[RIDE]

So I am in the market for a new car...the lease on my FX35 is about up and I have to figure out what I want next. The FX is one wicked car...a blast to drive, great looking, and with just enough utility for me. Gas mileage sucks...but that goes with the territory.

But I get bored easily and want something different, so the search for a new car has begun. The contenders for me are another Infiniti...but this time a G35 sedan, the Lexus IS 350, an Audi A3 3.2, and of course the STi. They are all in the same ballpark price wise too. Since I have kids, and am very active, I need the extra room...so a 2-door is out of the question.

I keep telling myself that either the Infiniti, Lexus, or Audi SHOULD be my choice. After all, I am 41...and am used to a more upscale car and do enjoy the added amenities. I have gone to the dealers...checked them all out...but regardless how nice they look and drive, they just don't get my blood pressure up like the STi...and I just can't do it!

I have always been a huge fan of the WRX, and then the STI. Especially when they were closer to 30K...there was not a better deal out there IMHO. But with the STI, the big wing...while exciting to look at...was something that kept me from pulling the trigger yeas earlier. And while I respect the EVOs for their stellar performance and price...they never really did anything for me....the STI was always my choice.

So I am on now on the hunt for a Black or DGM '08 and really love this site. Already know that I am going to do the clear bra, RA mud flaps, COBB Access Port...oh, the list could go on!

Wish me luck...and I will report as things progress.

Cheers!

RIDE

[midnit]

Sounds like you're pretty sold on picking up the STI as your next car. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The 08 has the power of previous years, in a more refined and grown-up package. I personally love the car and didn't mind one bit trading in my 05 STI for it. The room with the hatchback design and the rear seats down is quite nice as well!

[Brushfire]

I know what you're saying about the huge spoiler on the sedans. I'm 44, and the wing had to go.
If you like doing your own wrenching like me, you will love working on it.
I built model cars when I was a kid, and this is the first car I've worked on and improved that gave me that same feeling.
Still looking forward to the day when I see an 08 live.

[hairlesswookiee]

i agree... i'm more of a hatchback guy myself. i've had nothing but GTIs for the past 8 years. i've always respected the WRX/STI as a fast car, but the sedan look with the crazy spoiler always made me cringe. once i saw pics of the new one i said that looks impressive. come this january i decided a graduation present for myself was in store...i saw the STI in person and said "i'll have two please." but of course i could only afford one. i've had it for 3 weeks now and haven't regretted it since. i just hate how many people keep posting the EVO/1335/STI comparison threads. if you don't like the new STI thats cool, just quit posting these useless threads to make the fans second guess their purchase and make themselves feel better about spending more money on a BMW.

[codespanker]

I just turned in my leased Infiniti M45 (prior Audi S4, Porshce Boxter S and BMW M3) for a silver STi and I couldn't be happier. After 12 years of luxury german brands its nice to get back to the basics of a performance car without all the bells and whistles. I seriously considered an Audi S5 or waiting for the Nissan GT-R, but the STi was the right car at the right time.

In the past the wing put me off, and what helped me pick the STi over the Evo X MR (that and the cheap plastic interior of the Evo).

Get the Accessport as soon as you can and i doubt you'll be disappointed.

[hairlesswookiee]

Originally Posted by codespanker

I just turned in my leased Infiniti M45 (prior Audi S4, Porshce Boxter S and BMW M3) for a silver STi and I couldn't be happier. After 12 years of luxury german brands its nice to get back to the basics of a performance car without all the bells and whistles. I seriously considered an Audi S5 or waiting for the Nissan GT-R, but the STi was the right car at the right time.

In the past the wing put me off, and what helped me pick the STi over the Evo X MR (that and the cheap plastic interior of the Evo).

Get the Accessport as soon as you can and i doubt you'll be disappointed.

I'd love to get one of those S5s. Mmmmm.... so sexy. I think in about 5 years once I get stable with my career I'm gonna be looking to upgrade the DD and keep the '08 STI for AutoX!!!

[couper]

A3 3.2 is a great road trip car. Probably the best I have ever had. Turn on the V1 and you can cruise at 90 mph all day. The interior doesn't make much of a first impression but it is so well put together you never get tired of sitting in it. Prior to this I had a BMW that I tracked often. I saw the A3 as a nice compromise.

As great of a car as the A3 is I just never got excited about driving it. I love to go places in it but have never made an excuse to go get milk at 11 PM like I did with the M Coupe.

With the STI I'm backing to buying milk at 11 PM. The wife loves the A3

[STIVendetta]

You are were I was at one time......I'm older than you..I pulled the trigger on the STI...Big wing and all.....At first I hated the wing...then it grew on me...(part of the heritage of STI)....I have 2 other cars Older Lexus 400 sedan and an older Cadi deville...but when I drive the STI...I get a rush....4~doors~ Traction~small engine with "awesome power"...and stellar handling.....ummm the sound of the Subaru STi exhaust alone is music to my ears......Good luck on Your choise....

[sumint]

Originally Posted by RIDE

But I get bored easily and want something different, so the search for a new car has begun. The contenders for me are another Infiniti...but this time a G35 sedan, the Lexus IS 350, an Audi A3 3.2, and of course the STi. They are all in the same ballpark price wise too. Since I have kids, and am very active, I need the extra room...so a 2-door is out of the question.

I keep telling myself that either the Infiniti, Lexus, or Audi SHOULD be my choice. After all, I am 41...and am used to a more upscale car and do enjoy the added amenities. I have gone to the dealers...checked them all out...but regardless how nice they look and drive, they just don't get my blood pressure up like the STi...and I just can't do it!

Sounds like you have already set your mind on an STi. I was in a similar postion as you just a week ago. My past cars in order from recent to older were a 06' Acura RL, '04 350Z, and a mix mash including a Suburban, 4Runner, F150 and a couple civic coupes. I know what a mix ...but I too get bored of cars and need something different. I will say this...I wont be going back to an SUV until I have tons of kids or gas prices drop. The RL was luxury all the way but no sporting feel. The 350Z was fun and attractive but just no utility.

So I went looking at everything. Audi A3 quattro, IS350, MazdaSpeed3, VW R32, Outback XT, G35, G37, 135, 335, 328, Cooper S, Cooper Clubman, Tribeca, Acura TL...and am sure a couple others as well

I know that sounds all over the map...$25k-$45k...but I was willing to spend the money if the value was there. For me value was in performance, utility, MPG, reliability, apperance, AWD (I go snowboarding alot and any car that allows me to get up w/o having to get out to put on chains is HUGE), relatively quiet interior, and oh yeah good financing if available.

So I narrowed the field to A3 quattro, VW R32, Outback XT, STi, and 328xi wagon, G35x, and Cooper Clubman. First to go was clubman with no AWD. Next to go was the G35x since it was a sedan and I decided I wanted the utility. The A3 and R32 went next as I just don't feel comfortable with their reliablity. 328xi went next as it was too much $$$ for what you get. Outback went next as it was just too boring. WINNER STi. I have it on order to arrive in the next week or two. Base DGM $33k and 0%APR (24 mon)!

Now I ask you for $33k, where else r u going to get that much fun, utility, and reliability + "snow-ability"?

Congrats. U made a good choice. Plus the STi resale is a strong selling point for us guys that like to change cars on a frequent basis.

[toogood]

you sir made a wise decision!

[chmura]

I own a IS250 and if you want utility and have kids then the IS was waaaay to small for you. I'm single and don't use to much space in the car and I still think its really cramped inside. You cannot even fold down the rear seats. So I doubt you will like the IS350.

I'm getting a STI next year because the IS is just to boring for me.

[RIDE]

Originally Posted by sumint

Sounds like you have already set your mind on an STi. I was in a similar postion as you just a week ago. My past cars in order from recent to older were a 06' Acura RL, '04 350Z, and a mix mash including a Suburban, 4Runner, F150 and a couple civic coupes. I know what a mix ...but I too get bored of cars and need something different. I will say this...I wont be going back to an SUV until I have tons of kids or gas prices drop. The RL was luxury all the way but no sporting feel. The 350Z was fun and attractive but just no utility.

So I went looking at everything. Audi A3 quattro, IS350, MazdaSpeed3, VW R32, Outback XT, G35, G37, 135, 335, 328, Cooper S, Cooper Clubman, Tribeca, Acura TL...and am sure a couple others as well

I know that sounds all over the map...$25k-$45k...but I was willing to spend the money if the value was there. For me value was in performance, utility, MPG, reliability, apperance, AWD (I go snowboarding alot and any car that allows me to get up w/o having to get out to put on chains is HUGE), relatively quiet interior, and oh yeah good financing if available.

So I narrowed the field to A3 quattro, VW R32, Outback XT, STi, and 328xi wagon, G35x, and Cooper Clubman. First to go was clubman with no AWD. Next to go was the G35x since it was a sedan and I decided I wanted the utility. The A3 and R32 went next as I just don't feel comfortable with their reliablity. 328xi went next as it was too much $$$ for what you get. Outback went next as it was just too boring. WINNER STi. I have it on order to arrive in the next week or two. Base DGM $33k and 0%APR (24 mon)!

Now I ask you for $33k, where else r u going to get that much fun, utility, and reliability + "snow-ability"?

Congrats. U made a good choice. Plus the STi resale is a strong selling point for us guys that like to change cars on a frequent basis.

I love it! Your story sounds a lot like mine...I just left out some of the details. I too snowboard and do a lot of cycling, so AWD is a must.

I also considered the Audi A4 Avant (too expensive for what you get), Audi Q7 (waaayyy too expensive!), another FX (boring ) Toyota FJ Cruiser (yucko interior and lousy mileage)...I could go on!

In the end, if it all works out....I am going to be THRILLED with my STi. Can't imagine anything else providing the thrills, utility, value, and great looks like this car does!

RIDE

[solovus]

Originally Posted by codespanker

I just turned in my leased Infiniti M45 (prior Audi S4, Porshce Boxter S and BMW M3) for a silver STi and I couldn't be happier. After 12 years of luxury german brands its nice to get back to the basics of a performance car without all the bells and whistles. I seriously considered an Audi S5 or waiting for the Nissan GT-R, but the STi was the right car at the right time.

In the past the wing put me off, and what helped me pick the STi over the Evo X MR (that and the cheap plastic interior of the Evo).

Get the Accessport as soon as you can and i doubt you'll be disappointed.

Yummm. M45. The STi is its own car...its not luxury and its not ricer...its a great balance with performance in a DD package. I love my 08.