Suggestions For A Friend

"Kailand09" (kailand09)
03/05/2014 at 23:30 • Filed to: None

Hey Oppo, a friend is going to look into getting a new car for around the price of a new WRX. The 2015 WRX is currently at the top of his list, and so I gave him a few other options to test drive based on his criteria: around price of the 2015wrx, 4 doors, fun to drive, at least within the last couple of years old, and not a whole lot of miles if used.

I suggested:

Focus ST, regal GS, mazda6, fusion.

I know I'm forgetting some others, so any other suggestions? He doesn't like the speed3 btw. So far, I'm thinking WRX would be the top of my list as well. It really looked better in person to me as well.

DISCUSSION (70)

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:32

yeah, it'd be between the WRX and the ST for me too. I'd have to test drive the WRX to make up my mind.

Frosted > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:33

Sadly most of those suggestions are FWD. Depending on what your friend wants to do with it, the AWD Subaru would provide more smiles per miles.

RegularCarReviews nails the new Mazda 6 on the head.

The man in the iron mask > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:33

WRX all the way, i would NEVER get a fwd. EVER.

THOMAS5 > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:34

Used s4? Or does it have to be new?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:34

Yeah, it's an auto, but...V8

Kinja'd!!!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:35

Jetta GLi is also an option at $23,500

JDIGGS > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:35

Focus ST is only one that gets close. WRX FTW

Nibby > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:36

Ford Fusion is awesome. Seriously.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/05/2014 at 23:38

And Not fwd

Kailand09 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/05/2014 at 23:45

I don't know why I forgot about this.

Kailand09 > THOMAS5
03/05/2014 at 23:45

Not a bad idea. Can be lightly used and a few years old.

CRider > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/05/2014 at 23:46

You can also get a first gen CTS-V with a manual for similar $$

CRider > The man in the iron mask
03/05/2014 at 23:47

Kinja'd!!!

CRider > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:48

Kinja'd!!!

For only $12k, you can NOT beat this.

Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:50

For the price of a new WRX, I'll throw used Z06 out there or 370z. For that price new, WRX is the answer.

Milky > Kailand09
03/05/2014 at 23:54

So I was curious how cheap these were now and ….

Kinja'd!!!

The 3.6 had 8k miles and the 2.0t had 15k on it, just for reference.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/05/2014 at 23:56

maybe it's just because I'm Australian but that is a booooooooring choice.

Kailand09 > Milky
03/06/2014 at 00:01

holy fuck, adding that in... sweet man

akant > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:03

If its a current gen B8 S4, which started in 2010, he's gonna have a hard time finding one with low miles for a decent price. My quick search came up with mid $30K, even for those 2010 models with a decent chunk of miles, which is quite a bit more than the price of the new WRX. On top of that, warranty and maintenance work is going to be more expensive too. Maybe an S4 is not the best choice here...

Kailand09 > Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ
03/06/2014 at 00:03

Would agree, but he lives in winterland and prefers AWD, though he also wants 4 doors. Said RWD is OK, but still would need to be able to handle heavy snow.

Kailand09 > CRider
03/06/2014 at 00:03

you win.

THOMAS5 > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:03

I'm looking at even older ones that look pretty clean ad have le maunel

Kinja'd!!!

YSI-what can brown do for you > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:12

Does it need to be AWD or FWD? If not, why not a NC Miata, 370Z, or FRS/BRZ?

hethoughtofcars > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:20

If I were your friend I would take a long hard look at:

Kinja'd!!!

akant > THOMAS5
03/06/2014 at 00:24

Good idea. If you're going older, you're not going to have the DSG, so manuel will be a good friend instead of the normal auto. My only concern would be reliability to be honest. The B6 and B7 models have a great engine, but can be a bit temperamental. But man, they are SWEET. Just a thought.

Also, would a last gen WRX STI interest your friend? That may get him a hatchback if that's his preference.

Burrito de EJ25 > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:25

It's weird to see someone cross shop a WRX with a Regal, Fusion, and Mazda6. They're in two entirely different segments.

I would get the WRX, but I'm entirely biased.

Burrito de EJ25 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
03/06/2014 at 00:25

A not very good option.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Burrito de EJ25
03/06/2014 at 00:27

I think it beats the new WRX seven ways to sunday when it comes to creature comforts. VW's have the best interiors in the price range, hands down

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/06/2014 at 00:28

It's because your Australian.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/06/2014 at 00:33

*you're.

(I actually checked the ad and saw it's the LS3 version, so... less boring)

Kailand09 > Burrito de EJ25
03/06/2014 at 00:33

segments or not, he's looking for 4 doors that are fun to drive in the mid-20k price range. Those are the cars of choice, where the 6 and the fusion are less fun but more economical and the regal is mid road for that and a bit nicer, and the WRX is the sportiest.

Kailand09 > hethoughtofcars
03/06/2014 at 00:33

Too old for what he's wanting, and not going to be too pleasant in the heavy snow I don't think unfortunately :(

Kailand09 > YSI-what can brown do for you
03/06/2014 at 00:34

2 doors bad for his situation.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:35

Oh crap, didn't read the 4 door part. I will be back after much thought!

Burrito de EJ25 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
03/06/2014 at 00:36

Yeah, but it's neither here nor there. It's a car that oozes compromise in both directions. If you're going to get a Jetta, why not just fully load a TDI? Why buy the pretense mobile?

hethoughtofcars > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:39

This is a three year old RX-8 R3. You could still get a warranty on it! Where does he live that receives so much snow?

Kailand09 > YSI-what can brown do for you
03/06/2014 at 00:45

haha no biggie, I would have suggested similar things as well.

Also it should be able to drive in snow.

Kailand09 > hethoughtofcars
03/06/2014 at 00:46

Minnesoter. Also I didn't realize they were still made in 2011 Hah. Either way, not sure it's the best choice and I don't think he cares for the wankel.

hethoughtofcars > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:49

Ah, Minnesota is tough. Not sure how someone could not be a fan of the rotary though. :P Fiesta ST or GTI I guess, then.

hethoughtofcars > hethoughtofcars
03/06/2014 at 00:51

And of course, he needs this:

hethoughtofcars > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:52

YSI-what can brown do for you > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:52

He can drive in the snow with RWD, I do it for fun!!! Just need a set of winter tires.

In anycase, I can't think of anything better than the WRX.

Kailand09 > YSI-what can brown do for you
03/06/2014 at 00:54

reah the rex seems the best choice I'm thinking. Though the ATS in slightly used form isn't a bad choice either as it has been brought to my attention even turbos are going under $30k

Burrito de EJ25 > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 00:57

They're on two vastly different ends of the spectrum. A compact sports sedan, a hot hatchback, and three mid-size family sedans. They fit different lifestyles.

It would suit you best to go back to your friend and get a better idea of what he's looking for in a vehicle. Does they have kids? Do they need to ferry them around in comfort? Can they live with a smaller car? Would the practicality of a hatchback suit them better? Does fuel efficiency matter that person?

Four doors and it having to be in the same spectrum of fun between a baby rally car and a family mid-sizer with a small turbo strapped to it is broad as hell.

Saracen > Frosted
03/06/2014 at 01:00

You should go drive a Focus ST then.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Burrito de EJ25
03/06/2014 at 01:04

if I may inquire, where do you see that it is lacking, and where is it compromised?

Kailand09 > Burrito de EJ25
03/06/2014 at 01:08

Idk, they are different but they are still in the same ball park IMO. It does beg the question of the lifestyle you want, but being at a point where you're not sure what you want they are all easy to put next to each other to make that decision.

Sticking to their given "stereotype" or "segment" is just plane closing off your options. It's OK I think to look into multiple "segments" that check off a lot on your list, which will help you understand the lifestyle you choose.

The compact sports sedan is cool and fun, but gives up some comfort and size- but it still does have 4 doors and hits the pricepoint, plus it IS fun. Maybe he test drives it to understand that segment and how limiting it will be, then moving to the hot hatchback, which really doesn't differ all that much. Or does he test drive the mid-size family sedans and realize he wants something bigger and needs that, and will give up the fun he just tested out. Those mid-size sedans are supposed to be OK and somewhat fun anyways.

The point is, segments don't matter when you're the consumer- you decide. Test driving them and understanding ups and downs of different "segments" makes a lot of sense to me.

PowderHound > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 01:10

WRX! I'm biased, and I have the oldest basically. The amount of aftermarket support for them is crazy so if he ever feels the need to upgrade anything it is there. Just getting a protune on a base WRX makes it so much livelier, that's speaking for older ones, I have never been in any of the newer ones.

Kailand09 > PowderHound
03/06/2014 at 01:11

I'm sure along with other tech, a simple tune will do similar too nowadays! Thanks though, that's seemingly his best choice I think.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
03/06/2014 at 01:14

Parts & Maintenance. You get a car that has a lot of kit but costs as much as an Audi to maintain. I'll pass.

Frosted > Saracen
03/06/2014 at 01:15

I wouldn't say the ST is a bad car but if someone asked me if I wanted FWD or AWD, AWD would win every time.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Where have all the lightweights gone?
03/06/2014 at 01:16

VW offers 3 year/36,000 mile carefree maintenance, so no, it's not as much as an audi to maintain!
Also, warranties!
(as you can see, I truly love Vee-Dubs, in all shapes and forms :D)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/06/2014 at 01:16

It's a GXP, so it's ultra rare and will only go up in value.

PowderHound > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 01:16

I think I saw that he will be in the snow a lot too, invest in a good set of winter tires and this will go anywhere. I have fairly worn sub-par winter tires and I still get around great. The older ones have a 50/50 power split with the manual trans but a computer controlled one on the autos. I'm not up on new tech too well but I would expect this to be plenty capable in any condition with the right tires.

Burrito de EJ25 > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 01:17

I think we need to work on our comprehension just a tad bit.

Kailand09 > PowderHound
03/06/2014 at 01:17

Good advice, I hear WRX is plenty fun in the snow too. I'm sure you've heard about that too! haha

Kailand09 > Burrito de EJ25
03/06/2014 at 01:19

I don't see what is wrong with what I said. You stated it's too broad, I have a different opinion and that being broad is OK for a consumer. I did make some similar points as yours about learning more about what he wants, but in the end he is still cross shopping those cars.

Saracen > Frosted
03/06/2014 at 01:22

Have you driven an ST? It's friggin awesome. honestly, it's more fun than most AWD cars I've experienced.

PowderHound > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 01:23

I may have witnessed/tested it's capabilities here and there…

Kailand09 > PowderHound
03/06/2014 at 01:23

Yes, of course. Watched a professional driver on a closed course... yup

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
03/06/2014 at 01:25

really?

the value falls out of the arse on all the HSV's and other limited Commodores here. Normally worth less than 50% within 5 years.

That's about what a similar aged 500hp+ HSV GTS goes for now (after exchange)

The man in the iron mask > CRider
03/06/2014 at 01:32

Id never have that.

CRider > The man in the iron mask
03/06/2014 at 01:46

Kinja'd!!!

Say what to this?

Keep in mind it came with either a 425ci 385 hp v8 or a 455ci 400hp Rocket v8.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/06/2014 at 02:31

Pontiac is a dead brand. It is still greatly loved by enthusiasts and Americans weren't spoiled by choices in big powerful RWD sedans. The US market is a completely different game from elsewhere in the world.

The man in the iron mask > CRider
03/06/2014 at 02:59

That one looks cool at least, but why get that one when you could get a Rwd with the same displacement or bigger engine

CRider > The man in the iron mask
03/06/2014 at 03:05

All Toronados were fwd, and it is the biggest engine'd and most powerful fwd car ever built. If you want one that looks like that you get fwd. Also, I thing 7.5 liters is big enough for most cars.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
03/06/2014 at 08:05

My friend's dad works as a parts manager for a VW dealership, and I've had friends who have had them. My friend's dad has told both his son and myself, "They're great cars...until the warranty runs out"

N/A POWAAAHH > Kailand09
03/06/2014 at 11:43

WRX for the new FA motor! Plus AWD! the only other one on your list that I'd get is a mazdaspeed6

overdrv > Kailand09
03/14/2014 at 10:00

How about the Focus RS thats coming ? 350HP 6 Speed AWD ?

Kailand09 > overdrv
03/14/2014 at 19:53

when is that supposed to come out though? That's a great idea