The other posters bring up a good point - if performance is very important to you (which would be typical for STi owners, no?), then the weight penalty of the moon roof would not be the greatest of ideas.

The leather is indeed very annoying in the summer and in the winter (before the seat warmers have done their work). However, I personally feel that leather is easier to clean than cloth or alcantara, as long as you get to wipe off spills and whatnot asap.

As for how the leather holds up, I think a lot of that will come down to how well you maintain it - for example, the leather seats on the B5 A4 I had was well maintained and had zero rips or whatever, much unlike the leather seats the B5 A4 my buddy had, which had rips and cracks galore, especially the driver seat.

 

If you don't have kids (or won't have any soon) and have responsible friends, cloth will be better overall. A little more intensive to clean, but overall less maintenance to keep looking nice. Maybe just me and my snugger bugeye seats, but I love alcantara over any leather.

Moonroofs, as people have stated, add additional weight. Plus, eventually many will leak. Not worth the additional problems and weight, imho.

In the end, however, options are options for a reason. It really boils down to if YOU want them. Don't let other people make the decisions for you.

 

Next option - get the standard interior and buy a good pair of leather Corbeau or Sparco seats. Vastly superior to anything the factory puts out.

the Corbeau TRS is only $625 in leather and is really well bolstered


Corbeau: TRS

 

I've had leather and sunroofs in all of three my Subarus.

As far as the leather goes, I prefer it over cloth, and have never had an issue with abnormal wear or dirtiness. I just use leather conditioner once or twice a year and call it good.

As for the sunroof, I use mine a lot, so the additional cost and weight is worth it to me.

In the end, its your car and you drive it every day, so you need to decide.

 

save $3K and get film/protection for the front end.

 

The base STI has Leather and Alacantara (Suedelike), and lack of a moonroof. You wont really miss it if you go base. Secondly, the alacantara holds you in the seat better than full leather.

Couple of things to consider.

IF you really want a moonroof and leather, then get the limited.

the USDM sti's dont have a premium trim. just base, hatch, and limited sedan.

 

Thanks for the advice! I went with the limited because i do not like the suedelike material.

 

Bunch of leather hatin' hippies in this thread! I love the leather in my limited, only has minor wear on the driver's seat side bolster from the previous owner.

As for the moonroof, yes it adds weight up high, but will it honestly make a difference on a daily driven car? I think the benefits make up for the weight penalty.

 

Wait, you got rid of the Spec B?

 

I also dislike leather, sweat + leather = uncomfortable
I would have traded you non-leather seats for the leather ones in my limited.... oh well.