ski's First Car - Part 2: RSX Type-S vs. WRX

[ski]

Allllllrighty, I graduated college a few days ago, and am starting a job in Northern Virginia in early January :woohoo:

I've narrowed it down between two cars:

Acura RSX Type-S
Subaru Impreza WRX

I will be looking at both models, used, 2003-2005 with less than 30,000 miles, and with manual transmission :drool: I had my eye on Volvo S40 and Civic Si, but both are too new, and too expensive (huge demand for the Si, they have one arriving at my local dealer end of Dec.).

I'm going to test drive both this week, but are there any personal recommendations or reviews you have of either? I've read up what I could, but it's always good to hear directly from someone who's been around one.

Are there any special things you'd recommend to look at or beware of with loans?

This is my first time taking out a loan by myself, and buying a car. Total confusion, but I'm hoping it's not too difficult. Post if you have any suggestions about the process!

[gear02]

congrats! Where are you working in Nova? What company?

Sorry I can't help with the car or the loan. I bought my civic (normal, not Si) new and I got a loan from the dealer.

I think you can do 2 things, assuming you're buying the used car from a dealer. 1) get a loan from the dealer or 2) get a loan from a bank or somewhere and pay cash for the car which might get you a larger discount.

[ski]

I'll be in Woodbridge, VA for work, not sure where I'll live yet (they let me stay in corporate housing for up to 2 months to find a place).

I'm getting a loan from my credit union I think, talked with then today.

There's an 2005 RSX Type-S about 75 miles away that I may go look at...
3,730 miles :o
$22,448

According to Kelley Blue Book, they're pricing it at Private Party Value -- this is an Acura Certified dealer. Don't know how much more, if any, I can get knocked off from being a recent college grad or anything else since it's already really really low. Will probably get a CARFAX on it if I decide to go with an RSX over the WRX.

[attgig]

shop around for your loan... if the dealer is offering special financing that rival's your CU's, haggle it down (everything's negotiable at the dealer).

you should be able to haggle a carfax from the dealer, and be wary of anything with a recent louisiana/missisippi history (flood vehicles being reconditioned and sold).

oh, and never been in an rsx, but have been in a wrx. dash, etc feels somewhat cheap, but the ride/power is excellent.

[bachviet]

WRX if you like power and AWD. If you want a more refined car, get the RXS-S.

[zero2dash]

I hate Acura/Honda so my opinion is skewed. :heh:
Get the WRX...more people own RSX's than people own WRX's (mainly because the street racer posers are too broke to afford a car like a WRX).

WRX's are niiiiiice, I'd take one of those in a heartbeat. :thumb: Hell I'd even 'rally' detail mine all out.

One thing to keep in mind though is that you'll have an easier time in crappy weather (especially snow/ice) with the 4wd of the WRX...just a thought.

[bachviet]

I hate Acura/Honda so my opinion is skewed. :heh:
Get the WRX...more people own RSX's than people own WRX's (mainly because the street racer posers are too broke to afford a car like a WRX).

...
What the heck are you talking about? The RSX-S costs about the same as the WRX. And don't even call pple who drive Honda/Acura as "street racer posers".

[psycho-]

Both are in the low 20s, so both are similarly priced.

BTW, you should drive the WRX before you make a deicision. Depending on how long you want to own a car, you want to know the costs/benefits associated with both vehicles; as well as whether or not you want to live with such a car. You also want to check insurance rates between vehicles. They can vary WIDELY.

Personally, I wouldn't choose either vehicles. THe WRX is like riding in a go-kart. Fun car to drive, but too high strung to be a relaxed daily driver. The RSX is reliable and a decent car, but I think the insurance rates on those vehicles are ridiculous.

[AlpineJay]

I'll be in Woodbridge, VA for work, not sure where I'll live yet (they let me stay in corporate housing for up to 2 months to find a place).

I'm getting a loan from my credit union I think, talked with then today.

There's an 2005 RSX Type-S about 75 miles away that I may go look at...
3,730 miles :o
$22,448

According to Kelley Blue Book, they're pricing it at Private Party Value -- this is an Acura Certified dealer. Don't know how much more, if any, I can get knocked off from being a recent college grad or anything else since it's already really really low. Will probably get a CARFAX on it if I decide to go with an RSX over the WRX.

Wait.. isn't a new RSX around 23.5K? Is used worth the money if that's the case? Just something to think about...

My girlfriend and I were carshopping earlier this year and we seriously looked at the RSX (non-type S, no manual for her). We were able to bring down the base model down to 21 even with leather. She wound up not taking it as she got an exceptional deal on a '04 Accord with 13K miles, but she was almost sold on it.

Beware, though - these things take a lot of money to insure. Just FYI.

Congrats on the job - when I'm done with my MS, I'll be joining you for a car although I'm fairly certain I'll be gunning for a TL.

[zero2dash]

What the heck are you talking about? The RSX-S costs about the same as the WRX. And don't even call pple who drive Honda/Acura as "street racer posers".

RSX Type S costs the same as a WRX? :eek:
I would have figured that a WRX would be considerably more than an RSX-S.

BTW the "street racer posers" comment wasn't meant for everyone who drives an Acura or Honda...it's just pointing out the fact that most "tuner" cars are either Integras or Civics...correct? :shrug:

[ski]

I did quick quotes on Progressive...

For 6 months, typical insurance plan:
RSX: $875
RSX Type-S: $925
WRX: $925

for a 2005 used with low miles.

I'll definitely try the WRX, but there aren't that many used for sale in my area (north of Pittsburgh). I'll also have to look at gas mileage and what grade of gas you have to put in both...

[JaQnAbOx]

screw the wrx get the wrx sti =) now that would be fun

[AlpineJay]

I'll definitely try the WRX, but there aren't that many used for sale in my area (north of Pittsburgh). I'll also have to look at gas mileage and what grade of gas you have to put in both...

RSX and RSX Type S takes premium unleaded, although my dealer (who has a type S) said that in most instances midgrade will do. Don't know about WRX.

[bachviet]

WRX most likely will take premium unleaded also. I don't think the RSX takes premium though but the RSX-S will (higher compression ratio).

[AlpineJay]

WRX most likely will take premium unleaded also. I don't think the RSX takes premium though but the RSX-S will (higher compression ratio).

You're right. I just checked the Acura specs site and the base RSX takes 86 unleaded. Turns out my dealer was wrong, or I misunderstood him.

[Mike_N_Ike]

I'd say go with the Type-S. My opinion isn't biased because I drive one -- I drive one because my opinion is biased :P

My roommate used to have a WRX. They were pretty much even when we ran them against each other, although he would usually jump off the line quicker, for obvious reasons. I think that the RSX feels a lot more solid though.

Keep in mind when shopping, that [at least in SoCal], you can get a 2006 Type-S brand new for somewhere in the mid-high 22 range right now. I don't know how the market is for these where you are though. Also keep in mind, that right now AHFC has a 2.9%/3.9%/4.9% APR special on new Acuras for 36/48/60 month terms, respectively. This program goes through January 3rd. There aren't many 3rd party banks that can beat that for new car loans.

There are certain cars that recommend premium octane that you can get away with running midgrade on. I would not recommend this on the WRX or the Type-S. Even if you don't screw anything up, the car isn't going to perform as it was designed to.


2) get a loan from a bank or somewhere and pay cash for the car which might get you a larger discount.That actually isn't the case anymore. While it may make things easier for the sales guy, dealerships actually make less money if you pay cash. This is because most banks pay the dealer some sort of flat fee for each deal that they send to them. In some cases, the manager who approves the deal make take a smaller profit margin if he knows that they're going to get a referral fee from the bank that they send the loan to.

Good luck and happy shopping! :)

[ski]

WRX is out of the question now. There are no sedans (a few STi's and a few wagons) within my region for sale right now.

I DID go in and look at the 2006 Civic Si --- the dealer is getting 1 each month, and this one is still up for grabs. It's 20,500 sticker but they put $1000 worth of worthless options on it (fog lamps, mud flaps, wheel locks, trunk liner, sunroof visor).

I'm going to test drive an RSX Type-S tomorrow, then the Civic Si right after.

Looks like I'll have to open up to look at new Scion tC and new Mitsubishi Eclipse now... oi

[attgig]

Also, check the Saab 9-2x, if you're ok with the WRX wagon. same car, but more refined. might be cheaper on the used market as well. When they were doing the employee pricing, those things were selling new for around 20, so.....

[Dave_7]

RSX and RSX Type S takes premium unleaded, although my dealer (who has a type S) said that in most instances midgrade will do. Don't know about WRX.

Premium (at least in CA), will only ever be about $2.50 or $3 extra per tank. It's not exponential when prices go up.



Dave.

[irwin]

Mazdaspeed 6? :)

[Cheesypuff]

oh man...passwird is something going on here...I like that idea!!! Great car...but I'm a civic man.

[ski]

I think I'm going to go with a regular 2006 RSX. Doesn't require the higher grade fuel, which was a plus... and not too bad pricing -- $20,950. I test drove the RSX, RSX Type-S, and Civic Si, and I think my style of driving must not utilize that extra power as well. The RSX was plenty fun to drive for me :)

Now I have to play the pricing game.... the worst part IMO... to get them below sticker.

[rasetsu]

WRX is out of the question now. There are no sedans (a few STi's and a few wagons) within my region for sale right now.

I DID go in and look at the 2006 Civic Si --- the dealer is getting 1 each month, and this one is still up for grabs. It's 20,500 sticker but they put $1000 worth of worthless options on it (fog lamps, mud flaps, wheel locks, trunk liner, sunroof visor).

I'm going to test drive an RSX Type-S tomorrow, then the Civic Si right after.

Looks like I'll have to open up to look at new Scion tC and new Mitsubishi Eclipse now... oi

I wouldn't call any of those options useless. Everything will come in handy except maybe the sunroof visor. I'd offer the dealership $500-$700 for all that stuff.

[shocky123]

So I'm still in college.. but I'll be graduating with a comp. Engineering degree or Three in the spring.

I've decided my first purchase is the Audi TT Coupe. (none of that crap 'convertible' stuff that makes it look like Barbie's car)

It'll be maxed out from the factory for everything aside from the engine. (because I'm a Ricer at heart..... NOT)

And now for the engine..
Audi co-developed this sweet ars engine called the VR-6.
(VW puts it in the highest model Golf GTI's)

Now, for some weird twist of fate, because of the way the VR-6 is designed, it is a Literal 'bolt-in' replacement for the stock Audi-TT engine.

Everything is perfectly fit inside the TT to allow this engine to be swapped in. All bolts and attachements... etc. everything fits sweetly.

It ups the power roughly ~150HP from the original engine that the TT comes with.

I cannot wait until I get that sweet signing bonus that someone wants to give me.. (haha, dreaming of the the ~$50,000 cash I'd need to complete the car -assuming I did all the work )

~Kyle

[g222leav]

I think I'm going to go with a regular 2006 RSX. Doesn't require the higher grade fuel, which was a plus... and not too bad pricing -- $20,950. I test drove the RSX, RSX Type-S, and Civic Si, and I think my style of driving must not utilize that extra power as well. The RSX was plenty fun to drive for me :)

Now I have to play the pricing game.... the worst part IMO... to get them below sticker.


nice...i just got a 06' 5sp base in august...msg me if you have any questions...

[rajatQ2]

I have an 04 RSX-S and I like it a lot more than the WRX. I drove both. What sold me in the end on the RSX was the styling (I think subarus are ugly across the board), the clutch (RSX's clutch feel is one of a kind) and the price. I got my RSX-S brand new for $21.1 K . I Bought it in early july , soon before the 05's were coming out.

Here are some important things to consider with the RSX. I've had mine for 18 months and i'm thinking of getting rid of it. It is a solid car but doesn't suit my needs anymore. More because i have more money now and can afford something fancier.

- I have a 40 mile commute each way, and driving a manual transmission that whole way with traffic lights and all really drains on you.

- Space. That car really doesn't have a lot. The trunk will be jammed packed whenever you go to buy groceries. I have to empty the trunk and fold down the seats if i ever want to carry my snowboard or bike. Neither of them can fit inside with anything else.

- Suspension. RSX's suspension is STIFFLY tuned. You feel a lot of bumps. I suppose i can do something about this with different springs and tires, but haven't tried yet, as the car is still under warranty. If the roads by you are flat and smooth, you won't even notice. But i live in boston where the roads are ****e.

- ground clearance. I know, pretty silly request for a sporty car, but i've gotten stuck in gravel parking lots when i've gone hiking. My next car will have a little more.


But this car is sweet. I've loved driving it and have not had a _single_ problem, which is a testament to Honda quality. I drive the car pretty hard too. Here are my favorite things about it:

- Gas mileage. I can pull 30+ miles per gallon driving it however i feel, lots of gas or use the gas sparingly. The premium only requirement is not even a concern of mine anymore. It is $1.30 difference every time i go to the gas station ($.10 more than 89, 13 gallon tank). I only fill up once a week and in the summer time can get 355 miles from 13 gallons of gas. So in reality, that premium gas requirement only costs me $60 a year or so.

- Styling. This car looks good.

- Comfortable inside. Low road noise inside, even for such a tiny car. It is really refined. I love the seats, and i leave work and take a nap in the car sometimes during lunch.

- No stupid options. What you get is exactly what you need. Sometimes i wish for a GPS or power seats or an electronic trunk release but they are all so minor.

- Sound. I love to listen to RSX-s going by. The exhaust sounds like a ricers dream :) And that is stock.

That's all. If i had a WRX, i'd be pleased with the AWD, a little extra confidence in the snow wouldn't hurt, and the 30 extra hp. The RSX is a little low on torque, meaning that it is slower to get off the line, but once you're rolling already, the RSX is speedy. With the WRX, i'd be disappointed by the lack of leather seats, the bland soundsystem, the tinny sound that the doors make when you open and close them, and the dopey look that the car has. I wouldn't want to pick up a date and take her to a nice place in the subaru.

My $.02 . Some things have changed since i bought my car, but i think both models are quite similar to the '04s when i researched them extensively. Good luck in your new job!

[g222leav]

**snip**

dood i totally agree (except maybe the ground clearence, i'd rather prefer it be a bit lower, but that's just a personal thing)...

if you don't have a large difference in premiums between the base and the type-s, the gas price difference is negligable (IMO)

i really like the leather, but "butt-warmers" would be a nice option (which i think is an option for the canadian models)...i think the '05+ models looks more like civics than the 02-04, but that's also a personal issue


i used the clubrsx.com forums to do most of my research before I bought to see what people complained about, what things to look for and ask for, what options to buy...etc...

here's a peak at my car...

click (http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=310576)