Thinking About A Wrx

[ab_futura]

For a while now I've been set on selling the EL and buying an xr6T later this year but recently I've been thinking a wrx might be a sensible consideration. I don't have a family to move around so downsizing is an option. I know there are a lot of variables but for argument sake lets say it's a 2000 model wrx and both cars are basically stock with an exhaust and a suited tune.

The first thing is rising petrol prices and city driving where you would predominately be driving off boost in stop/start traffic. Am I right to assume fuel consumption would be more affordable in these situations when driving the 4 cylinder, and that highway economy and full boost spirited driving economy would be very similar?

I think registration prices are set to increase in Qld so 4cylinder registration is another positive; insurance for a 23year male with no claims I doubt will favour either car substantially. One concern I do have is that maintenance costs on the older wrx with more km's might be a problem.

On a non financial note I have driven both cars and found them difficult to compare because the xr6 turbo felt like a more natural progression because I'm used to driving a manual falcon and am more familiar with the larger rear wheel drive car. On the other hand the wrx was the only awd car I have ever driven and I would need to spend more time in it to work it out.

Sorry if I’ve rambled on but I’m hoping there are some people on the forum who have owned both cars that can confirm my thinking and share their experiences with their cars. Having owned both cars maybe you can give me some advice to help me make a good decision on my next car.

[hanra]

  ab_futura said:

I think registration prices are set to increase in Qld so 4cylinder registration is another positive;

Your kidding???? Farkin crunts, my 3 rego's is bad enough as it it....

[hulk xr6t]

  hanra said:

Your kidding???? Farkin crunts, my 3 rego's is bad enough as it it....

I think the XR6T is the better buy... apples for apples a used XR6T is cheaper than a similar year WRX.. When they were brand new the XR6T was actually much more expensive.

So you might save on fuel but you wont get a 2004 WRX for the same price you can pick up a 2004 XR6T... So factory that into any fuel savings.. You actually buying an older WRX for the same price..

Also when they do get a bit on and need a few parts here and there... there are Plenty BA N/A XR6's where parts will fit and are completely interchangable..

The WRX will share its parts with nothing else so expect to pay more..

[Mat]

-WRX is cheaper on fuel but insurance might be more.

-maintenance costs are about the same (I owned both side by side nearly all of last year)

-stock exhaust and tune the wrx will be faster but a 99/00 wrx will need a decent replacement ecu + tune = $

-stock wrx makes less power than an xr6t but its light weight means its faster.

-subaru has better build quality

-95% of wrx's have been thrashed harder than a red headed step son. Hard to find a good one

-GC8 wrx (93-00) is going to be 8/9 years old when you buy it. With age comes problems ($$) and will be harder to sell in few years time.

-Can buy an 04 XR6T and keep it for a couple of years and it will be easier to sell as it wont be too old.

I wouldnt buy either though. FG hitting the markets will see the BF come down in price quiet nicely (for a buyer not a seller!)

[nang3]

^^ what Matt said + RWD is waaaaaaaaay WAAAAAAY more fun in the wet !

[Ralph Wiggum]

or the dry.........if your not driving a girly man stocko phoon....

[wados]

I thought about this not to long ago not for fuel or saving money reasons I was thinking of a change and something that would be fun to take to the track I was either going to get an STI or EVO, never took and evo for a spin but took the sti and all I can say is after driving the XRT I couldnt drive the rex daily to rough a ride and the interior is very plain. dont get me wrong great cars but not for me.

All I can say mate is take one of each for a spin and think about what you could live with

[ab_futura]

Thanks for the the replies everyone, I hadn't really thought about age and resale, which is stupid of me considering I currently have a modified 97 i6 falcon and know very well how hard it is going to be sell. You may have just saved me from finding myself in the same situation all over again. How long do you think it will be before BF's start to come down in price? Is it correct that they have stronger internals than the earlier models??

[davidg2152]

Funny stuff

I just jumped on the forum and asked the same question in reverse as I have gone from an MY05 WRX (+6k parts) to a BF MK II XR6T.

First off the WRX EATS juice. It revvs alot more, it goes well but Subaru tune their cars from the factory very rich and as such they go through the petrol.

It cost me at $1.65L about $80.00 to fill and I would get about 400km/tank roughly.

After getting them tuned they are alot better and subsequently also go alot better.

Insurance wise the XR6T will be HEAPS better.

The EJ20T is quite highly strung BUT if you buy one that has been serviced and received it's head clean at LEAST every 15k it will go forever.

Expensive to get going hard but worthwhile.

Excellent handling.

My opinion. If you want a small car for conveiniance, handling and size buy the WRX.

If you want the WRX for insurance costs, fuel useage etc just buy the car you like more as they will probably be near the same.

My WRX is currently for sale at www.johnmcgrathford.com.au and has 27000km's a heap of good stuff on it and was never driven in the rain. EVER. Buy it!

[FPV TRANNY]

I had a 98 model WRX and even with a piggy,exhaust and tune,it was still a turd compared to my tuned T.Oh and it still chewed heaps of juice.

Buy the T........