I have the 2.5RS wagon and its ok. But I don't really push the car hard...i've got another car for that kind of driving (or a bike). I love hatchbacks, so a wagon is a no-brainer for me. I carry my music gear around, and even though it is fairly compact, much easier to get stuff in/out of the back of the wagon vs. a trunk. Also trips to Ikea or the hardware store are similarly easier. The only thing I'd trade the Subie wago for would be one of the new Toyota FJs (as I could use that as a tow vehicle as well...and it has a hatchback).

Legacy GT wagon, all day long. Detuned STi motor, so with a few mods...... Plus, you skip the boy racer image of the STi. I recall reading a review that was pretty positive about the Legacy GT handling, probably not as sporty as an STi though. Ultimate sleeper, with just as much performance potential. Plus, it looks good.

Mul makes a good point about the EVO; it's a damn nice car, particularly when I see them on the track. But the STi is very nice as well. Of the two cars, I wouldn't be able to decide which is better and for what reasons one is better than the other - for me, it might come down to which is lighter.

What's interesting about the 2007 version of the STi is it looks like the boy racer image has disappeared for a more subdued look, which is nice.

I agree, though about the Legacy GT. That's a very nice car for the utility. The only other car of its type (i.e. wagon) I'd consider is the Volvo R wagon, though it's probably much more expensive.

Good luck with your choice. SmileWavy

See what happens with the new Volvo C30...

Cannot (personally) do the Volvo thing. I realize this is a total sweeping characterization, but they are possibly the worst drivers on the road. YMMV.

Well now I have too many choices. Back to my pros and cons worksheet.

But I have been reading up over at NASIOC and the conncensus seems to be that the WRX wagon is only 80 pounds heavier, and a larger rear sway bar solves any handling issues. Even the WRX sedan owners agree.

But now I have to weigh the EVO and Legacy GT. What about the SAABaru wagon?

05 STI seats do not fold unfortunatly, but I love the car. Ride is somewhat jiggly, a bit nervous on long hauls. The car also engenders some long hard looks from 16 year old girls, which may or may not be a plus (I'm 37, not a plus ;))

Lots here: http://www.iwsti.com/forums/

A recent Consumer Reports article rates Saab as having some very alarming reliability issues. Same with Mercedes. I wouldn't consider them.

But the 9-2X is mechanically 100% Subaru, isn't it? My understanding is it has a softer suspension, more sound insulation, and different exterior cosmetics. Personally, it seems odd to me to hop into a Saab-looking car and be in a Subaru. I thought it used to look better on the outside than a WRX, but since the WRX got restyled, I'd give the edge back to Subaru. Plus it's more "authentic."

You need to drive all of these, and your preferences will emerge.

Looks like the Saab is at the STi price level. That makes the Saab sink to the bottom of the list.

So for now the list is WRX wagon, STi sedan, EVO sedan, and WRX sedan. In no particular order.

I've read of some build quality issues with the Saab, GM's ownership isn't doing it any favors. Volvo is in the same boat, the R models are sweet looking, but don't buy one out of warranty. The Evo vs STi comparos that I have read seem to give the Evo the edge overall, but name the STi as a better city car. Bigger engine makes for better torque, more pep in traffic. Pretty much win win, they're both great cars, as are the WRX and Legacy GT wagon.

I think you can boost the WRX performance significantly for a lot less than the price difference to the STI, too.

Have you checked insurance rates?

Steve - are you saying Subie parts make up a Saab? It's always been my understanding that lots of GM parts make up a Saab.

Yeah, the 9-2X is basically a re-badged Impreza. I believe GM owns a big piece of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) as well as Saab.

Ah, yes. Subaru is under Fuji. I forgot about that.

I did hear GM is looking to unload Saab. Too bad. Saab was a fine manufacturer before GM got their hands on it. :rolleyes:

I'm trading my '04 WRX wagon on a TDI Jetta tomorrow.

After a discussion with the wife we have narrowed it down to either a used STi or EVO. Let the search begin!

After a discussion with the wife we have narrowed it down to either a used STi or EVO. Let the search begin!

If you want the 300 horespower get the STI, not an Evo. Would you rather drive an Impreza or a Lancer, since the STI and Evo or based on them. The Lancer it front wheel drive, the Impreza at least all wheel drive. I have heard some horror stories with regards to the Evo, as it's a boosed 2.0, where the STI is a boosted 2.5 litre.

Of course I am biased. I have a 2004 WRX, and it has the 2.0 litre motor. The 2006 WRX's have a detuned 2.5 litre motor. Like it was mentioned, the drivetrain is not even similar between the WRX and STI, although the torque down low with the 2.5 is better than in my WRX.

I have driven both 04 and 06 STI's and they are lightening fast for teh price. I got my 04 WRX for $23K though, while the STI was low $30K's. Knowing that the Subaru was a stop gap so I could save up for another 911 (a 993 C4S I think..), I couldn't justify the cost differnce (both purchase and insurance). I also commute 50 miles each way to work, and the STI was still pretty new, so I was concerned with the durability of the 2.5 in the STI. I also get almost 30 mpg with my WRX, and have 40,000 miles on it already.

Now as with any car for people like us, I of course couldn't keep it stock. Here is what I have done so far:

Wheels: 17x7.5 Wedsport's. They only weigh 14.1 pounds a piece...sweeeet.

Short shifter, shifter bushings.

Prodrive lowering springs (a nice drop, not totally lowered, this is my dialy driver).

Exhaust Gas Temperature, Oil Temperature and Boost Gauges in a pod that replaced the stock clock, color matched to the interior lights (this was actually a pretty easy job with the exception of the EGT, where I had to take the 2&4 cylinder exhaust manifold off and drill and tap if to the probe).

I will most likely get a COBB Accessport and new down pipe, with this combination I have read I can get another 50 horespower pretty safely. I do not plan on ever replacing the stock muffler.

If I were you, and looking for a daily driver I can take the dog in ( I have 2 dogs so know the need), I'd get a stripped WRX Wagon, and use the extra $ for some upgrades.

On a side note, NASIOC is a pretty decent forum. Yeah there are some boy racers there, from a technical standpoint there is some decent knowledge there. I have gone to some other forums, and they are way ricier.

This isn't the greatest picture of my WRX, but will give you an idea of how decent they can look with better wheels.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1147661893.jpg