Also don't laugh, but I think a Mini Cooper is more fun than an STi. Have you considered a Clubman?

 

about the freeway merging, as long as you don't downshifting to second, I don't see the problem. I drove a 1900 civic (90hp stock? and less considering it was worn) for a year and had no problems.

however, from a stop its a different story though...

 

I've thought about it - hard to find in stick used, but definitely a thought - thanks.

[QUOTE]

 

<----Previously owned STi.

For someone looking to move a family around and have some sportyness I would say MS3. I test drove one and you're right, it doesn't handle as sharply as the STi or the S2k. However, as a pure daily driver it fits the bill. Especially since you admittedly won't be tracking it. A more comfortable ride on a daily occurence will make you much happier than a stiff ride. You can always upgrade swaybars on the MS3 to tighten handling some and FWD is more than capable in snowy conditions.

 

sti > ms3

and i own an ms3

 

I can't attest to the STI's long term durability, as I am only at 9500 miles. I have not had any problems thus far, and the car survived One Lap of America without so much as a hiccup.

A word of warning: do NOT expect an STI to be "as fun to drive" as your S2000. It isn't even close. It is a much more comfortable, useable, agreeable, tolerable car in terms of a daily driver.

My STI is modified, and although it would crush my S2000 in any kind of performance test, the fun factor just isn't up to par. There is simply no replacement for light weight and agile handling. Bottom line- the S2000, while gutless in comparison, still manages to put a bigger smile on my face. If I had to choose, I would definitely prefer to have a winter car/daily-driver AND the S2000, as opposed to just the STI alone. Now if that other car has to be a CRV or anything even remotely similar to that, then forget it!

Find a good babysitter, keep your S2000, and drive it every chance you get! CKit obviously knows exactly what I am talking about, since he suggested the Mini. If you must consolidate and go to a single car, the STI is a solid option all around. Just don't buy into the hype!

 

I was cross shopping both cars last October and ended up buying a 09 MS3 GT for a good price. The price savings was one of the biggest factors, as it was right before they had really aggressive pricing on the STI. Also, living in Texas the AWD was not that big of a factor. For the 20K you were quoted, the MS3 Sport is very hard to beat. I also prefer the current styling over the 2010 MS3.

Now, the MS3 has right over 10K miles and I've also had zero problems with it. It's been a very fun and practical car (even the glove box is large enough to put a laptop in). You can't go wrong either way, as the STI is also an outstanding car, just look to spend probably at least 7-8k more. Stock vs stock they are very similar in acceleration.

The 09 WRX seems to be a good deal also and you might be able to pick one up for thousands less than the STI. From what I've read it seems to be an impressive performer (never driven one). Good luck and let us know what you get.

 

Evo and a roof rack.

 

[QUOTE=psychophd,Jul 20 2009, 10:01 AM]
Could you expand?

 

Just a heads up, I think it might be a little hard to get the kind of pricing that rwheelz got. During the 0% financing promo, they also had a ~$7k+ off MSRP promo going on, so that made it a lot easier for us to get those low prices. I'm not saying it's impossible, but even the dealer I got mine at that had some left over and wouldn't sell one to my friend for close to that discount just a week after the promo was over.

Also, as for comfort, I'd have to say it's a pretty comfortable car. It's WAY less jarring than my father's stock '06 WRX wagon. If it's a daily and you're using it to transport your child around, I wouldn't say that's a bad thing at all.

Finally, my GR has just less than 7k miles on it so I can't say anything about reliability. But I know many, many people with Subarus and they haven't had any problems. My father's WRX has ~120k miles on it and it's still going strong. If my piston #4 goes kaboom, well, I'm relatively confident that Subaru would cover it under warranty, if that's any consolation.