I can't decide between a WRX and STi (or STI for that matter)

WhiteOnRice · 01-11-2008, 01:59 PM

I currently own 3 Hondas (89 CRX, 02 Si, 92 HB). I'm in college and they are taking way too much of my time and thought (2 need major bodywork this summer). My plan is to sell all my Hondas and buy a WRX or STi.

Obviously, I want the STi. If I got one, it would be fast/nice enough for me and I'd leave it stock and enjoy the warranty. If I got a WRX, I know I'd find myself dumping all my summer savings into it, trying to make it faster/handle better. The only thing holding me back from deciding on the STi is my fear of insurance. I will be 21 by the time I get the car. No tickets/claims in the last three years.

I have about $450 each month left over after rent/bills. Is an STi within reach of my budget? Can someone post a link to a typical "what are you paying for insurance" thread? I seached but couldn't find one.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

twizzstyle · 01-11-2008, 02:07 PM

If it were me, I'd get a WRX. Throw a turboback and stage II tune on there and its nearly as fast as an STi, and with just a few minor suspension bits and tires, will handle just as good if not better than a stock STi. And at a fraction of the cost.

Sure, its nice to have all that from the factory and not have to touch it at all, but I still prefer the WRX route.

WhiteOnRice · 01-11-2008, 02:26 PM

I'm thinking the WRX is the way to go because I want to get out of having so many cars. I want one reliable car. I wouldn't feel as guilty about putting 20,000 miles a year on a WRX (compared to an STi). If I bought an STi, I'd probably keep my 92 hatch as a DD (back to multiple cars).

How long do modded WRX's last mileage-wise? I'm looking for a quick, fun car to last 5 years (100,000 miles + about 20,000 miles when I buy it) for year round DD with a handfull of SCCA/local track events each year. I'm not into drag at all but to use it as a comparison, a high/mid 13 would be fast enough for me. The skid pad is another story...

leecea · 01-11-2008, 02:43 PM

Buy the WRX but set a budget for mods and stick to it. Don't let it suck up every penny, which is easy to do once the modding bug bites. There is more to life than a car

WhiteOnRice · 01-11-2008, 02:45 PM

Does anyone have a link to an insurance cost thread?

nixgame22 · 01-11-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

Does anyone have a link to an insurance cost thread?

Here ya go:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718033

WhiteOnRice · 01-11-2008, 03:12 PM

Found one: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=479566

I'm going to call my insurance next time I visit my parents.

Overlord2kx · 01-11-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leecea

There is more to life than a car

LIES!!!!!!!!!

dyrmz134 · 01-11-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leecea

Buy the WRX but set a budget for mods and stick to it. Don't let it suck up every penny, which is easy to do once the modding bug bites. There is more to life than a car

What?!?!?! since when...........

gtlegg · 01-11-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Obviously, I want the STi. If I got one, it would be fast/nice enough for me and I'd leave it stock and enjoy the warranty

or at least you would hope not to mod it. but the bug will eventually bite, and youll want mods.

i personally like the wrx, esp if u get the 06-07 with the 2.5L

WhiteOnRice · 01-11-2008, 04:05 PM

I know all about the modding addiction but I can keep myself from buying parts. I do drive a Honda. If I gave into the bug, it would be fast by now.

I test drove a 06 WRX about a month ago. It was a great car overall, but I know I would want a bit more power than that. I failed to notice though, do the 06/07 WRX's have DCCD or is that only STI's? What is the nickname for them? (bugeye then peanut then what?) I heard mooneyes. True?

Mkim340518 · 01-11-2008, 04:19 PM

I got a 04 STI as a daily driver and I love my car. But, if I were you; I'd just get the WRX and just add some mods to it once you start building your bank. I can't say that having a stage 2 STI isn't the ***** to drive everyday...but.....I'm always worried about the car since I live in Philly and work out in the burbs where it seems like people cant drive or park without dinging the car next to them. Also, the insurance for my STI is umm.....let say it makes me want to cry every six months, I'm 25 by the way. And the gas, maintenance, parking, Gas, gas, ummm, gassssss. Remember that you're gona have to use PREMIUM and in Philly it cost 3.37 for 9/10th's of a gallon ( anybody know what the hell is up with that anyway? why can't I get a full gallon why just 9/10th's of one????? I WANT MY OTHER 1/10th's....bastards.

Anyway, think about it....gas+insurance+maintenance+mods ( I don't care what you say...your eventually gona mod something...I'll give you 4months before your first mod...LOL) just gas and insurance alone costs me about 350-375 a month with a STI and a 100bucks a month for a college student isn't too great.

Just my two cents...

Rene2.5RS · 01-11-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

I failed to notice though, do the 06/07 WRX's have DCCD or is that only STI's?

Only the STI has DCCD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

What is the nickname for them? (bugeye then peanut then what?) I heard mooneyes. True?

The common nickname for the 06/07 is pig nose.

-Rene

speedwad · 01-11-2008, 07:44 PM

i have both right now a 2002wrx w cobb stage 2ap and a few other things and a 2006 sti w cobb stage 2. the wrx is better as a dd for sure and alot cheaper, the sti is .. well like hitting a fly with a sledge hammer. my wife keeps asking me as we drive and her head is bobbing all around if the car is suppose to ride rough like that........ it's awesome

wrxracer519 · 01-11-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

I'm thinking the WRX is the way to go because I want to get out of having so many cars. I want one reliable car. I wouldn't feel as guilty about putting 20,000 miles a year on a WRX (compared to an STi). If I bought an STi, I'd probably keep my 92 hatch as a DD (back to multiple cars).

How long do modded WRX's last mileage-wise? I'm looking for a quick, fun car to last 5 years (100,000 miles + about 20,000 miles when I buy it) for year round DD with a handfull of SCCA/local track events each year. I'm not into drag at all but to use it as a comparison, a high/mid 13 would be fast enough for me. The skid pad is another story...

I have an 02 wrx stage2(turboback- catless, up-pipe) and 103,xxx miles and still running strong as when i first got it, you will have no problem with reliabilty. Just mod smartly and you'll be good. I almost got an sti but the insurance was alot more than the rex. Hope this helps and cant wait to see pics of what you decide on

nhat · 01-11-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twizzstyle

If it were me, I'd get a WRX. Throw a turboback and stage II tune on there and its nearly as fast as an STi, and with just a few minor suspension bits and tires, will handle just as good if not better than a stock STi. And at a fraction of the cost.

Sure, its nice to have all that from the factory and not have to touch it at all, but I still prefer the WRX route.

don't forget brakes, stronger 6spd, bigger turbo, and lighter wheels on the sti that the wrx doesn't have.

unless you know for sure that you can drive a modded (bigger turbo) wrx without blowing up 3rd gear, stick to the stock turbo...or start a fund for better gears (new RA gears from rallispec, mfactory gears, or PPGs).

figure out what you want to spend on a car and go from there. insurance shouldn't be any different between the wrx and sti. i've seen 04/05 sti's going for $20-23k with low miles. if you plan on keeping the car stock, you'll probably be happier in the sti. if you plan on modding, both should be considered

mannac · 01-11-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

What is the nickname for them? (bugeye then peanut then what?) I heard mooneyes. True?

02-03 = bugeye
04-05 = blobeye, never heard of peanut but it works

06-07 = hawkeye/pig nose

DemonPossessedNinja · 01-12-2008, 01:59 AM

04-05 I heard sometimes are called cross eyed too. I love my cross-eyed rex

nhmtns · 01-12-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice

If I got one, it would be fast/nice enough for me and I'd leave it stock and enjoy the warranty.

It sounds like you are kind of "into" cars, considering you have 3 Hondas. I doubt you'd be able to just leave an STI stock and not want to do some modding, even if it's a massive jump up from what you are currently driving. No matter what most people drive, they usually get used to the performance and eventually want to go faster.

Button · 01-12-2008, 09:27 AM

WhiteOnRice:

Why don't you graduate college, establish your career then get your car when you'll be able to afford it? Why must everyone have it now?

Regards,
~Button

CynicX · 01-12-2008, 09:39 AM

I'd sell 2 of the least friendly daily driver Honda's then drive the other until you graduate college. Well thats probably the right thing to do I dunno if I'd actually do that...

Since it seems you enjoy and take pride in modding cars I seriously doubt you'd leave the STI stock. It mods just as easily as the WRX while maintaining the stock vs stock performance gap, MOST of the parts are interchangeable like the exhaust, turbos, intercoolers etc etc so they cost the same to modify...

So from a cost perspective go with the STI IF you can manage not to modify it, doubtful. Or get a WRX and modify it....

Either case financially they are both bad decisions in this point in your life....my opinion of course....you could be loaded ($$$) and money doesnt matter....

nhmtns · 01-12-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Button

Why don't you graduate college, establish your career then get your car when you'll be able to afford it? Why must everyone have it now?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynicX

I'd sell 2 of the least friendly daily driver Honda's then drive the other until you graduate college.

OP: Maybe not what you want to hear, but probably the best advice. Spending every last dime on a car with nothing left over for emergency expenses and unexpected bills is never a good idea, especially when you're just a college student.

sixtoo · 01-12-2008, 11:18 AM

Just get the STi and race the hell out of your 92 civic. Don't mod the STi because it already has everything you'd spend money on by dropping it into a WRX (more power, flashy brakes, excellent drivetrain, higher redline, red gauge cluster, forged wheels, good tires, cool interior, diffuser/wing nonsense, water spray, HIDs, ect....)

WhiteOnRice · 01-12-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixtoo

Don't mod the STi because it already has everything you'd spend money on by dropping it into a WRX (more power, flashy brakes, excellent drivetrain, higher redline, red gauge cluster, forged wheels, good tires, cool interior, diffuser/wing nonsense, water spray, HIDs, ect....)

This is why I still want the STi; it has all the stuff I would want with a WRX. Going from a WRX to an STi isn't a matter of extra power and swaybars but everything mentioned above by sixtoo and DCCD (I'm assuming LSD in front and rear also). I know what I want and I know the STi is expensive for a college student. Exactly why I would leave it stock and retain what's left of the warranty. Really the only thing holding me back from the STi is the insurance. So after I call the insurance company, I'll let you guys know.

I'm not getting out of school until I'm 26, and I can't wait that long. I think I could handle owning an STi. I have a decent serving job now and I'm only working 2 days a week. I could easily bump that up if I needed to. It's not like I can't resist buying parts. My bank account is perfectly fine. I just can't drive Hondas anymore (or at least FF and I've always wanted an STi)!!

Suber Krout · 01-12-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leecea

There is more to life than a car

There is more quality to life in great car!

01-11-2008, 01:59 PM	#1
WhiteOnRice Scooby Newbie Member#: 168796 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2005 STi Aspen White	I can't decide between a WRX and STi (or STI for that matter) I currently own 3 Hondas (89 CRX, 02 Si, 92 HB). I'm in college and they are taking way too much of my time and thought (2 need major bodywork this summer). My plan is to sell all my Hondas and buy a WRX or STi. Obviously, I want the STi. If I got one, it would be fast/nice enough for me and I'd leave it stock and enjoy the warranty. If I got a WRX, I know I'd find myself dumping all my summer savings into it, trying to make it faster/handle better. The only thing holding me back from deciding on the STi is my fear of insurance. I will be 21 by the time I get the car. No tickets/claims in the last three years. I have about $450 each month left over after rent/bills. Is an STi within reach of my budget? Can someone post a link to a typical "what are you paying for insurance" thread? I seached but couldn't find one. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can't decide between 18g or 16g	Seanco	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	5	03-26-2009 09:00 AM
arrghghh!!! can't decide between X800 and 6800GT	nhluhr	Off-Topic	40	11-09-2004 12:03 PM
You can't decide between a Saab or Suby	GQ	General Community	18	12-18-2003 08:17 PM
can't decide between a perrin and a pde uppipe	showcasewrx	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	17	11-19-2003 05:52 PM

01-11-2008, 02:07 PM	#2
twizzstyle Scooby Guru Member#: 18941 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Kenmore, Washington Vehicle: 2005 Lotus Elise Orange	If it were me, I'd get a WRX. Throw a turboback and stage II tune on there and its nearly as fast as an STi, and with just a few minor suspension bits and tires, will handle just as good if not better than a stock STi. And at a fraction of the cost. Sure, its nice to have all that from the factory and not have to touch it at all, but I still prefer the WRX route.

01-11-2008, 02:26 PM	#3
WhiteOnRice Scooby Newbie Member#: 168796 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2005 STi Aspen White	I'm thinking the WRX is the way to go because I want to get out of having so many cars. I want one reliable car. I wouldn't feel as guilty about putting 20,000 miles a year on a WRX (compared to an STi). If I bought an STi, I'd probably keep my 92 hatch as a DD (back to multiple cars). How long do modded WRX's last mileage-wise? I'm looking for a quick, fun car to last 5 years (100,000 miles + about 20,000 miles when I buy it) for year round DD with a handfull of SCCA/local track events each year. I'm not into drag at all but to use it as a comparison, a high/mid 13 would be fast enough for me. The skid pad is another story...

01-11-2008, 02:43 PM	#4
leecea Scooby Guru Member#: 37359 Join Date: May 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX	Buy the WRX but set a budget for mods and stick to it. Don't let it suck up every penny, which is easy to do once the modding bug bites. There is more to life than a car

01-11-2008, 02:45 PM	#5
WhiteOnRice Scooby Newbie Member#: 168796 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2005 STi Aspen White	Does anyone have a link to an insurance cost thread?

01-11-2008, 03:12 PM	#7
WhiteOnRice Scooby Newbie Member#: 168796 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2005 STi Aspen White	Found one: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=479566 I'm going to call my insurance next time I visit my parents.

01-11-2008, 04:05 PM	#11
WhiteOnRice Scooby Newbie Member#: 168796 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2005 STi Aspen White	I know all about the modding addiction but I can keep myself from buying parts. I do drive a Honda. If I gave into the bug, it would be fast by now. I test drove a 06 WRX about a month ago. It was a great car overall, but I know I would want a bit more power than that. I failed to notice though, do the 06/07 WRX's have DCCD or is that only STI's? What is the nickname for them? (bugeye then peanut then what?) I heard mooneyes. True?

01-11-2008, 04:19 PM	#12
Mkim340518 Scooby Newbie Member#: 157212 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Philly Vehicle: 2004 STI Stage 2 Custom black goldflakes	I got a 04 STI as a daily driver and I love my car. But, if I were you; I'd just get the WRX and just add some mods to it once you start building your bank. I can't say that having a stage 2 STI isn't the ***** to drive everyday...but.....I'm always worried about the car since I live in Philly and work out in the burbs where it seems like people cant drive or park without dinging the car next to them. Also, the insurance for my STI is umm.....let say it makes me want to cry every six months, I'm 25 by the way. And the gas, maintenance, parking, Gas, gas, ummm, gassssss. Remember that you're gona have to use PREMIUM and in Philly it cost 3.37 for 9/10th's of a gallon ( anybody know what the hell is up with that anyway? why can't I get a full gallon why just 9/10th's of one????? I WANT MY OTHER 1/10th's....bastards. Anyway, think about it....gas+insurance+maintenance+mods ( I don't care what you say...your eventually gona mod something...I'll give you 4months before your first mod...LOL) just gas and insurance alone costs me about 350-375 a month with a STI and a 100bucks a month for a college student isn't too great. Just my two cents...

01-11-2008, 07:44 PM	#14
speedwad Scooby Newbie Member#: 167964 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: michigan Vehicle: 2006 wrx sti white, ZRX1200 green	i have both right now a 2002wrx w cobb stage 2ap and a few other things and a 2006 sti w cobb stage 2. the wrx is better as a dd for sure and alot cheaper, the sti is .. well like hitting a fly with a sledge hammer. my wife keeps asking me as we drive and her head is bobbing all around if the car is suppose to ride rough like that........ it's awesome

01-12-2008, 01:59 AM	#18
DemonPossessedNinja Scooby Newbie Member#: 116610 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: san jose Vehicle: 2005 wrx vf-34 psm	04-05 I heard sometimes are called cross eyed too. I love my cross-eyed rex

01-12-2008, 09:27 AM	#20
Button Scooby Specialist Member#: 20620 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Canton, GA Vehicle: 2006 Outback 2.5 i Willow Green Opal	WhiteOnRice: Why don't you graduate college, establish your career then get your car when you'll be able to afford it? Why must everyone have it now? Regards, ~Button

01-12-2008, 09:39 AM	#21
CynicX Scooby Guru Member#: 48199 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Maryland Vehicle: 06 WRX WRB	I'd sell 2 of the least friendly daily driver Honda's then drive the other until you graduate college. Well thats probably the right thing to do I dunno if I'd actually do that... Since it seems you enjoy and take pride in modding cars I seriously doubt you'd leave the STI stock. It mods just as easily as the WRX while maintaining the stock vs stock performance gap, MOST of the parts are interchangeable like the exhaust, turbos, intercoolers etc etc so they cost the same to modify... So from a cost perspective go with the STI IF you can manage not to modify it, doubtful. Or get a WRX and modify it.... Either case financially they are both bad decisions in this point in your life....my opinion of course....you could be loaded ($$$) and money doesnt matter....

01-12-2008, 11:18 AM	#23
sixtoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 67603 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: South Pasadena, CA Vehicle: 2007 WRX Wagon Urban Gray Metallic	Just get the STi and race the hell out of your 92 civic. Don't mod the STi because it already has everything you'd spend money on by dropping it into a WRX (more power, flashy brakes, excellent drivetrain, higher redline, red gauge cluster, forged wheels, good tires, cool interior, diffuser/wing nonsense, water spray, HIDs, ect....)