Downgrading from an m3 to...?

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by bsmack

So in my forum lurking, I found this. If this chart is true, that means a simple stage 1 tune before ANY hooning/hitting boost would fix the issue (at the expense of fuel economy):

You can be sure that if the problem on these STIs was just the tune, Subaru would have taken care of that a long time ago, like they did with the first year of the WRX 265!

[bsmack]

Originally Posted by Alex07M3

You can be sure that if the problem on these STIs was just the tune, Subaru would have taken care of that a long time ago, like they did with the first year of the WRX 265!

Apparently the stock tune was made this way to meet EPA requirements...not saying any of this is true, just regurgitating what I've been reading elsewhere! That being said I befriended someone in my area with 2 MRs and I should be checking them out this weekend.

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by bsmack

I stand to save a considerable amount per month since it's a new loan and the car is under $40k. That being said, you're absolutely right, I should be looking for a used car, but then again, I'm the guy that bought an e92 m3 before buying a house

Don't let a pesky little thing like a house change your priorities.

If you end up actually letting go of the M3, like Dave mentioned I might consider a Mustang GT. You can find one a couple years old with a couple thousand miles for pretty cheap, and it's as fast as our M3's (at least stock).

Too bad there is no BRZ STi.

[Amirsm3]

I'd get the STi. Get the EVO MR if you don't mind letting go of the manual.

[Gfunk720]

Originally Posted by bsmack

So in my forum lurking, I found this. If this chart is true, that means a simple stage 1 tune before ANY hooning/hitting boost would fix the issue (at the expense of fuel economy):

This is the issue right here. Nothing on the EJ257 has really changed much since it's introduction in the 2004. There was supposedly some bad batches of rings in the MY2008 cars, but most failure are a result of detonation due to the crap stock tune.

I had 2 Subaru's before my M3 and racked up over 100k miles. The stock STI block was still running strong with a GT3076R on it when I sold it(though it was a 2005).

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

The Mustang was almost 2 sec. a lap faster than the Evo...I would choose the Mustang in a heartbeat. Also, you can get Recaros in the Mustang as well now. Not to mention the interior is no worse than it is in a Lancer.

Dave

If all you are looking at numbers, then the Mustang is a good deal.

I've driven the 5.0 and read many reviews... the car may be fast but it lacks any feeling and it is really a huge land yacht of a car when it comes to handling. The only reason it is faster is sheer power and grip. Otherwise the steering has no feeling, the car floats over the road, poor ergonomics and visibility stinks. A good handling car is about more than just lap times! An Evo easily feels 10x sportier and sharper to drive than the Mustang.

[JRV]

Sorry if I didn't see already but are you letting go of the M3 because you need downpayment or you want to make room for the payments, keeping it low? This is a genuine question because I am in process of about to move soon to a house from my condo and I was able to figure out his dilemma as well and keep the M3.

[bsmack]

Originally Posted by JRV

Sorry if I didn't see already but are you letting go of the M3 because you need downpayment or you want to make room for the payments, keeping it low? This is a genuine question because I am in process of about to move soon to a house from my condo and I was able to figure out his dilemma as well and keep the M3.

My mortgage amount approval will be significantly higher if I lower my car payment. I already have the deposit for the price range I'm looking for. Did you get an FHA loan?

[Petros]

Originally Posted by Z K

If all you are looking at numbers, then the Mustang is a good deal.

I've driven the 5.0 and read many reviews... the car may be fast but it lacks any feeling and it is really a huge land yacht of a car when it comes to handling. The only reason it is faster is sheer power and grip. Otherwise the steering has no feeling, the car floats over the road, poor ergonomics and visibility stinks. A good handling car is about more than just lap times! An Evo easily feels 10x sportier and sharper to drive than the Mustang.

I totally agree! I test drove a couple of them and felt exactly like you said!

[JRV]

Sorry I should have been more clear as I was rushing the post. We will be looking for a house soon (next few months) but not in the process of a loan just yet since I have to sell this place first. Ok so you are talking about your debt/income ratio being low as possible to get approved for a higher loan. No I am not looking to do FHA but going to do the 20 down 30 yrs. Some real good deals out there, rates low, good time to buy still for sure. Not familiar with the market by you but around here some million dollar homes 7-8 years ago are asking for half that price now!

[bsmack]

So after a little thinking, I think I'll be trying to acquire a 2015 Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition. Lightly used STI's in my area go for ~32k, so for 5k more I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing that the car will be babied from a low mileage. Cobb Stage 1 will hit the car as soon as it comes out, but in the mean time I will try my very hardest to stay off boost

The primary reason I've decided this against the Evo MR is the fact that Mitsubishi might be leaving the US in a few years. I really don't want to deal with the mess of getting parts for a car. Also the insurance rates seem to be lower. The general consensus is that the new STI handles just as well as the MR (they finally caught up!). I know I'll never make as much power, but I'm ok with that

Thanks everyone for your advice! I'm kind of excited to go back to a manual. I also love the fact that on the Subie forums people seem to think a major shortcoming of the car is the MPG...we all know that will be a minor upgrade for me!

[scutts]

Originally Posted by bsmack

So after a little thinking, I think I'll be trying to acquire a 2015 Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition. Lightly used STI's in my area go for ~32k, so for 5k more I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing that the car will be babied from a low mileage. Cobb Stage 1 will hit the car as soon as it comes out, but in the mean time I will try my very hardest to stay off boost

The primary reason I've decided this against the Evo MR is the fact that Mitsubishi might be leaving the US in a few years. I really don't want to deal with the mess of getting parts for a car. Also the insurance rates seem to be lower. The general consensus is that the new STI handles just as well as the MR (they finally caught up!). I know I'll never make as much power, but I'm ok with that

Thanks everyone for your advice! I'm kind of excited to go back to a manual. I also love the fact that on the Subie forums people seem to think a major shortcoming of the car is the MPG...we all know that will be a minor upgrade for me!

Nice! I think you'll enjoy the car. That launch edition will hold its value like no other. I bought 2011 sti hatch for 34k, had it for a year and a half about 7k miles, traded in for an M3 for 31.5k! You keep your miles low on your sti and dare I say it's a car that's worth holding onto.

[Golddots]

I like the scion FRS/ brz . if I didn't have two kids I'd have one. Power isn't everything.

[Koldun]

You'll just end up missing it and trying to buy another one within the year. Do not resist the M.

[hieu1004]

I owned the 2011 STi and loved every minute of it.

Mine was mostly stock, but with an exhaust system and a simple stage 1 tune. The tune alone smoothened out the power band, made it an overall better car and gave me an additional 50+ whp and 50+ wtq.

There are some days that I really miss it, even after owning my e92 m3.

[ChrisF]

If you haven't already locked down your choice, what about the Golf R? I owned one for a year before my M. Great car. By far a much better and more German interior than the STi and EVO. Performance is really good and with a tune, you're at 300hp. It can also haul a ton of gear (I used to haul my GT3 wheels in it). My guess is performance is closer to the STi than EVO.

I have owned by an EVO (VIII), a WRX and an STi. The Suby's felt a cheap. The EVO was OMFG fun. I think it lost a little character when they redesigned for the X though.

Best of luck

[Alex07M3]

OP, take a look at the new Audi S3, it starts at the same price as a loaded STI but it makes a much better daily driver, and it will be much more fun outside of a race circuit! The car weight only 1450kg and come with ~325hp and DCT, it should be about as fast as a stg2 STI right out of the box, it should have a much better fuel mileage and a far more reliable engine! Also just a tune will make miracles on this engine!

[happos2]

If you are looking at an STi, I would opt for the WRX instead. The difference between the two doesn't justify the price difference in my opinion.

That S3 looks very nice above.

[Genericuser1]

If you do decide on an STI get a new one and have a good, conservative protune put on it. I'd even say add meth but don't tune for meth to avoid any chance of detonation. A bad tank of gas or two and you can crack a ringland.

Guess how I got into a convertible M3 in the winter (didn't plan on it).

In terms of comfort it would be a large step down. In term of performance a stage two feels as fast as an M3 (at least the heavier vert). Probably the extra 50lbs ft of tq.

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by Genericuser1

If you do decide on an STI get a new one and have a good, conservative protune put on it. I'd even say add meth but don't tune for meth to avoid any chance of detonation. A bad tank of gas or two and you can crack a ringland.

Guess how I got into a convertible M3 in the winter (didn't plan on it).

In terms of comfort it would be a large step down. In term of performance a stage two feels as fast as an M3 (at least the heavier vert). Probably the extra 50lbs ft of tq.

In fact my STI stg2 even felt faster then my e92, in reality the STI was not far behind but the torque made it look like it was in front! My STI trapped 110mph, my M3 111mph, and I'm sure my STI was right beside until +100mph! Those little Subys are fast with simple bolt-ons and tune but the engine is just not built strong enough!

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Alex07M3

In fact my STI stg2 even felt faster then my e92, in reality the STI was not far behind but the torque made it look like it was in front! My STI trapped 110mph, my M3 111mph, and I'm sure my STI was right beside until +100mph! Those little Subys are fast with simple bolt-ons and tune but the engine is just not built strong enough!

That means it's time to go with a Cosworth block

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

That means it's time to go with a Cosworth block

Yeah well, that was 3 years ago, I decided to move to the M3 instead, never had problem since then!

But a guy I know did that last year, after 3 blown engines(including one with forged internals), he decided to go with a Cosworth block, $17k if I remember well, I think the car is doing great since then!