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Old 09-24-2012, 03:22 AM   #1
Phy6
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Default When to say goodbye?

I'm at a point where I can't decide whether or not to sell my 04 STi for another fun car. She's been a great car, but I keep waffling on whether to sell it or keep it an freshen her up. To take the car where I want to go performance wise, I'd probably sink another 10K into it to refresh her (element comp package, hydra, upgraded turbo, injectors). Right now it has a FP Green and all supporting mods, and was my DD for a few years. She's seen about 100K of highway miles, 113K total.

The other fun cars on my short list are an 05 Elise or a LS powered FD3S. Back before I bought the new DD (2012 Accord), I had test driven some C7s, a CTS-V, several Elises, a Boxster, a C63, an A6 and the new Camaro. Now I don't need the fun car to be practical. The Elises (at the top of my list) were super fun to drive, and reminded me of when I first drive my STi. I've always wanted an FD with an LT1 or LSx, and a buddy of mine is getting his FD rebuilt after years of collecting dust. He's about to be a dad, so maybe it's the urge to get it done before his kid comes.

The Elise is a super sharp car to drive (I can't imagine my STi ever being that nimble), but it will never have the community or aftermarket that subies enjoy (the price to pay for relative exclusivity). It seems they tend to attract people with strong personalities, half are true car enthusiasts, the other half are insufferable asses. While our Subarus have sugar glass and cheap paint, the Lotus is made entirely of eggshells and dreams. A single tap in the parking lot can cost $10K

The FRS/BRZ are attractive, but I'd want the STI version to start off with. GTMs and Ultimas are something I would consider if the price was right. I don't plan on tracking the fun car, but my tastes are more towards the go-kart fringe. Not sure about Miatas or MR2s..I like just a little bit of exclusivity.

I myself just became a father of twin boys (our first) 3 weeks ago, so having a fun car really helps relieve the stress of dealing with colic-y newborns. What were some thoughts that helped you pull the trigger on getting a new fun car, or dumping money into one you had?

Without turning this into a Diabolical1 thread, what are some other cars that are missing from my list at a $25k price range?
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Old 09-24-2012, 07:38 AM   #2
thrasher
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Baby seats fit in an sti. They don't fit in an Elise. I didn't think I would care much because I didn't think my daughter would ride in my WRX very often, but she loves it. She begs to ride in it. She always tells me to go fast I actually enjoy the car more now that she is into it.
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Old 09-24-2012, 07:49 AM   #3
Robs05sti
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For what it's worth, I've been in your shoes for the past few months. My 05 Sti just cracked the 100k mile mark, but it only has about 20k on a rebuilt motor. After having some issues recently, I seriously considered selling the car and starting over. After talking it over with the wife, I decided to keep it and make some changes. So, I ordered new rims/tires/lugs and started a parts list. I'll probably sink another $5k-$6k into the car, but I love it.

The way I see it, it's also a social thing. There are always Subaru events and meetups going on. Plus, it has a huge aftermarket following. There's nothing stopping any of us from starting a meetup and just hanging out with other drivers at the drop of a hat.

I say keep it. After sinking some cash into it to make some changes, it'll feel like a brand new car. Plus, just as the previous reply said... carseats fit just fine! Good Luck!
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Old 09-24-2012, 08:06 AM   #4
gaedikus
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both of the above are great answers, and i internet bro-fist each of you. with a few $X,000 your STI will be refreshed and on top again. i think in the 3.5 years of living in NOVA ive seen all of 1 lotus, and they wanted to race my stock 09 WRX when i had it, and they lost (rolling start, even), and i laughed. you get the best of all worlds when you go subaru, because if your accord takes a dump, youve got a ready and capable backup for: snow, offroad, sleet, rain, ice, mud, flooding, towing, cargo, speed, safety, decent fuel economy (there's a COBB AP for that), etc

also, the nicest and coolest people i know are subaru owners. i waited 8 years to buy my 04 STI, and right from the get-go ive sunk about $3k into it because it was broken (previous owner was kind of a swindler and a major dickhead). i seriously wanted to sell it because i thought it was too much money and i couldnt afford it right away, but im glad i didnt and im glad i found NASIOC and IAG because they've taught me so much about my car -i woudve had no idea. GREAT community.
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Old 09-24-2012, 08:52 AM   #5
FunnyRico
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Growing up I've always seen and heard older guys talk about the car they never should have gotten rid of. The one they loved and regretted selling or trading. When I traded my 05 STI for a BMW 135i, I knew exactly what they meant and how they felt. Since then I have gotten married and have lived a more "practical" life. But seeing and hearing my regret, my wife gave me the green light to find an old STI to correct my mistake. She said that it would be ok because a STI is four doors, AWD, safe, and can still fit baby seats. I purchased a 07 STI and I am so happy.

It's hard to tell you the moral of my story without spouting off all the cliche phrases... so I'll just say this: If this car truly has ran it's coarse with you, then let it go... but it seems that you are still attached to it and if that is the case, hold on with a Kung Fu grip because you will regret letting it go. If your STI is paid off, and your finances can support it, you could always try holding onto it and have two cars.

Good luck man, tough decision.

- Rico
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Old 09-24-2012, 09:00 AM   #6
FunnyRico
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This is the annual automaker report card for 2012 by Consumer Reports. It shows reliability vs how much a car own loves their car. Subaru is #1 by a very large margin as the manufacturer that has the happiest owners/community.



Just saying... love my scooby.
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Old 09-24-2012, 10:31 AM   #7
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I am going to agree with the gist of the previous comments. Have a backseat in a fun car that you can wedge some car seats into - whatever car you eventually decide on. In 2 or 3 years it'll put a smile on your face for a whole new reason.
Back when my daughter was first born we had an 04 VW Golf R32 (also a great, fun, practical little car). Even before she could really talk she'd giggle and squeal in delight going through some quick turns. When she was a bit older and we lived in Japan and I had my old WRX she'd throw her hands up in the air and say "Wheee! Again! Again! Faster!" like my car was her own personal roller coaster. Although, she's to the point where she can sleep in her car seat while we were doing some, um, what should I call it - "spirited mountain driving" at 2AM on some very, very lonely, very twisty roads. She only woke up when all the G-forces stopped. Weirdo. Anyway. She has fun and smiles from ear to ear, ditto for me too, but our reasons are different. Maybe when she's older and no longer needs to be in a car seat in the back I will look into a 2-seater - I definitely understand the go-kart-ish inclination. I just reason that car manufacturers will always be making them, and if not, old ones will always be available on the used market.

I don't even want to talk about all the guys I've seen sell their fun car for something they consider to be "more practical" just b/c a baby joined the family. Not that you're looking to buy an Oddyssey or anything. But, with twins, as they get older, they are going to want to do things together with you. Are you really going to want to tell one of them he has to stay home while you and his brother go out for a fun drive? Just thinking. Maybe an irrelevant thought though - who knows where life will be in 3 years.

Anyway, that's just my 2 cents.
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Old 09-24-2012, 07:43 PM   #8
Phy6
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Default Thanks

Thanks for all the very relevant inputs! I didn't mention it, we also have a second 8th gen Accord and a big redneck crew cab truck, so we have no shortage of back up baby-mobiles. So 4 running cars right now, including the STi.

I get what some of you are saying about having baby seats in the back, to share the experience of driving when they can appreciate it (and do it simultaneously with both twins). It would be pretty sad to have to leave one behind if I go for a spin in a Lotus/RX7/2 seater. Maybe a McLaren F1 is a good alternative!

I also have some project cars (an older subaru and a fiero) from long ago that have been couched due to life getting every-busier. I'm slowly getting the 'urge' to work on them again, and completing the backlog of supporting projects (lift install, plasma cutter, garage stuff, etc).

I've been thinking of some mods that would make me want to keep the subie more. Some annoying things like fixing suspension clunks, worn endlinks, turbo seal, etc. There are some other wild ideas I've been talking to some shops about (because I don't have the time to take on the project myself), but nothing firm yet. I guess every once in a while it's good to get introduced to other people's labor rates, to remind you of the cost/benefit analysis of DIY.
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Old 09-24-2012, 09:36 AM   #9
Abnormal
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I am LOVING where the Gernmans land on that graph

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Old 09-24-2012, 09:36 AM   #10
DavC825
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lol Chrysler, GM and Mercedes.
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Old 09-24-2012, 10:31 PM   #11
Butt Dyno
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phy6 View Post
I'm at a point where I can't decide whether or not to sell my 04 STi for another fun car. She's been a great car, but I keep waffling on whether to sell it or keep it an freshen her up. To take the car where I want to go performance wise, I'd probably sink another 10K into it to refresh her (element comp package, hydra, upgraded turbo, injectors).
$10K? That sounds insane. Are you tracking it?

Put it this way - I would switch out your car for an Elise or LSx FD way before I spent $5k++ on a new motor that's not going to make /that/ much more power. Built motor = setting money on fire, IMHO.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phy6 View Post
What were some thoughts that helped you pull the trigger on getting a new fun car, or dumping money into one you had?
I sold my WRX after 8 years and 120K miles of being a fun and reliable car. It was a great car but 8 years is a long time and the writing was on the wall as to it being a competitive car in autox. IMHO it was better to stay within a certain window of modification with a car, and just get a better car, than to do something like an STi drivetrain swap or whatever. It seems like car headaches are the worst when you get beyond that window. Turn in Concepts sums it up nicely here:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1467541
Quote:
There is an envelope.
If you already have project cars you're struggling to get to, I think going to an Elise or something would be a great idea. You're not going to get shunned at Subaru meets.

Oh yeah, and obligatory, try an autox/track day/something or other if you haven't already.
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Old 09-25-2012, 01:34 PM   #12
Phy6
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Thanks ButtDyno, I agree with everything you said. I read the TIC envelope post a few days ago while I was looking at suspension improvements.

My sole intention is a fun, exclusive, sunny day car, which can be as impractical as it needs to be WRT NVH/MPG/passengers. While I'm not adverse to track days, I don't need a black hole in my wallet either. A few classes of HPDE is something I'd really like to do.

The 10k figure is based on my not wanting to pay ~3-4K for something that's just a little better. I'd rather have it a great deal better/different to hold off that feeling of dissatisfaction for a long time. Dissatisfaction is probably the wrong word; she's a great car and still great fun to drive. She's probably had ~18k spent in parts and labor over the years. (and yes, I paid the car off years ago) I just don't want to be mulling this issue over again anytime soon.

In the meantime, I'll see what I can't do to freshen her up for sale. I just replaced the rotors, pads and SS brake lines/fluid 100 miles ago.
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Old 09-25-2012, 03:58 PM   #13
Smurftastic
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How much do you OWN your car? I don't mean monetarily - I mean time invested... hard work, memories, knowledge, etc. If this is the one build you've put the most work into, maybe you'll miss the memories once you move onto something you never intend to modify.

Then again, I would sell my WRX in a heartbeat for an E92 M3.
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Old 09-25-2012, 04:08 PM   #14
chazly413
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LSx RX-7 makes me An RX-7 is definitely a car I'm going to get but it won't be my only car.
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Old 09-25-2012, 06:35 PM   #15
robotskillhumans
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I've been through the ringer with my subaru and a couple months ago I was seriously debating letting it go. It was broken and I had to sink a lot of money into it to make it run again. I made a deal with my S/O that if I wasn't happy with the car after I fixed it that I was going to sell it.

I got it fixed and took her for her first ride in it. The noises and expressions on her face were priceless. I fell in love with my car all over again and now I'm going to keep it until it dies and costs more to fix than it is worth.

I left out a LOT of detail to my story because I didn't want to throw a pity party and hijack this thread.
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Old 09-26-2012, 01:30 AM   #16
Phy6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robotskillhumans View Post
I've been through the ringer with my subaru and a couple months ago I was seriously debating letting it go. It was broken and I had to sink a lot of money into it to make it run again. I made a deal with my S/O that if I wasn't happy with the car after I fixed it that I was going to sell it.

I got it fixed and took her for her first ride in it. The noises and expressions on her face were priceless. I fell in love with my car all over again and now I'm going to keep it until it dies and costs more to fix than it is worth.

I left out a LOT of detail to my story because I didn't want to throw a pity party and hijack this thread.

Thanks! I found it quite relevant because it seems you brought yours back from a worse state than mine. (Although maybe that meant you had less option to sell it as is). I've always wondered about those cars you see for sale, the ones with all this new stuff just installed and barely used. I guess either the credit card bill came in or they just got tired of it all.

I definitely have a lot of new parts that I never got around to installing, like a PSRS, new crank pulley, JDM CF sill plates, etc.

You also reminded me of how much my wife enjoyed the roar when I would blip the throttle at a light, especially if there was a cheaper sported up Honda next to us. Luckily I've never been pulled over because of the RFL CBE. Glad you were able to involve your S/O in the process. It's like deciding whether or not to put down Old Yeller.
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Old 09-26-2012, 08:32 AM   #17
saint_foo
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What about a newer STI/WRX? There's a couple of 08 STIs out there that I know for sale. I saw one locally and was seriously about to buy it...but we needed a daily driver that gets good gas mileage, etc.

So the family won out on that vote, but if I had my choice, I would've bought either one. Nicer interior (no offense to the 04s), great platform to start modding, etc.
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Old 09-26-2012, 07:45 PM   #18
Butt Dyno
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saint_foo View Post
great platform to start exploding engines, etc.
fixed
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Old 09-27-2012, 12:20 AM   #19
stg313
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You should put your STI powertrain in a new BRZ. Problem solved!
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Old 10-05-2012, 09:55 PM   #20
Phy6
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