If you were late to the party, feel free to ignore the following, I blew my budget and initial goals by buying a Corvette Stingray.

So I have been thinking a lot lately about replacing the WRX. I don't have any specific complaints about it but it just doesn't move me lately.

Pros of the WRX
Righteously fast
Decent handling, its no s2000 but it knows its way around a corner
Proven practicality, the number of things we have hauled in the WRX is too many to list, its a beater really because it plays truck duty a lot of the time.

Cons of the WRX
Interior, while perfectly usable, the interior relies almost entirely on hard plastic. This wouldn't be so bad except it is mega rattly
Fuel Economy, I don't drive very much anymore (less than 5000 miles per vehicle) but I do get tired of seeing MPG in the teens on the readout.
Features, when I bought my wrx I thought it was pretty well equipped but I am ready for a truly well equipped car.

I am in no rush to replace it, so anything coming out in the next calendar year is game too.

Must haves:
5 door body style with room for 4 adults. Seats must fold relatively flat, the more space the better.
Around $30,000 or less. Flexible but definitely under 35k.

Preferences:
Leather Seats (or at least Leatherette)
Manual Transmission
Decent Fuel Economy (vague I know but almost anything would be better than the WRX)

Here is the list so far:

Ford Focus ST- A full loaded ST has a lot of features that I want plus they are way fun to drive. I have concerns about resale value and build quality. Spending some time on their forums it sounds like the build quality is inconsistent. Some people complain of rattles after not very many miles. Still the front runner (the only one I have driven)

2014 Mazda 3 2.5 Hatchback- very excited to test drive one of these. Excellent FE, BMW-ish interior, lots of options, decent power from the 2.5l (185hp) and supposedly available in 6MT sometime soon.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI/GTD/GTI/Sportwagen - The 7th generation golf is due out early next year. Not sure what I would go for but the new styling is sharp. A diesel would be nice but the fuel savings is largely offset by the high price of diesel (at lest here in CA). I particularly like the upcoming Sportwagen (golf variant). VWs have nice interiors and standard features not found on other cars. The new generation has a few new engines and is supposedly stiffer and lighter.

Acura TSX Wagon - I think I have mostly ruled this out due to its lackluster hp to weight ratio and the auto only option but I still would like to test drive it because I think it is very attractive and looks very comfortable.

BMW X1 - I would like to drive one of these because they have been described as a 3 series wagon. The nice thing about BMW is no Maint or repair costs for 4 years. Auto only but supposedly a great 8 speed. Turbo 4 is kind of a downer (compared to BMW signature inline 6)

So what am I missing on the test drive list?

 

I'd go with the Focus ST! Like I mentioned in my thread they are a blast to drive, get good MPG, excellent interior with the ST3 package, plenty fast (slower than your WRX I'm sure though) and are cheap! But I would test drive all the cars on your list and then see what you like. If you already have the S2000 then I think the WRX or Focus ST would be the perfect DD.

 

if you are looking at the X1 i would also look at the Acura RDX.

 

Yeah, I know I like it, I actually have test driven one (it was a short test drive) but it seems like a really nice given the rebates/dealers willingness to bargain (a fully loaded ST3 with and MSRP of 29750 can be had for well under 25k). I am afraid to go test drive one again before I check out some other stuff, I might get weak willed and buy it.

The thing is that the BMW theoretically starts around my price cap at 30900 and it looks like the RDX is 34,500 for the lowest trim. Both are probably too expensive (its hard to find a BMW with no options on a dealer lot).

 

Look for slightly used. I saw a x1 28 with premium only and 14k miles sell for 30k.

You can get used rdx awd with tech for around $34-35k

 

That's some range. Want to be more specific on your needs/wants?

 

I am a car addict so nothing that is crap to drive obviously. Truthfully a nice 5-door with a manual transmission for under 30k is hard to find. Audi has pretty much turned their back on US hatchback lovers. BMW only offers the 3 series hatchback in AWD automatic trim (starting at 40k). Caddy CTS starts at 42k and thats not even the V.

 

Would you really be happy going from a Practical TURBO AWD WRX to a FWD Mazda 3 2.5?

Seems like there would be a good possibility to get rid of the car in a couple years.. .

I'd think you would at least want the a Turbo FWD.

Maybe save more money and wait for a 2015 Golf R. You should be able to get one for $37K.

 

I know it SOUNDS CRAZY but truthfully we have an s2000 for fun only and the WRX only needs to be practical. we have zero need for AWD here in Sacramento. It never snows unless you go up to Tahoe and even then most people get by the chains.

The new Mazda3 looks crazy nice inside and out and the fully loaded models have a ton of cool tech. 185hp at 3000 lbs shouldn't be too pokey. Just for reference I thought for a second that a FWD 117hp Fit could replace the WRX! The seating in those sucks though, non adjustable up and down and no support! Would have saved me a ton of money though.

It would be nice if the S2000 could be the fast car in our stable. I might be in the minority here but NA power curve over Turbo power curve any day.

Another thing that is leading me to think I should sell is that in 3 years the WRX has only lost 2-3k dollars in value and you can't take advantage of good resale like that unless you sell.

 

If you will consider used you might find the black swan VW Passat Wagon in a stick shift. My father has an '08 Passat wagon manual. Very nice car. I'm sorry they no longer sell them here as I don't want an SUV but I want a 5 door and preferably one bigger than the Focus/Mazda3 sized things.