Is it worth trading/selling MY06 WRX sedan to get a newer (2010-2013) sports hatchback (Focus ST/Scirocco)?

LEdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 14:08
Last edited 09/01/2018 - 15:25

Hi all,

First post here (have been reading and grabbing bargains for a while) :D

So, I own a manual MY06 WRX sedan and lately I've been driving a lot due to work and usual drives go for at least an hour.
I love the car and the sportiness, but it's really uncomfortable and can be a pain in terms of maintenenace, somtimes. On top of that, it uses a fair amount of fuel and the kms are going up fast. And because of this, I'm thinking of upgrading to something more comfortable. But, I don't want to give up the sportiness…

These are some of the options that I'm thinking of:

  • Ford Focust ST LW MKII (Approx $15k)
  • VW Scirocco R (Approx $22k) (Partner likes this more than the other two)
  • Mazda 3 MPS (Approx $17k)

One of the other things that I need to take into consideration is that my partner will be using my car as well, as she doesn't have a car atm. So Auto transmission is also an option (worst case scenario, I get a manual and then have to teach her to drive it).

I'm also 5'11" and have a lot of love for AWD sports cars. But willing to give it up for a good, comfortable, sporty, FWD car that can be driven daily.

Now the reason for this post is because I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this. And I'd also like to hear from people that own any of the above cars, and what they think of them, any downfalls, common issues, things that I should look out for when checking them out, etc.

And most importantly, is it worth it? Or should I wait a little more? As idealy, I'd like to sell/trade my WRX and then get another car.

I welcome all suggestions :D

Thanks in advanced!

Automotive

Comments

  • NEVERfullprice on 09/01/2018 - 14:39
    +1

    What are your thoughts on the Golf-R ? I would def go R over the three you have mentioned, auto has much kick as the manual once you go sports mode.

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 15:15

      Actually, I had no idea that the Golf R was in that price range. It's in my list now. Will have to do some more research on them soon.

  • Ryanek on 09/01/2018 - 14:52
    +1

    I think generally if you're in a position to do so, letting go of a 10+ car is worthwhile. Sentimentally aside, a more modern car is safer and will need less maintenance.

    How about a Subaru BRZ?

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 15:17

      Yeah, I've been thinking of upgrading for a few months now. I like the BRZ, but the fact that it's weak and has no forced induction hurts my heart everytime… because they're really nice.. lol

      • Ryanek on 09/01/2018 - 15:28
        +1

        Ah fair enough :) I prefer a solid NA engine myself. I miss my old Integra DC2 every day.

        • Oz8argain on 09/01/2018 - 15:37
          +1

          Edward said that he needs to drive an hour for work, I heard BRZs are not comfortable for long distance.

        • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 22:30

          I feel you though.. The best engine I've ever had the pleasure of owning was a K24A3 in an 05 Accord Euro. One solid engine, I'll tell you that.

        • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 22:32

          @Oz8argain:I wouldn't have assumed otherwise tbh. It's meant to be a sports car I guess..

  • tomsco on 09/01/2018 - 15:13
    +2

    You may know, and the Focus you're looking at may not be an affected model, but there were serious transmission issues with the Focus around the end of your time frame (2012/13).

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 15:19

      Damn, really? I haven't done a lot of research to be honest. That changes things a fair bit. The ones I had been looking at were the LW MKII. So, before the face lifted LZ.

      Cheers for that. I'll dig into it more.

      • CMH on 09/01/2018 - 18:52
        +3

        AFAIK transmission issues were in the PowerShit transmission, which should affect the auto only.

        • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 22:28

          I just did a quick google search and it seems that there were PowerShift issues like you said. But not only that, the manual Focus ST also had syncros issues and some people on some forums mentioned that they had gone through 4 gearboxes due to it… Sounds like the ST is going off the list lol

  • GG57 on 09/01/2018 - 15:14
    +2

    The WRX is a collectors item (like early Minis etc); as long as it is in reasonable condition you should find a buyer reasonably easy.
    For a replacement, consider if the cars you are looking at are auto but with manual shift available (i.e. paddle or stick). If not, there is little value in going for a sporty car with auto, in my view.

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 09/01/2018 - 15:23

      That's what I was thinking. Because with all honesty, I take good care of it. The main issues are cosmetics, mainly due to age.

      In regards to auto, I'm definitely looking for paddle shifting rather than just a plain old auto.

      In reallity, either manual or a sports auto transmission are fine with me, as I can teach my partner to drive manual. It's just less of a headache to get a sports auto lol

  • gork on 10/01/2018 - 12:52
    +1

    If you're after comfort then I would consider a GTI or R over a Scirocco.

    I owned a Scirocco but the stiff suspension and drone from the exhaust made long drives fatiguing. I know it is not a ‘practical’ car but the small boot opening was also frustrating at times. With all that said I still believe it to be one of the nicest looking cars <$50k on the road.

    I’ve gone back to a Golf R. Not as pretty but ticks all the boxes.

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 10/01/2018 - 15:07

      I think that if I get an auto, it will at least be more comfortable than a manual.

      But what do you think of them in terms of reliability, insurance, and maintenance/running costs? (both Golf R and Scirocco).

      • gork on 10/01/2018 - 16:48
        +1

        DSG is definitely the way to go. Sounds great and shifts are super quick. Slow driving is not as smooth as a traditional auto though, but you learn to adapt.

        If you're looking at a Mk 6 Golf R then you'll find that the drivetrain is almost identical to the Scirocco with the exception of the AWD system on the Golf. Servicing and running costs would therefore be very similar between the two. Can't comment on insurance costs as I have a Mk 7 R.

        I'm not aware of any specific reliability concerns with either car. There were issues with the dry clutch DSG units used in the low torque VW vehicles however the wet clutch DSGs in the GTIs, Rs, and the Scirocco are fine.

        • EdwardTriggerHands on 10/01/2018 - 22:37

          Hmmm I've heard mixed reviews about DSG, some good and some bad. But I'd love to drive one tbh.

          At the moment, MK6 Golf R is within the budget. I'll just have to keep digging and doing research, I guess.

          Really appreciate the input, mate. :D

  • Tech and cars on 10/01/2018 - 16:46
    +1

    1.8T Audi A3 8V Ambition - can be had for $20-25k. It's FWD but such a fun car! It's a GTI - also ea888 engine. Stage 1 ecu tune makes these cars so good value for money.

    8p Audi S3 - $20k - this would be my pick! Comfy/fun too!

    Service intervals become every 15,000 km's instead of 5,000 km's in your rex.

    Golf GTI/R is also a very good way to go ! :) I personally prefer the GTI than the R because that additional 150kg really comes through for the AWD/handling.

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 10/01/2018 - 22:46

      Honestly, I'd love to get an S3. I've always been dazzled with the way the RS3 and S3 hatchbacks look and drive. But I guess budget and reliability/maintenance costs will be a factor.

      For some reason, I'm not too fond of the GTI… I know they're great cars but Idk what it is. Just not for me, I guess.

      • Tech and cars on 11/01/2018 - 09:59
        +1

        From a spare parts/maintenance perspective the S3 and Golf R, are identical cars. They both same gen 2.0T with K04 Turbo, same transmission, brakes. They differ a little bit in suspension and body stiffness (where the golf outperforms the Audi, and the Audi is more 'comfortable').

        You can get them serviced at 'euro car specialists', so many around brisbane. I'm sure there are heaps in your capital city and the services are between $250-300 for a minor. $550-700 for a major.

        Budget - the 8P generation(2008-2012), are around the $18-25k at the moment (Shared parts with mk6 golf r).

        As an ozbargainer in the second hand market, the audi is much better value for money. I find not as many people look at them when they look at the R. So you get them for a bit cheaper, for the equivalent options that come with the car! :)

        Either way - keep us in the loop. It will be interesting to know what you decide on!

        https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Audi-S3-2009/SSE…
        - something like this would be great! :)

        • EdwardTriggerHands on 11/01/2018 - 16:03

          Are you secretly promoting your own car that you're trying to sell? Wink wink nudge nudge ;) hahaha JK

          I'll be honest, that does seem like something I'd love to own and drive.

          My heart tells me S3.
          My pocket tells me GTI.
          My partner tells me Scirocco xD.
          My brain tells me 2004 Camry and invest the extra money into marraige/house/etc and then upgrade to a newer S3 in a couple of years time.

          1st world problems… Hahaha

          No matter what I decide, I won't be buying any time soon. Unless my car sells really fast… But I'll definitely update this when it happens :D

  • trevbreak on 11/01/2018 - 09:45

    Golf GTI is the master of what you're after (fun on the weekend, but predominantly a practical and comfortable daily)

    A nice, clean, low km MKVI would be my suggestion.

    • EdwardTriggerHands on 11/01/2018 - 16:05

      Like I said in my earlier reply, the price is what's attracting me to it. Nothing else, unfortunately. Although, I'll admit, it seems to be the one with most of the things I'm looking for.

      One downfall is that a lot that I've seen on carsales are owned by P Platers…

      • SPCTRE on 11/01/2018 - 23:01
        +1

        A legal turbo car P platers are allow to drive. It's the new Honda integra/civic/s2k

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