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I've wanted a wrx since I first saw a 2004 sti. As a 22 year old kid I couldn't afford a new sti. It's one car I would be extremely hesitant to buy used, unless I personally knew the owner or had some way to assure the car wasn't overly abused. No one pays nearly 40k for an sti to baby it.
I'm 3 years away from a new car purchase. I've wanted an sti for 11 years now, and it hasn't stopped being a car I aspire to own. The nearly 40k price point has me gun shy. That's a lot of money to me.
To those who own one or have owned one, can I hear your experiences? To the inevitable "just get the wrx and not sti to save money", I'd listen to that also.
I think you should ask yourself why you want one so much. If you're looking for a turbo, AWD vehicle, and new, then your options are pretty limited in your budget as you are no doubt aware. However, there are plenty of used vehicles that would satisfy your criteria and would be infinitely better cars than a WRX.
For $40k for example, that's knocking on the door to Porsche 996 turbo territory. No, it won't be new, but you can probably find one with less than 40k miles on it for that price.
If you want to go cheaper, you can pick up a 3000GT VR4 or Dodge Stealth TT for far less than what you're looking to spend and also have a better car.
It's a shame that the choices for a new turbo, AWD car are so limited these days unless you spend $$$$$.
I think you should ask yourself why you want one so much. If you're looking for a turbo, AWD vehicle, and new, then your options are pretty limited in your budget as you are no doubt aware. However, there are plenty of used vehicles that would satisfy your criteria and would be infinitely better cars than a WRX.
For $40k for example, that's knocking on the door to Porsche 996 turbo territory. No, it won't be new, but you can probably find one with less than 40k miles on it for that price.
If you want to go cheaper, you can pick up a 3000GT VR4 or Dodge Stealth TT for far less than what you're looking to spend and also have a better car.
It's a shame that the choices for a new turbo, AWD car are so limited these days unless you spend $$$$$.
Part of it is how much I've always wanted one. I would have rather had an sti/evo than a corvette. I love the looks and the sound of a Subaru. I live in an area where it snows a lot, so awd isnt just for the great acceleration. If it were 20k I'd own one today. I jusy can't help but think I could have some severe buyers remorse spending 40k. A test drive is meaningless, as I have driven many Subaru. I just don't know how I'd feel spending 600 a month on any car, even my attainable "dream" car.
Being car poor is no fun either. If paying that much for the STi would seriously strain your budget for the next number of years, then it is probably a dream that should remain a dream for the short term.
Get a regular WRX in the meantime for the $20K you feel you could comfortably afford, and keep your dream of an STi untl a future point where it is more easily attainable for you.
As for whether or not you have buyers remorse, only you can answer that. To be honest, I think the STi is rather steep in price for the vehicle's overall build quality, materials, and craftsmanship. Yes, it is mostly about the performance in that vehicle and I get that. Having owned Subarus before, including a regular WRX, I would simply want more build quality and nicer materials once I hit the price point of the STi.
You probably have to really be taking advantage of the STi's performance to justify the price, like racing/autoXing it or something.
I'm a car nut myself with a thing for that Subaru rumble and while I could afford $40k on an STI I have a self imposed limit of $25k on a car purchase. Just doesn't make sense to throw so much at something that depreciates so quickly. Closest I've been to an STI so far was a 2007 Legacy GT Spec B. Which had the 2.5 turbo and the STI's 6 speed. That car was a blast and a total sleeper. Those were starting around $35k new too but I had bought it a few years old for $17k with a 100,000 mile warranty on it. The tamer sports sedan version does seem less likely to attract the "abusers" as well.
I've known many people over the years with STIs and none of them have regretted their decision to buy one. Out here in Colorado, even the used ones command an extremely high price tag. It is to the point where it is better to just buy a new one. It is not uncommon to see a 2-3 year old STI going for the same price as a brand new one.
IMO the WRX STI is quite possibly the worst vehicle in the world to buy pre-owned. Not only does it hold its value ridiculously well, but most of them lead a very hard life.
If I liked the STI (I respect it, but it's too stiff-riding considering the terrible roads around here), I'd either save until I could comfortably afford a new one, or just get a base WRX. Base WRX actually feels faster in the lower half of the rev band, and is considerably more comfortable and easier on gas.
Too expensive, an M3 is a better value but not AWD I know.
Nowhere on earth is an m3 a better value than an sti. If you want a new M3 you NEED to make 6 figures. An sti is still expensive, but it's not even in the same universe as an m3 when you consider new vs new. A used e46 is affordable, but those are hit or miss too.
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