Considering selling and moving to a sedan (Subaru WRX Limited) thoughts????
- Thread starter alexb
- Start date
Here's my two cents. Just trying to be the voice that gives you the negatives. If they don't bother you I honestly think you should go ahead. I owned a WRX for 20k miles. It was a blast and I do miss it sometimes. I dont think Ill ever go back to dailying a car though. All the mid size vehicles I've had are so much more comfortable and quieter for daily use.
1. Driving the 4Runner just isn't that fun anymore. Sure getting it off road is an amazing experience, but it's honestly been over a year since I've truly gotten it off the pavement.
You will miss this if you get rid of the 4runner. At some point there will be a day where you miss it.
2. Gas mileage. With my current setup I'm averaging about 14-14.5 MPG with mixed driving. The WRX (NON STI) EPA rates at 21-23 combined depending on if you get the CVT or 6MT. Real world reports are even higher.
I averaged 18 mpg in my WRX when I had it, if I babied it. It was a 2011 with a manual trans. From those I've talked to with the newer FA motor the gas mileage is the same, unless you opt for the CVT which costs 1K more. Subies hardly ever get the rated MPG, we also own an impreza that misses the rated average by about 2 mpg.
2b. Using some online calculators I could save anywhere from $400-$700 a year in gas (this factors in running premium on the WRX).
Have you considered the higher insurance premium, it will be higher. The WRX is one of the more expensive cars to insure. Switching to a FJ from the WRX dropped my monthly premium by $60
2c. I could take off my 4Runner's lift, heavy tires, roof rack and all the other MPG killers, but then I think I'd be even more bored driving just a plain 4Runner like every other high school girl in this town.
Dont do that, lol.
3. I'm at 50K miles on the 4runner so my powertrain warranty will be up within probably 8-10 months. I know these are built like tanks and will last to 200K+ with no issues, but the thought of having a fresh warranty is always nice.
Perhaps the worst part of your considerations here. Subaru of America is terrible about warranty coverage, especially on the WRX. Even then subies are not what I would consider a reliable vehicle, at least not in the same way the 4runner is. I've owned an repaired a few, they're not a POS, but they have their kinks. The FA motor is too new to know for sure if the head gasket issue is still a concern. But if it is, set aside an extra 2-3k every ~80k miles.
1. Driving the 4Runner just isn't that fun anymore. Sure getting it off road is an amazing experience, but it's honestly been over a year since I've truly gotten it off the pavement.
You will miss this if you get rid of the 4runner. At some point there will be a day where you miss it.
2. Gas mileage. With my current setup I'm averaging about 14-14.5 MPG with mixed driving. The WRX (NON STI) EPA rates at 21-23 combined depending on if you get the CVT or 6MT. Real world reports are even higher.
I averaged 18 mpg in my WRX when I had it, if I babied it. It was a 2011 with a manual trans. From those I've talked to with the newer FA motor the gas mileage is the same, unless you opt for the CVT which costs 1K more. Subies hardly ever get the rated MPG, we also own an impreza that misses the rated average by about 2 mpg.
2b. Using some online calculators I could save anywhere from $400-$700 a year in gas (this factors in running premium on the WRX).
Have you considered the higher insurance premium, it will be higher. The WRX is one of the more expensive cars to insure. Switching to a FJ from the WRX dropped my monthly premium by $60
2c. I could take off my 4Runner's lift, heavy tires, roof rack and all the other MPG killers, but then I think I'd be even more bored driving just a plain 4Runner like every other high school girl in this town.
Dont do that, lol.
3. I'm at 50K miles on the 4runner so my powertrain warranty will be up within probably 8-10 months. I know these are built like tanks and will last to 200K+ with no issues, but the thought of having a fresh warranty is always nice.
Perhaps the worst part of your considerations here. Subaru of America is terrible about warranty coverage, especially on the WRX. Even then subies are not what I would consider a reliable vehicle, at least not in the same way the 4runner is. I've owned an repaired a few, they're not a POS, but they have their kinks. The FA motor is too new to know for sure if the head gasket issue is still a concern. But if it is, set aside an extra 2-3k every ~80k miles.
Sounds like you have your mind made up and the new car itch is firmly entrenched. The Camry is a commuter with some space that will go 200K+. So if you get a Camry, you will have it for a long time. All brands that you have mentioned, you cannot go wrong with. WRX will be a blast, but it is a much smaller vehicle and believe me that will bug you sooner than later.
I have a Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel as my DD. Wife has the Runner as her DD. My commute is 35 miles each way, I've come to appreciate the economy & power of the diesel. The new 2017/2018 Cruze diesel can be had in a hatch with a manual transmission. Not a WRX, but it is zippy and gets awesome mileage. GM is going after the angry VW customers. A couple of cars I'm really interested in as my next DD, as I have the itch as well, are the Mustang GT, and you are really going to laugh at this one, a Cadillac ATS or CTS. The Mustang is hard to beat value wise, V8 fun & sound with finally a modern suspension. The GT premiums can be had at a great price. I've considered the Camry as well, I think if I go Camry it will be the V6 model.
alexb
New member
Supposedly they have really worked on the road noise issues, especially with the 2018. It's supposed to have thicker glass, door panels, sound deadening etc. I'm going to try and go in for a thorough test drive this weekend.
Keep the RAV4, Keep the 4runner as a weekend driver...
Scratch the itch with a late 90's to early 00's honda civic, for $1500 dump another $1500 and smoke most WRX's while still getting better gas mileage and no car payment:
3 cars is definitely not an option. Rav4 will probably be replaced in a year or two.
Dallas_T4R
New member
A few thoughts on the WRX, and bonus BRZ points.
Before buying my 17 4Runner I test drove the WRX and 2 major things stuck out to me.
1a. The interior feels like it could come apart at any second (buddy just bought the 17 STI and agrees, he's already bored btw and misses an SUV). I had a Legacy, wife drives an Outback, and the interiors on those are worlds better than the WRX, to a shocking degree.
1b. The BRZ interior actually feels higher quality
2a. The gearing in 1st and 2nd on the WRX is exhausting. (BRZ trans is much more fun)
2b. You won't get close to manufacturers mpg with the manual because it would be so boring to drive that way. So your mpg real world is going to sit just a 3-4 over the t4r - hopefully.
2c. I think the Subaru CVTs are actually pretty great, but (not sure if you care) people will do the "oh, it's not a manual, YOU bought a CVT?" I can't stand those people. That motor with a warranty CVT would be a hoot.
Obviously, I'm random internet guy, but these are my experiences.
Car history for reference: 2nd Gen T4r(missed), 07 Civic SI(good riddance), 07 FJ(sorely missed), 11 Legacy(nice, but boring), 17 t4r(true love)
Before buying my 17 4Runner I test drove the WRX and 2 major things stuck out to me.
1a. The interior feels like it could come apart at any second (buddy just bought the 17 STI and agrees, he's already bored btw and misses an SUV). I had a Legacy, wife drives an Outback, and the interiors on those are worlds better than the WRX, to a shocking degree.
1b. The BRZ interior actually feels higher quality
2a. The gearing in 1st and 2nd on the WRX is exhausting. (BRZ trans is much more fun)
2b. You won't get close to manufacturers mpg with the manual because it would be so boring to drive that way. So your mpg real world is going to sit just a 3-4 over the t4r - hopefully.
2c. I think the Subaru CVTs are actually pretty great, but (not sure if you care) people will do the "oh, it's not a manual, YOU bought a CVT?" I can't stand those people. That motor with a warranty CVT would be a hoot.
Obviously, I'm random internet guy, but these are my experiences.
Car history for reference: 2nd Gen T4r(missed), 07 Civic SI(good riddance), 07 FJ(sorely missed), 11 Legacy(nice, but boring), 17 t4r(true love)
alexb
New member
Thanks for the input. Sounds like I need to do some serious test drives. Sitting in the cars the other day I thought they felt pretty refined. Maybe even better than my 4runner. I've got a rattle around my steering wheel thats getting extremely annoying and I can't track it down. Along with a few other minor rattles and various trim issues etc. I think my 97 4Runner interior had a better fit and finish than my 14 honestly.
The CVT is actually what I plan on getting. The thought of the 6MT and being a "true gearhead, car dude" etc but I've never owned a stick and with my commute I think it would not be a wise choice. I don't care what others think of not getting the "true manual sports car bro".
I test drove the Forrester with CVT (dealer didn't have any WRXs with it) and was very impressed.
SacStateHornets
New member
Buy a 2door Jeep Wrangler soft top. That is what I did when I got bored with a 4Runner. Jeep never had a mechanical problem. If you don't have kids, need to haul groups of people or mulch, the Wrangler is a fun alternative to the same o, same o cars of today.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
transistor
New member
I just traded in my 2012 WRX for a 2017 4Runner. I definitely miss the acceleration, but other than that, I'm happy with the 4Runner. I didn't like that every other WRX owner I saw was about high school aged. The 4runner feels a little more age appropriate for me. And since it requires premium fuel, the difference in cost per mile isn't that much different.
ForeRunnerSi
New member
I traded my BRZ on my 4runner. Honestly gas mileage is mostly a wash. You have to take into consideration that you'll be paying more for it more often. Do I miss the BRZ? Yeah of course, especially on those nice days when you just wanna go for a ride, but honestly unless your enjoying it everyday, its going to be more painful than enjoyable. I really don't miss fretting over a "nice" car.
Throughout my short time on this planet I have bought and owned far too many vehicles. If I was smart with money from the beginning I would probably be a millionaire by now and not have to work anymore. I am not going to tell you what to do but here is my advice that, of course, I never followed. I'm dumb.:frusty:
Keep both vehicles for as long as you can (ten years or more) before they start having major repairs....pay them off then keep making the car payments to your bank account.....eventually you will be able to pay cash for your next vehicle and if you keep up this practice, you will never have to take another car loan out. Car loans kill your financial future and it's stupid to keep dumping money on these highly depreciable assets. Invest, live frugally and you will be a millionaire at 45. Quit job, live frugally, and enjoy freedom. Money doesn't bring happiness but it is a major tool in making happiness happen. Happiness is having time to enjoy life. Money brings you that time. I am sick of trading time for money, i.e., working.
But of course doing the smart thing is not always fun. I have only had the 4 for a year now and I already find myself, from time to time, looking at making a change even though I love the thing. Then reality sets in and I think NO, don't be a dumbass anymore!
Keep both vehicles for as long as you can (ten years or more) before they start having major repairs....pay them off then keep making the car payments to your bank account.....eventually you will be able to pay cash for your next vehicle and if you keep up this practice, you will never have to take another car loan out. Car loans kill your financial future and it's stupid to keep dumping money on these highly depreciable assets. Invest, live frugally and you will be a millionaire at 45. Quit job, live frugally, and enjoy freedom. Money doesn't bring happiness but it is a major tool in making happiness happen. Happiness is having time to enjoy life. Money brings you that time. I am sick of trading time for money, i.e., working.
But of course doing the smart thing is not always fun. I have only had the 4 for a year now and I already find myself, from time to time, looking at making a change even though I love the thing. Then reality sets in and I think NO, don't be a dumbass anymore!
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have you ever considered a Raptor?
my wife has a V6 Avalon...that little car goes, and it's pretty fun to drive. it's 8yrs old, but has more creature comforts than my 15 4Runner. it's a lot more palatable than the Camry she had previously. I had an Outback, it was alright. CVT was weird. Interior felt...I don't know. Not cheap, but not refined. Tried to fit into a WRX, but it was just too small for me, wife, and 2 kids to travel in.
my wife has a V6 Avalon...that little car goes, and it's pretty fun to drive. it's 8yrs old, but has more creature comforts than my 15 4Runner. it's a lot more palatable than the Camry she had previously. I had an Outback, it was alright. CVT was weird. Interior felt...I don't know. Not cheap, but not refined. Tried to fit into a WRX, but it was just too small for me, wife, and 2 kids to travel in.
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RUNTHAT
New member
The Raptor is a bigger ripoff than a TRD Pro 4Runner. YMMV> Also it's almost double the price of that WRX...just sayin'hone:
Please explain...
opcorn:
Dallas_T4R
New member
If the quality is a step up for you and you're going with the CVT I think you'd enjoy it. The WRX CVT is really interesting, this article from Jalopnik summarizes the goodness of the specific CVT well - Subaru CVT Article
just ignore the comments on features and all because they updated that recently.
FYI, the seating position is better in the WRX than Forrester.
Muzzle of Bees
New member
Someone once said "variety is the spice of life". On a lesser note, how do you know what you do or do not like unless you try?
I am impressed by the CVT transmission in the Subaru too. After watching a Subaru take a beating in the bush in Africa I was sold on its quality. I was very skeptical prior to that. I wonder if I could get past there being no feel of transmission shifting?
I am impressed by the CVT transmission in the Subaru too. After watching a Subaru take a beating in the bush in Africa I was sold on its quality. I was very skeptical prior to that. I wonder if I could get past there being no feel of transmission shifting?
DigitalVex
Member
I have a 2016 TEP. Love it. I like driving frame-based SUV's and trucks. They feel solid and you can always beat parts back into place with a BFH if they get knocked out of round. That, and it's hard to get into trouble with big, relatively slow, lumbering beasts.
My wife has a 2017 Forrester. We actually test drove the XT (turbo), but after test driving the regular 2.5, it was plenty fast enough. We have the CVT, and I'm really impressed with it. She used to have a Honda with a CVT and it was pure crap. The Forrester is like a rally car and is nimble and super-quick.
Even with all the quick nimbleness, I'd take the T4R any day if I had to choose. Something great about big, heavy truck bodies.
My wife has a 2017 Forrester. We actually test drove the XT (turbo), but after test driving the regular 2.5, it was plenty fast enough. We have the CVT, and I'm really impressed with it. She used to have a Honda with a CVT and it was pure crap. The Forrester is like a rally car and is nimble and super-quick.
Even with all the quick nimbleness, I'd take the T4R any day if I had to choose. Something great about big, heavy truck bodies.
You've made up you mind long ago. Enjoy your new chapter in a vehicle. We'll see you when you come back to the 4Runner.
