VikingDJ

If you want to respectfully disagree with my opinion, that's fine, but comments like that in the end of your post are a big no no in my book. If I prefer a car like the STI with better looks, refinement, some luxury, softer ride, that's my preference. Who are you to ignorantly tell me to trade my car in, and I say I don't get it? This is where your partiality and ignorance shines brightly for all to see. The STI is as good as it gets right now for me in a daily driver, but one can wish they'd make it to their total liking. There's nothing wrong with wishing the car had things it doesn't, and expressing it. Don't be telling me I don't get it just because the STI is not an enthusiast car for me, and I put it in a category of a daily driver, and my S2K as an enthusiast car. I understand why people love this car for a different reason then myself. The reality is, you are the one that doesn't get it, and you probably never will. I see where you are coming from, and I respect your enthusiasm and knowledge for these types of cars, but don't go taking my criticism and opinions, and throwing them back in my face, just because I strike a nerve in hypothetically breaking up a raw car like the STI. If you don't like the fact that I wouldn't mind turning the STI into a less raw, prettier car that can perform just as well, then that's too bad. It's not right to make comments like that, and you should know better. I understand a lot better then you know, because it appears you, like many diehards, can't imagine cars like the EVO and STI being anything but raw. There's nothing wrong with that, but there is something wrong with criticizing one who would prefer that., and mentions what their ultimate car would be. With extreme enthusiasm comes extreme partiality, so with that in mind, there's no hard feelings, just be a little more respectful next time. Good day.

Ike

So what kind of all seasons did you decide on?

VikingDJ

When the truth comes out, and one gets put in their place, one tends to resort to comments like this.I wuold like to personally thank you for verifying my previous post, and showing it's true validity. You made my day.

Ike

You don't want to answer huh? C'mon, tell us, what kind of tires are on your STI right now?

VikingDJ

Now why would I answer a question that has nothing but disrespectful intentions? Just to verify things further I'll tell you. I use the stock rims and tires 8 months out of the year, and I bought a set of cheap rims and winter tires to get me by the harsh winter months. Everyone knows you can't be driving in snow with stock tires. I thought you knew that already.

Ike

My point is you want to make the Evo and STI into something it's not and something I and many other enthusiasts don't want them to become. If you want your sat nav, "SMG", and cushy leather seats, go buy a ******* Lexus or Infiniti. I hope the Evo X doesn't come out to market with the intention of fulfillings the needs of people such as yourself. It's looking more and more like that might be the case, and it sadens me.

yiksing

Actually there was a luxury type STI shown in Tokyo Salon car show, luxury - very, its gonna sell - I don't think so. However I do feel that most car manufacturer is moving towards the luxury car market, I know sad but true.

VikingDJ

That's understandable from a diehard point of view, but why do you get so offended by it to where you need to lash out? I don't want the STI to change necessarily, I just would prefer an Impreza with the same power, yet soothing as a car to take on a road trip, with all the creature comforts, and expensive eye catching looks. We simply have totally different tastes. I'm into RWD compact coupes. I have two types of preferences. One is a daily driver, and the other is a enthusiast fun car. I'm on a RWD car forum talking about my daily driver that happens to be an enthusiast car to many. Subaru currently does not fit that bill for me, but I love those cars as daily drivers because my Mom has been buying them since 1977, and they have been fabulous for her. I still remember my friends 86 XT turbo coupe. My god that car was tagged ugly by many, but I still loved all the cool gadgets it had, and push button 4WD was cool. He even had the adjustable suspension, although after like 70k miles it kept failing, and he eventually had to go with regular struts. Subaru failed with that, but it was so unique. That car was truly special, I don't care what anyone says.
Anyway, The STI is as good as it gets right now for my personality, and until something better comes along, I'm gonna keep it. I do have a Cobb AP on the way, but stage one is where I draw the line for a daily driver I put a lot of miles on. I'm not that out of tune for what the STi is, and I may talk about it like it's just an Impreza, but I sure as hell don't drive it like one. The S2K is possibly getting a pro tune with an s/c this summer, funds permitting, and that's the car I will build up and enjoy. I'm not gonna harp on someone who wishes the S2K was more luxurious, quieter, came with heated seats, auto climate control, navi, or even smg for that matter. If that's what they like more power to them, I just won't be caring too much for it, that's all. It's all good man.

sti_eric

Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold it right there. I'm not going to comment on the arguments in this thread, but I will NOT stand for you bashing the SMG!

SMG is superior in a lot of ways when compared to a regular stick shifter, which is why most race cars now have sequential manual gearboxes with paddle shifters. You can shift faster, the shifts are more consistent, you can't miss a gear, there are no surprises. An SMG is still a manual, it just has the clutch activated by a computer. This is not to be confused with "tiptronic", "steptronic", etc, etc which are still automatic transmissions with torque converters and shift much slower than a SMG. If the STi came with an SMG option, you can bet that's what I would've gotten. It just makes for a superior track machine.

DragonStar4681

Yeah, umm... so. Would you all think being able to get into a MS6 at invoice would be a good deal?

sti_eric

For me, personally, I would rather get a Subaru Legacy GT at Van Bortel Subaru.

Legacy GT @ $300 over invoice = $27,704 - current $1500 rebate = $26,204.
Base Mazdaspeed6 @ invoice = $26,393.

Design1stCode2nd

I would think so, it's limited production and just out.

Ike

You're kidding right?

sti_eric

Actually, if you can believe it, I'm not. I'm a big SMG fan.

Ike

The SMG is garbage in my eyes, the DSG from VAG is so much better. Either way, SMG is not going to be faster around a track, it will be slower due to more difficult throttle modulation, inability to skip gears, and most likely a greater drivetrain loss as well. Lastly, it's not still a manual because you're really not doing anything manually to make it shift, it shifts automatically, hence automatic or if you prefer semi auto.

VikingDJ

Ike had one of his unobjective rampage moments due to my comments on the Evo and STI, stating I would love this kind of performance with some luxury, hot looks, and amenities. haha He really doesn't think the SMG is crap, he just can't imagine his beloved cars like the Evo and STI having them, because he wants pure raw, with no comfort, just performance. I too love the SMG tranny, but I wouldn't want it in my S2K, but I wouild take it any day in my STI. I absolutely love the DSG tranny in the GTi. When I drove that, the first thing I thought of was "I want this in my STI." Ok, I'm gonna get Ike all flustered again, and he's gonna start taking pop shots, and tell me to trade my car in and go buy my VW, then I'm gonna call him on his ignorance, ect ect. Well let this story go.

sti_eric

Ok, when I say SMG, I mean it as sequential manual gearbox or sequential gearbox (generic terms), not necessarily BMW's version of it, although I think BMW's version is decent. DSG is also a SMG. If it's good enough for Petter Solberg and Michael Schumacher, then it's good enough for me.

Design1stCode2nd

Well you could wait a year or two and get an Evo X, should have what you are looking for. It's what I'm waiting on although I plan on getting the manual since it will be cheaper and provide a better sense of connection to the car for me.

Ike

You won't be getting the tranny Schumacher and Solberg get... Hey, if you're just going to use it on your daily commute, fine. But don't fool yourself into thinking it will be faster around a track.

VikingDJ

Interesting. I just need to tell myself the EVO is just as, if not more durable then the STI, and that has a possibility. It doesn't help that my uncle, who is a service manager at a Mitsubishi dealership, actually told me to stay away from the Evo. When I got my STi, he said "you made the right choice." personally I think he hates his job. One can only guess Subaru will do the same thing. I think the WRX should come with the power and performance of the STI, and then a new separate STI should be built totally different then the WRX, in the coupe form. Cars like the EVO and STI are too nice to not branch out on their own. It's ashame cars of this caliber and build quality have cheaper economy versions that look so much alike, if not identical. With this kind of performance, they deserve to be distinct, beautiful, and purely individual in both looks and performance. It will be great to see these cars change for the better, or in Ike's case, for the worse.

Ike

You really should look into a Legacy Spec B, it has more of the things you want. Also, don't forget the STI isn't really an actual car, though we refer to it that way. What you said is kind of like saying the Mazdaspeed should really sperate itself from the Mazda 6 and be a unique car. Also, like I've pointed out a few times now, the Evo and STI are Lancers and Imprezas as a result of homologation rules. They also would be much more expensive if you got your wishes.

VikingDJ

Yeah, you are right. Imagining an AWD RX8 with the Subaru components, that will be insanely high priced. I'm just not into midsize cars for some reason, so the Legacy is not a car I will likely ever buy. I know the STI isn't an actual car, but it's a natural habit to refer it as one, otherwise you get confused if you call it a WRX tuned by STI. What I really am saying is that Subaru should make the WRX STI with the current options available on the WRX, especially the wingless, or WRX wing option. Why not elminate the WRX by itself, and combine both. 300hp in each, both STIS, just different variations, a more raw version, and a more refined luxury version. I'd love for Subaru to have a flagship vehicle, like honda has in s2k, mazda with RX8, and Nissan with 350z. I understand they are not that kind of company though. I'd love to see some AWD sports coupes, that have the style of S2k, RX8, 350Z ect ect, but I realize I am probably in the minority, and that will never happen. I understand that Subaru and Mitsubishi can't re-design the EVO and STI to be separate from their economy versions, because although the car would be absolutely breath taking, it will be too damn expensive. Either way I'm just throwing out ideas and opinions. Naturally people will disagree, but in a selfish world, that regular WRX needs to have 300hp out of the box.

Ike

Subaru sells more WRXs than any other Impreza last I checked. So I think they've carved out just the right niche and shouldn't mess with the results they've had. When Subaru first introduced the WRX they expected to sell around 10k of them a year, they sold 30k in the first year of production. If you want a 300hp WRX it's very easy to do, justa Cobb Accessport and exhaust on an '06 and you're pretty much at STI power levels.

Design1stCode2nd

I agree with Ike on this one the WRX is in a very nice spot, good handling, reasonable power, some modability (if thats even a word). From reading the WRX boards the rumor is that the WRX TR will become more Tuner-ready than it is now and the WRX get another trim level with STI power but a tad smoother handling and some other bits.

Mitsu should bring out a WRX level contender 75% of an evo for 10k less.

No reason not to offer several trims and or options an let people pick what they like. There are 3 door, 4 door, 5 door and wagon versions of some models (Mazda 3 I think), why not leverage that if you can.

On a side note if somone is looking for 80% of an STI or Evo but wants softer suspension and refinement a 2 year old Audi S4 would be a good option.

VikingDJ

I was just living in my own preference world. Of course that would not work well, and the WRX is indeed in a perfect spot. I was considering the WRX purchase and the upgrade to STi level, then I began to wonder just how reliable and durable long term it would be, especially being I'd get an auto. Not sure that tranny will like 300hp for a long time. I can't imagine a COBB AP and exhaust on a WRX, yet having it be just like Subaru built it up at that level, with the same reliability and durability as my STI. Hell I could be wrong but common sense says otherwise. There is most certainly a risk factor there. The safe bet for a highly driven daily driver you want last is to is not to mod it too much, as for my case, the least wear the better, which is why stage 1 for my STI is perfect, and I can just change the map when I want that extra hp.