After looking at various cars for a few months now, it comes down to my top two for Japanese cars: Subaru and Toyota. I'm 18, so money is an issue, especially for long term costs. I'm going to buy used and both are pretty much around the same price used.

mr2
Pros: It's quick, handling is precise, 31 mpg city, convertible, wouldn't mod it at all, it just feels right
Cons: It looks kinda girly, barely any cargo space (the trunk is behind the seats and it is about the size of two shoe boxes), two seater, it doesn't seem that it would be safe in an accident

WRX
Pros: Fast, seems fairly tough, AWD/good handling apparently, plenty of cargo space, looks pretty sweet
Cons: Premium gas/ok mileage (compared to the mr2), haven't test driven one yet, so I really don't know if it fits my butt, dealer/warranty horror stories, would have to spend some $ in exterior mods (STi wing, sideskirts, etc), might be TOO powerful for me, since it'll mosty be a daily driver


So, with all that in mind, what do you guys think I should do?

 

at 18yo I wouldnt spend my money on a WRX as a daily driver. just not worth it. insurance is more and the gas does add up quickly.

the mr2 is a pretty cool car. you only live once... I would jump on the convertible. i was inches away from buying a s2000 but went with the more practical WXR wagon

 

I don't know what I'd do. I love the WRX and I'm really not a big fan of the MR2. Having a convertible would be pretty cool though - think about the fact that you'll have to drive it year round though. In the summer, it's hot, in the winter it's cold (does the spyder come in a hard top?).

Honestly, if I were 18, I wouldn't buy either car. Me personally, I'd be financing though, so maybe this doesn't apply to you, but knowing the things that having an expensive car would have caused me to miss out on, I'd get something cheaper. You can get a used Integra or used 240sx for FAR less than a used MR2 Spyder, it will still be reliable, have about same power, the 240 is RWD. Not a bad deal. I had an s14 before I got my WRX and Future Nissan and Roseville gave me the best service I've ever had in my life. I loved taking my car to that place.

I just know that if I had a $300 or $400 car payment at 18, I would have not been able to afford to move out of my parents house, and trust me, having your own place is WAY better than having a cool car. I'll never forget my first year on my own, one of the most fun years I've ever had. In fact, thinking back, buying a $6,000 91 Integra was the best decision I've ever made - my $120/mo car payment let me move out, which led me to meet my (current) gf of four years, which led me to get a nice apartment with her, and then we bought a house two years ago. Had I been driving an expensive car, my life would be WAY different than it is now.

And now that I'm a few years older, I have the higher car payment and a car I've wanted for a long time, but I also have some financial stability in the house, and a great place to live for quite a while

 

here is my short and sweet-

get the subaru-
reasons. . . sport car and practical car
at the same time. mr2 is not.