Wrx performance for a mid 40yo

[spaceman]

I want something with punch as a commuter had a wrx back in the day looking for something with more creature comforts and less boy racer, i want to stay in that range for price

 

[Viper GTS]

Have you driven a Model 3?

I know it's stretching the price point a bit (I had to go look up what a WRX costs these days) but the near lack of depreciation and lower running costs might make up for it. You'd have to do the math for your situation of course. Here in NJ they have the added bonus of no sales tax on EV so that helps the price gap. Other states still have rebates.

I have had a few WRX like cars but never an actual WRX. The 3 is far better than all of them. The LR does 0-60 in around 4.2 these days, and more like 3.5 with the performance boost IIRC. That's about a second quicker than a WRX, and closer to 2 if you spend the extra $2k on the performance boost. For most people even without the performance boost it will be the fastest car they've ever driven.

Viper GTS

 

[repoman0]

Size and body style requirements? Is this just a commuter or an only car as well? New or used?

I’m in the camp of believing that most vehicles these days are overpowered for public roads, so focusing the search on driving and chassis dynamics is far more satisfying. Putting your foot down for a few seconds and being at lose your license speeds or caught up to traffic just isn’t that great. Slow car fast etc etc. I recently bought a 21 Miata to satisfy that itch and the crazy thing is … it’s not really that slow, and is far more satisfying to drive on public roads than my other relatively fast cars (modded M3 for mostly track usage and old school V8 M5 when I need a bigger car).

The Miata is a perfect commuter car, being small and rewarding to drive with great fuel economy, if you have other vehicles. GT86 would be a nice alternative if you need something bigger. The newer Mustangs look pretty great to me too but I’ve never driven one.

I owned a 2014 WRX hatch for like three months and couldn’t stand it. It was quick but everything about it felt dead. No steering or shifter or clutch or brake feel. I focus on the latter qualities now …

 

[fralexandr]

I agree on the Tesla if you can charge it at home.

Other options: mazda 3 2.5 turbo

Tested: 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Is a Tuner Car for Grownups

The little Mazda gets big power but maintains a mature demeanor.

www.caranddriver.com

Not as track oriented as a wrx, so more comfortable to daily.

Kia stinger

2023 Kia Stinger | Sports Sedan - Pricing & Features | Kia

The 2023 Kia Stinger sports sedan provides performance, luxury & innovation in one fun-to-drive package. Learn about its pricing, 300 horsepower turbocharged engine, spacious interior, advanced technology & more.

www.kia.com

If you don't care how long it is and that it's in STI territory price wise (unless you're looking at used cars), the Kia stinger is pretty amazing. The new 2.5 turbo has some nice mpg numbers.

Not exactly a great time to be buying a car though, due to market shortages relating to the economy opening up resulting in a spike in demand, and relatively low inventory due to low demand the past year.

 

[NutBucket]

Meh. As I'm coming up on 40 next year, who cares what you drive. Up until a few months ago we had a 2005 WRX. My wife and I loved that car and had no plans of getting rid of it. Accidents and body shops said otherwise (though it is going to live on as a Lemons car!)

If you want to be responsible...maybe an Accord sport with the 2.0T. Or similarly a Mazda6 with the turbo engine.

 

[pauldun170]

I want something with punch as a commuter had a wrx back in the day looking for something with more creature comforts and less boy racer, i want to stay in that range for price

OP - I'm looking for a 30K car.
Responses - For a little bit more money....for a little bit more money....for a little bit more money. Get a 40K-60K car. Actually, You should strongly consider a Taycan turbo.

What is your actual budget (Assuming you have done your homework financially and have your upper limit set for car\insurance cost)
Are you focusing on new cars or are you open to used (CPO, Craigslist hoopties)

Do you care at all about handling interior space or are you just looking for a something to beat the car next to you in traffic on your commute.
What sort of commute is this? NYC traffic or Tennessee backroads?
What's your roadwork situation? Potholes?
How long is the commute?
What do you have now?
Do you have to deal with passengers?
Why are you not getting a Tesla 3? Is it because of $$$$? Have you thought of doing a gofundme? You are pretty much stuck with the RWD standard range plus model so if you feel you need AWD then you need to start selling organs to pony up for the AWD Tesla 3's.

If Tesla is out of the picture and you are looking for a semi fun practical grown-up car, the Accord Sport with the 2.0 turbo and 10 speed auto is probably the best bang for the casual road raging commuter buck.
It's huge. it's sneaky fast. It's exactly in your price range.

 

[Viper GTS]

OP - I'm looking for a 30K car.
Responses - For a little bit more money....for a little bit more money....for a little bit more money. Get a 40K-60K car. Actually, You should strongly consider a Taycan turbo.

What is your actual budget (Assuming you have done your homework financially and have your upper limit set for car\insurance cost)
Are you focusing on new cars or are you open to used (CPO, Craigslist hoopties)

Do you care at all about handling interior space or are you just looking for a something to beat the car next to you in traffic on your commute.
What sort of commute is this? NYC traffic or Tennessee backroads?
What's your roadwork situation? Potholes?
How long is the commute?
What do you have now?
Do you have to deal with passengers?
Why are you not getting a Tesla 3? Is it because of $$$$? Have you thought of doing a gofundme? You are pretty much stuck with the RWD standard range plus model so if you feel you need AWD then you need to start selling organs to pony up for the AWD Tesla 3's.

If Tesla is out of the picture and you are looking for a semi fun practical grown-up car, the Accord Sport with the 2.0 turbo and 10 speed auto is probably the best bang for the casual road raging commuter buck.
It's huge. it's sneaky fast. It's exactly in your price range.

There is far more to car ownership than the number that appears on the sales contract.

If someone wants an affordable AWD car with 'punch' the 3 LR is basically the best option on the market. It very much fills the 'drive however you want no matter the weather' role that the WRX does so well but with likely lower TCO. This obviously varies by location so OP needs to do a full evaluation. If the math works there is no better option.

Viper GTS

 

[NutBucket]

Or you could attempt to find a used one with a 6MT since Honda still does some of the best MTs in the business...

 

[pauldun170]

There is far more to car ownership than the number that appears on the sales contract.

If someone wants an affordable AWD car with 'punch' the 3 LR is basically the best option on the market. It very much fills the 'drive however you want no matter the weather' role that the WRX does so well but with likely lower TCO. This obviously varies by location so OP needs to do a full evaluation. If the math works there is no better option.

Viper GTS

OP mentions a WRX - A 28K-33K car
The AWD model of the Tesla 3 - A 43K+

What AWD drive version of the Tesla 3 is in the same price range as a WRX which runs from 28K to 33K.

Design Your Model 3 | Tesla

Design and order your Tesla Model 3, the car of the future. Learn about lease, loan and cash payment options, warranties, electric vehicle incentives, gasoline savings and more.

www.tesla.com

TCO discussion is fun and all, but the OP stated that they are looking at a specific price point. If they decide they want to shop by based on TCO then they will jump in here and clarify.
There is no point in us going back and forth on it. You made your point and the OP will factor that in and respond appropriately.

If he needs AWD then the Tesla 3 is out of his desired price range.
If he doesn't need AWD, then the Tesla 3 Standard range plus is on the very edge of his price range given his comment on the WRX.

 

[jlee]

OP mentions a WRX - A 28K-33K car
The AWD model of the Tesla 3 - A 43K+

What AWD drive version of the Tesla 3 is in the same price range as a WRX which runs from 28K to 33K.

Design Your Model 3 | Tesla

Design and order your Tesla Model 3, the car of the future. Learn about lease, loan and cash payment options, warranties, electric vehicle incentives, gasoline savings and more.

www.tesla.com

TCO discussion is fun and all, but the OP stated that they are looking at a specific price point. If they decide they want to shop by based on TCO then they will jump in here and clarify.
There is no point in us going back and forth on it. You made your point and the OP will factor that in and respond appropriately.

If he needs AWD then the Tesla 3 is out of his desired price range.
If he doesn't need AWD, then the Tesla 3 Standard range plus is on the very edge of his price range given his comment on the WRX.

The fact that the OP is shopping at a price point doesn't preclude the TCO argument, but even the purchase price is not as far off as you imply.

A top trim WRX (not STi) with a CVT and top trim stereo / auto dimming mirror is going to be pushing $40k after sales tax. State incentives can make a huge difference here - for example in NJ, there's rumors of the $5k EV rebate returning in July and there is also no sales tax on EVs, so a Model 3 LR is $45k. $5k is a wash if you consider depreciation at all (which you should) or insurance costs (which you should) or fuel costs (which you should) or maintenance costs (which you should). If the federal EV tax credits return (rumored to be $10k), that will place a Model 3 LR roughly on par with a WRX on purchase price (and faster than an STi in 0-60, which is the relevant commuter-car-punch range)

For comparison's sake, my 2020 Model 3 LR costs me about $850/year to insure with $250k/500k coverage, $1k collision and $0 (yes, zero) comprehensive deductibles. My total maintenance cost over 15 months / 7041 miles is $0.00, and when I refinanced it after ~13 months of ownership its book value was about $1500 under what I paid for it new ($3500 over my cost due to the aforementioned rebate).

 

[pauldun170]

The fact that the OP is shopping at a price point doesn't preclude the TCO argument, but even the purchase price is not as far off as you imply.

A top trim WRX (not STi) with a CVT and top trim stereo / auto dimming mirror is going to be pushing $40k after sales tax. State incentives can make a huge difference here - for example in NJ, there's rumors of the $5k EV rebate returning in July and there is also no sales tax on EVs, so a Model 3 LR is $45k. $5k is a wash if you consider depreciation at all (which you should) or insurance costs (which you should) or fuel costs (which you should) or maintenance costs (which you should). If the federal EV tax credits return (rumored to be $10k), that will place a Model 3 LR roughly on par with a WRX on purchase price (and faster than an STi in 0-60, which is the relevant commuter-car-punch range)

For comparison's sake, my 2020 Model 3 LR costs me about $850/year to insure with $250k/500k coverage, $1k collision and $0 (yes, zero) comprehensive deductibles. My total maintenance cost over 15 months / 7041 miles is $0.00, and when I refinanced it after ~13 months of ownership its book value was about $1500 under what I paid for it new ($3500 over my cost due to the aforementioned rebate).

Perhaps we should just keep posting back and forth and maybe that will get OP's attention.
Not sure if we should go tit for tat style or circle jerk style.
I'm slightly leaning for the alternative whataboutism style and ask who the hell pays 40K on WRX for commuter duty.


@spaceman come help the people trying to help you. We are starting to get impatient and gonna end up arguing amongst ourselves.

 

[spaceman]

Sorry guys was working like a dog I have two vehicles atm 2013 Tacoma which I’m keeping and a fit ex with about 6k miles on it, that will be going
To get something with more punch, i commute 45 miles a day each way into Vermont mixed highway and biways, i don’t want to veer much over 30 for this car but I want something a little more refined, I haven’t had a ticket in almost 20 years don’t anticipate getting one ( famous last words) I usually buy Japanese. Rwd is pretty much out of the question,fwd is fine with good snows. I just can’t take driving this fit anymore

 

[spaceman]

I’ll add that im
Not looking strictly new, CPO/used etc. looking for outside the box suggestions I know those teslas fly but worry about range when it’s 0 out. Maybe unfounded

 

[spaceman]

I hate to say it but this is my second fit, it’s irrational but as fine as it is I feel so emasculated driving it

 

[Viper GTS]

Do you drive the truck when it's really ugly out? If so, and you're good with the FWD thing with snow tires have you considered a Bolt?

They'll do 90 miles even in the cold:

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Cold Weather Test Results | GM Authority

They're really, really cheap right now new and $15-20K on the used market. Not sure it will help with your emasculation feelings but they are really torquey and far more fun to drive than they have any right to be. A coworkers Bolt was the first EV I ever drove, and that one drive was all it took to convince me I would never own another ICE daily driver.

Given how much you drive do you track your total vehicle costs? Fuel, maintenance, etc? You should be doing TCO math as even in a Fit your fuel costs amount to a couple hundred dollars a month that would mostly vanish with an EV. Unfortunately there are no cheap AWD EVs.

The big thing with every EV that is not a Tesla is the depreciation is brutal. Bolts are so heavily incentivized right now that it's not as bad as normal, and the full 100k powertrain warranty might be worth it for you given you're going to hit 100k in 4-5 years.

Viper GTS

 

[fralexandr]

I hate to say it but this is my second fit, it’s irrational but as fine as it is I feel so emasculated driving it

The fit is a great car, it's small, reasonably efficient, and the back row has enough leg room for tall adults to sit. Just throw a civic 2.0 or turbo it to solve the low HP issue, hah .

 

[pauldun170]

Sorry guys was working like a dog I have two vehicles atm 2013 Tacoma which I’m keeping and a fit ex with about 6k miles on it, that will be going
To get something with more punch, i commute 45 miles a day each way into Vermont mixed highway and biways, i don’t want to veer much over 30 for this car but I want something a little more refined, I haven’t had a ticket in almost 20 years don’t anticipate getting one ( famous last words) I usually buy Japanese. Rwd is pretty much out of the question,fwd is fine with good snows. I just can’t take driving this fit anymore

Ok,
Honoring your 30K price range + creature comforts and "punch" I feel compelled to tell you that you have officially jinxed yourself and will be getting a ticket this year.

The 30K bracket has a bunch of options all over the map.

You already heard about some of the electric contenders and Accord Turbo.
You have the "sporty segment" (WRX\VW GTI, GLI, Hyundai Veloster)
You have CPO lux haulers (CPO 3 series, Audi A4 and A5, and C class Benz)

That commute screams EV but there is nothing wrong with buying a car based completely on what tickles your jammies.
You are getting rid of a car because "emotions"
What do you think is going to make you grin during your commute? What aspect of driving makes you want to get something else?

A confident middle aged spaceman should be able to drive whatever the hell they feel like driving without making excuses or justifying with spreadsheets or spec wars.
Don't like the Fit?
Screw the Fit. You've got close to half century on the planet and you've earned the right to dump cash on something you might regret.
If you can swing a Tesla RWD and grab a set of Snows for the winter, you could be a very happy camper.
If you grab a sleeper Audi that hauls tush while massaging your armpits, you could be a happy camper.
Hell, you just might be a happy camper in a new WRX if you haven't spent time in any of the new ones.
What do you think you want?

You are making a poor financial decision no matter what so you might as well make a fun poor financial decision.
...or just get a Bolt or a Nissan Leaf and join the "sensible EV owners club"

Just don't get a Tesla AWD because then the Tesla AWD pushers in the thread will get all full of themselves and be insufferable.

 

[ondma]

I agree on the Tesla if you can charge it at home.

Other options: mazda 3 2.5 turbo

Tested: 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Is a Tuner Car for Grownups

The little Mazda gets big power but maintains a mature demeanor.

www.caranddriver.com

Not as track oriented as a wrx, so more comfortable to daily.

Kia stinger

2023 Kia Stinger | Sports Sedan - Pricing & Features | Kia

The 2023 Kia Stinger sports sedan provides performance, luxury & innovation in one fun-to-drive package. Learn about its pricing, 300 horsepower turbocharged engine, spacious interior, advanced technology & more.

www.kia.com

If you don't care how long it is and that it's in STI territory price wise (unless you're looking at used cars), the Kia stinger is pretty amazing. The new 2.5 turbo has some nice mpg numbers.

Not exactly a great time to be buying a car though, due to market shortages relating to the economy opening up resulting in a spike in demand, and relatively low inventory due to low demand the past year.

Yea, I would second both of these suggestions (Mazda 3 turbo/Kia turbo). If you want a small crossover, the CX-30 has the same mechanicals as the sedan.
Also think about VW GTI/GLI (sedan).

 

[ultimatebob]

OP mentions a WRX - A 28K-33K car
The AWD model of the Tesla 3 - A 43K+

What AWD drive version of the Tesla 3 is in the same price range as a WRX which runs from 28K to 33K.

Design Your Model 3 | Tesla

Design and order your Tesla Model 3, the car of the future. Learn about lease, loan and cash payment options, warranties, electric vehicle incentives, gasoline savings and more.

www.tesla.com

TCO discussion is fun and all, but the OP stated that they are looking at a specific price point. If they decide they want to shop by based on TCO then they will jump in here and clarify.
There is no point in us going back and forth on it. You made your point and the OP will factor that in and respond appropriately.

If he needs AWD then the Tesla 3 is out of his desired price range.
If he doesn't need AWD, then the Tesla 3 Standard range plus is on the very edge of his price range given his comment on the WRX.

I've heard that the price of car insurance on the Model 3 is insane, and basically eats up most of the cost savings from not putting gasoline in it. Even when factoring in TCO, that Model 3 is probably going to costs almost double per mile driven than that WRX did.

I'm going to throw in a Toyota Camry TRD into the mix for comparison. Little bigger, little comfier, still decent performance.

 

[Viper GTS]

I've heard that the price of car insurance on the Model 3 is insane, and basically eats up most of the cost savings from not putting gasoline in it. Even when factoring in TCO, that Model 3 is probably going to costs almost double per mile driven than that WRX did.

I'm going to throw in a Toyota Camry TRD into the mix for comparison. Little bigger, little comfier, still decent performance.

Highly dependent on carrier. For me it's cheap:



Six months, basically maxed out policy with progressive ($500k CSL). Same coverage on both cars. GX is worth maybe $17K and Tesla ~$60k.

Just quoted replacing the 3 with a 2020 WRX. Premium would go up by $47 for the remaining 5 months of this period.

Viper GTS

 

[jlee]

I've heard that the price of car insurance on the Model 3 is insane, and basically eats up most of the cost savings from not putting gasoline in it. Even when factoring in TCO, that Model 3 is probably going to costs almost double per mile driven than that WRX did.

I'm going to throw in a Toyota Camry TRD into the mix for comparison. Little bigger, little comfier, still decent performance.

I'm glad you posted this, because I just now noticed I am unnecessarily paying for roadside assistance. Once that is removed, I will be at $831.68/year - 6mo policy below for your viewing pleasure:

 

[ultimatebob]

I'm glad you posted this, because I just now noticed I am unnecessarily paying for roadside assistance. Once that is removed, I will be at $831.68/year - 6mo policy below for your viewing pleasure:

Wow, that's not too bad! I'm paying roughly the same amount twice a year for a 2018 Mustang GT. Of course, that's not a cheap car to insure either for obvious reasons.

 

[BurnItDwn]

As a tall fat man, I liked the WRX but wanted something more roomy/comfortable.
I bought a used GS350 AWD a few years ago somewhere between $20-25k.
It was only a few years old and had under 30K miles.

It's very comfortable, decently quick, and fantastic for long road trips.
Fuel economy is poor when driving around town, but, it will do 25+ mpg at like 85mph

With current car market, i dont know what to expect, but, if you find a good example of a GS350, or maybe its little brother, the IS350 in your price range ... it might be worth test driving

 

[ondma]

As a tall fat man, I liked the WRX but wanted something more roomy/comfortable.
I bought a used GS350 AWD a few years ago somewhere between $20-25k.
It was only a few years old and had under 30K miles.

It's very comfortable, decently quick, and fantastic for long road trips.
Fuel economy is poor when driving around town, but, it will do 25+ mpg at like 85mph

With current car market, i dont know what to expect, but, if you find a good example of a GS350, or maybe its little brother, the IS350 in your price range ... it might be worth test driving

I am hoping the new WRX coming out in a year or so (Subaru is having even worse production woes than most companies now) will be more refined. I do wish they would make some sort of sporty model between the modestly powered base cars and the somewhat balls to the wall WRX and STI.

 

[Torn Mind]

Cheapest 300-HP Cars You Can Buy: Good Power, Smaller Price

When did it get so cheap to park 300 hp in your driveway?

www.motortrend.com