What would you with $20k

mikeyt · 10-27-2009, 05:44 AM

Hey guys. After much research and consideration, I have decided to go with a WRX as soon as my Civic lease expires in a couple months. I am wanting to spend about 20k on a ride. What would be my best route? Is the STI package worth it or could I build one for cheaper? This is my 5th ride and will be my daily driver. I have a 480hp Mustang so I am not looking for crazy amount of hp. I want something decent in gas (at least 20mpg city) but also something with some balls (300hp or so). I am not looking for flash. Just an incognito rocket. I need something that handles in the winter too. Thanks!

pzr2874 · 10-27-2009, 06:15 AM

20K is plenty to spend on a DD. But as a sleeper... a WRX might be your best choice unless you start taking body parts off an STi. You can prob pick up a 04-05 wrx for a nice price and still have some left for a couple "go fast" mods. Have you test driven either car yet ? What years are you interested in ?

man show · 10-27-2009, 11:13 AM

With $20K, you could get a Stage 2 04-07 STi with low miles. That would make me extremely happy if I was in your shoes.

newtothegame · 10-27-2009, 12:34 PM

I agree with man show. Get the STI, get a TBE, or at least a bellmouth DP and some type of EM or a tune and you should be pretty happy with that.

airplnmdls · 10-27-2009, 12:56 PM

I feel an STi is still pretty inconspicuous w/o the STi spoiler...even though that's really what I want to get...and if I had a sedan I totally would lol...

mikeyt · 10-28-2009, 03:17 AM

I definitely don't want the big spoiler. I am 35y/o and despise the "ricer" breed of cars. Thanks for your replies. I was looking for a 2005 or newer. It seems the 2.5l in the 07+ are worth the extra money? Like I said... 300hp at the wheels is perfect. It would give me 20+mpg.

mikeyt · 10-28-2009, 03:19 AM

Ohh...I have not drove any cars yet. I figure I would ask the gurus first so I can go in with some knowledge of what I can do with the car as far as mods go.

pzr2874 · 10-28-2009, 06:16 AM

^^Explain your question.

The 2.5l is a better choice IMHO. An 06 will be ok as well.

John... where can you get an 07STi and then go stage 2 for under 20K? (decent unmolested STi).

Curious as to what I went through. Sorry for the threadjack

airplnmdls · 10-28-2009, 08:56 AM

Either way you'll be happy...both are fun...the STi would be awesome, but not sure how the price range is compared to your limit...

And in the first post...you said this is your 5th ride...as in the 5th ride you CURRENTLY own?

man show · 10-28-2009, 10:14 AM

Earlier this month, a member of this site (Chase) found an 04 STi with 42,500 miles for $16,500 with a tbe and short ram intake. He said he searched nationwide... they're out there, you just have to be patient and look for good deals.

mikeyt · 10-28-2009, 10:17 AM

Yep 5th ride. Here's the list:
97 dodge ram 1500 (shopping/moving truck)
04 durango hemi (my queens)
02 escalade ext (road trip)
01 gt vert mustang 480hp (cruiser)
07 civic (dd that im replacing)

I am seeing some 04/05 sti with decent mileage for 20k. I want to shop for one without mods right?

newtothegame · 10-28-2009, 10:50 AM

Generally the less mods the better. Some people do mod there cares and dont beat them to death, some do. It can be a risky chance to take.

VisiX · 10-28-2009, 12:26 PM

Some 06-07 STIs are getting more toward 20,000 like this, this, and this. These are mostly higher mileage obviously, but it can be done. You won't get 300whp without a few mods though and since this eats up your whole budget you'll need to find some extra cash. You can get a comparible mileage 04-05 for about 2-4k less generally which would leave you with money left over for mods. I think buying a modded car is probably ok, especially if it is a lot of effective suspension mods like the third one I linked.

If I was you I would keep looking for an 06+ to get the extra .5. Good luck.

airplnmdls · 10-28-2009, 12:28 PM

Wow that's quite a list... and yeah generally less mods is better...I would say try to avoid them if they have a blow off valve or any intake other than SPT. If they have a turbo back exhaust then that's pretty good, just make sure they got it tuned!!!

pzr2874 · 10-28-2009, 12:47 PM

I like the second one.... Pretty funny if you ask me. Since when do they allow extended warranties to tranfer from the original owner ? Anywho, the first one is the best 1 IMHO.