Appreciate all the feedback guys! I figure I'll do a bit more research and maybe a test drive and go from there

I went 350z - 2014 Wrx hatch - 2015 370Z base with sports package. The Z is special indeed, except the crap paint, it feels like a better built car all around. The WRX started rattling within the first 1k miles, and inside plastic was cheap, stereo was horrible, but it was very practical, and that boxer engine sounded great! I am lucky enough to also own a stage 2 Mazdaspeed3, so that gives me the practicality I need, and that thing is quick, even for a FWD. If I were in your shoes, I would not go for a regular WRX, the STI may work out for you. But at that price, you can even do what I did, show around for a used fun/practical car, that way you can have it both ways. Good luck!

The new Golf R's seem to get some really good reviews too, that may be a good option too.

yah, for a dd i suppose, but i wouldnt sell my Z for that. just get a cheap hatch or your dd needs.

I feel like Subaru's design approach to the WRX over the past 6 or 7 years has been "How can we get this car to look more and more like a Corolla?". IMO, they keep getting uglier and uglier.

subaru does need to hire better designers, yes. their legacy's and tribecca (sp?) look like chryslers. lol

but then it wouldnt have that off-beat quirkiness.

If you care ANYTHING about interior quality, don't look at the WRX lol

i thought about swapping my z for the sti.. i just like how they sound lol and the ease of getting more hp out of them. but i also can't see myself ever giving 40k for that car.

It's looks vs. practicality, like trading a hot looking wife for a frumpy lady who cooks and cleans better. At some point, the latter is preferable. If you are at that point, go for it.

the CLA AMG is close in price to the top trim evo and sti's in canada... =P

That's why I can't bring myself to buy one, or even put one into consideration.

I had a '14 for about 6 months, great to drive, terrible to feel at home in. Ended up in another Z.

that boxer motor sounds horrendous..

Have you guys ever heard of WRX S4? It's a new WRX in Japan with high-end luxury interior that will blow the current WRX's interior out of the water. Might want to research that OP

I thought so also at first , after awhile it grows on ya