Updated : Best handling 4 seater car. Second time is the Charm

[ROBsS4R]

So you guys and gals might remember last year I did some major research and with the help of the DML I decided on a s2000

Well that car didn't work out for me for a few different reasons. I can go into details but I rather not bore you to death.

Well I am doing research again and now I am looking for something a little more rational to buy. Something that I would be happy as a daily driver, Throw 4 people into and possibly put a Baby chair in some day etc.

I want to keep the price under $20k

Two cars come to mind so far

Mazdaspeed3



Subaru WRX STI - Not most recent model



Let the opinions fly!!! Have at it.

[DesmoDiva]

Both very fine choices.   

But for 20Gs your going to have to buy used, and both are most likely going to be flogged pretty good.

B had an STI when we started dating, and I had have never had so much fun driving before.  Turned like it was on rails and generally went way too fast.  The only downside I would say, would have to be storage space.  The trunk is fairly large, but the rear seats didn't fold down (for body stiffness reasons).  And depending on how hard you stepped on the right pedal; mpgs sucked and HAD to take premium gas.  Also the clothes line (wing) on the back likes to catch  .

The Speed3 has less power but is no slouch.  Cargo space is much more useable being a hatch/wagon.  IIRC it doesn't need premium fuel, and gets better mpgs.  It also will attract less  attention.  More of a sleeper.

You will get a newer car for 20gs in the Speed3 (new 25-7Gs) as opposed to the STI (35-40Gs)

Good luck with your search.   

I would look for a Speed3.

[ROBsS4R]

If I went with a WRX STI I would get a 4 or 5 year old model to get between the 15k and 20k price range I have.

I think I can find one of those with not to many miles on it.

What I read is the Mazdaspeed3 beats it in almost every category but I like the looks of the WRX so much better than the Mazda.

[herm]

does the mazda3 have all wheel drive? or is that even a concern?

[Speeddog]

Get the Subie, sell the wing to someone who wants the 'look'.

[wbeck257]

Why not add an EVO to the list?

[acalles]

If your into modding.. look for a early MK5 GTI, should be around 18-20k.

few mods and they are impressive. Re-flash runs about $500 and will give you 50HP more.

we built one for a customer, with minor mods (intake/exhaust, stg II flash, cooler plugs), 240HP and 280ft/lbs on the ground. It now has a larger intercooler, and different down pipe but hasn't been on the dyno since. He's waiting for a new higher pressure fuel pump and re-flash before getting back to the dyno.

$1200 on suspension and it will out handle the others with ease.


this, your probably not going to find any under 20k..

but, worth a look, as handling is very impressive and they don't run to bad either..

[redxblack]

I have the forester. It has a lot of the same features as the wrx (and if you REALLY want to shop, there's an Australian and Japanese model Forester that is STi). If you got the Forester XT, you'd have a lot of the same benefits to the WRX, it looks more like a wagon, has cargo space and isn't quite as fast. It might be a good compromise between the two.  (Edit: avoid the newest foresters - they're trucks, not cars. Also avoid the first three model years due to notorious head leaks. If you get an 04-08  XT on the road, you'll probably like it if you like the WRX).

But I'd go with the Subaru.

[abby normal]

i have a 2007 STI limited (no ricer wing).  its loud in every possible way ... road noise, wind
noise, engine noise, and lots of mechanical clunks etc usually associated with the limited
slip differentials.  it takes premium, gets crappy gas mileage (never better than 22), and had
some well known issues ... strut clunk, soft rotors, weak ring lands.  that beiing
said, i really like it.  it goes like a scared cat, especially with a few carefully selected
engine mods.  like my dad used to say, "it'll pass everything on the road except a gas
station."  i've had junior squids want to 'street race' with the mazdaspeed3, but
we all know that's illegal.  i personally don't like the way front wheel drive feels, especially
in a powerful car, which the speed3 definately is.  the mazda is probably a little more refined.
the subaru is really a rally car which has been somewhat civilized.  its got lots of raw edges
and irritating quirks.

in the end, probably down to personal preference, although most of the used STIs i've
seen have been pretty severly trashed ... something to be very careful of.  you also don't want
one which has been modified.  its very easy to make things worse, especially in the longevity
department.

[Johnny OrganDonor]

Check out a Subaru Legacy GT.  Lotsa HP for the turbo (250 or so I think), AWD, heated leather seats for wifey's tush, and tight German-like handing.  More fun that a standard WRX (non STI) IMO.

[Speedbag]

Check out a Subaru Legacy GT.  Lotsa HP for the turbo (250 or so I think), AWD, heated leather seats for wifey's tush, and tight German-like handing.  More fun that a standard WRX (non STI) IMO.

One of those is on the short list for the next daily driver.....

[OverCaffeinated]

As I mentioned in the previous thread and mentioned by Johnny OrganDonor, the Legacy GT. Same engine as STI, but down rated, all wheel drive. I test drove an 05 5sdp, and it's much more refined than that sti.

Also mentioned are the VWs. Find a Golf with all wheel, possibly in a four door (i don't know if they come in that combo). It won't be as fast as a STI or EVO, but less brash and more of a sleeper. You can also get the Passat with all wheel, but I doubt its very sporty.

[the_Journeyman]

No, the Passat isn't very sporty, but it is a peppy car with a good amount of go.  My mom has an '06 or '07 and it's very nice driving.  Very nice appointments, even on the lower lines.  Fit and finish is very nice too.  Handles well, but isn't an STi or similar.

JM

[redxblack]

Subaru impreza WRX STÄ° Ken Block

[il d00d]

OK, they are hard to find, but the Saab 9-2x Aero is what I would buy - the so-called Saabaru WRX.  I think they look better than the WRXes of the same model year, they have some more sound dampening, making for a slightly more refined ride.  They didn't sell many, and they don't really appeal to the boy racers shopping for a used WRX, so from what I have seen resale prices are a bit lower. If you can find one.