I just got a CPO 2014 IS250 in January. I sold a 2008 Infiniti G37S to acquire this car. The IS250 is just very slow for me, and it was a big downgrade in performance coming from the Infiniti. I also don't want to spend the extra money for an IS350.

I was thinking of trading in my car for a WRX, which I've never actually driven. But from everything I've read, and just the technical specs I can find, it will fit my driving style and personality much more. I want something that can accelerate quickly, corner nicely, etc. In other words, I am more of a fun driver. One of the reasons I switched to the Lexus is the reliability. I was having some issues with my Infiniti after 100k miles, and that's the only reason I got rid of it. How is Subaru's reliability? I want something that will last many years without much worry.

 

Did you test drive before buying the is250? There are no secrets its weak when you depress the gas and it takes a lifetime to reach 60.

wrx might still be too slow. It's slower than the Nissan 3.7 motor. Try to find a cpo 335i , ate-v or s4 with warranty. Spend a tad more and no need for another thread like this

 

The amount of money you are going to lose on trading in cars early could equal the amount it would cost to upgrade to an IS350. I'd weigh all the costs out before making another decision.

 

According to Consumer Reports, Subaru WRX and STI models, in general, are not as reliable as the rest of the brand.....perhaps because of the way they tend to be driven.

 

Of course I test drove the IS250. I've had a BMW in the past and it had so many problems I will never go back to BMW again. I'm trying to keep the cost of my car down but still have some fun factor. I'll keep doing research, but any other useful info from members would be appreciated.

 

You're right. I'm the type to keep cars for a while, and I didn't realize that by trading in I'd lose about $8k of equity this quick. I guess I'll wait it out for a while.

 

Get an older 2013 IS350 or GS350 - engine is the same as the current ones.
They are reliable.

The ride on the WRX is very hard and overall it's completely different than the IS, definitely test drive it. Are you buying the manual? If not, it comes with CVT which is not ideal for sporty driving.

 

I almost bought a wingless STi before my lexus but everyone talked me out of it said it was a young mans ride...O well

 

You need to drive one first. I don't see any significant differences in the two vehicles. It could cost a lot of money to get minimal, if any, performance gains. For a "fun driver" you might want to expand your search.

 

A WRX should be night and day compared to an IS250. I agree that the CVT transmission models are not the way to go. If you're going to get into a WRX, a manual transmission model is the best one. As far as any extra performance goes, Subaru of America is bullish on any modifications inside the warranty period but those cars are well known for their ability to take to flash retunes and other physical modifications to the engines.

The more powerful STI models can, I believe, be ordered without the big wing at the rear in one of the option packages.

Find a good dealer and take one out for a test drive

If you want to stay with a rear-drive car there is also the superb BMW 2 series line.

 

If you want to go fast for not a lot of cash, go drive a Ford Mustang GT. IMO its a great looking car, WAY more power than anything else discussed in this thread, great handling, the new models are pretty civilized in terms of seat comfort, ride, noise, etc. If you can live with cloth seats and no options, they're about 30-31k if you negotiate hard. Get one with all the options like leather, performance package, etc and it might run you 40k.

 

+1. Exactly what I was going to say.
You made your choice, and unless you got money to put down the drain, wait it out for some time.

 

You can try to sell it to a private party instead of trading in. Its going to be tough either way in a depressed passenger car market.

 

Definitely try to sell the car privately. I agree the IS250 is just too slow. I actually original purchase my IS250 for my son. He was so bored with the car he gave it back to me. You should be able to find a nice G37 for less than 20k. The WRX is nice but it’s a young man car. Those days are over for me.

 

You're gonna get ripped so hard for the trade-in value.

Sell the IS250 and buy the Subie independently is your most economic way to go about this if you must pursue WRX/different car.

As far as reliability goes - do not buy used Subie. What a PITA.