The car I should get is a WRX or a Tacoma. Change my mind.

I've heard of way too many problems with the WRX to recommend it; which is a shame because on paper it seems like a great car for people like you. The fact that you are considering a truck at all seems like reason enough to not get a Type R. The R is a polar opposite vehicle from a truck. I've driven Tacomas as well as other trucks and I can never imagine myself using one as a daily driver without a sports car of some sort on the side. Many people are not like me though and don't mind forgoing a fun driving experience in the name of more utility.

If you are young and looking to save money and go on trips, I'd recommend you check out the Civic Hatch and consider the Hondata flash if you want a little more power.

MonkeyConQueso said:

I had this same problem in the 2015 WRX I had, and the dealer just laughed it off since there were no codes and just said "It's a turbo, there's turbo lag! I know you want to go fast, but this is how turbos work!". I don't think they understood what was happening, and I didn't go back to them for maintenance after that. No other dealer could reproduce (in their short drives) or tell me what was happening.

I don't miss that thing.

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Did you by chance pump 91? The car is very sensitive to lower octane gas and will pull timing immediately to prevent knock. The owners manual says that 87 is OK to use, so the knock sensors are very sensitive. The WRX really needs 93 to run properly.

remc86007 said:

I've heard of way too many problems with the WRX to recommend it; which is a shame because on paper it seems like a great car for people like you. The fact that you are considering a truck at all seems like reason enough to not get a Type R. The R is a polar opposite vehicle from a truck. I've driven Tacomas as well as other trucks and I can never imagine myself using one as a daily driver without a sports car of some sort on the side. Many people are not like me though and don't mind forgoing a fun driving experience in the name of more utility.

If you are young and looking to save money and go on trips, I'd recommend you check out the Civic Hatch and consider the Hondata flash if you want a little more power.

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What problems specifically? All cars have problems, even the CTR. The fact that a small amount of CTR owners are getting their transmission replaced isn't something I'd overlook. No car is perfect.

I currently own both a 15+ WRX and the CTR. I don't have any issues bashing either cars.

ayau said:

Did you by chance pump 91? The car is very sensitive to lower octane gas and will pull timing immediately to prevent knock. The owners manual says that 87 is OK to use, so the knock sensors are very sensitive. The WRX really needs 93 to run properly.

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93 (Charlotte, NC) & 92 (Seattle, WA). Basically the highest octane I could find in both locations and it happened in both places. If the knock sensors were going nuts, one would think that a datalog pull would show that? (I honestly don't know, it's not a rhetorical question).

The specifics were, give it a smooth application of gas, and let the clutch out smoothly & fully. When the issue arose, throttle input would do nothing to adjust fuel delivery, thus causing the car to creep along. This happened while warm, cold, full tank, low tank, etc... "resolving" it would mean pushing the clutch back in, blipping the throttle hard, then accelerating like normal again which would work. The only times I could make it not happen was to jam the throttle to ~2500RPM, and slip the clutch to get a smooth launch. Doing that always was not comfortable.

This made pulling from intersections, drive ways, and stop and go traffic an miserable experience when it happened.

P.S.: I didn't sell the WRX because I hated it, I sold it because my ex was on the loan and figured instead of getting a used-car refinance, I'd just clear out of the car entirely as it made more financial sense from an interest standpoint. I didn't realize how bad the transmission treated me normally until I stepped in the CTR. Traffic in it is just so much easier to handle. I just don't miss the WRX.

why ask stupid questions?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Sorry for the late replies guys, been working the past couple of days! First off, I'm overwhelmed at the replies of this forum, lots of wisdom and overall genuine help here.

sysjl said:

Have you actually test driven any of these vehicles? I thought I wanted a WRX but I hated how it drove. Also, I'm not exactly about that vape life lol. Test driving each of the cars will definitely let you know if it's something you want. Also, why not a Kia Stinger GT? It's good for cruising since you are going to be doing travel assignments, it's a hatch, really spacious and it's quite comfortable. Also, twin turbo v6.

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I've test driven all of them! I liked the WRX but I didn't love it, the interior was SO lacking when compared to the CTR or even just a regular Civic for that matter. I liked all of the "luxury" (unnecessary) features like leather, heated seats, adaptive headlights etc. but overall, it just didn't put a grin on my face like the CTR did. The Stinger seemed like a good option but I'm looking to get a good old-fashioned MT before they start getting phased out by CVT. I'm also partial to Japanese cars and aesthetically, it is definitely badass but it the design seems "off".

marcopolo said:

Your camping must be way different than mine. No way I could take my Honda where I go camping. Nor could I load it up with gear like I do in my Tacoma.

You are young. If you had all 3 in your driveway, which do you think you would drive more often? (As stated above, test drive them all) I doubt it would be the Tacoma.

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I recently just did Zion and I did Yosemite last year and I feel like a CTR would've done fine. And yeah, I would probably pick the CTR over and over. Again, no snow in San Diego (although it rains every so often). And the Tacoma would really seem of most help with MTB and during long-hauls. I just drove the Tacoma yesterday and compared to my Civic, the windshield seems so damn small and parking was definitely cumbersome. I did dig the overall utility aspect and the massive clearance - didn't have to think twice about dips or potholes.

Almostfast said:

I HATED my 2016 wrx. granted they improved the god-awful stereo since then, but between the crappy gritty transmission, the rev-hang, and the Jeremy Clarkson programmed throttle, it was a royal bitch to drive daily in ANY traffic.

wrx FA20DIT also has probably the worst direct injection intake gumming of all time. It also had more road noise than any car I've ever owned.

do what you want, but I would rather have a type R

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Yeah, from my experience with WRX/STis so far, it seems like the "nitty gritty" option out of all the hot hatches given it's rally inspiration. I used to like that but after seeing the CTR (and all other Civics) and the GTI, the interior just makes you wanting more.

KoukiVAB said:

I was in market for a hot hatch/sport compact sedan. After test driving a few, I bought a STI.
6 months later, here I am driving a CTR lol.

It's all about personal preference. I couldn't live with something that's not a hatchback.
While I loved that boxer rumble, I hated how thirsty that thing was.

CTR was the only other option I had in my mind, so this happened.
I would love to have other options such as i30N, Megane RS, M140i, Cupra and all that, but nope, not for US residents

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Yeah, definitely another reason why I wouldn't buy an STi right now. That EJ is definitely on its way out and my buddy with a 2017 STi Limited is averaging about 14-16 mpg on his. Coming from my '07 Civic with 29/35 (I think).

batman900 said:

OP hasn't replied since his post but I'll comment since I've owned both vehicles he's considering outside the R. All vehicles were stock and never abused.

2015 WRX, more issues than I can remember, there was a recall for the stock tune because of extreme knock causing it to pull all power, this was really bad on on-ramps and trying to pass, wouldn't start sometimes without 5+ tries, burned oil, sometimes wouldn't go into first gear, wouldn't go into reverse sometimes and I had to roll the car back or forward to get the gear in.

2016 WRX, thought my 2015 was just a lemon. Most 2015 issues resolved but this one when hot outside would go into limp mode when accelerating from a stop, no warning lights or codes so the dealer couldn't help me. This was extremely dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic and after a day of taking my daughter to the movies and a couple near misses I said screw that car.

2017 Tacoma SR5 V6. I actually really liked that truck, got me 18-21 mpg average, comfortable ride, zero real issues. My main complaint was that it was so down on power I had to keep it in 5th gear on the highway when there was a head wind and shift down to 4th for mild hills. Like it seriously has no power...... at all..... Got rid of it because it was the first time I've ever leased and didn't understand leasing or the interest rates that leases translate into and got screwed.

The CTR, whelp I haven't been lucky enough to find one locally at MSRP yet. I did have an EX hatch before my Si and the MPG, reliability and utility of that car was fantastic. I made many Lowes runs in my hatch and loaded it with hundreds of pounds of gravel and sand bags without issues, the squat wasn't bad at all. Averaged 38 mpg with zero issues. One day I even loaded 10.5 foot gutters from the passenger floor to rear glass with an inch to spare.... Amazing !!!! The only thing I missed was a manual trans, at the time sport hatches were rare and I couldn't find one so I picked up my Si. To me, with the utility of my EX hatch and capabilities of the R would be the absolute ideal car. I'll have one eventually.

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This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks for the all the good insight. I've heard WRXs are good for the most mart but it's not unheard of to get a "miss".

ChrisB said:

One tip, since you're in So-Cal you might want to find someone in their group that will let you test drive if they're kind enough. Also, since you're in California you might have better luck finding one near MSRP outside of the state.

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Yeah, I've accepted that fact so far. Honda of Mission Valley is still doing auctions and Ball Honda in National City is doing $4k ADM; Subaru isn't revising the WRX/STi until MY2020/21. I've got time lol.

EricDET said:

Coming from a 2017 WRX. The CTR is an all around better car. Better daily driver so far as well.

WRX feels ancient compared to the CTR. AWD is the only plus even though it is Open Diff on both ends. Blah.

My WRX was a good solid car. But the CTR is much better in every category. Including driving experience.

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Thanks for pitting my two exact cars I'm considering, I figured there would be at least one. I literally feel the exact same way (just from test driving).

ChrisB said:

I definitely agree with the others that say test drive the cars first. I thought I wanted a WRX for my wife and then I went and test drove one and wow, it just doesn't have the power you'd think that it does. If anything I'd suggest an STI over a WRX. I also thought I would want a Chevy Colorado ZR2, test drove one, and was disappointed. The only way to really know what you want is to get in the seat and try it out. The Type R might be a little more difficult to test drive because dealers are iffy about it. I was able to test drive mine after letting them run my credit. I traded in my Evo X for the CTR and it was definitely worth it. The Evo was great, but the CTR is using today's technology.

Also, CTR can carry your toys.

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Luckily, I have gotten to test drive it. It was on a Ford lot, got traded in for an RS. Had 900 miles on it so what was a couple more? Especially when they were asking for $42k for it ...

And THANKS for that image, I'm definitely gonna need a rack and this is the first image I've seen with one on! Stoked.

lawl said:

Wonder where OP went.

I'm in San Diego. You can have a look around my car if you want and test drive. Buy me a burrito from Yesenia's and we'll call it good.

PM me if you're interested.

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Thanks for the offer but I would rather not have to replace your clutch, haha. Luckily I've already test driven in which was got me into this conundrum in the first place. Do you drive a AEB or RR by any chance?

Really it comes down to budget an availability. The Sti and Type R are both fun cars. Can't go wrong with either.

Type R is lighter, has a lighter clutch, taller gears, and more tech
STi is AWD with amazing aftermarket support and still has an easy to drive transmission.

ez12a said:

if OP ever returns, as you say yourself, you take other people's cars. Why start now?

I'm also in CA, I used to go skiing regularly but snow is so unpredictable now--and I always take other peoples' cars anyway as well.

Depending on how much you go mountain biking and where you go, it'll be mostly on paved roads. I have yet to have any issues with pot holes *knock on wood* and I just keep the suspension in comfort mode mostly.

Aside from being FWD, there's no reason to get the CTR over any of the other cars, and you'll do ok on gas (which is also going up) too.

Being able to fit a Large crate in the back with the seats folded down for my 64lb dog was very nice.

Are you going to be driving cross country to other states for work or just flying out there and storing your car?

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Thanks for the insight. This is pretty much my mentality of why I'm steadily drifting away from the WRX. I would like to think I would pony up the cash and ship the car - I think my employers would cover it. So yeah, probably ship and fly, in theory.

remc86007 said:

I've heard of way too many problems with the WRX to recommend it; which is a shame because on paper it seems like a great car for people like you. The fact that you are considering a truck at all seems like reason enough to not get a Type R. The R is a polar opposite vehicle from a truck. I've driven Tacomas as well as other trucks and I can never imagine myself using one as a daily driver without a sports car of some sort on the side. Many people are not like me though and don't mind forgoing a fun driving experience in the name of more utility.

If you are young and looking to save money and go on trips, I'd recommend you check out the Civic Hatch and consider the Hondata flash if you want a little more power.

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Damn, yeah, I've always heard of Subaru's reliability but the WRX seems to miss that mark more than the others, probably due to what kind of situations WRX drivers put the car through. Yeah, I drove a Tacome the other day, I'd love the use of it but I feel like I wouldn't enjoy it as a car for DD (large, gas, small windshield IMO etc.). Also, I'd be the guy with the truck so on top of the medical advice questions I get on occasion, I'd probably get asked to move a couple couches.

TonyD said:

I hope I can help as my last two vehicles were exactly what you are suggesting!

Well almost.... my last car was an STI hatch. I live in snowy MA and lived through winter. For CA I would definitely suggest the CTR over a WRX or even an STI. Its somehow just more fun to drive, better seats etc. The STI is easily modded though if that is your thing. As stated the tech is OLD. The car always sounded like there was a can of nickels rolling around in the back.

Mileage is way better the CTR. Hatch is no longer available and they never offered a sunroof in the STI hatch. Heated seats are great and I miss them but you won't.

My vehicle before that was a 2008 taco. I have always been lucky, as my wife and I were able to make out vehicles a complete "set" that worked together. When I had the Taco she had a Corolla. We used hers when we needed good mileage and easy drives. We used the truck when we needed to haul stuff or go biking.

I really loved the Tacoma for many years BUT..... they are dog slow. They use the same engine from 1975 with no plans to change it. It is kind of fun to drive especially because they still make it in a 6sp manual I believe. Once the initial excitement wears off though it really is a utility truck. It drives like a truck, handles like a truck and accelerates like a barge.

Tossing my bike in the back was nice but removing the front wheel and stuffing in the CTR is 2 minutes work.

Unless you plan to move a couch or haul gravel I wouldn't get another truck.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

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Yeah, I thought I was prime market for the WRX but it seems like those are maybe 7-10 days out of the year. I'd spend most of my time just doing everyday driving so I feel like I'd rather be in a CTR than an outdated WRX.

stevescivic said:

So my thoughts in the shortest form possible based on my experiences of my own ownership or my family and close friends (and me using their cars).
1. Subaru Impreza - old tech that won't get revamped for another 2-3 years. So far in my circle of friends every Subaru has had issues with ring land failures or clutch related issues or flexing firewalls on the clutch that cause things to go "creak". STI is no longer made in a hatch and in the stock tune form the power band seems limited although that can be just what I feel.
2. Toyota Tundra (Personal vehicle - large Tacoma in my eyes) - SUPER versatile and love it. This is coming from a guy that hated trucks up until I had to buy one to pull a travel trailer. I say I want to sell the thing b/c it is a gas guzzler but I can never bring myself to it. Toyota quality and reliability and it has proven to be a very handy utility vehicle that is quiet, very comfy and plenty of usable power for day to day use.
3. Civic Type R (my own car) - LOADS of fun and super capable with a not too bad infotainment system. Tires are costly and you'll be worried about it constantly I think given the limited number of R's on the road. Plenty of room and comfy to drive and good value if you don't pay ADM.
4. Golf R - very versatile but smaller and in my opinion slower and less fun than a CTR. This was my initial choice but I shied away from VW b/c of anecdotal reliability reports from friends that own Golfs and VWs in general.
5. Civic Hatch Sport Touring - Versatility of the Type R at lower price and has all the safety and creature comforts you'd ever need IF you're looking at a hatchback.

I could list off more but what I wrote was what came to mind...

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Yep, seems about right. #1 is what's really driving my decision. That and the notorious insurance premiums I've heard about.

xpimpindistressx said:

why ask stupid questions?!?!?!?!?!?!?

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Irony.

spyder93090 said:

Thanks for the insight. This is pretty much my mentality of why I'm steadily drifting away from the WRX. I would like to think I would pony up the cash and ship the car - I think my employers would cover it. So yeah, probably ship and fly, in theory.



Damn, yeah, I've always heard of Subaru's reliability but the WRX seems to miss that mark more than the others, probably due to what kind of situations WRX drivers put the car through. Yeah, I drove a Tacome the other day, I'd love the use of it but I feel like I wouldn't enjoy it as a car for DD (large, gas, small windshield IMO etc.). Also, I'd be the guy with the truck so on top of the medical advice questions I get on occasion, I'd probably get asked to move a couple couches.

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Bad thing about being a male nurse... you get asked to move all the patients. Happened to me almost every night I worked at the hospital.

WRX is comparable to the Civic Si, or did you mean the Sti?

Between Sti and Type R? Type R.

A new Sti with brand new engine and chassis is just around the corner.

ayau said:

WRX is comparable to the Civic Si, or did you mean the Sti?

Between Sti and Type R? Type R.

A new Sti with brand new engine and chassis is just around the corner.

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I personally consider the WRX closer to the CTR than the Si. The Si just seems like a marginally updated Civic. Whereas the WRX and STis are completely separate beasts from the Imprezas. But I get the hierarchy is similar, if not identical.

Yeah, that's another factor. I don't know if I can wait another 2 years for the Global Platform STi or WRX. It would have to be this August if I were to even consider it but there haven't been any spy shots of any sort.

spyder93090 said:

I personally consider the WRX closer to the CTR than the Si. The Si just seems like a marginally updated Civic. Whereas the WRX and STis are completely separate beasts from the Imprezas. But I get the hierarchy is similar, if not identical.

Yeah, that's another factor. I don't know if I can wait another 2 years for the Global Platform STi or WRX. It would have to be this August if I were to even consider it but there haven't been any spy shots of any sort.

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Subaru has been using the same STI motor since 2004, what's another 2 more years of waiting? lol

When cars start pushing over 300hp, AWD is able to put down the power a lot easier on street tires. You really have to get the CTR tires warm to get the maximum front end grip, and those OEM tires are relatively easy to warm up compared to some aggressive summer tires in the market.

The CTR will always feel more nimble due to the fact that it's lighter. Both cars have the positives. I'm hoping the next STI will give the CTR a run for its money.

ayau said:

A new Sti with brand new engine and chassis is just around the corner.

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Its been "just around the corner" for YEARS. I had a 2012 and was told then that the 2014 would be new. Then they release the next gen in 2015 and while the chassis was new-ish the drivetrain was the same. Now they keep releasing teaser special editions with no motor changes.

IF they ever release an STI with a new motor and a significant changes AND bring back the hatch then I will definitely have a look. My STI had some issues but it was a billy goat in snow and accepted mods so easily.

Zooropa82 said:

Get the Taco TRD PRO

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Wait for the 2019 model, it comes with a factory installed snorkel!