[Kaneda]

I've got a friend that is an automotive editor at a high-profile magazine. We're both huge car buffs and when I was looking to unload my 04 STi, the one hickup I had about buying an 08 was the inane cost of 2K for BBS wheels (something that came stanard on all previous STis). Long story short, before I placed my order, my friend met with Subaru and asked them about this issue. He was told that the wheels will be standard in 2009.

Now I am not sure if that means the STis base price will go up in 09, but it does show you that Subaru is kind of screwing the early adopters of this new model...They know the first people to buy are the die hards and yet they get the a model with no Recaros (something all die hards would want) and tack on the wheels as a 2k option (someting that was once included) and then give us a pricey NAV option, a useless option that adds ZERO to the performance of the car.

While I am impatient and will still go with the 08 model, Subaru might be poised to screw all of us early adopters, which sucks, as we are most likely the most enthralled by their product. Not a good move if you ask me.

[Digitalfiend]

I would be a little skeptical of your friend's info. No offense to your friend, but Subaru doesn't normally release information on future models to anyone outside the company, especially someone that just calls up. Considering the '09s are still many months away, I would be surprised if this information was accurate.

While I agree that the $2K option for BBS wheels is a bit much, don't forget that you have to factor in the cost of the foglights as well ($500ish). So the BBS option is really only $1.5K, though still too much, especially when you lose the stock wheels, which would be great for winter.

[droideka]

Originally Posted by Kaneda

..but it does show you that Subaru is kind of screwing the early adopters of this new model...

not my take. the BBS are HIDEOUS in appearance and hardly qualify as light-weight at 20.5 to 21 lbs. depending on who's scale you trust. i'm ecstatic i wasn't forced in to buying them.

[NuEraSubie's]

WAIT WAIT
Standard on 09 So That Means have the opion to get the push start button!!!

[Rootus]

Originally Posted by Kaneda

BBS wheels (something that came stanard on all previous STis).

Not true. Previous STI's came with 17" BBS wheels, not 18".

[denver133]

Remember the $3300 BBS option as well? I like your thinking but they also didn't give the diehards a radio in 04!

[mofoSTI]

I like my standard rims. For an extra set I will buy 17" rpf1's and falken rt 615's. Less rotating mass in the 17" and super light weight will add to the performance to my 08 STI. I will put winter or all season tires on the std rims when the tires wear out.

[JuggernautTCW]

good thing i havent ordered my 08... assuming this is true. i went to a local dealership and no one seemed to know much about the 08 STI... and they wouldnt take even a penny off the MSRP... their reason being "this is just a very special and rare car and 09 delivery will most likely be delayed so dont wait".

[Turninconcepts.com]

Originally Posted by JuggernautTCW

good thing i havent ordered my 08... assuming this is true. i went to a local dealership and no one seemed to know much about the 08 STI... and they wouldnt take even a penny off the MSRP... their reason being "this is just a very special and rare car and 09 delivery will most likely be delayed so dont wait".

I like the 5spokes better anyway. Too bad they are heavier.

The dealership I am working with is will to sell it at invoice straight off. They said they prefer to sell at invoice as it takes the hassle out of buying.

Tony

[BlueF]

Originally Posted by NuEraSubie's

Standard on 09 so that means have the opion to get the push start button!!!

If the 09s have push button start (assuming keyless entry), cold weather package (heated seats/wipers), AND BBS standard, I'll likely be trading my 08 in for an 09. : P

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

I like the 5spokes better anyway. Too bad they are heavier.

Only thing I would miss would be the 5-spoke wheels. It's not that I prefer them over the stock BBS (multi-spoke), but they are good looking wheels which suit the 08 STI in my opinion. It is too bad the 5-spokers are so much heavier. I would keep them indefinitely otherwise.

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

The dealership I am working with is will to sell it at invoice straight off. They said they prefer to sell at invoice as it takes the hassle out of buying.

Sounds like my kind of dealer! Kudos to them for that!!

[Digitalfiend]

I love the look of the BBS wheels and can't stand the 5-spoke. It would be nice if the BBS wheels weighed a little less though. It'll be nice to pick up a set of lightweight track wheels next year.

[drdome99]

Originally Posted by denver133

Remember the $3300 BBS option as well? I like your thinking but they also didn't give the diehards a radio in 04!

lol @ stock radios, i was rather glad they saved me the time of throwing a way a worthless stock radio

[ssauer2004]

The bbs wheels look awesome on the 08. Once I saw the wheels on the car, I bought it.

[eze13sti]

i remember i needed an extra bbs aluminum alloy rim back in 05. SOA charged me 700$ for just one.

[Dj Hurricane]

Obviously his friend is speculating (Back on Topic)

But I have said it on here before...

When the 05 LGT was the "New Platform"
(that the STI has evolved to be similar...)

I ordered the 2005 in December 04>>>
(No Nav option)

BUT THE JDM DID!

THEN in 06 the LGT had the NAV as option!

The LEG spec B was also "out in Nippon" before we got it!//

So...
It is possible that we get the Recaro/Pushstart option next year.

ESPECIALLY with all this chatter we are creating!

We should all call SOA... and let them know what we want...