Hey,

I'm getting a new car in the next month. My parents say it has to be under 30,000, have 4 seats, and be an automatic. After doing some searching I've narrowed it down to the WRX and rx8.

Which would you get? I care more about speed that gas mileage or safety or any of that, and the WRX is prolly the fastest under those stipulations, but the rx8 looks so much better inside and out. I'd appreciate any advice.

Michael

 

Automatic, I would say WRX, it's probably cheaper, faster, and better bang for the buck for what you want.

 

Is this your first car? Prepare to get a few flames on this one. The 8 is a much safer choice as the lower tourqe might help you keep from doing crazy stupid stuff, although it is still enough power to easilly get yourself into a bad situation, just not as quickly as an STI would get you there.

I'd take the 8 but if speed is all that matters to you then get the wrx.

 

Test drive them both is all I have to say.

 

well since mommy and daddy are paying for the car/ gas then the RX8 shouldnt be to much of a problem, but if i were recommending a car to someone who worked hard for it then i would say either car is great...I enjoy the speed of my STI but miss the ride quality/ interior of my rx8, so it's all preference... but if i were you i would not get an auto 8...trust me, if you want speed then go for the WRX...even the manual rx8's accelleration leaves more to be desired...just my $.02

 

Get an RX-8, I don't need my insurance rates to go up...

 

You spend a lot of time INSIDE your car - I really enjoy the interior of the 8 - and so does EVERYONE else who has ever been inside. A strong consideration IMO.

 

Dang I didn't realize I'd run into so much dissension just cause I'm 17 but w/e

I know how to drive, and I'm not gonna do any overly stupid stuff with my car. I drive a v6 grand cherokee now that prolly does 0-60 in 8.5 seconds or so, so its not that big an upgrade.

I test drove both, although I never really pushed the rx8 to see what it could do. Automatic wrx I did push, and it had great acceleration but didn't impress me that much - its fast enough to be fun but not for racing or anything like that, but again I dont think I'll be racing anyone. I have a job, I'll gladly pay for more gas if it means more fun, but I just want some solid advice.

Michael

 

Get a WRX.

 

Yeah get a WRX. Sounds like the best car for you.

 

This is a personal decision. You need to decide what is important to you. I decided that I'd tire of the look of the WRX, but never tire of looking at the 8. I decided I wanted a more refined looking interior (with factory leather and factory moonroof [not available in the wagon]). I felt that the WRX, while good looking in its own right, really looks like just another econobox, and after driving a Sentra, a Corolla GT, and a Civic Si since 1980 (saving for son's colege tuition), I was ready for something different. I really wanted AWD, but not enough to give up on the 8.

 

No offense man...but get the WRX, save our rates from going up...lol

I'm sorry, but I don't get parents getting kids $30,000 cars....I just don't get it, even if I had the money...there is no way I would be shelling out that much money for my kids first car. Again, sorry...I don't mean to be MEAN...but why don't you get something cheaper (get more experiance driving) then try out one of those two.

Sorry, I don't want to be harsh but I just don't get it...

Note: The only way (if I had the money) I would get a $30,000 car is when my kid finishes college...heck, even then I would only HELP them get it...not buy it for them outright? Maybe I would be a harsh dad or something....sorry again, I don't want to be mean....

 

Well technically its my second car, and why would I get something cheaper when we can afford it? Bear in mind too this isn't JUST my car - thats why I'm getting an automatic so everyone in my family can drive it, its just gonna be the one I'll be driving the most. I say its mine, but other people will be driving it especially if something goes wrong with the newer jeep.

AWD on the wrx is enticing, plus the roomier interior, although of a lower quality. I'm just worried from what I've read that the auto rx8 will, like our v6 jeep, feel sluggish - especially when bogged down with people. I test drive one again tomorrow (I think) but I dont know if I'm gonna be able to get out on the parkway like I did with the wrx to see what its capable of.

 

I don't think you're mean wannahave. I think that's how you build character and teach your kids the value of money.

 

Get the WRX. Or a new Mustang. If all you really care about is speed, the auto rx8 (or even the manual) isn't for you.

OR, if all you need is speed + four seats get a civic ($15G) and pimp it out($15G) - it's what all the cool kids are doing, along with leaning waaaaay back in the seat.

 

Fair enough, but if you are getting a auto stick to the WRX...I think at least...
khtm, for once we agree on something...LOL...let's build on this...lol

 

Def. get the WRX. It's safer, AWD, roomier interior, you can take all your friends with you.
The insurance for the RX-8 alone would be a killing at your age. You'll probably enjoy more aftermarket support for the WRX, if that's your bag.

 

Awwwww :D Don't worry, I will always think you're a stand-up guy, I just like pushing your buttons occasionally :p

 

Maybe I was exagerating about speed its not ALL I care about cause the 6 speed would be plenty fast for me if I could get a manual. My mom is all over the safety ratings and they were nearly the same, as well as handling. Rx8 has some tractino and stability controls which she likes, and as much as I love the rx8, AWD, better 0-60, and more room inside is making me lean towards the wrx. Again though, if I test the rx8 again and cant really tell its slower, we'll see what happens. I appreciate all the advice, but whichever way it goes it sounds like both are good cars.

Thanks

 

You need to tell you parents to let them get you a car with a stick shift.

You should use the Jedi mind trick on them to convince them if you have to.

Or you could tell them that having a stick shift will make you a much safer driver because you will be able to control the car speed better and you'll also be more aware of the speed. It will put you much more in touch with the car and the road and the environment through which you are driving. It will also make you pay more attention to your driving and make it near impossible for you to eat/drink/use a cell phone and do all of those other stupid things people due while driving an automatic.

 

GET A TOYOTA PRIUS! :D All the celebs have 'em! You'll be the coolest kid in school! Save the planet and all that jaz and OUR insurance!

Personally, I looked at it like this when I was looking into the STI, EVO 8, or RX-8.
Where am I really gonna be driving? - On the road (RX-8)
Winter - STI or EVO would be a plus with AWD, but the 8 with snows does very well.
What is more comfortable for a long trip? - RX-8...the 8 has a far better interior that "wraps" around you. Personally, I like the feeling of being "snug" in a vehicle, but not squished. The 8 feels more like its meant to wrap around its passengers.
What looks better? - The 8 looks more "sexy" and more sophisticated. The STI and EVO look like toy cars with big handles on the back.
In what vehicle would you rather pull up to a big event in(likely an older crowd)? - RX-8 (again, it looks less like a toy or ricer)

Ulitmate point - you wanna race, go with the WRX
you want a car that looks great (gets the ladies ), handles great, and is comfortable, get the RX-8.

 

prolly?

 

I've driven both the WRX (this past weekend in NYC) and an A/T RX-8 (3 weekends ago) recently. I like both cars, the WRX is definitely fun to drive although it's a stiff ride. The freeways between the boroughs in NYC have a lot of potholes, so you definitely feel them every tiime. But then I do like actually feeling the road as opposed to floating (like most luxury cars feel). The A/T RX-8 really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, it was very zippy in my opinion and was a hell of a lot of fun running around corners and hairpin curves (there's an awesome butte near where I live that is great for driving that 8 around). It's a slightly smoother ride than a WRX but you definitely still feel the road as if you're right on top of it. I'd have to give the edge to the 8 really since the quality of the interior/exterior is a little better than the WRX. The 0-60 times aren't a huge deal in the overall scheme of things, I mean it's what, less than a second difference? If you're driving to work or your friend's house, that's not a big deal I think

 

You can tell them what you would like... but in the end, since your parents are paying for it, it'll be their decision. Overrall.. family type car... go for the WRX. A Bit more roomy.

But if I was to get a WRX, I wouldn't settle anything less than the WRX STi... :P But that of course goes over your 30k price range.

If I was 17 again, and have 30k to spend.. I would get the Scion TC, and mod it slightly.... It's a pretty cool car. Or even a Fully loaded Mazda 6... that's under 30k

 

Actually his insurance may be cheaper with the RX8 vs. the WRX. Its a tough decision to make--either way if your folks are getting it for you I'd get a used WRX auto and call it a day. The auto RX8 will definately get more attention than the WRX--but you may be baited into street racing with a WRX. They are both good cars--but the RX8 looks the best.