Want to replace my WRX

[Frostyak]

Last year I test drove a number of cars which I ended up unable to afford at the time. The models I could afford had an unacceptable amount of miles for what I wanted. So I ended up getting a used WRX. In about a year I should be able to trade in on the car I really want ( a used 325/330). I don't mind the power loss because I drive so modestly as it is that I feel as though I am paying sports car insurance for a car that is practically chauffeur driven.

I am not asking which is the better car. In my mind, I already believe it to be the BMW. What I am asking though is how has your experience been as owners in terms of reliability, maintenance cost, driveability in snow (I live in Alaska), etc. Lastly, I would like your opinions on an AWD vs. RWD. Part of me believes that it is uncharacteristic for a Bimmer to be AWD. Any thoughts? I believe that a cautious driver with a good set of snow tires can do just as well, but all the CPO cars up here are 'xi's'.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[lordhamster]

I bought a 05' 325xi In february, thus far I'm very happy with it. I live in Cleveland Ohio so I'm very very familiar with driving in snow, we get tons due to lake effect.

Previously I drove a Plymouth breeze, so the car was definitely a step up. I'm no car expert but I feel the car handles great and does not suffer from the usual downsides of AWD....

The car accelerates great in snowy/icy conditions (handles even better than my old FWD). I have a friend who has a 325i, and he had to go with snow tires, which cost him more to buy then the extra money I put into the xi option. Like I said, the car drove like a champ with regular all season tires.

As for maintainance... this is why I leased. I know that BMW is having some terrible quality ratings lately.... this being my first I wanted to see how it is. I actually was torn between this an a honda accord coupe (accords have excellent long term quality).

Thus far, I've had my service engine light come on twice...both times I took it to the dealer who replaced the air pump... twice. Luckily since they gave me a loaner each time and returned my car to me washed in under a day, the experience was less painless.

 

[bmw046series]

I have a friend that has a a 330xi he loves it he said it drives excellent in the winter, he changes the tires for the winter though he said it gives it better traction.