Roo

iTrader: (3)

Mods, when tastefully done, can add value to the car. If overdone, they can significantly remove value. Someone called while I was at LIC Motorsports - they had just picked up a 500 WHP (rotated mount turbo) STI, and needed to smog it. He wasn't laughing when Noah told him he'd better have about 8k to shell out for stock parts and installation to return it to stock.

In order to answer the OP's question, you really need to assess VALUE.
Modding cars is a money-losing proposition for the owner of the vehicle most of the time.

East Bay STI

iTrader: (27)

Good replies so far, I guess I should start looking for an 04-05 WRX Wagon then. I am looking to pay cash which in some cases is a good bargaining tool since no bank will have to be involved and no waiting for a check to clear. I plan on taking the car with me to Mexico and keep it with me in Puerto Vallarta and the Mazda Protege5 I am using right now is just a loaner car.

Not that Subie's are overpriced but when compared to a Volvo V70 XC a WRX Wagon is close to double the price. Both cars are really safe but the allure of a manual and the Boxer Rumble makes it a tough decision. Not really trying to compare the two, but I have seen Volvo's with 300K miles on them as long as they are maintained. Same goes with Subies too.

Well thanks for the replies ladies and gentleman

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

Because they're worth it

/thread

w0ng3r

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like you ripped off Maybelline.

04GG

iTrader: (33)

That's because the demand for a Volvo V70 is VERY small compared to a decent Subaru.

frost0fractal

iTrader: (4)

Keep in mind there is a whole country out there. California is part of a minority when it comes to smog BS. Most of the states don't have to do that crap, and there are certainly buyers in those states.

It's really all about what it's worth to you.
That's just the way markets/economics work (because capitalism and greed).
If there are people wanting something and willing to pay, there will be other people there to take their money and deliver on the goods, thus asking prices go up. If nobody is buying for various reasons, prices will go down.

It is rather annoying to try to sort out the abused cars from the non-abused ones. Inheriting someone else's project can sometimes be a complete pain in the ****. I have only been buying and modifying Subarus for 5 years now, but it has been a wonderfully rewarding experience, both in terms of learning and enjoyment. Sure I've spent money, but that's what money is for and if you spend your whole life saving it you wasted your life.

I love cars, hate arseholes, and I'm not rich. As a result I don't think I would want to be part of a different community of enthusiasts. I love this one, it's filled with great people, and it fits my budget. Look for a car you love, that is fairly priced for you, and is in good shape, and good luck with it.

Oh and be sure to always call out anyone doing a disservice to this community, it's how we keep it strong.

chimchimm5

iTrader: (9)

Subies are great cars. But there are also a lot of morons with $$

frost0fractal

iTrader: (4)

+1, but that phenomenon exists everywhere with everything

mistaanime

iTrader: (12)

subaru's hold their value pretty well..hell look at the impreza 2.5RS (98-01) even today they are worth more than wrx bugeyes.

0341Tested

FWIW, I shopped the whole US and being stationed all over the US i can say the price varies but attitude in how to deal with seller/buyers vary the most.

However in each market price of parts/ "upgrades" were typically added onto the sticker price. It seems the model has shifted to focus on people haggling with the CL price system. It use to be where a price listed was the price, but now people know buyers will haggle, so sellers are typically upping it, but again this is anecdotal.

This is purely anecdotal but...

Bay Area - Sellers sell high cause the market is in favor Data used: 6 months of looking at WRX/ STI and all sorts of vehicles across the board. Vehicles are also highly polarized, with some being top of the line Skyline GTR's (newest generation at competitive prices to hoopty *** cars)

Southern California (San Diego/ - A lot of cars change hands, this market was close but alot of people
Oregon/Washington: You'll find a bunch that are snow/salt damaged and even more salvaged or "worked" for a decent price. Alot of fixer uppers and worn out suspensions.

Nevada/ New Mexico/ Arizona : I found this market to be most close to KBB

East Coast (Maine/Jersey/ Miami/ Florida): So many water damaged/ replaced engines/ salvaged vehicles...

(markets searched using autotrader/ search tempest via CL/ ebay/ local news papers, private auctions)

But Subaru's, i would argue, is a niche market. what you willing to pay for vs what he's willing to sell for.

jdblock

iTrader: (8)

That's because every automatic Volvo transmission breaks, and they cost an arm to replace.

aboothman

iTrader: (8)

Because you are a cheap ***