Every reply has a good point. If you can afford an STi than run with it. If you can not, buy a wrx and mod it. Personally, I got a good deal on an 02 that I couldn't pass up. I was thinking of the Sti but it would have cost me about $14,000 more. I love the STi and how it looks. If I had the money, I would have jumped on it in a heartbeat. Either way you choose, you will have a great car.