3 Series/RSX/WRX

[cjv998]

Alright, which one would you pick for a sporty daily driver:

BMW E36 3 series (with the 2.8L, around $13k for a 1998 model)
RSX Type-S (around $15k for an '02)
WRX ($15k to $18k for an '02 and '04, respectively)

I just got some average prices for my area off of autotrader.com. I really want to get away from FWD, but I've heard a lot of good things about the RSX's, and I bet insurance would be cheaper than the other two. I'm also concerned with the WRX's interior, it looks kind of cheap, especially in the '02 and '03 models. Also keep in mind that the BMW will have more miles on it (I should be able to find one for 9 or 10k, but the ones by me all seem to be more expensive).

[cb7wagonPL]

i think the BMW could be expensive to maintain, parts especially is something went wrong. Im not a huge fan of the RSX so the subie gets my vote. got to love Turbo AWD, your set for all year any weather.

[pwrusr]

Well I gotta say you have some good choices.

The BMW is a FANTASTIC car. Especially with a few light suspension mods. 50/50 weight disto is a very applealing side to owning a bimmer. With a exhaust that car can sound downright MEAN. the downside to owning a bimmer is the fact they can hove some electrical bugs. Engine wise they are pretty bulletproof.

The RSX T-S is a honda with a different badge pretty much. That siad it's one of the better FWD cars out there at the moment. quite relibable too.

WRX is probably my personal choice. as long as you don't beat the tranny like you stole the car. I can safely say they are VERY relibable. They are also quite easy to work on! I'm personally looking for a WRX myself. And want one as my next car

[501accord]

my dad has an e36 323i. i love that car, no problems in the three years he owned it.

[Chrisisiced]

I think you could get an 02 Rsx type s for a little less than 15 maybe 12.

[ACC0RD22]

I voted WRX as well. love those cars.

[blizzard335]

i'd drive a 328i anyday

[owequitit]

I'd say, 328, RSX, Subie.

In that order.

[T3aM 83rD]

I would save my bimmer funds till Im able to get one that I really want.

[cjv998]

I'd say, 328, RSX, Subie.

In that order.

Hmm...Subie last? Why's that?

[steelbluesleepR]

bmw all the way, my friend has a 94 325i 5spd, and it is completely awesome. i would actually drive that over my accord! its also rwd, so thats even better.

[owequitit]

Hmm...Subie last? Why's that?

IMO. They are overrated.

They aren't that much faster than an RSX, or a Bimmer (if at all) unless you launch the shit out of them.

Problem is, they have a weak tranny input shaft that doesn't like those kinds of launches. The earlier years especially were having tons of tranny failures due to this. I KNOW they fixed it with the STi, but I don't know that they ever made the change to the regular WRX. Basically, the tranny input shaft has a long section with no load support, I.E. bearings, so it flexes under tremendous loads. This puts a HUGE amount of stress on the rest of the shaft and anything attached to it, leading ultimately to increased wear and maybe even failure.

Their build quality (namely interior) is not as nice as either of the 2 others. I didn't think it was terrible, but it didn't win any records either.

Honestly, I would go for comfort and ride and features, then looks, then power/peformance, simply because realistically, with a daily driver, you can't really get on it very often anyway.

The Bimmers hold their value well, and they really aren't that expensive to fix, especially if you learn to do it yourself. They routinely run almost as long as a Honda, without major issues. They may start to have little problems, like interior peices coming loose, but mechanically, they aren't nearly the nighmare that everyone makes them out to be.

If you have a mechanic fix it, it may be expensive, but that is just because they know you expect it.

The Bimmer will also have super ride quality, quiet noise levels, and plenty of performance if it is a 328i, especially with a manual transmission.

The 3 series also looks the best of the 3.

The RSX is somewhere in the middle.

The Bimmer and RSX would be much closer if the RSX were an 05-07, simply because I like the way they look a whole lot better.

I am referring to the Type-S in all cases, simply because I wouldn't consider getting a used base RSX.

It will be more visceral in terms of personality, and feedback, it is highly maneuverable, efficient, light, and practical.

It probably gets highest score for reliability, and most certainly for MPG.

It is the only one that will offer the typical Honda redline and pull, if that is your thing, and the K20 responds to mods almost as well as a turbo engine.

It has an interior that is somewhere between the Bimmer and the WRX, depending on which Bimmer you are talking about. If you are looking at an E36, they will be about the same.

It has the most cargo space by virtue of its hatchback design, and handling is very good stock, but can be quite amazing.

And it will be the most efficient.

The WRX is AWD, which unless you live in snow, isn't the end all be all of performance, simply because it is setup with a 50/50 power distribution if I remember correctly. IIRC it varies, but overall is setup 50/50.

It has the cheapest interior, and is actually quite small inside.

The stock 2.0 doesn't boost right away, so it isn't a torque monster or anything, and due to the additional driveline lag associated with AWD, it will most likely get less MPG.

Plus, you have to be careful with the WRX. A lot of people buy them knowing they are going to be driven hard, so you get a used car that has been driven hard.

It isn't a guarantee, but it is more likely.

Honestly, you wouldn't go wrong with any one of the 3, but those are the reasons why I would choose that way.

[accordtypeR]

3 series all the way baby cause its "the ultimate driving machine"..

[texasvtak]

Subaru.

[Dv8]

I chose the RSX.

Although I do love the BMW, the RSX is just a bit cheaper to maintain, and a bit cheaper to modify, and I miss Honda.