Imprezza 2.5i vs WRX... for a daily driver

[r0tor]

So i noticed Subaru has a blazing deal on the base Imprezza 2.5i model.  Leases are running for $199 a month while a WRX lease is $339 a month.  Add in the insurance cost difference between the two and after 3 years your literally paying 2x as much for the WRX as you are the 2.5i.  Now obviously nearly no performance minded buyer would settle for the 2.5i over a WRX unless they were strapped for cash.  But for a person who wants a sporty AWD daily runabout, is the 2.5i with a 5 speed manual at all entertaining enough to keep an enthusiast's attention?

I remember I drove an old 2.5RS in the day and those things were failrly entertaining in their time.  I believe however they were significantly quicker thanks to lower weight and handled pretty decently thanks to a nice sporty suspension - something you don't really get anymore in the new 2.5i.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I heard Jeep was having a sale on Compasses... Buy one, get one free.

[Submariner]

Buy an 06' WRX, you will be far more happy.

[CALL_911]

Buy an 06' WRX, you will be far more happy.

We aren't talking about the '08 WRX, bud. The '09 is supposed to be quite a bit of fun.

[MrH]

We aren't talking about the '08 WRX, bud. The '09 is supposed to be quite a bit of fun.

But he says it's too expensive.  So sub suggested he get a used 06.  What don't you get about that?

[r0tor]

But he says it's too expensive.  So sub suggested he get a used 06.  What don't you get about that?

suppose you wanted the versatility of a hatchback for a new homeowners trips to home depot...

[Cookie Monster]

suppose you wanted the versatility of a hatchback for a new homeowners trips to home depot...

Used WRX Wagon.

[r0tor]

Used WRX Wagon.

...but have no love for wagons...

[Cookie Monster]

...but have no love for wagons...

So you wouldn't take the much better looking WRX Wagon over the WRX hatch?

[r0tor]

So you wouldn't take the much better looking WRX Wagon over the WRX hatch?

looks are subjective...

[280Z Turbo]

suppose you wanted the versatility of a hatchback for a new homeowners trips to home depot...

[r0tor]

oh christ its the saabaru

[Eye of the Tiger]

suppose you wanted the versatility of a hatchback for a new homeowners trips to home depot...

Get an old beater pickup truck.

[CALL_911]

But he says it's too expensive.  So sub suggested he get a used 06.  What don't you get about that?

forgive me, reading comprehension was at a low when that post was made.

[the Teuton]

Bah!  Do yourself a favor and look for a Rabbit instead.  It has all the practicality you need and none of that sissiness of AWD.  AWD is for people who can't drive and want to be sedated from the road.

The Rabbit is a better car, and it has a better interior, too.

[CALL_911]

Bah!  Do yourself a favor and look for a Rabbit instead.  It has all the practicality you need and none of that sissiness of AWD.  AWD is for people who can't drive and want to be sedated from the road.

The Rabbit is a better car, and it has a better interior, too.

sigged

[280Z Turbo]

Get an old beater pickup truck.

+1

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/1276752844.html

That kind of truck will put hair on your chest.

[Raza]

Well, if you want sporty and AWD, you're probably not looking at the 2.5i. 

[Raza]

...but have no love for wagons...

So you don't like the good looking wagon but like the hideous hatch?  Get a rack and a box.

No accounting for taste, I suppose.  In any case, if you're going from the RX-8 to the 2.5i, you'll probably be bored within two minutes.  I don't think the 2.5i was updated much from 2008 to 2009, and the 2008 WRX was a steaming shitpile, so I doubt the 2.5i is even that good.  

Best way to find out if you'll like it is to drive it.  

[Raza]

sigged

He's right, you know. 

[Cookie Monster]

looks are subjective...

I suppose.

Still the wagon is much more practical than the hatch.

[CALL_911]

He's right, you know. 

About AWD in general? Ummmm lets not get into that...

About Rabbit>Impreza 2.5i? Yeah.

But him being right isn't why I sigged that.

[280Z Turbo]

I think I'd like AWD. We've had record low temps this summer, so this winter is likely to be hell.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I think I'd like AWD. We've had record low temps this summer, so this winter is likely to be hell.

I don't care for your climatological forecast.

[280Z Turbo]

I don't care for your climatological forecast.

I don't either, but I think Al Gore's post global warming ice age is finally here.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I don't either, but I think Al Gore's post global warming ice age is finally here.

In that case, you had better hope for an AWD Prius.

[AutobahnSHO]

hitch + small trailer ftw

[hotrodalex]

+1

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/1276752844.html

That kind of truck will put hair on your chest.

Don't forget the mandatory shotgun to put next to you on the seat.

[r0tor]

I think I'd like AWD. We've had record low temps this summer, so this winter is likely to be hell.

yes, this is the 3rd coldest summer ever in the northeast.  The top 3 previous record cold summers all had enormous amounts of snow the following winter.....

[Raza]

I'll take a snowy winter over an oppressive summer.  But, you know, I'm a man, so I'm not wishing I had AWD or anything.