ok, im looking to buy a new car, which one do you prefer and why?

 

Neither. Get an Evo

 

Ya, if you can afford the lexus, buy the evo, the lexus has luxury, but the evos got all the rest. Or, better yet, buy a saab 9-3, turbo, luxury, sweet ride. similar price too

 

WRX for performance IS300 for looks

 

IS300 but get it in manual and toss a turbo on it and you will hand us EVO owners a new A-hole.

 

Doesnt the IS300 have the Supra block in it????

 

the na motor. check out is300.net some pretty crazy setups. there are three shops in your tri-state area that does swaps and is3 turbo setups, look for the guy with the supra tt swap
jimmy
ps. was going through same thing. glad i got the evo. both pretty good platforms for mods, is3 is very costly.

 

Hmm... This of course depends on what your expectations for the vehicle are. If you are looking for an inexpensive performance AWD vehicle that responds well to a few simple mods, then the WRX is a great choice.

If luxury is more of what you want and you don't plan on doing many mods, then the IS300 is a good choice. Lexus has a wonderful warranty and great customer service. Here's a quick list of Pros and Cons...

WRX
Pros- responds well to simple mods, mods are relatively inexpensive, AWD, easy to use as a daily driver, driver gets to wear a silly grin every day, sweet boxster motor sound, absolutely Best BANG for the Buck.

Cons- Tranny doesn't hold up well to abuse (no power shifting), Subaru of America has become anti-customer on the WRX and is denying claims based on "abuse," stereo is marginal at best (even the "upgraded" system), cup holders suck, backseats only hold small children.

IS300
Pros- Good luxury for the price, nice sound system, sweet 5 speed auto "E-Shift" available, great "moderate weather" driver, good alternative to BMW, fantastic warranty and customer service , Lexus holds great resale value.

Cons- Can be moded but not inexpensively, for the base price you could easily purcase an EVO or STi, NOT a snow car (even with snow tires), really makes one think about a G35 as a good option.

Just some quick points to think about...

 

there's nearly a $10k difference between the 2.......I'd take the IS300 because it's more refined and looks much better. Also has good performance potential too. If you were comparing the STI and the IS300 (since they are similar in price) then I'm going with the STI...but a regular REX doesn't compare well.

 

between the 2 i would pick neither.......if you can get a new IS3, then go for the STI, EVO or even G35. G35 comes with AWD drive now so you can get the best of the WRX and the luxury of the IS3. Same price as the IS3 too. plus the G35 has more power than the WRX and the IS3.

 

the IS300 is one of my favorite cars.. I'd get one in a second, however I am keeping away from it only because I don't want to start modding another car.. YET..

 

i would go with the WRX, but thats just me i like power of awd when im driving, but the is300 is strictly for looks and the WRX is for proformace. my vote goes to the WRX

 

well thanks everyone for being honest, the reason i am looking at those 2 and EX-cluded the Evo is because i wouldnt be buyin them new, my budget is around 20 grand, and i havent seen many used Evo's, not alone one around 20 grand, i found a few for like 24 and 25 grand but thats about it

 

i think the WRX is better.... (i wonder why) i like my wifes car.. its solid, quick and pretty damn dependable. the IS300 is a nice car but im not a luxury car person. well good luck on your choice.

 

between the two, I would get the IS300, luxury and looks nice in black. but if you're into performance get the evo instead of the wrx.