My dad is in the market to replace his 2002 Bugeye wagon. He got to look at an STi this weekend, but they wouldn't let him test drive (which I found kind of interesting, since he was there as a potential sale). He is also extremely curious about the last model EVO. He is interested in new. My thoughts: The STi will be the better daily driver. The bells and whistles available will be better on the STi. He is not one to mod the car. He will be driving it as it comes, and more than likely leaving it alone. If he were interested in modding, I would maybe push the EVO more. I am also just a Subaru guy. When I sold my WRX, I knew I wanted another Subaru, and was not really interested in other makes at that point, which I do think makes me a little biased. What are your thoughts? What would you tell him for pro's and cons, and what may be the best fit for him. He is in his mid 60s, will hopefully be retiring in the next couple of years, and enjoys the sporty feel and drive of his '02 right now. Thanks in advance for any advice!
So out of curiosity, which salesperson/dealership wouldn't let him test drive a car? When I bought my WRX, the first person I talked to (who's a member of the forum, so I'll keep my mouth shut) said I couldn't take it out on the highway, so I just grabbed another salesperson. We drove it where we wanted to drive it, and that salesperson made a sale that day. If I were to vote, I'd push the Subaru. At the very least, they still make them.
Honestly, if I was looking for a daily driver and wasn't really into modding a car, I'd go for the WRX over the STi. No need for the DCCD 6 speed, larger brakes, very stiff suspension on the STi when the WRX will do almost as much in better comfort. The current WRXs have very sharp handling, and will be a big upgrade over a 2002 WRX. I believe some auto sites have even said the current WRX handles more like an 11-14 STi than it does like any other WRX. Plus better Gas Mileage and No EJ25. Power is similar between the two according the this dyno test: http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-comparison-tests/reviews/a6306/2015-subaru-wrx-vs-sti/ I really like the 15+ WRX. Not so hot on the 15+ STi until they switch the engine to the FA20.
Evo is a track focused pile of garbagio. It's a lot cheaper feeling. Sti won't be as good on the track but will be a 'nicer' car.
Thanks! I have no idea who he spoke to, but he went to White Bear. Coincidentally, my mom is also in the market to replace her car in the next year or two and is interested in possibly the Forester (currently driving a CR-V). I wish I had been there with him, and pushed to drive it. They gave him something about people won't buy it if it's been driven... I am not in sales, but it seemed like a load of garbage to say that to someone who, with the right numbers and product(s), could have walked out of the dealership with one car, or even potentially two. Thank you! I appreciate the link and the insight. I talked to him a bit about the FA20 today. That is what I have in my FXT, and have been happy with it. Same thing I am coming up with in all the research. More than likely track time will not be for him. The only chance of whatever he chooses, is if they go on vacation and I borrow it Hahaha, I told my wife I should trade in the FXT for that. Something about it doesn't seem....daily-driver-ish though...
^It could be tho!!!? Lolol Seriously tho, if i was going brand new, it would be the WRX over the STi hands down!
Ditto the others. For your dads needs/wants it sounds like the new WRX would be better. More bang for your buck and if staying stock the FA20 is better all around.
about 2 years ago i sat in an evo at an auto show and i don't think i even fully got into the car. i'm your average proportions but the evo was the most uncomfortable seating position ever. not sure how an old man would fit in there.
"...old man..." Eff you punk. By the time you're in your mid sixties all that there will be is self driving cars...enjoy YOUR old life.
I saw that comment and wondered if you'd say anything Thanks for all the thoughts, it helps having multiple perspectives.
+1 for this advice right here. The STI, in my mind, is pointless, unless you are going to be tracking it, or really want that big wing. On the street as a DD, the WRX is 90% of the STI, for much less, and more comfort. Yes, the differentials are magic on the STI, but very rarely will you use their full potential on the street. That aside, I also drive a FXT, which is somewhat pointless as well LOL, so I understand the want. If I had to pick between the STI or Evo for a DD, it would be the STI. The interior is much nicer (it's weird saying that about a Subaru) and the trunk is much larger than the Evo (look at the Evo trunk...microscopic). Plus, the STI differentials do work some amazing magic in the snow (I haven't driven an Evo in the snow, but from what I've read, they also do quite well in the snow). The VDC on my Legacy was almost as good as the STI...but you can't beat true limited slip diffs. If I were picking a DD that was also going to see track time, it'd be the Evo, hands down. Also, I'm not sure how your father feels about DD'ing a manual, but the Evo is available with a dual clutch - which works amazing on the street and track. (Another side note, you can also get the WRX with the CVT and Eyesight....the adaptive cruise control is simply wonderful!). Good luck to your father on the search, and let us know what he decides!
And as far as the salesman not letting him drive the STI, yes it is very annoying when a salesperson won't let you test drive a car. But with a rare new car, I can understand why they wouldn't let him drive it. When I was searching for my FXT (also rare, believe it or not), when I found mine, one of my first questions my "how many miles on the odometer?" It only had 7. If it had more than say 15 miles, I probably wouldn't have bought it - I don't want someone else beating my brand new car before I buy it. I know, in reality it doesn't matter (because the warranty doesn't start until you buy it, it's good to drive a new engine aggressively, blah blah blah), but I'm just picky, and I'm sure plenty of other buyers are too. The best bet is to find someone you know that will let you drive their own STI/Evo, or find a used 15 sti/evo. I hear offering at least a 6 pack in return is a good idea
Thanks for all of this! The tracking possibilities in the foreseeable future are slim. The wing is actually an option that he would pass on most likely to get the small wing from the factory (more of a lip than anything). As far as the manual goes, that's a "must have" for his car. He has driven MT as long as I remember, and he really does prefer that. I will for sure let you know what ends up happening! Yeah, I totally get that side of things for the sales. That is a good call on finding a used 2015 to test drive. Honestly, I got to drive my first STi (2016) last fall from a guy on MNSubiez. I gave him some free floor mats I had, and he was in no rush and offered to let me drive it, and I loved it personally. My only real comparison was to my old WRX, and to my dad's 02. It was so nice on the inside. It just felt refined.
i'm not sure if you're kidding or what, but either way i didn't mean to offend you. i'm 37 and i wouldn't want to sit in an EVO, ever. that was my point. if you're old(er) and love the EVO and the seats are comfortable for you more power to you.
Meh, it really is a matter of opinion, but yes, in general I think this is true for all years of WRX vs STI. DD'ing the short 6 speed (esp in the 04-06 STI) vs the long 5 speed in the WRX is annoying also. However, 15+ WRX's have the FA20DIT, which is a pretty darn good engine, whereas the STI still has the ol' EJ257 exploding special.
The 15+ WRX is worlds stiffer than any WRX/STI to date. So the comfort thing may not be what you think it is.
I agree with most people on the wrx vs sti. If he's shooting for a daily a lot of the benefits of an sti will go unused. However, sometimes you just gotta have it! The new WRX is a phenomenal car As others have also mentioned, the evo is a great car in terms of performance, but not the best choice for a daily driver. We do have a 2015 sti in stock that just came off of a lease. I would be happy to let you test drive it even knowing you have no intention to buy. Mike
