3rd gen taco or Subaru WRX

Hey guys,

I'll be turning in my VW golf tdi in about 2 weeks. Weighing my options for a new vehicle. A few factors to consider.

-I'm essential personnel so I must report to work no matter the conditions.
-I drive about 72 miles a day round trip for work, mostly highway.
-I'll have about 15k for a down payment.
-The taco will probably get about 20mpg on average with unleaded fuel.
-The wrx will probably get 28-30mpg on premium fuel.
-A new taco TRD off-road will cost me 35k.
-A new wrx will cost me 28-29k.

I think the truck would be great, minus the mpg. The car would be pretty cool but can't do as much as the truck could.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: either choice will be paired with a manual transmission.

 

2nd gen

 

Audi A3 AWD

 

WRX, my subaru does better in the snow than my tacoma, plus boost, plus mpg, plus still awesome car!
unless you want to offroad, haul stuff, have ground clearance and better resale.

 

SUBARU

 

MT or CVT WRX? Mine never got better than 21 combined and that was rare.

 

I sold my 13 STI and got a 17 tacoma sport
There's no comparison
Two completely different types of vehicles
I miss the STI for the power and awd
STI got amazing gas mileage with all the work I did along with the tune (idk how)
I don't miss driving in traffic with a clutch
Tacoma is more functional for my current lifestyle

 

Get a 3rd Gen Tacoma with the 6MT. You'll feel like such a boss, I promise you!

 

I'll always pick a manual transmission as long as the option is available!

 

Do you ever haul or have intent to move things or help others move? If so, you won't want the WRX.

 

SR5 4 cylinder

 

I was in the same position...sold my TDI back and had to decide between an STI and a taco. I chose taco. Very happy

 

why not both?
get a hawk eye wrx, like 09 or something, then a solid 2nd gen
or test drive both..

 

Just my opinion but my MT seems to run less aggressive than the auto I test drove before buying my TRD Sport MT. I added a pedal commander and it helped but still lethargic. It is a truck, not a sports car, drive one before you buy one.

 

subaru went down hill awhile ago. Truck will be better all around, more things you can do with it.

 

I had a 2016 WRX 6mt and it was a awesome car, very peppy, safe, 26mpg no matter how I drove it. BUT it got old quick, living in DFW there is quite a bit of traffic and shifting all the time got old and the roads are terrible so watching out for pot holes also got old. They are two completely different animals and if I could own both I would but for me the Tacoma is a much more practical vehicle. Also the WRX has horrible road noise and I find my Tacoma seats to be more comfortable for me.

 

I've driven the new taco and the new wrx. Liked both for different reasons. If I haul anything it'll be rare. Same with off-roading. I'd be afraid of denting or breaking shit. Yes I'm that type that would have an off-road vehicle and barely use it. I have thought of parking on the beach to go fishing/camping during the summer.

 

I know, Tacoma forum-
I have been driving pickups exclusively for 20+ years, but OP asks which is better- nimble car or pickup truck.
70+ miles a day for the next how many years- you do realize one of the two options drives like a truck, correct? Better choose wisely....

 

I went from a TDI to a wrx to a Tacoma. I had a hatch and it was a very practical fun car. Lots of room and good fun power. The Subaru will be more comfortable and get better mileage.

You will get 19-23 MPG.

Its going to be biased here but it really depends what you need. I would say keep the TDI for commuting and get a used Tacoma for when you need a truck or severe weather.

 

I was in the same predicament. I got the Tacoma 6mt offroad. Never looked back until after 1st gear. 1 gear on the Tacoma is no fun. 2nd gear have no fear.