berny2435

Subaru STi is fine in near stock form. Don't go crazy with mods or you'll end up with a headache. I'd love a STi Hatch I think but I just can't get over the fact of life with the motor not holding the mods that are so simple to do.. . I don't want that headache down the road.

To complicate things... .

Soon, you wont be able to get loans for or find a clean 2006 EVOs. Arguably a much better car than an STi if you don't need the hatch. It's likely one car I will regret never owning. Just like a 05-06 E46 M3. The maintenance cost on those just doesn't make sense to own past warranty.

vader1

This just made me chuckle given that you are in Alabama.

Up here in the frozen hell of Minnesota, I never use my heated seats unless it is at least below 20 degrees. Wouldn't that be about 2 freakish nights a year in Alabama?

Don't get me wrong, they are nice to have, but I would not go out of my way to get them if I lived anywhere south of Chicago.

niick

I'm just a sissy when it comes to cold weather, my Puerto Rican half gets the better of me when it comes to temperature preferences. I literally start to shiver violently around like 55 degrees range. During Winter and late Fall/early Spring time I honestly would use the seat warmer every single day without question

RedCelica

at $15,000 I'd say e36 m3 and mod it. Otherwise, with a little more $$$ e46 m3

CosmosMpower

From a driving perspective I agree, from an ownership perspective I'd take out the Loti. You can't reasonably use one for an only car whereas you can easily do so with a S2000, Boxster or Cayman.

One time I went to go pick up my dad from the airport on a nice sunny day. I decided to drive the Lotus and when I got there I realized he had a medium size rolling suitcase. He ended up carrying it in his lap for the 30 minute drive home.

For around the same price range as a S2000 the RX-8 is a good choice. It drives very similar, more room, comfortable and quiet, a tad less power and MPG.

TougeS2k

im going with a '02 c5 z06 vette, will post pics and a review! biggest pro: 405hp/405tq, decent mpg, decent handeling. con: driving feel, interior quality, tire/oil cost.