07 WRX - opinions / alternatives?

[snwtoy]

Hey guys

Caldina is starting to get a bit long in the tooth coming up to 200k, so it's going to be time to move on shortly.

Really struggling to find something to replace it with:
4WD
200kw
2006+
<100,000ks
manual

Budgeting around 20k.

Would love to stay toyota, but there is absolutely nothing in their stable that comes close to the above specs.

Eyeing up the 2.5l turbo WRXs, should be able to get one close to 20k judging by TM - is there major issue with these cars if they've been looked after?

Possibly a late model B4, although I'd have to drive one. I like the look of the WRX better, especially the hatch.

Alternatives.. maybe an Audi A3 2l turbo? Haven't been impressed with performance of the A4 2l turbo though.

anything else?

[sergei]

add another 10k and get an STI.
Legacy is another good option (although older, ~2005).

I am in similar boat with my ST205, but I am holding out at this stage, but my ultimate goal is to import 2007-2008 STI with 60-80k for ~30k. Probably will do this next year.

[diss7]

One of my new employees wanted a similar vehicle. Ended up getting a 2008 A4 Avant 3.2 V6.

Goes like the clappers.

Was closer to $30k than $20k though.

[Timmo]

Mazda MPS? (2.3 DSI turbo)

[strx7]

2006/2007 Version 10 STI Wagon? or a Forestor STi?

[FST4RD]

Evo?

[iOnic]

Evo?

Only if OP is willing to almost double the budget . Only (decent condition/low kms) Evo you're gonna get for $20k is an Evo 6 from 13-14 years ago.

Just get a lower kms/newer Caldina. They're quicker than both WRX's and Evo's

If you can - I strongly suggest stretching to an STI. So much more worth it.

I liked this comparison between the two models. Been thinking of getting the V11 STI to go with the Mitsi in the next couple of years. A lot of it applies to the V10's.

http://stmtune.wordpress.com/2011/06/07 ... vo-vs-sti/

[Mr Revhead]

Just keep the caldina. 200k is nothing if its been looked after

[d1 mule]

^ baha have a look on TM can get >100km evo 8s for 25k~

[iOnic]

^ baha have a look on TM can get >100km evo 8s for 25k~

I know, I bought one. But Evo 8's aren't 06+. Or 20k.

[Zitchu]

Just FYI the STI wagon/hatch whatever you want to call it stopped after the bug eye WRXs. Only Returned in 07.

[BZG Wagon]

I'm in the same boat with my gtt too.

Here are my thoughts of what I've looked at:
1) Mazda MPS - wasn't on the list of cars I was considering until I drove one. They have an insanity factor with 190kw at the front wheels. Sporty interior, bigger than you expect. Feels faster than my GTT noting power is limited in 1st & 2nd to make it drivable - but it still hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds.

2) Subaru Legacy GT - feels remarkably similar to a GTT in terms of performance and handling. Nice interior and far more refined than a GTT. Not an overly exciting car to drive and clutch replacement is expected to around 100kms.

3) Golf GTi - Much like the MPS but without the insanity of all that power. Overall I'd say I was disappointment and the checkerd interior makes you want to vomit. The boot is tiny. Easy to drive and a great city car. Clutch replacement expected just over 100kms.

4) Evo 7 - amazing car but $20k+ is too much to stomach for a 10 year old car. Bland interior and not practical with non-folding rear seats.

5) Accord Euro R - love the interior but it's simply too slow / boring after owning a GTT for 5 years.

6) Version 9 STi - so much fun but I can't handle the bling-ness of them.

Still wanting to test a late model WRX - I hear they just pip the MPS but I haven't seen many for sale in Auckland. Not a fan of how they look (the STi version is a different story).

My advice is to test everything and decide from there.

[Timmo]

I'm in the same boat with my gtt too.

Here are my thoughts of what I've looked at:
1) Mazda MPS - wasn't on the list of cars I was considering until I drove one. They have an insanity factor with 190kw at the front wheels. Sporty interior, bigger than you expect. Feels faster than my GTT noting power is limited in 1st & 2nd to make it drivable - but it still hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds.

The Atenza MPS (i.e. Mazda 6) is 4WD
The Alexa MPS (i.e. Mazda 3) is FWD

[ee904age]

A friend of ours has an 08 2.5 STI hatch, and its an awesome car, love the look of them and performance/handling is awesome.

Another friend has a Mazdaspeed Axela (Same as MPS???) it's a cool car but doesn't have the same appeal as the STI, and being FWD, is a bit more of a handful to drive. Also under boost they seem to overfuel like a b#%ch! I've followed 2 or 3 of them at different times and they all billow black smoke under a heavy foot. Obviously an aftermarket ecu/tune would fix this but it seems a bit primitive for a late model performance car.

[Al]

Just get a lower kms/newer Caldina. They're quicker than both WRX's and Evo's

[Alex B]

Possibly looking at an MPS my self, go for the ozzy assembled ones I reckon. Nicer wheels, leather interior and tuned for 95.

[phoenix]

Possibly looking at an MPS my self, go for the ozzy assembled ones I reckon. Nicer wheels, leather interior and tuned for 95.

I would think those would fall apart twice as quick though.

[Tha_INS]

if I had that sort of money Id save 5k and buy an is250 manual. no 200kw and not 4wd but modern, fun and RWD

[Lloyd]

Funny that, my thoughts were old shape 3L Altezza plus turbos for that money.

[BZG Wagon]

I'm in the same boat with my gtt too.

Here are my thoughts of what I've looked at:
1) Mazda MPS - wasn't on the list of cars I was considering until I drove one. They have an insanity factor with 190kw at the front wheels. Sporty interior, bigger than you expect. Feels faster than my GTT noting power is limited in 1st & 2nd to make it drivable - but it still hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds.

The Atenza MPS (i.e. Mazda 6) is 4WD
The Alexa MPS (i.e. Mazda 3) is FWD

Sorry - yes I was refering to the Maz 3. The Maz 6 is ugly and looks old - wouldn't consider it.