:53

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in snow, keep in mind that going isnt the problem, and going easier can actually make the problem worse, which is stopping or lack there of. I’m sure your aware being in Buffalo (I actually almost moved there when my fathers company relocated but he got a different job) The stock tires are rubbish if not outright dangerous in the snow so budget for winter tires. I was blown away at how f’in fast you can accelerate in 6” of snow in the WRX.

philsphan09 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 11:36

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I went from the 335xi to a CPO S4 and couldnt have been happier. It’s also a beast in the snow. The exhaust note definitely isn’t as good as the 335 but a couple bucks fixes that really quick.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > OPPOsaurus WRX 06/30/2015 at 13:05

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Yeah I'm very familiar with Lake Effect snow in Buffalo and driving all sorts of vehicles in it. I do plan on winter tires though.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > philsphan09 06/30/2015 at 13:07

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Something to consider, but the benefit of the Subarus are their reliability past 75k miles and above. I get nervous about German reliability after 75k miles.

OPPOsaurus WRX > f86sabre 06/30/2015 at 13:12

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same with my WRX!

philsphan09 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 06/30/2015 at 19:37

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buy the extended warranty. Then have 0 cars in the world. The car / quality / sound / allure/ experience / perception is so much better in a euro then a Subaru. If its a financial issue i get it, but if not then i 100% do not get it.

boxrocket > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/01/2015 at 00:48

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Subaru’s still suffering interior quality problems, and will be a noticeable downgrade from the BMW. They’re fairly underwhelming when you don’t need the AWD, the WRX/STI are compacts compared to your midsize 5-series, and the metal body panels feel thin and flimsy.

Consider a Lexus GS/IS AWD, Infiniti G37 AWD, Infiniti M37/45 AWD, Volvo S/V60/S60 XC/V60 XC, Lincoln MKS EcoBoost (though a tad cramped compared to the others) or wait for the Continental, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD, and, uh, yeah that’s all I can think of right now. Granted they aren’t all manual, but you’re more likely to be happier in the long run.

Or keep the BMW longer.

pip bip - choose Corrour > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/01/2015 at 03:44

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well then , Pontiac G8 GXP , some had manual , Chev SS’ cousin.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > philsphan09 07/01/2015 at 07:45

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Yeah euros are far better and its not that I cant afford it, so I’m not in a tough position where I have to make a change. I just have this bad feeling that something expensive is going to break....

Also, I’m not great with a wrench because I haven’t had the time to delve into car repairs when they’re needed. So I figured I’d get a DD that would be easy to fix. I think my biggest issue with fixing my 5 series is the coding that needs to occur when replacing anything from the battery to coil packs, to fuel injectors and so on.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > boxrocket 07/01/2015 at 07:48

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I test drove an ‘09 STi last night. The car is fun to drive, and I seriously miss a manual. But you’re definitely right about the STi being a compact. I can’t move to an STi for that exact reason. I’ll take a look at your suggestions, but I’m also thinking I might just keep an eye out for a 535 with a manual. Best of both worlds.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > pip bip - choose Corrour 07/01/2015 at 07:48

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ahh yes, that would definitely be a fun car. I’ll have to keep an eye out for them.

pip bip - choose Corrour > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/01/2015 at 07:51

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i figure it’ll be a bit more roomy. for when the kids grow out of the car seats.

philsphan09 > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/01/2015 at 08:45

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I’m definitely not great with a wrench and thats why i got a CPO. Has saved me thousands!

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > philsphan09 07/01/2015 at 12:36

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yeah same here.