Hey, no hating here. I'm just saying that the original RSs and WRXs were incredibly good value for money. The new STI is just good value for money.

If I was still stuck with a one car limitation, the new STi would definitely be top on the list of potentials. However, I now have space for multiple vehicles, so I'm thinking I can have more fun by having a dedicated AWD for snow/practical issues (RAV4 maybe), and then a fun car that doesn't need to be Tahoe road friendly (Elise, S2000, modded MR2?). I'll be buying used if I go this route anyway.

 

How much do they weigh? I haven't heard anything other than the BBS wheels are 7lbs lighter. And after reading the reviews so far, the STI seems to do damn well with the stock cinder blocks.

 

If a 300hp I6 twin-turboed RWD small coupe (granted it's not that light) is the bottom of the pecking order, then I'm all for it. Plus, it's a BMW and you do pay extra for the badge.

They did have an STi Wagon for quite a while (both GC and GD). I completely agree with you on the price. The STI was under $33k (pretty much fully loaded) and the EVO started at under $29 for the RS. Now, they both start at about $35k and fully loaded run well over $40 OTD which is pretty ridiculous. Still, I would buy nothing else in the price range.

PS: Kinda off topic, but it'd be nice if Ford brought over the next Focus RS and priced it at low-mid $30s. The more competition the better.

I believe the Subaru rep said that the BBS version is about 40 pounds lighter than the base.

 

right, well different ones of us have different attitudes towards badge and appearances obviously (otherwise we'd all be driving 1990 AWD Eclipse turbos w/ 600hp). It's like the whole thing with the Boxster - it's a really great car but the fact that the car itself was awesome didn't stop it from becoming the "poser-mobile for people who can't afford a 911" and I suspect the 1 series may become as such, no matter how hard BMW markets it as otherwise. But then again, it might not. Who knows?


The ruler/metric I use for this is the self dubbed "pull up to da club" test. You look at a car and say "hm would I be comfortable pulling up to the entrance of an upscale club with this vehicle? what would partygoers who didn't know much about cars think"

 

I myself don't care about badges (and don't care about stereotypes, hence I'd take the Boxster since the car is sublime). However, that doesn't change the fact that most of the people DO care about badges. Do you think most people who can afford a $40k car would shell out that kind of money on a BMW/MB/Infiniti or on a Subaru/Mitsubishi? Just saying that there isn't a lot of people in the 18-24 demographic who can shell out such sums for an auto (unless their parents are loaded). And the 18-24 demographic is who the car appeals to.

 

No way. Every review I've read had a consistent report of 7lbs each. Or a total of 28lbs combined weigh savings with the BBS.

 

Maybe the lugs were changed from lead to aluminum

 

41K? They're pricing the car right out of its intended market.

 

Reality check people.
The cars MSRP is closer to 35 thou, just like its always been.

41K is "OTD" which includes taxes, licensing and all that stuff that isn't on the monroney sticker

There are almost no MB/BMW/Lexus/Infinity's that can be had for a sticker price of 35K OR an OTD under 41K
- add AWD and I think you can scratch the "almost" from the above statement.

The "18-24 demographic" should be more than happy modding and stuffing regular WRX's into trees and light poles, the STI is really targeted more to the 30-50 yr olds that can appreciate what the car has to offer and can afford it.

If you'd prefer an MB/BMW/Audi/etc... go buy one and leave the Subaru people here alone....

 

At first i hated the body styling of the new 08's and i thought subaru was dumb for changing it to a 5door style. After driving a 08 wrx i still was not impressed compared to my stage 2 04. After looking at the Subaru drive magazine and all the sweet stuff that the new 08 has to offer, really there are no cars that compare. my mom owns a G35 and while it is nice, rwd is just not the same. And bimmers are rediculously over priced and horribly expensive to repair. a luxury yet sporty hatchback with 300 hp and the possiblilty to stick upwards of a 275 wide tire underneath...whata beast!

 

o rly? How many 50 year old sti owners do you know?

 

More than a few, and I know of at least 3 who are over 60.

How many 18-24 yr olds can really afford them? unless of course mommy and daddy buy it for them.....

 

I know of 2 in their 40s.

 

Umm, I can afford my STi with no problemo and I'm only 19. And no, neither one of my parents helped me, in fact, even if they wanted to help me financially, they couldn't as they both don't have jobs!
I know I am not the majority but I am young, can afford my car, and respect it as well. I know the limits of my car and I know the limits of my driving.
Alex

 

Save your money... You have parts to buy off of me.

-Mike-