Am I nuts??? Debating an STI...

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

I'm actually going to test drive a WRX tomorrow because it seems most of the dealerships in the NY area refuse to let me test an STI. One guy agreed, but only if they can run my financial info first. Sheesh, subaru dealerships are not so hot so far.

I think I might test drive an S4 too, but I would rather an RS4. Way too expensive for a beater though.

[jmoorman]

I'm actually coming from a long history of subarus, and was debating a 2011 wrx but decided against it, hopefully im picking up my new 2011 135i next week.

The sti is a waste of money over the wrx, its nearly $10k more, for a 6 speed, brembo brakes, and throttle mapping.

The base model wrx is actually faster to 60 than the sti.

And at least in the PAC NW. The current subaru lease rates are not half bad, 15k miles a year 59% residual, and a .0021 money factor.

Those numbers were the same for both the wrx and sti.

Subarus are alot of fun, but the rattles that show up after a few thou miles may start to drive you nuts

[BrokenVert]

WRX is faster because the STi requires two shifts before 60.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

I'm actually going to test drive a WRX tomorrow because it seems most of the dealerships in the NY area refuse to let me test an STI. One guy agreed, but only if they can run my financial info first. Sheesh, subaru dealerships are not so hot so far.

A lot of Subaru dealerships began acting that way when the WRX first came out, and again with the STi. All I can figure is that all sorts of people come in requesting test drives, and they are trying to filter out the riffraff. You think they would notice the car you drove up in in your case though.

By the way, I still love driving my WRX in the winter.

[spyderx]

yeah, you're nutz!

go for a Evo, instead!

[jlquinn]

I replaced my 04 STi with a 135 convertible. The 135 is definitely a nicer car - more comfortable, more refined. It's also got the nicest gearbox I've ever driven.

However, I miss the AWD in the snow. AWD + snow tires = awesome. Also, the STi handled more sharply than the 135 and was faster.

I was quite happy with my STi except for one thing - sunlight. I used to have a Miata before and missed having a convertible ever since. The STi doesn't even have a sunroof. The 135 convertible was the closest thing I could find in terms of performance that had a softtop.

So, for handling and traction, my feeling is the STi wins. For speed, I think the stock STi is a bit faster but of course mods change that picture for both cars. For comfort and pleasant driving, the 135 wins. They're both entertaining and fun.

I haven't driven a 135 coupe so can't comment on that.

Jerry

[amdmaxx]

this!
2011 WRX is 90% STI for fraction of the cost..

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Why not just get the Impreza WRX, its less money and almost as fast with AWD.

[mke135i]

Originally Posted by dmw16

It sounds like you are itching for a new/different car and are looking to justification

Throw some snow tires on the 1er and you'll be fine. I drove an S2000 with snow tires for 2 winters and it did better than most others on the road unless there were ground clearance issues, but traction-wise it was great.

This. You will still need snow tires on the STi BTW since the stock summer tires will be deadly in any kind of snow.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Lubo

When I shopped around it came to 2 final decision. STI or 135i.
$36k STI they were asking $750/month lease and didn't want to budge
$43k 135i got an awesome deal $450/month lease with 12k/year.

Did you put in money in the BMW lease?
That monthly is amazing. Does it include tax?

My 09 had a sticker of nearly $42k. I got it somewhere in the $39K range.
No money down, my lease is $540 including 7% state tax.

I've been seeing some amazing leases for new 135i's. Seems I can get a new 135i loaded with what I have now with the audio upgrade and still pay a good bit less than what I'm paying now.
I may have to visit my BMW dealer soon to see if they want my 135i sooner rather than later.

[Aries932]

Originally Posted by spyderx

yeah, you're nutz!

go for a Evo, instead!

+1 Get a Evo MR IX....My friend has one with just a couple upgrades and it literally puts shame to our cars. I love the look of it much much better than the STI. I would highly suggest the Evo over the STI if you are going to get another car.

[spyderx]

^shhhhhh...keep it secret dude!

I do miss my IX SE.

[swaite]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

A lot of Subaru dealerships began acting that way when the WRX first came out, and again with the STi. All I can figure is that all sorts of people come in requesting test drives, and they are trying to filter out the riffraff. You think they would notice the car you drove up in in your case though.

By the way, I still love driving my WRX in the winter.

This is funny because a few years ago my friend was test driving a WRX and the dealership actually INSISTED that he drive the STI.

[11N55]

My brother just got a 2011 STi while I got a 2011 135i, here is a short clip of his car. After driving his car I wouldn't mind going with an STi...the sound of the exhaust alone makes me drool

[BrokenVert]

I didn't really see the 430 HP advertised

More of the car at WOT! I love a Scooby flat 4

[11N55]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I didn't really see the 430 HP advertised

More of the car at WOT! I love a Scooby flat 4

We both have busy schedules but I will get more videos soon!

Here is the proof, not trying to hijack the thread just trying to support the OP.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...2133296&page=2

[Lubo]

Originally Posted by RPM90

Did you put in money in the BMW lease?
That monthly is amazing. Does it include tax?

My 09 had a sticker of nearly $42k. I got it somewhere in the $39K range.
No money down, my lease is $540 including 7% state tax.

I've been seeing some amazing leases for new 135i's. Seems I can get a new 135i loaded with what I have now with the audio upgrade and still pay a good bit less than what I'm paying now.
I may have to visit my BMW dealer soon to see if they want my 135i sooner rather than later.

I put taxes and registration fees as down, but I took the car off the lot instead of doing ordering. In the end I got the car with premium which wasn't on my must have things and ended up in the ballpark I wanted to be paying.

[jetblackone]

If you want to maximize winter capability, you simply cannot compare a winter tire shod WRX/STi to a 1-series. I have the BMW winter wheel/tire package on my 128i, and while it works decently well in normal winter driving, it does not come close to the traction of my all wheel drive limited slip equipped WRX. The thing was a like a turbocharged mountain goat.

[UsualSuspect]

I sold my '06 STi for my 135i and if I could afford to have another STi or EVO as a 2nd car I would. I absolutely loved my STi and sold it with 98K...the body was flawless, paint was in excellent condition. The engine was tested for leaks and what not, and that was in mint condition just like a showroom car. My STi was very quick and the BMW is fast...very fast! You get spoiled after driving AWD, on the track, off the track but it's not as refined. Who cares, right? It's about what the car can do.