need help deciding

"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
05/04/2017 at 13:34 • Filed to: None

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.

DISCUSSION (56)

TheHondaBro > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:37

Civic Type-R

nerd_racing > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:37

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.

Rico > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:38

M235i

CalzoneGolem > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:38

M235i

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:41

M235I

Steve in Manhattan > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:41

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

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:43

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

PartyPooper2012 > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:44

Lamborghini tractor

Kinja'd!!!

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:50

Kinja'd!!!

camarov6rs > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:51

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

Tripper > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:57

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

Milky > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 13:59

Kinja'd!!!

Jonathan Harper > TheHondaBro
05/04/2017 at 14:12

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

Jonathan Harper > Tripper
05/04/2017 at 14:13

This is exactly what I’m struggling with.

Jonathan Harper > nerd_racing
05/04/2017 at 14:14

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.

Jonathan Harper > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
05/04/2017 at 14:15

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

Jonathan Harper > Milky
05/04/2017 at 14:15

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

Jonathan Harper > Steve in Manhattan
05/04/2017 at 14:16

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

Jonathan Harper > camarov6rs
05/04/2017 at 14:16

USED bmw or new Sub, correct

TheHondaBro > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:17

Boo hiss.

nerd_racing > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:18

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.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:20

Something with chrome and carburetors. Be brave.

Jonathan Harper > nerd_racing
05/04/2017 at 14:20

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.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:22

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

Milky > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:28

I don’t think so, but ....

Kinja'd!!!

707hp

Vicente Esteve > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:29

M235i, not even a contest.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:31

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

Tripper > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:32

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.

Jonathan Harper > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
05/04/2017 at 14:37

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

nerd_racing > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:39

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.

Jonathan Harper > Milky
05/04/2017 at 14:41

WELL THEN!

Jonathan Harper > Tripper
05/04/2017 at 14:42

Yep have driven both a bunch.

camarov6rs > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:44

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.

Shift24 > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:47

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

Jonathan Harper > camarov6rs
05/04/2017 at 14:49

You think the subie takes wear harder than the bmw?

Jonathan Harper > Shift24
05/04/2017 at 14:50

Important questions.

Shift24 > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 14:57

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.

Steve in Manhattan > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 15:15

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

Jonathan Harper > Steve in Manhattan
05/04/2017 at 15:16

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

camarov6rs > Jonathan Harper
05/04/2017 at 19:17

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.

Jonathan Harper > camarov6rs
05/04/2017 at 23:53

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

Jonathan Harper > Shift24
05/05/2017 at 00:03

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

camarov6rs > Jonathan Harper
05/05/2017 at 00:52

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

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/10/2017 at 12:07

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...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/10/2017 at 12:08

Lotus Elise.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/10/2017 at 12:09

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

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/10/2017 at 12:13

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).

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/11/2017 at 12:55

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.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/11/2017 at 12:55

Way too small, but a good car despite.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/11/2017 at 12:56

It was a fleeting thought.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/11/2017 at 12:57

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

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/11/2017 at 13:34

So you’ve decided?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper
05/11/2017 at 13:35