Hi all--

I've had my 98 civic EX for 8 years now... and now that I'm all grown up and in the real world, I figure I'll be like everyone else and take on some debt

I've been test driving cars for about 2 months now, having compared the G35c 6MT, 350Z, s2000, rx8, and finally the STI.

Going into the process, I was about 75% sure that the 350Z would be my next car. I've always loved the looks and the VQ motor, and driving one didn't disappoint. It was everything that I had hoped for, a RWD sports car with ample power that I wouldn't have to mod (remember, I'm coming from a gutless honda 4 cyl.), a good sound, and a comfortable cabin. I was able to force myself to walk away, since I knew there were more cars to drive.

Synopsis of the others:
G35 - too grown up, felt significantly slower than the Z. Fantastic interior.
s2000 - very fun car, love the convertible, transmission, and handling, but EXPENSIVE for zero features and no space. Didn't feel as gutless as the ~160lbft of torque might suggest.
rx8 - where's the torque band? Handles like a go cart, loved the transmission, interior had a cheaper feel

Then I drove the STI, albeit a 2005...since I not-knowingly went to Steven's Creek, and it's all they would let me take out. I've always liked the looks, but haven't loved them...but the new fascia is, IMO, an improvement over the last.

I was only about 20% interested in the car when I stepped on the lot, so I wasn't too put off that they wouldn't let me drive the 2006.

Clearly, the first thing I noticed was the powerband, I've never driven a car that surged like that without a few grand invested under the hood. The salesman let me take some sweeping corners at a clip and it felt great. Solid. Planted. The way a sports car should feel.

The interior definitely was middle of the road compared to the other cars that I drove, above the s2000 and rx8, but below the G35 and 350Z.

I walked away still thinking that the 350Z was going to be my next car, but I found myself over the next couple of days, talking the most about the STI. It had just left an insatiable impression on me. I wanted to drive it again, and push it harder than I had before, see how it behaves when it has its legs stretched a bit.

I just spent a week in TX, and went out to Arlington Subaru, where they let me drive a 2006, and that sealed the deal for me. I stepped out of that car with a smile on my face from ear to ear. Done, I knew what car I was going to buy.

So now the questions for the Bay Area guys:

1. I know the suggestion is to go to Santa Cruz to buy it, which I'm willing to do. I checked their inventory online and it only showed one 2006 STI. If I call down there on Friday morning, will they give me the runaround just to try to get me down there, or will they tell me whether they have the car I want? If they don't, would they work to get it, or tell me what (if any) cars they are expecting. I've heard this is the best dealership around, and want to give them my business if I can.

2. What salesman should I ask for? I've already made up my mind, so I really just need him to facillitate the deal.

3. Similar set of questions for the Redwood city Subaru dealer, though they showed a bigger inventory online, and that dealer is ~30 miles closer to me than Santa Cruz.

 

the 2005 you drove at stevens creek, what color was it and what wing?

 

Carlsen does have a good sales group too. I think Larry Fung is back there again from Carlsen Audi. Look for him and he should be able to help you just fine, but Santa Cruz does have alot of followers. I think you couldn't go wrong either way.

 

I'd say stick with Santa Cruz, even though I've had slightly rough experiences, they've fixed everything that ever went wrong. They also have their customer for life program where, if you don't know, you get 10% off service and parts, a free day rental car, and a few other goodies. I'm from the east bay, and I drive my car only to Santa Cruz to get anything done to it, it's the only dealer I feel my car won't be abused (I've been to Livermore and Walnut Creek dealers too).

Dealers also can switch cars between dealers so, if you give them a call I'm sure they can source the one you want.

What color are you thinking of getting the '06 STi in? IMHO, white is the only way to go for the '06 with the crappy front end.

 

It was the dark gray with the tall wing.

 

Do you have a salesman in mind that I should request?

White, definitely.

 

They didnt make a dark gray STi in 05

Their was crystal gray...but its not dark at all.

 

that's a debatable assertion

 

Ok.

It was a month ago that I drove that one.

 

I haven't dealt with their salesmen as I bought my WRX used private party, so I've only talked with service people.

Mark Schultz the service manger there, is a great guy though. Not like the one at Livermore who was laughing at me cuz I asked him "What do you mean by I need new brakes?" ..... Let's just say, in the end, I made him shut up, get embarrased, and tell me to talk to the tech because he seriously doesn't know anything at all.

 

Stick with Subaru of Santa Cruz. If you know what you want, tell them. They will ask for a $500 deposit if they have to order the car which takes a couple weeks.

You wont have to haggle with them, they are great there! I bought my car there, my mom bought her forester there, and others on this forum are extremely happy with there service. Not to mention the customer for life program they have. free oil changes for 60K miles with a free car wash each time, and free rental cars for any warranty work, or major service.

 

Driving an STi is like catching a virus. I think there is a medical term for it.. oh yeah, STitis. You can never get rid of it.

 

What are you goign to do with the car, are you going to track days and such? I know sometimes i wonder if it would be better to get a RWD than AWD. My friends have a 350z and E36 M3 and I wonder if it's more fun in a RWD aroudn the corners. I gotta say thoguh I'm very happy with this car, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

 

Just use the real medical term

STi - Sexual Transmitted Infection

 

I got my 06 WRX from Santa Cruz and Dan the salesman did my transaction (after I had agreed on a price with the fleet manager via phone/email). Low pressure style. Tell em what you want ahead of time and figure out your price.

I had a good experience with them, which is pretty much in line with their reputation. And driving 17 is pretty fun too.

BTW, I came from a 97 civic EX myself. Wonderful econoboxes. Get ready for gas mileage shock along with turbo happy grins