It is time to get rid of my RX8, love it but the engine issues that can happen have me worried. 2004 touring with 69500 miles on it. The people here and the information here is amazing, it has saved me money I don't know how many times. I am looking at the Subaru Impreza WRX base model or Mazdaspeed3 with tech package. Both MSRP at 26900 or so and wonder what you guys think I should get. The AWD on Subaru is the big factor I like, however the Mazda comes with more options. What do you guys think? Thanks Doug.

 

The people here have you worried to the point where you'll be losing a genuine sports car for a hot hatch or a Subaru. Think twice, my friend.

 

Lol ) I have had it for 3 1/2 years now, it is showing some signs of bad compression, so I need to offload it.

 

or get the engine replaced under warranty

 

I dont have all my paperwork on it ( I've changed the oil a few times myself and don't have the receipts. Warranty goes from build date also if i'm not mistaken which on this car was 04/2003 I believe.

 

I don't think that's quite a fair comment toward Subaru... That makes it sound like no Subaru has been worth owning or could be worth owning instead of the 8.

I personally would lean toward the WRX. I prefer AWD or RWD over and I'd prefer the WRX as a platform to work with. Both respond well to mods, but the idea of a high powered FWD car just doesn't appeal to me.

 

My brother has a 2009 Subaru Impreza hatchback (non-turbo/wrx). I drove it and its fun to drive. I like the second generation wrx though.

 

do you premix? just asking.

 

Sad to hear, I would at least take it to a dealer and see what they say. It's worth a shot right? If I had to choose between a MS3 or a WRX though I would probably go MS3... No particular reason why; I just kind of like them better.

 

my gf got a ms3 recently, and ive driven plenty of wrx's and stis.

my opinion would be if you aren't worried about racing from a line or deal with alot of bad winters get the 3. it handles really good, plus it has more power and that turbo really builds up and pushes ya in your seat, plus they have more interior room.

but if u do alot of off the line racing or deal with winters id go for wrx

 

I'm a new owner here on the forum but over the past couple of years I had narrowed down my search to the STI and the G35 along with a few other possibilities including looking at a couple of MS3's. I never actually drove a MS3 but from all the reviews it is a ton of fun despite the restrictors. The STI is a beast and would be ideal if you live in a winter climate like I do. The issue I have with both the WRX and MS3 is that they are both versions of base cars and tend to blend in a lot with their lower siblings where you are getting rid of a very unique and beautiful car in the 8.

 

I did not premix, As soon as I got the car I had them update the chip (recall) so it sprayed more oil into the engine. I kept up with it, its just the nature of the beast, 04-08's have that chance of going bad. I live in TX, I'm going to get a Mazdaspeed3, dealership made me a great offer I can't turn down, plus the closest Subaru dealer to me is 120 miles. That would be terrible when I need to get oil changes so I can make sure my warranty is valid.

 

I'd say the MS3. I'm not a big fan of Subaru's tho.