[mtla4]

Originally Posted by DarthDingo

Good cars but too vanilla for him. Sure the RS4 is totally bad ass, but also $65k, and no thanks on a used one, could have issues.

#1 is a new 2009 4 door M3 modded to look cool, with new wheels, boot lid, tint, etc...now your talking at least $65k - $70k for all that. He would love that the most, but way out of his price range, by a good $25k-$30k too much.

A brand new Subaru STi can be had for low $30k's, decent mods lets say he spends $5k+, and he is still under $40k, for a car that looks pretty unique, and tough, plus has all wheel drive for crappy Chicago Fall, Winter and Spring, and really Chicago has shit weather a good 6+ months out of the year. And is 4 doors for easy baby seat access, and a hatch for carrying bigger thing on a trip etc...

Opinions ?

I say yes without a doubt

[jeremyc74]

Here's what I'd buy:
(G8 GXP - Damn picture won't work for some reason)







Not much more than a loaded STI, 430Hp LS3 V8 with TONS of potential. Room for 5 adults, and looks damn nice. You simply can't comfortably haul more ass for less money.

[DarthDingo]

So if yes to the STi, which color to mod ?

Black;
http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/gallery...61573181_kvcH3

Blue in this thread;
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-exter...s-pics-55.html

I know he is sort of sick of Black, hard to keep clean. Blue is definitely something he never had before and he not sure about that. But would the light Silver be too plain, or cool if done with the same mods as these other two cars above ?

[bigslick82]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

Here's what I'd buy:

[IMG]http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9G_bDuyC0lKujYBkrijzbkF/SIG=12dnecgv0/EXP=1246387506/**http%3A//www.tuningnews.net/news/080319g/pontiac-g8-gxp.jpg[/IMG]

Not much more than a loaded STI, 430Hp LS3 V8 with TONS of potential. Room for 5 adults, and looks damn nice. You simply can't comfortably haul more ass for less money.

This.

i like the sti. I took a hard look at one, but take a look at the sti forums. Lots of engine problems on modded cars there.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by DarthDingo

So if yes to the STi, which color to mod ?

Black;
http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/gallery...61573181_kvcH3

Blue in this thread;
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-exter...s-pics-55.html

I know he is sort of sick of Black, hard to keep clean. Blue is definitely something he never had before and he not sure about that. But would the light Silver be too plain, or cool if done with the same mods as these other two cars above ?

I hate black. Swirls, stone chips shows easily I'd go white or blue but honestly color is my last concern when I buy a car. If they a a silver,red one sitting on the lot at a discounted price I'd buy it.

[MrRoboto]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

Here's what I'd buy:
(G8 GXP - Damn picture won't work for some reason)






Not much more than a loaded STI, 430Hp LS3 V8 with TONS of potential. Room for 5 adults, and looks damn nice. You simply can't comfortably haul more ass for less money.

I certainly wouldn't be buying a Pontiac with the brand going the way of the doe doe over the next few years.

I think the STI is the best bet for your friend. Practical hatch, performance, budget. it all fits.

[Genericuser1]

Unless he really likes the hatch utility look into the GSR (or 135, Camaro SS or hell if you have the dough 2010 GT500); it seems to be holding up well to modification from what I hear. Of course if he could afford a 45-50k car and likes the STI I say get it and have fun modifying it. Just keep $3k in reserve to replace the pistons with forged ones if it blows a ringland. Now if he is keeping the engine/exhaust/powertrain stock he will be covered but not many do that. And while you are at it keep another $1k for forged connecting rods. I won’t be doing anymore power mods until I have the cash to cover if it blows.

There are not any specific totals but some, guessing 5%, of STI’s are popping the ringland on cylinder #4. Some of these are stock cars, some modded, some tracked some not. No real rhyme or reason.

In my opinion the car needs a few grand in improvements right out of the gate, namely an accessport plus stage two map, exhaust, rims, window and tail tint, 22mm front and rear sways, RCE springs, short shifter, steering rack bushings and others is you don’t mind the NVH, and a good alignment; makes a world of difference.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

I certainly wouldn't be buying a Pontiac with the brand going the way of the doe doe over the next few years.

I think the STI is the best bet for your friend. Practical hatch, performance, budget. it all fits.

GM will still be around, and the cars can be serviced at any GM dealer. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying one if it fit my needs.

[1N54E92]

why not a 335i ? CPO ?

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by 1ntense135i

why not a 335i ? CPO ?

That is probably what I would do instead of trying to be a boy racer and acting like a kid even after I have kids. I mean, he is looking for a DD not a weekend only car.

IMO the Sti look like shit, and the Evo was made for highschoolers. The G37 or a CPO 335 would be good choices and won't break the bank either.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

That is probably what I would do instead of trying to be a boy racer and acting like a kid even after I have kids. I mean, he is looking for a DD not a weekend only car.

IMO the Sti look like shit, and the Evo was made for highschoolers. The G37 or a CPO 335 would be good choices and won't break the bank either.

Why are u judging the man? I mean does he have to wear his shirt in his pants and drive a minivan or a woody wagon. Wake up it's 2009. I see plenty of mature people driving STI's. It's not (normal) to drive a 50K(in canada) car while being a teen or young adult unless they have rich parents. Those cars are aimed to anyone who likes driving. I doubt that a lot of people can afford 800+ per month for a car let alone highschoolers. No wonder why the economy is so messed up in the states judging from forums a lot of 18-19-20 y/o kids are driving cars they have no business driving(i.e The evo/sti are classified as boy racers). One of my friend's is 33 with 3 kids (7,5,new born not even a month old) still wears DC Shoes has an ATV and bought an EVO X last year as a reward for all these years of hard work before that he couldn't afford it.

My post wasn't to disrespect you but just expressing my point of view.

[1clean335i]

I saw the undercarriage of a new STI a few weeks ago while it was on the lift getting an exhaust put on it... The build quality looked like crap imo. Looked like I was underneath a Civic or something. If anything, i'd go for the EVO. Much better build quality!

[Nikolas]

When my lease is up I am getting an STI again. I miss my '05 so much and I love the new hatch. While I like the 335, it is just not as fun.

[Epik]

Get a Hyundai and save up for the M3.

Or get the Hyundai and just save up for the Lambo 550-2. God that car is so sexy.

[to_riffic]

do it. dump the sti, get wheels and that shit will look gangsta!

[Diesel///M]

that is a sick subaru

[Robert]

love everything except the cf hood.

[TheLegend]

I'm in the same boat, I want the e92 m3 but cant afford it. So i'm going to get an 09 STI since it's a great all around vehicle which would make for a nice DD until I can afford to get an M3.

[bulldog_yyc]

the STI is a great car and with a few simple mods it can be a great performer. My bro has one and got a great deal on it, AWD is fantastic and with the tune + downpipes and intake, the car came alive! I have driven both my 335 and the STI extensively, the STI is more utilitarian, you can hear alot more road noise, stiffer suspension, but my bimmer feels more solid and cushy. The interior quality on the STI is good for its price tag, but the navigation and radio controls could be more intuitive. All round, great value though! Go for the STI!

[JoosyJoos]

I drove an STI not too long ago when I was helping my friend car shop. Overall I felt like the new body style was a vast improvement over the older versions. That being said, it was a lot more cushy... but if you plan to mod it then coilovers will fix that. I say go for the STI... its a great car for the price.

[Genericuser1]

Just make sure you know what might happen if you mod the car. Search on "Cracked Ringland" on NASIOC.com or IWSTI.com and read through the results. Not saying don't buy just be aware.

Lots of cars have issues, just look at the 35 engines and the pump issues and so forth. Just do your research so you are informed. Also buy a base model as the nav is crap and the BBS wheels are not all that good looking IMO.

[Genericuser1]

Originally Posted by FStop7

the insurance on an Evo/STI will probably be more than for an M3

Not sure what an M3 would be but I only pay $750/yr on the STI.