Alternatives to buying an STI at $35K
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Alternatives to buying an STI at $35K
All the talk about the pricing for the STI and the worry that there won't be enough to meet demand got me wondering what else is out there for $35K. I think about 90% of the people on this site are "hardcore" and will settle only for an STI, WRX, or EVO almost irregardless of price. But clearly we are not representative of most car buyers.
If you have $35K to spend, and are not married to the idea of rally-bred AWD and aggressive wings, you've got some decent choices. All these cars are at or under $35K:
BMW 330
BMW Z4
Infiniti G35
Honda S2000
Audi TT
Lexus IS 300
Nissan 350Z
Mazda RX-8
Mustang SVT Cobra
Most of these cars carry "luxury" brand names, most have more upscale interiors with leather, sunroof, nice stereos, etc.
Though none of these cars can be called a direct competitor to the STI, (only the EVO fills that slot), the casual car buyer looking to get something fast and sweet for $35K will be looking at these cars too. And these are the people that Subaru will have trouble with because Subaru is not yet regarded as a brand name with the cache of BMW, Audi, Infiniti, etc. Yet they will be charging the same, or more, for the STI. Also, the stereo-as-option and big wing may turn off a lot of buyers over the age of 30.
My point, (and I do have one), is that even a limited production run of 3500 cars may well be enough to satisfy the niche market of buyers that absolutely need the STI. Once us I-club members have our car, there will still be leftover STI laying around and dealers will be trying to convince a 36 year old lawyer that it is more important to have MOMO steering wheel and big wing than leather seats and a sunroof. So once again, I don't think you will have to wait that long for STI prices to come under MSRP.
If you have $35K to spend, and are not married to the idea of rally-bred AWD and aggressive wings, you've got some decent choices. All these cars are at or under $35K:
BMW 330
BMW Z4
Infiniti G35
Honda S2000
Audi TT
Lexus IS 300
Nissan 350Z
Mazda RX-8
Mustang SVT Cobra
Most of these cars carry "luxury" brand names, most have more upscale interiors with leather, sunroof, nice stereos, etc.
Though none of these cars can be called a direct competitor to the STI, (only the EVO fills that slot), the casual car buyer looking to get something fast and sweet for $35K will be looking at these cars too. And these are the people that Subaru will have trouble with because Subaru is not yet regarded as a brand name with the cache of BMW, Audi, Infiniti, etc. Yet they will be charging the same, or more, for the STI. Also, the stereo-as-option and big wing may turn off a lot of buyers over the age of 30.
My point, (and I do have one), is that even a limited production run of 3500 cars may well be enough to satisfy the niche market of buyers that absolutely need the STI. Once us I-club members have our car, there will still be leftover STI laying around and dealers will be trying to convince a 36 year old lawyer that it is more important to have MOMO steering wheel and big wing than leather seats and a sunroof. So once again, I don't think you will have to wait that long for STI prices to come under MSRP.
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whipsaw,
OMG this is the best argument I've seen for waiting till next fall to strike a bargain for an STi! Right on!
As an over 40 "boring" engineer, I am tempted to jump ship for a G-35 coupe for $35K. But for $30K, I'd figure out a way to surgically alter that wing.
Eric
OMG this is the best argument I've seen for waiting till next fall to strike a bargain for an STi! Right on!
As an over 40 "boring" engineer, I am tempted to jump ship for a G-35 coupe for $35K. But for $30K, I'd figure out a way to surgically alter that wing.
Eric
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How about used cars? There are plenty of options there, and tunable cars for the track. If you're looking for performance on a used car, I'd go with a MKIV Supra Turbo, M3 or S4 and put money into modifying those.
From your list of cars, I'd go with the G35 Coupe manual, RX-8, or S2000.
From your list of cars, I'd go with the G35 Coupe manual, RX-8, or S2000.
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