Hi Everyone,

Just had some thoughts, because I'm one of the people considering an STi or a WRX. Here are some thoughts I'm having:

Well, I'm suppose to be talking with the sales manager of my closest Subaru dealer today since she contacted me directly about the STi situation. After doing a good amount more research, I'm finding that their may even be an even more attractive alternative for me. Because of all the attention being hyped on the STi, the regular WRX has kinda been overlooked. The WRX not only looks better this year (IMHO although the original looks good too), it also has some improvements that could prove to be an exceptional value. (suspension tweaks, interior changes including seats, steering tweaks, etc.). The thing is, since I qualify for the Subaru VIP program through my membership in the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association), I can buy a WRX for Invoice! I could get a well equipped WRX for only $24000 + tax + tag and then actually customize it myself how I want!

That's the only thing about the STi, because it is a 2.5 and not the 2.0, and it has already been tweaked a specific way, it's going to be very difficult to make any meaningful changes to it without hurting the package as a whole (and the "limited edition" value), not to mention that it is going to be some time before any parts are available for the 2.5 while the 2.0 already has years of aftermarket development behind it. (the STi in the rest of the world is using the 2.0)

Just thought I'd run this idea by other gear heads out there to see if there might be some merit in my logic?

What would you guys say is the average cost of getting a WRX reliably into the low 13s or maybe slightly better?

 

VERY good points DwithBoost and the kind of responses I am looking for (both for and against the STi). I know an STi is still an STi, but I'm not really the kind of guy that makes a big deal of the "trim" level of their car as a "statement", but I do realize it comes with the territory.

The price of the STi is MSRP of $31,520, so at least $6500-7500 more than a very well equiped WRX through the Subaru VIP program.

Funny enough, even though I think the STi looks incredible, I actually prefer the styling cues of the WRX slightly more, such as the smaller hood scoop and the fog lights. The spoiler wings are a toss up.

Decisions....decisions.....all input appreciated!

 

Well, I'm not really too concerned about car jacking in the area I live and work in. My car is garage kept and I litterally work right next to a police department. My trip between point A and point B is mostly highway, so I doubt anyone's going to jump on my car averaging between 75-80mph. Then again, you never know...lol

I do agree that at least initially, the STi may get some unwanted attention.

 

Well, looks like from the different issues people have been having with their WRXs, it's either the STi for me, or sticking to my refundable deposit and original plan of buying a pre-order RX-8. I was just considering some different options in a similar price range and comparing the different technologies and design pros and cons. And yes I know they are totally different cars, but that's what makes it even more fun to decide what attributes in the cars are more important to me.

Bottom line....it's the RX-8 or the STi for me!

 

yeah, you know that the STi already calls out, "steal me, steal me", especially with that big wing on it. i'd say, buy the WRX and make it a true sleeper. looks stock, but under the hood it's where it counts. and who cares about all that it's still an "STi" stuff, well you could say yeah, it's only a "WRX". that of course after you spank an "STi". it's possible.

 

Insurance isn't an issue for me either. I'm 29 and married, not to mention that I've been with the same insurance company since day one and in their "preferred" customer group, so my rates are very reasonable regardless of what I buy.

 

My insurance company will automatically cover you for a certain amount of mods as long as you keep all the receipts.