Drove a modified WRX-STi this afternoon

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Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Originally posted by: Nebor
Originally posted by: Mill
A car says very little about the worth of a person. As has been said... anyone can make payments, borrow, lease, or hell even steal a car. Success is not about owning a BMW or Porsche or whatever luxury car.

So what's success about owning? A boat?
_financial_ success (as there are many kinds, and I'll never call somebody successful who has a net worth of $50 million, but has destroyed their family life and health to attain it) would be defined as a good net worth with financial security (ie. never going to go bankrupt) and buying the things you want without having to stretch yourself to do it.

You're saying success is objective to the person striving for it? Then you can't tell me what success is. Success is a BMW. Done. :p
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Nebor
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Originally posted by: Nebor
Originally posted by: Mill
A car says very little about the worth of a person. As has been said... anyone can make payments, borrow, lease, or hell even steal a car. Success is not about owning a BMW or Porsche or whatever luxury car.
So what's success about owning? A boat?
_financial_ success (as there are many kinds, and I'll never call somebody successful who has a net worth of $50 million, but has destroyed their family life and health to attain it) would be defined as a good net worth with financial security (ie. never going to go bankrupt) and buying the things you want without having to stretch yourself to do it.
You're saying success is objective to the person striving for it? Then you can't tell me what success is. Success is a BMW. Done. :p
Success is not a destination but a journey. Success is continuously striving for your goals and then acheiving them one by one.
And it is different for everyone. Some want a happy family, some want wealth, some want a BMW, some want a big house, some want a comfortable early retirement, whatever.
But success itself is the act of seeking acheivement, not the tangible acheivement itself.
 

Apex

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
6,511
1
71
www.gotapex.com
Originally posted by: Vic
Success is not a destination but a journey. Success is continuously striving for your goals and then acheiving them one by one.
But success itself is the act of seeking acheivement, not the tangible acheivement itself.

If success is a journey, why is it not called succeeding? ;)
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: Nebor

You're saying success is objective to the person striving for it? Then you can't tell me what success is. Success is a BMW. Done. :p

You have personal success and what other's perceive you as ....

A car is how a kid defines their success.

For an adult, success is not just measured in what you have, but also what you could have and what you have done/do.

Half an average ghetto is bopping in 'beemers' and 'lexis' ... I would not define those people living in their cars practically as successful...but if you want to go right ahead. You da playa!
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,553
942
126
Originally posted by: hysperion
Went to the subaru dealer and drove a wrx, they wouldn't let me test the STI and had me drive a regular WRX instead - first mistake. Took a look at the lease options and they wanted nearly $500 a month for a 4 yr lease (so basically 24k over 4 years)....seems they only apply a 12k residual to the sti after 4 years @ 12000 miles a year-mistake 2. Then when I inquired to buy instead they tried holding 3 points on me....how do I know? When he came back with the 9% rate I said that seems really high mind if I look at the computer? (legally they have to show you since it's your credit and sure enough 5.9%)....so not only would they not sell below msrp, they tried holding points to get profit in the back end.....Either way, I'd still like to look into an STI and will probably be calling the other subaru dealer tomorrow...there's only 2 in SE wisconsin and the other one I'll be calling sells fords and stuff as well.....

-I wasn't that impressed with the base wrx but then again it's probably because I was disappointed that I wasn't getting to drive the STI and didn't really beat on it.....I'm sure they're completely diff. cars to drive.

They are completely different cars. The STi is so much different than the regular WRX it's like they aren't even the same car. The STi is actually more similar to a racing car than a production car. You really can't explore the limits of this car on public roads in my opinion. Not for very long anyway.

Edit-Welcome back Skoorb!
 

hysperion

Senior member
May 12, 2004
837
0
0
I'll have to tell them that when I go in there, and that if I can't testdrive an STI, I'll just walk...I'm not gonna get rid of my boxster unless this thing sits me back in my seat...way back....kinda like the 911 would only I don't/can't beat on that car :)...
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
They are completely different cars. The STi is so much different than the regular WRX it's like they aren't even the same car. The STi is actually more similar to a racing car than a production car. You really can't explore the limits of this car on public roads in my opinion. Not for very long anyway.

Edit-Welcome back Skoorb!
No, they are the exact same cars with just some differences in performance modification and trim. Same chassis, same body, same basic design in every way. It is even possible to modify a WRX into an STi if you wanted to. I wouldn't do it myself, but I've seen it done. The only real big differences are the 2.5L and the 6 speed in the STi. And sure, you get better wheels and tires and suspension too, but that's why you pay $10k (~50%) more.
While the STi is very much a performance car, more than anyone could possibly truly explore on any public road in America, it is by no means a real race car (and neither is the Evo8 for that matter). But then again, I couldn't find the upper limits of a Civic while driving legally on any road in America (65mph = just beginning to get going in 3rd gear).
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,553
942
126
Originally posted by: Vic
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
They are completely different cars. The STi is so much different than the regular WRX it's like they aren't even the same car. The STi is actually more similar to a racing car than a production car. You really can't explore the limits of this car on public roads in my opinion. Not for very long anyway.

Edit-Welcome back Skoorb!
No, they are the exact same cars with just some differences in performance modification and trim. Same chassis, same body, same basic design in every way. It is even possible to modify a WRX into an STi if you wanted to. I wouldn't do it myself, but I've seen it done. The only real big differences are the 2.5L and the 6 speed in the STi. And sure, you get better wheels and tires and suspension too, but that's why you pay $10k (~50%) more.
While the STi is very much a performance car, more than anyone could possibly truly explore on any public road in America, it is by no means a real race car (and neither is the Evo8 for that matter). But then again, I couldn't find the upper limits of a Civic while driving legally on any road in America (65mph = just beginning to get going in 3rd gear).

I meant that from a drivers standpoint they are completely different. I know they are the same car. I've driven both. Stock vs stock the differences are night and day.

I know it's not a race car. It is closer to a race car than most production cars is what I said.

You get better wheels, much better brakes, much more power, 6 speed, more chassis stiffening, stiffer shocks, the STi is lowered and I believe it is lighter (I know some of the suspension components are aluminum rather than steel on the STi).
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I meant that from a drivers standpoint they are completely different. I know they are the same car. I've driven both. Stock vs stock the differences are night and day.

I know it's not a race car. It is closer to a race car than most production cars is what I said.

You get better wheels, much better brakes, much more power, 6 speed, more chassis stiffening, stiffer shocks, the STi is lowered and I believe it is lighter (I know some of the suspension components are aluminum rather than steel on the STi).
I agree, stock vs. stock. But the STi is actually a little heavier than the WRX. About 250 lbs., mostly because of the reinforced drivetrain (bulletproof transmission, thicker drive axles, etc.). AFAIK, only the control arms are aluminum, and while the inverted struts on the STi make for less unsprung weight, they don't reduce any weight overall.
 

pmoa

Platinum Member
Dec 24, 2001
2,623
3
81
I only make 58000 and i still cant afford a WRX.....damn 845 a month rent and student loans.....im jealous! how do you guys do it?
 

maziwanka

Lifer
Jul 4, 2000
10,415
1
0
Originally posted by: pmoa
I only make 58000 and i still cant afford a WRX.....damn 845 a month rent and student loans.....im jealous! how do you guys do it?

with rent and all, its almost impossible to make car payments. dunno about 20k cars though...
 

pmoa

Platinum Member
Dec 24, 2001
2,623
3
81
i dunno... some people are just more fortunate....i mean i dont think 58 is that little
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
845 (rent) + 500 (guessing probably high on the student loan payments) + 400 (60 month WRX payments with little to no down @ manufacturers 2.9% OAC) = 1745 / 4833 (monthly gross income, 58000 / 12 ) = 36% debt ratio = approved
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,553
942
126
Originally posted by: Vic
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I meant that from a drivers standpoint they are completely different. I know they are the same car. I've driven both. Stock vs stock the differences are night and day.

I know it's not a race car. It is closer to a race car than most production cars is what I said.

You get better wheels, much better brakes, much more power, 6 speed, more chassis stiffening, stiffer shocks, the STi is lowered and I believe it is lighter (I know some of the suspension components are aluminum rather than steel on the STi).
I agree, stock vs. stock. But the STi is actually a little heavier than the WRX. About 250 lbs., mostly because of the reinforced drivetrain (bulletproof transmission, thicker drive axles, etc.). AFAIK, only the control arms are aluminum, and while the inverted struts on the STi make for less unsprung weight, they don't reduce any weight overall.

Well, it feels lighter, but maybe that's because it does everything better than the WRX. Ride quality suffers though. Still, this car is incredibly quick.
 

Originally posted by: pmoa
I only make 58000 and i still cant afford a WRX.....damn 845 a month rent and student loans.....im jealous! how do you guys do it?
You make nearly 60K and can't afford a wrx?

Do you shoot a lot of heroin or something?
 

Excelsior

Lifer
May 30, 2002
19,047
18
81
Originally posted by: SampSon
Originally posted by: pmoa
I only make 58000 and i still cant afford a WRX.....damn 845 a month rent and student loans.....im jealous! how do you guys do it?
You make nearly 60K and can't afford a wrx?

Do you shoot a lot of heroin or something?

He might live in a nicer home..who knows. That and making 58k he'd still have payments like everyone else, maybe he doesnt want to spend that much, or stretch himself that thin.
 

Apex

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
6,511
1
71
www.gotapex.com
This discussion makes me wonder. What's the average household income to new car MSRP ratio for a $20-30k car? 3:1? 4:1? How about on a 50k car? 100k? Think it goes up exponentially from there, or more progressive?
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Well, it feels lighter, but maybe that's because it does everything better than the WRX. Ride quality suffers though. Still, this car is incredibly quick.
My WRX has a modified suspension that makes it very similar to an STi's suspension (a little more hardcore even). KYB AGX 4-way adjustable struts, Progress springs (sits lower than an STi), Perrin adjustable rear sway bar including the mounting brackets and steel endlinks, and STi aluminum control arms. The entire car was transformed.
I finally bought 17" wheels and tires, but they are on order and I won't have them for a couple of weeks.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: SampSon
Originally posted by: pmoa
I only make 58000 and i still cant afford a WRX.....damn 845 a month rent and student loans.....im jealous! how do you guys do it?
You make nearly 60K and can't afford a wrx?

Do you shoot a lot of heroin or something?

60k is $5000 per month pre-tax.

Figure in insurance, tax and probably like $4000 you are taking home, then forget savings....if you are looking to buy a house that income will limit you to about $1400 in housing (maybe a $170k home), and about another $500 in debt including school loans, car payments, and credit so you are left with roughly half that, $2-2500

If you are buying a $30k car that's going to be at least $500 alone in payments with some money down, you are talking about 20% of your net going to a car....not to mention trying to pay all the monthly bills on $2k and saving anything for investments.

If you are living at home or roommating with 3 - 4 guys it's probably pretty easy though.
 
Apr 5, 2001
87
0
0
STi's great, but AFAIK, you can just as well grab a used WRX and build into an STi killer for less than the price of a new WRX. I think with engine management, up/downpipes, exhaust, coilover suspension, lightweight 17's or 18's and the necessary sway/strut bars, you'd have a car that'll beat a stock STi in almost every category. Not sure about acceleration though. The 2.5L is still a monster straight out the gate, but you can always do an engine/tranny swap or just do some other engine build/bore.

I might actually go that route this Summer. I've narrowed it to a used WRX or MR2 Spyder. Figure either one has to be trackable for autox weekends, but still driveable on my commute. The MR2's the light MR dream, and the WRX is the AWD muscle. Like ying and yang, so I need to do more research. I'd kill for an Evo8, but the price on anything but a salvage one is just too high for me. :(

I don't know why you'd buy an STi or WRX unless you turn your own wrenches, or at least plan on modify the hell out of it. The car's not about stock performance. The STi stock only represents a mild tuning of the car. This new breed of car is all about the untapped potential. They definitely aren't about luxury. It's time more companies started offering stripped-down performance versions of their cars. I won't spend $1500 for the leather option, but I'll be willing to spend 10x that much in performance enhancements over the life of the car if the price of entry was just more reasonable. PEACE.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Well financing vs dropping cash on things makes a big difference.

The STi is about the limit most will ever use and more. The car is quick, a great bang for the buck and serves the need of 4 passengers. MR2 is a nice ride but small and 2 seats only.

I bought a 1998 240SX SE 2.4L DOHC, FR....near 50/50 weight balance once I relocate the battery. Adding a turbo and viola a nice streetable and reliable 250-350hp....13's to high 12's. I could go to 450hp but it'd cause headaches.

Most people unfortunately cannot turn their own wrenches and start projects finding taking apart stuff is rather easy....but getting it back together is sometimes not :).

The older 2 door WRX I had looked into, it was a little too shortened looking for my tastes....the other car was the 944 turbo...1987-1989 but finding a decent one was impossible unless I was willing to drop 25-30k....someone then mentioned the 240SX and I got hooked.

That was a hard car to find as well...I wanted a 97 or 98 and there is only 4000 of them total, I have no idea how many were actually the SE/5 spd I wanted in white.