English Adam, I didn't want to steal your thread but I liked the title so I sort of borrowed it. I hope that's OK.

We are all b!tching and complaining about how high the gas prices are and also where they will end up going. We complain a lot but I don't think that we are in the poor house yet because of these high gas prices. However, some of us (me) might be thinking about a more economical vehicle to try to off set some of the expense.

I don't plan on getting rid of my F150, unless Ford prices the Shelby Cobra GT500 in my reach or they build something else that I like and has decent power.

I picked up a winter beater this year for a couple g's and it turns out it's pretty damn handy having a second vehicle. This years winter beater is near the end of it's useful life, which I knew when I got it. I figured it was ok as long as it went through the winter. It has, and still runs ok. I've got some work for it around the yard and stuff but I know it's on borrowed time. So, I'm thinking that it would be nice to have a fuel efficient vehicle that would last a few years.

I was thinking about a Subaru Impreza WRX. I was thinking that I could pick up a used one for around 15k with reasonable miles on it. I want all wheel drive and would like decent power.

I'm just wondering what you folks think about the "second vehicle"? Do any of you have experiance with the Impreza WRX? What other vehicles might be good for a second vehicle?

I really don't even need a second vehicle. I drive a company E250 to and from work. I only drive the F150 on weekends, but I would like it to be worth something when I'm ready to get something new and would rather not drive it in the winter. I can't make up my damn mind about what I want to do. I suppose I could just get a new F150, or an Epedition. I just like conversing about vehicle and entertaining interesting ideas. Anyone game?

 

I actually just bought a second vehicle to save some cash on my long commute and keep miles off my truck. I just have a Kia but its been getting 37 mpg!

As far as the WRX, I think they are some great cars. You may also want to look at The Mitsubishi lancer Evolution or even a used Mitsubishi Eclipse turbo AWD.

 

My brother's wife has a Kia Sportage and it has been a descent enough vehicle for her. If you can get past it looking like a pregnant roller Skate!

 

Get the WRX. I hear they are pretty good cars for everyday business. And with AWD, you can still get around in the winter. I'd say a WRX would be a great car for you wittom. Since you like superchargers and go fast stuff. I don't need to tell you these cars have a turbo do I? an 03'- 04' base model WRX goes 0-60 in 6.1 seconds and 14.5 - 14.9 depending on track conditions in the quarter. Just.

 

I am looking at the WRX because it's a turbo. I'm trying to convince my girl to get an Impreza, but she doesn't need the turbo. Her other choice is the Honda Element. She's even mentioned the Sion xB. I'm REALLY pushing for the Impreza!

I'd love to have an STi but I'm not interested in that kind of financial commitment. I'll save the big loan for a Ford performance vehicle. The WRX seems like a good compramise.

I like the Mitsu's but even used the price gets up there. I'm thinking something between '02 and '04. I know the WRX goes for around 25k new. The Lancer Evolution is over 30k, and I think the Eclips is right around there too.

I guess I've got all summer to think about what I might drive NEXT winter. Who knows, maybe my old Toyota 4X4 will still be running. The Toyota is a 0 as far as fun factor. I would like a bit of that too!

I guess I could look at the Kia. I would think that that too would lack in the fun factor.

 

I bought a Kia Spectra about a year and a half ago while I was waiting for my truck to become available. I drove it for about 6 months and it was great on gas but low on character.

They literally had a "buy one get one free sale". I said what was the catch. None...pay sticker price and they give you another of equal value. I just bought for for half price. I only paid about $6500 and sold it six months later for 6300. It was stripped down but did it's job. Tough to argue with an economical car with a 100k mile warranty, CD and air that only cost 6500. I can see how Kia is becoming a kid's first car.

Jim

 

My wife drives a Kia. Her drive to work is about 4 miles. Now that I think about it, her KIA does look like a pregnant roller skate.

 

I've been thinking about it, and now I want a WRX. Youv'e got me hooked dammit! LOL. I looked up the specs for it. I was wrong in my earlier post about the 0-60 time. It was 6.1 seconds 0-60 and 14.5 seconds in the quarter. I thought I remembered them correctly in the other post I posted, but I went back to double-check and that's what it said in Motortrend. They get 20/27 mpg. So that premium fuel that it calls for should last a long time per tankful. I'd say that the WRX turbo will save you a little more money per week vs. a full-size truck even if it does use premium. Plus give you more performance which = more fun + more affordable.

 

I owned a WRX. They are fun as hell to drive with excellent handling and a ton of pep. There are no bells and whistles though. Interior noise levels are pretty obnoxious (driving in the rain means your can't hear your stereo). They take premium gas and get about 20 mpg, so they really aren't economical.

They are safe as hell with airbags coming from all different angles, so you can actually get very good insurance rates as it is technically a four door sedan (family car).

Subaru makes a mechanically sound vehicle, so if you decide to get one, you'll have it for a while.

Like I said before they are fast and with AWD they take off without any slippage, so you'll be able to roast mustangs and the like. I recommend it.

Caveat: Most rice companies make cars that have bettered the WRX performance levels, so you may need to mod....or get the STi!!!!!

 

Thanks for your review mskid. It was very helpful.