What didn't you like about the WRX? I thought my 15 was a good, solid, fun, and useful car for its price range. Now keep in mind its significantly outclassed by the cars you mentioned though. I think its the best value for that price segment. Hit that mid-30 mark+, there are better options.
I love my RS. After all this time no issues and I enjoy getting into it each time. I got this because of its performance, AWD, and usability (hatch!). People claim its interior is dated, but coming from an Evo and WRX, I was shocked how solid its interior is. Plastics feel good for what it is (read:not euro luxury), stereo is solid, and its surprisingly quiet. Seats are love/hate for many so that's your call on your body type. You sit high, but that gives better visibility which I like. No rattles.
Ride quality, step up from your rex, but its not forgiving compared to the other 2 you mentioned. Now, I put on 245/40-18 pilot 4S on and it rides significantly better. The 35-19s were a culprit. I can tolerate track suspension mode on these PA roads now much of the time. Handling though, supreme. Its suspension and awd system put power down in ways I haven't experienced in any other awd turbo car. When I expect understeer with power down, the car dives INTO the line instead of pushing. Very few times did I get this the front to push.
Power is great. All over the band. Similar to your WRX, just more power and it doesn't fall off. My tune made the car a different beast all together, improved power and feel significantly across the board.
People say it's AWD is the most advanced, I agree compared to everything I've driven. There's a lot of trickery there, and it just grips. You have to really do something dumb to lose it. Its launch control is brutally effective, and with my newest tune I set its launch RPM to match the tune. No drama, no spin, it just goes. Now, I also have a RMM (rear motor mount) which helped its launch and shifting under power.
But that AWD launch... Sheesh.
Only issue found with the car is the head gasket. Some cars had machining errors, or had the wrong type of head gasket. Ford is fixing them when stock or tuned, they know its a flaw. But some of these cases I don't believe the car was broken in right, or is mercilessly beat on. But, we shall see. I'm just under 10K miles now. If it goes, Ford will put a new gasket on or replace the motor. The PTU leak has been tracked to early production models, and its more rare. Its pretty technical how the seal needs to be set, low tolerances. So if bad, people have issue if not fixed right.
I haven't had any issue thus far. The GT would be a fun car for the V8 and its sound, but they feel heavy. The CTR is new here, supposedly a great DD. Should be reliable, but guess its too soon to say. People say it's rather dull experience wise. Probably needs some tuning and a decent exhaust for drama experience. Id suspect its great, if you can get one without scumbag Stealerships mark ups.
My advice drive if you can. Mustang should be no issue, but dealerships are unfortunately leery with the RS and especially the CTR. If you lived near me id let you check out my RS. But, in all, love it. It has edge and drama, makes me feel like a car guy again.
