Trading Jeep for WRX?
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Trading Jeep for WRX?
Okay, this is my situation. I'm 17 years old and I've been dreaming of the WRX for about a year now, but I decided to be realistic about it, and i dropped it.
Now, I've got a used 2000 Jeep Wrangler that works perfectly fine, about 7000 miles on it (which is absolutely FANTASTIC), and putting the top down is always fun. It's rough and shakes a lot, but I like the new rugged style of driving as compared to my mom's Lexus RX 300......I REALLY like the car...but this is my dilemma...
I'm going to join the United States Marine Corp in June, and I'm starting to not like my car because it eats up so much gas, 15 mpg....I filled up last night and today it's half gone...it's ridiculous...In addition, if i'm going to live at a military base, and if i want to come home, that's a LOT of gas, and I don't want to spend half of the money i get from the Marines on gas money for my gas hungry Jeep...thus, i'm thinking of selling the car for about $10,000 (close to what I bought it for, I got it about 1 month ago), and get a car...but now, i was thinking what kind of car should I get?
I went to the LA Auto Show and I saw brochures for the 2004 WRX. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. Changing the headlights, changing the foglights...WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE!? Anyway, i was thinking if I sold the car, I could buy a new WRX that I could drive for as long as I'm in the Marines, and maybe a little more, and by then I could get whatever car I want with the money I earned and the money I saved my parents by getting my education from the military for free, as opposed to going to UCLA or something.
SOOOOO.....What do you guys think I should do? Should I just buy a used car because I don't kn where I"m going to be stationed at? Or should I buy a WRX to reward myself that I'm fighting for my country? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!
Now, I've got a used 2000 Jeep Wrangler that works perfectly fine, about 7000 miles on it (which is absolutely FANTASTIC), and putting the top down is always fun. It's rough and shakes a lot, but I like the new rugged style of driving as compared to my mom's Lexus RX 300......I REALLY like the car...but this is my dilemma...
I'm going to join the United States Marine Corp in June, and I'm starting to not like my car because it eats up so much gas, 15 mpg....I filled up last night and today it's half gone...it's ridiculous...In addition, if i'm going to live at a military base, and if i want to come home, that's a LOT of gas, and I don't want to spend half of the money i get from the Marines on gas money for my gas hungry Jeep...thus, i'm thinking of selling the car for about $10,000 (close to what I bought it for, I got it about 1 month ago), and get a car...but now, i was thinking what kind of car should I get?
I went to the LA Auto Show and I saw brochures for the 2004 WRX. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. Changing the headlights, changing the foglights...WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE!? Anyway, i was thinking if I sold the car, I could buy a new WRX that I could drive for as long as I'm in the Marines, and maybe a little more, and by then I could get whatever car I want with the money I earned and the money I saved my parents by getting my education from the military for free, as opposed to going to UCLA or something.
SOOOOO.....What do you guys think I should do? Should I just buy a used car because I don't kn where I"m going to be stationed at? Or should I buy a WRX to reward myself that I'm fighting for my country? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!
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The WRX isn't exactly renowned for it's fuel economy either. At most you would get 5 more mpg.
If you want fuel economy get a 2.5 liter Impreza or a Legacy GT or something.
Better yet, get a Volkswagen TDI and get literally 3 times the MPG of that jeep.
If you want fuel economy get a 2.5 liter Impreza or a Legacy GT or something.
Better yet, get a Volkswagen TDI and get literally 3 times the MPG of that jeep.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,402
From: Bay Area
Car Info: 02 WRX wagon=dead; rollin' in a Craptastic Camry!
If I were in your shoes, I'd probably wait to see where I was going to be stationed in order to guage exactly how many miles you will need to drive, it sounds like you like driving the Jeep so it will likely be a tough decision.
If it turns out that you decide to give up the jeep for something more efficient, I'd get a used Honda, Toyota or VW TDI and save your money for a WRX (or STi, or Evo or whatever you decide on in a couple years). Like someone else mentioned, the WRX is no gas miser - I get a rock solid 20 mpg in mine, even on the freeway. I should mention that that freeway mileage could be improved if I didn't have either snowboards or mountain bikes on top of the thing every time I take a road trip...at 80 mph.
If it turns out that you decide to give up the jeep for something more efficient, I'd get a used Honda, Toyota or VW TDI and save your money for a WRX (or STi, or Evo or whatever you decide on in a couple years). Like someone else mentioned, the WRX is no gas miser - I get a rock solid 20 mpg in mine, even on the freeway. I should mention that that freeway mileage could be improved if I didn't have either snowboards or mountain bikes on top of the thing every time I take a road trip...at 80 mph.
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if your going in enlisted then you'll probably be spending all your cash on gas lol. Ive been their, I've done that, I've got the t-shirt. E1-3 makes ****. 300$ every 15days it sucks. I'd wait on any car till you find out where your going to be and what your going to be doing. did you notice how high the potential for war in IRAQ is. You'll be driving a hummer!
Now I'm gonna give you my unsolicited advice on the military. There are pleanty of really good programs that will help you secure your future either in or out but nobody is going to go out of their way to help you find them so dig, dig, dig. No matter how much it sucks do your best it will pay off. Oh and no matter how much you wanna hit the strange looking guy who is way to close to you...dont.
Now I'm gonna give you my unsolicited advice on the military. There are pleanty of really good programs that will help you secure your future either in or out but nobody is going to go out of their way to help you find them so dig, dig, dig. No matter how much it sucks do your best it will pay off. Oh and no matter how much you wanna hit the strange looking guy who is way to close to you...dont.
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Funny you mention the comparison - my last rig was a Sport TJ with the 4.0 and a 5 speed. Granted, the Tj got worse mileage (huge tires, aerodymics like a washing machine, straight six), but at least it only used regular gas. Keep in mind that the WRX needs premium for optimum operation. Here in Chicago, the difference is about 20 cents per gallon. The TJ would get about 16 mpg, and so far my WRX is averaging just under 19 mpg. I don't drive like a maniac, most of my driving is highway, but it is still quite new (less than 5K miles.) I hope the mileage improves. Anyway, my point is that when you factor in the extra cost of premium gas, your gas expense will not improve. Also consider that I'm now paying about $250 more per year in insurance (35, male, clean record) and there are definitely no savings in operating expenses. If saving money is your goal, sell the TJ, forget the WRX, and buy a Corolla that's a few years old. Of course, if you want to go fast, buy the Rex. And if you want to go anywhere off-road and feel the sun on your head, keep the Jeep. 
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Why buy a new WRX that will eat up all your cash in payments when you might be deployed somewhere for 6 months at a time? You won't even be able to drive it that much. I say buy a good mileage, boring used car and get the '05 or '06 WRX when you get out. It'll be a 3.0 350hp monster by then.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 242
From: Good ol oregon
Car Info: 02' WRX
yeah
Everything these guys said is true. As far as cars go the WRX isnt the most practical, but at the same time its alot more practical than alot of other cars on the market. It's like owning a typical 4 door, but with much better power, handling, good seats, etc etc. Anyway, fuel economy depends much more on how you drive. If you're just looking for fuel economy and a fun ride, I would seriously look into a late model Acura Integra GS-R. It cant match the WRX power (GS-R is 170hp), AWD, or torque, but the suspension is top-notch, its a blast to drive (that little 4 banger loves to rev), and will last FOREVER. Not to mention that it's been known to get 30+mpg on pure 5th gear highway cruising. A WRX would be better sure, but if you're in the marines, have to travel, and could be deployed the WRX probably isnt the car for you. A "new" of the lot 2001 GS-R will probably cost about 20k, but you can find 2000's, 99's, 98's, used or new for alot less than that. (anywhere from 9-16k, check kelly blue book). I know I sound like a car salesmen, but go take one for a test drive. It wont be as fast as a WRX, but its a great little car that's a blast to own, will last forever, has an amaizing tranny/shifter, gets great gas mileage, goes damn fast if driven hard, and has a huge aftermarket if thats what you're into. Insurance isn't much better than a WRX due to its popularity with kids and a high theft rate (just dont park it downtown for a long time or anything), but is still better. Anyway, I'm probably a little partial because I've owned one for a long time now (turbocharged at 325whp), but it is seriously one of the best cars ever...
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