I’ve been shopping for a replacement

"DasWauto" (DasWauto) 01/15/2020 at 09:45 • Filed to: Philosoraptor, blubaru

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This car is unrefined, inefficient, the ergonomics are lacklustre (for my lankiness) and so is the sound system. Kayaks are a non-starter and I can only put one mountain bike in the trunk so unless I’m going by myself we have to take another vehicle. Despite all that, I just can’t seem to let go of the driving dynamics.

On Saturday night we got 12 hours of freezing rain. Trees snapped and took power lines with them - my house was without electricity for 2 days. Having parked the car in the shed before any real buildup started, I couldn’t have cared less.

Sunday morning, I started the car, drove it out of its hidey-hole and turned off the traction control, like usual. The grainy, ice-pelleted surface has served as a perfect reminder as to why a WRX on a loose surface is one of the better driving experiences you can buy from a dealership today.

Racing Formula 1 in the rain is the ultimate test of driving skill, separating the truly extraordinary from the merely talented. The same is true of cars - a loose surface lowers the limits of adhesion, making obvious the driving dynamics masked by the sky-high limits of modern cars and revealing the inherent handling balance lurking beneath.

Subaru stereotypes suggest the WRX is an understeering pig and that is not without cause - carry too much speed into a corner and you will see the tree that’s about to kill you. Plant the nose with a bit of trailing brake, however, and the front will tuck in, the tail grabbing its opportunity to waggle wide. Keep the engine in boost and you dictate the angle, line and duration of the slide with your right foot. It’s just delightful and why I often triple my 5 minute commute with laps of the barn yard and back roads just off the shortest route home.

The experience is far from perfect - liftoff-oversteer can and does bite if you don’t modulate the throttle carefully during a slide - but initiating with a flick, stringing together tidy 4-wheel slides with is one of life’s great pleasures.

As a farmer a pickup truck could easily be considered logical path forward - others have told me as much, especially as I now have a rwd coupe to take the fun car role. They’re right, and I know it, but I can’t daily drive something I can’t get some joy out of when the heart wants.

Not yet.

For Sweden > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 09:57

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Hello, may I introduce you to a better future?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > For Sweden 01/15/2020 at 10:01

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That’s right by me! Guess I’m adding something to the weekend to-do list.

Nibby > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 10:08

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clearly you need a raptor

CobraJoe > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 10:09

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The grainy , ice-pelleted surface has served as a perfect reminder as to why a WRX on a loose surface is one of the better driving experiences you can buy from a dealership today.

...

but I can’t daily drive something I can’t get some joy out of when the heart wants.

Exactly my sentiments about the Legacy GT I used to own. Amazing on gravel or snow or ice, but completely boring (if not frustrating) on normal, everyday, dry pavement.

I’m to where I’d prefer a FWD car to an AWD one. It’s not as fun as a powerful RWD car, but more interesting on the roads I travel on every day than AWD .

facw > For Sweden 01/15/2020 at 10:11

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Man that looks good, but even with the low mileage, and extra hor se power, I’d have a hard time justifying the extra ~ $ 15k vs a T6

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > For Sweden 01/15/2020 at 10:11

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$47k is much.

DasWauto > For Sweden 01/15/2020 at 10:35

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I’ve thought about a V60 CC but I’m not sure I‘ m ready to give up the manual just yet. 

DasWauto > CobraJoe 01/15/2020 at 10:44

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I’m on gravel roads every day so even in non-winter months there is still some opportunity for loose surface shenanigans. Dry pavement is a buzzkill though, and it makes the car’s flaws all the more apparent. It’s telling that I drove the 128i more than the WRX from May through November.

I’m still hoping for a Crosstrek XT. I’m also curious about the Bronco and maybe its smaller crossover sibling. And maybe the unibody trucks Ford and Hyundai are supposedly working on.

There’s definitely stuff in the pipeline but that doesn’t help me right now. I’ll get through winter just fine though, and I’ll have plenty of fun while I’m at it. When the snow melts I’m sure the itc h to replace the Subaru will return.

DasWauto > Nibby 01/15/2020 at 10:46

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I could and I’ve thought about it. All modern trucks are too big for my liking though, even the mid-sizers (too tall).

A new small truck would interest me and I could be tempted by a Ranger Raptor if Ford brought it here (they won’t). 

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 11:12

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Used G-Wagen?

DasWauto > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/15/2020 at 11:21

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I think that’s about the only way my garage could be douch-ey-er than having a WRX and a BMW. :P Unfortunately, the last time I was in a G-wagen my knees were up against the dash with the seat as far back as it would go. German cars are usually good for me ergonomically but I guess the old gen is basically the same design and size as the 70s original.

I’m still gonna check the classifieds to see what those are going for though.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 11:21

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WRX/STI love goes in cycles. As you push through the summer heat you start to wonder if it’s really worth putting up with the shortcomings, but then winter comes. When the first snow hits, my thoughts are usually along the lines of “I’m keeping this car forever. It’s perfect.”

CobraJoe > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 11:35

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I’d really have to go out of the way to find gravel on the way home now, the last fun gravel road I used to play on with the Subaru got paved before I sold it.

My replacement was a Nissan Titan. I figured, since I need 4 real seats, I might as well get something useful instead of something less fun than I really want to drive. So far, it’s been a great daily driver too , the relaxed power delivery and indestructible feel are very calming in traffic on our rough roads, and switchable 4x4 eliminates the “No fun in the dry” problem .

I might replace it with a Frontier some day, the Titan is too big to fit my needs, and you can still get a Frontier with a manual.

The truck doesn’t solve my itch for a fun RWD car though... I think I might end up in a 2+2 that can just barely carry the kids to pair with the truck.  

Tripper > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 11:44

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“This car is unrefined, inefficient, the ergonomics are lacklustre (for my lankiness) and so is the sound system.”

So fun though, and amazing in crappy weather as you stated. I have owned both a WRX and an STi (both Blob-eyes). However, a Subaru is a Subaru. My wife’s 17 Forester is just as you described minus the driving fun.

I needed something similar and went with a VW Alltrack. I’m really happy with it, but it is slow and I’m not sure there is enough room for your needs. If I didn’t have a fun car I don’t think I would be happy with it haha.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 11:57

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The title of this post doesn’t make sense given the beautiful love letter to the car you wrote in the body.

WHY do you need a replacement again? It sounds like a hoot, especially where you live - just keep enjoying it! ORRR...buy a cheap busted Crosstrek and swap out the WRX bits in to it as I’m assuming you’re out of warranty on the car now anyway :)

p.s. - swear I even wrote this post before seeing your comment downthread about a Crosstrek XT. It’s clearly what you need! 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 13:00

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Its funny that you say your WRX is unrefined and impractical since I consider mine to be the practical and well put together and modern car compared to my other option of a Miata. Both cars are old I suppose but something about having a reliable car with a roof that also has a ton more power makes the Subaru my “practical every day car”. I havent had much opportunity to drive it in inclement weather nor off of dry pavement since I live in Socal. But the few times on trips elsewhere that Ive seen dirt, snow, and wet roads have simply been amazing. While I still would rather have the Miata on a dirt road because RWD shenanigans, actually having ground clearance is much more rewarding and less worrisome.

I would think in your case when choosing between the Subaru and BMW there is too much of “both of these are full on cars” going on. The Subaru is going to only shine at that point when the weather gets tough. Diversifying the cars is definitely a good thing I think. I have found my combo really has the right balance although Im truly missing a rumbling V8 cruiser of some sort. Neither car is comfortable but at least they are both extremely fun. 

DasWauto > Tripper 01/15/2020 at 13:27

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I considered an Alltrack but I owned a Mk 7 golf before this car and I can’t bring myself to buy (effectively) the same thing twice. It’s the same reason I haven’t gone full retard and traded the WRX for an STI or Golf R. Though the STI would help with the bikes/kayaks, as the ‘ 18+ have roof rack mounting points, which my ‘17 doesn’t.

A next gen WRX/STI is definitely a consideration, especially if they bring back the hatch (which, if they do, makes a Crosstrek XT a no-brainer for Subaru).

Also, blobeye is best eye. The ‘04 STI got 14 year old me into Subarus.

DasWauto > CobraJoe 01/15/2020 at 13:30

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My problem with trucks is that they’re so damn big, I don’t like driving something so cumbersome. This is true of the modern midsize trucks too (too tall). A truly small pickup would have strong interest from me.

/rose coloured nostalgia for my parents’ old Ranger

DasWauto > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/15/2020 at 13:33

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It’s definitely a matter of perspective. I think I shot myself in the foot by buying a second car that is both entertaining and much more comfortable/refined. The biggest thing the BMW has spoiled me with is the seats, which are infinitely more adjustable than the Subaru’s and actually provide thigh support. I’m having real trouble owning another car that doesn’t support my driving position as well as the 128i. :<

CobraJoe > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 13:36

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Yeah, that’s why I’d consider a Frontier now instead of the Titan (it’s the last of the truly midsized trucks).  You could still look for an older Tacoma or an older Ranger.  Those are both small, though I wouldn’t call either of them fun to drive.  

I can’t really do a small pickup though, I still need to be able to carry the kids with me.  

DasWauto > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/15/2020 at 13:38

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The title is a reflection of the process I’ve gone through, from realizing the car’s flaws, looking for a replacement, frustration at the lack of a perfect alternative, and a rediscovery of why I bought this car in the first place.

I just need Subaru to build the Crosstrek XT themselves, I can’t bring myself to make my DD a cobbled together project. I don’t have enough trust in my mechanical skills to rely on something I’ve built out of 2 cars combined, despite Subaru’s Lego-like parts interchangeability.

I will literally throw my wallet at the nearest dealer if Subaru makes it happen though. 

LJ909 > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 13:47

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Your solution is obvious. A Kia Stinger GT awe. Fast and has the hatch with folding rear seats that’s big enough for your stuff. 

DasWauto > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/15/2020 at 14:57

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Painfully true. I only really got into this cycle this summer though, after getting something nicer (my 128i) made the Subaru’s flaws that much more apparent. If and when I trade it in I know I’m gonna miss it like hell when there is snow on the ground.

A next gen WRX/STI are still strong considerations to replace this one. Doubly so if they bring back the hatch (please). 

DasWauto > CobraJoe 01/15/2020 at 15:03

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I’ve thought buying a Frontier but I just can’t buy something with that shitty looking interior . They could keep the exterior sheetmetal the same, update the drivetrain and interior a bit and I’d be tempted. At this point it’ll be a whole new truck though and based on the world market Navara I won’t like the looks as much. 

FWIW, I enjoyed driving our old Ranger. The sagging front springs and complete lack of weight on the rear axle meant it was pretty easy to rotate on our gravel roads despite the slushbox and anaemic 4.0L. Great little truck, that thing took a lot of abuse.

Tripper > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 15:07

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That 04 was so flipping fast! I was 20 years old had it for 6 months got 5 tickets and hit a deer... I like you never wanted to buy the same thing twice, but that is a car I feel like I need a “re-do” in. I had adult money but was still very much a child at 20.

The car wasn’t totaled, or even damaged badly. However, I hit him square w the drivers headlight so it got the light, hood, fender, and bumper. The i nsurance shop did such a shitty job that I never saw it again. I came to look at it when it was done, told them to fix it, and bought another car before it was done. The dealer I bought it from offered to pick up my trade from the shop, haha.

DasWauto > LJ909 01/15/2020 at 15:25

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I do like the way the Stinger looks, but putting 2 kayaks in it is going to be a challenge. I’ll have to see if it has roof rack mounts that would avoid clamping the top of the door openings.

If they made a Kia/Hyundai wagon (wishful thinking) or crossover (less unlikely)  on that platform, that could be an interesting option, especially with the 3.3t. 

DasWauto > Tripper 01/15/2020 at 15:30

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Damn, that sucks, I’d have probably done the same or worse it at that age. Now I use cruise control absolutely everywhere to avoid tickets (I got a rather expensive one when I was 19).

If I decide to turn $20K into fuck- it- money at some point I think I’ll try to pick up a clean ‘04 or ‘05, if I can find one. Until I own an STI of some sort, that car will likely remain a bucketlist item.

Tripper > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 15:37

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Yeah, crazy value hold on those. I bought my 04 for 28k with 6k miles on the clock in early 2006. I’d get more for it now.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 16:25

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I had a 135i immediately before my STI, and it took about a year until I missed just how perfect that car was. Buying a Neon was the best medicine, because when I return to my STI it seems very fancy, refined, quiet, etc.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 17:17

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Feel where you’re coming from, Sir. Loved our Crosstrek while we had it and dreamt of the day it would be beat up enough to do a WRX swap (read have enough imaginary money to have someone else do it)...but that car is long gone now. I don’t fault the Crosstrek for what it is - it’s fine, but more power would make it awesome for the enthusiast segment. 

LJ909 > DasWauto 01/15/2020 at 17:39

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I do know there are a few options for the Stinger if you want to mount something like a kayak. Its just a matter of choosing.

The closest you would get to something like that is probably the coming Genesis GV70 crossover , which is based on the same platform as the Stinger/G70 . But that’ s not coming until early next year I think.