I have a spa MY01 that I'm thinking of selling to get a 2011 or 2012 WRX hatch. I currently daily a POS 97 Civic with 180k on it and that will probably go as well so I'd have the WRX as a daily/toy. The Civic is so old and I've had it for 10 years now, I'm ready for a more professional "adult" car, it's kind of embarrassing at my job.

I test drove the base WRX today and it was a lot peppier than I was expecting.
I'm really struggling with this decision b/c I love my s2000 but I barely get to drive it due to the weather and the area I live in (it will get stolen easily in my town). Plus when it gets colder out the top-up blind spots are ridiculous and I can hardly see out of the car (I'm 5'3").

I love the car to death and it's come a long way in the few years I've had it but its gotten to the point that it's too stressful to enjoy and I just want something I can have fun in and not be afraid to go mudding in if the mood strikes me.

Anyone come from WRX to s2k or the other way around? Anyone regret it either way?

I can't financially do both cars right now...maybe in another 2 years I could. I'm terrified I'm going to regret it if I sell it.

my s2k


my Civic (POS - embarrassing, I've had it since I was a "kid")


the WRX

 

Sounds like the Subaru would work out well for you. They're definitely a lot of fun and you can get a pretty good bump in power from just an upgraded turbo-back exhaust and a tune if you're looking to mod it. If you wind up missing the s2k a lot, pick another one up in a couple years and have that as your weekend "toy".

 

What about the ringland issues? Wrx/sti motors blowing up at low mileage and what not, is that still present in '11?

 

Most of the engine failures were with the early 08 STIs because of an unsafe factory tune. Most of the other MY WRXs and STIs have had their share of issues too but the worst was when they switched over to the new GR chassis in 2008. A safe tune is the first thing to focus on if you're modding a Subaru or your engine will probably not last very long.

 

I came from an 05 wrx. From a weather/functionality/room/torque standpoint the wrx wins. They are fun to drive but get boring after a while. That being said i had my 220whp/tq wrx for 4 years and loved it, i just wanted something different. From a pure fun/driving feel/steering feel stand point the s2000 wins.

The wrx is a powerful, reliable (mostly) awd all season machine. with the 2011 wrx you can get a turboback and a tune and make 270whp/ 330ish tq

s2000 comparably is a lightweight super handling super feedback machine that makes me feel something i never felt with the wrx.

I do miss and think about my subie alot, but i think i made the right decision coming to an s2k. If i didnt live in socal i would have kept it or upgraded to STI

Hope that helps

Daniel

 

thanks. I think I'm going to sit on it for the winter and see how I feel when it's allowed back out of the garage. I think for some reason I've fallen out of love with the s2k lately. I still have 3 years til it's "paid" and that's a big factor too. I definitely can't do 2 car payments so it would either have to go or the WRX will have to wait.

thanks for the replies

 

I'm in the same boat man. I love my S2 to death, such an awesome car to drive but with harsh Canadian winters the car sit in the garage for 5-6 months of the year. I've had thoughts about selling it for an '04-'05 STi, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

 

Was in that spot.... chose the S over the WRX. Do your homework. I don't doubt that I made the right choice though... I feel good just thinking about driving it. My daily is a 92 civic Si.

 

If you got rid of both the Civic and the S2K to get the WRX, would you be able to pay the WRX completely, or would you still have to finance? If you can swing it, consider going the route of completely buying the car outright so you have no payments and no debt on the car. Of course, this only works well if your finances allow it, and you plan on keeping the car longer than a typical lease.

 

My GF has a 2011 WRX and that car is great for what it is. Its a good amount of horsepower out of what I would call an economy chassis. Handles well, 25 or so mpg, lots of tuning options.

I dont see that being a good car to drive every day. Its better than the Land Cruiser I drive everyday, because I need a winter car in Ohio.