rtnlsltn
06-21-2011, 06:46 PM
Well guys, I've been in the market for something new with a bit more pep. My EP is inching in on 100k, the end of my extended powertrain warranty, and a clutch replacement. I purchased her as a CPO in 07 with 36k.
I initially went the Subaru route, hoping to find a 2011 WRX hatch. I ended up driving a 2011 STI, as the WRX's are limited due to the tsunami in Japan. I drove the STI assuming it would feel just like the 03-07 STI sedans, but was not greeted with the same raw feel. I felt so disconnected from the engine that I didn't know what to do when driving it: watch the road, or try to feel where the hell the clutch is engaging. I then went on to drive a Mazdaspeed3 and a 3.8 V6 Genesis Coupe. The Speed3's interior is ungodgly and the transmission/clutch felt mushy. The Genesis was a fun car to drive, reminded me of a RWD 4th gen V6 Eclipse, but I just can't see owning a Hyundai (a bad case of "badge fear"). I wanted to drive a Ralliart Lancer, but they are nowhere to be found, and I knew what to expect out of the rest of the car (besides the drivetrain). The dealer sells every make and model (from Mini to Mitsu) so I decided to give a GTI a try, just for comparison. I never was a VW fan and always questioned the "bike rack with no bike" thing. I will say that after sitting in the Speed3, Genesis, newer Civic SI, and the STI, the GTI has the most impressive interior of them all. I was completely cynical during the entire test drive, having this VW hatred in my mind. After I got home, I realized how much I liked it, and I still don't understand where the dislike for VW came from. The handling and braking are very similar to an EP and the DSG transmission is a nice change of pace. I then drove an 08 R32 which is a complete blast to drive. The engine sound is really something unique. I've been comparing between the 2 cars (MK6 GTI and MK5 R32) and I think I'll be pulling the trigger on a 2011 or 2010 GTI, as I'd prefer to stay away from the used factor, and also from the lesser mod-ability of the R32. I didn't mod my SI much knowing the mod game ended very abruptly at "engine swap required", but I always planned to upgrade to something with more power. Right now, the GTI seems to be it.
Long story short, I think I'll be saying goodbye to my EP soon, assuming I find a well priced GTI. It will be a sad day when/if that happens. I've honestly loved this car, been through thick and thin with it, and it's always been a very reliable and unique car to own. This uniqueness is one thing I will dearly miss, but it just means I will need to mod the GTI more to compensate ;-). If I could afford it, I would keep it for a nice mod project, but it just isn't in my cards.
This also means my Genuine Type-R headlights with TSX projectors will be for sale, along with my Fujitsu SRI, CTR rep lip(unpainted from SS), Mugen rep grill (unpainted from SS), and fog light HID kit. I will post a FS thread whenever the trade-in happens. PM me if you're interested in this stuff, I may be willing to start parting now.
I initially went the Subaru route, hoping to find a 2011 WRX hatch. I ended up driving a 2011 STI, as the WRX's are limited due to the tsunami in Japan. I drove the STI assuming it would feel just like the 03-07 STI sedans, but was not greeted with the same raw feel. I felt so disconnected from the engine that I didn't know what to do when driving it: watch the road, or try to feel where the hell the clutch is engaging. I then went on to drive a Mazdaspeed3 and a 3.8 V6 Genesis Coupe. The Speed3's interior is ungodgly and the transmission/clutch felt mushy. The Genesis was a fun car to drive, reminded me of a RWD 4th gen V6 Eclipse, but I just can't see owning a Hyundai (a bad case of "badge fear"). I wanted to drive a Ralliart Lancer, but they are nowhere to be found, and I knew what to expect out of the rest of the car (besides the drivetrain). The dealer sells every make and model (from Mini to Mitsu) so I decided to give a GTI a try, just for comparison. I never was a VW fan and always questioned the "bike rack with no bike" thing. I will say that after sitting in the Speed3, Genesis, newer Civic SI, and the STI, the GTI has the most impressive interior of them all. I was completely cynical during the entire test drive, having this VW hatred in my mind. After I got home, I realized how much I liked it, and I still don't understand where the dislike for VW came from. The handling and braking are very similar to an EP and the DSG transmission is a nice change of pace. I then drove an 08 R32 which is a complete blast to drive. The engine sound is really something unique. I've been comparing between the 2 cars (MK6 GTI and MK5 R32) and I think I'll be pulling the trigger on a 2011 or 2010 GTI, as I'd prefer to stay away from the used factor, and also from the lesser mod-ability of the R32. I didn't mod my SI much knowing the mod game ended very abruptly at "engine swap required", but I always planned to upgrade to something with more power. Right now, the GTI seems to be it.
Long story short, I think I'll be saying goodbye to my EP soon, assuming I find a well priced GTI. It will be a sad day when/if that happens. I've honestly loved this car, been through thick and thin with it, and it's always been a very reliable and unique car to own. This uniqueness is one thing I will dearly miss, but it just means I will need to mod the GTI more to compensate ;-). If I could afford it, I would keep it for a nice mod project, but it just isn't in my cards.
This also means my Genuine Type-R headlights with TSX projectors will be for sale, along with my Fujitsu SRI, CTR rep lip(unpainted from SS), Mugen rep grill (unpainted from SS), and fog light HID kit. I will post a FS thread whenever the trade-in happens. PM me if you're interested in this stuff, I may be willing to start parting now.