My girlfriend is looking for a Subaru!!
 

Great news! I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but my girlfriend got into a bad rollover accident in September by UNR. Well, she's finally about to get the settlement, and she is thinking about getting a car. Naturally, I convinced her to get an STi or WRX. She just started looking, and stumbled upon what I think is quite a find. What do you guys think?

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/1647514099.html

Also, any input for the situation in general is also welcomed. She's thinking about spending around $20k for a car. I'd prefer to find one that isn't modded, but I also think that the STi is strong enough to take a little punishment from someone driving the piss out of it every once in a while.

I'd prefer an '05 STi. I like the body style the most (as does she), and i like that everything is "better" than the '04, from what I've heard. She's also looking at newer WRXs.

That's a pretty nice 05, but I'd check out the clutch feel before getting too far along..

Oh, and the color is terrible.

Personally for $20k, I'd go with something a little more "upscale". The STi is a great car, but really more so for the autocrosser/track hound type. I don't know your GF, but most GF's end up liking something slower but nicer.

What's a used '08 WRX going for these days? Are they under $20k yet? Or maybe an '05 Legacy GT... just about as fast as the STi, but a ton nicer in both amenities, and usefulness... plus the insurance will be a bunch cheaper than the STi.

Good point Scott, I just looked at Carmax and 08 WRX's with >30k is around 18k or 19k

Yeah, but they are ugly. She hates them more than I do. Also, as for the legacy, she wants a fast car, and she wants it to be stick. Aren't all Legacies auto? She's in no rush to buy, she just started looking, so I'm sure we will look at plenty.

There are 5 spd legacy GTs.

A stage 2 Legacy GT (05+) is a touch faster than a stock STi. And yeah, they've offered 5 speed manual every year, I believe. The spec B's (06+ special editions) come with a 6 speed too. The H6 Legacys and Outbacks are the only ones I can think of that are automatic only.

So for reals this time. Her grandma is going to get her a car for ~$17k. We just looked at an 09 WRX with 8300 miles on it. SPT catback, TSW 18x? Wheels (225/40/18 tires). We test drove it and she loved it, as did I. It is $23,988, so she would have to spend a bunch of her money on it. The upside is, the car should last long enough for her to have it until she can afford a new one.

There was also an 07 WRX at Internet. They just got it, so they still need to do the safety check and clean it up and everything. I'd guess it'll be around $18-19k. The body damage on the rear fender (big dent and some missing paint, as well as curb rashed wheels all around) should put it around $17, at least that'll be her offer.

We loved the lack of pressure from the salesman at bill pearce just as much as we hated the pressure at Internet. So I guess I'm looking for input, and also asking if anyone has seen a Subaru (or possibly evo?) for around $17k.

You should be able to find an 06/07 for cheaper than what they want for it... There's a couple evo's i've seen on craigslist too for that price range. I'll bring up some links on subies and such if i find some for you.

Do you have to buy from a dealer? You will find much better deals on the net and you won't have to pony up extra cash for sales tax, not that the economy doesn't need it. Craigslist, cars.com, autotrader, nasioc. I'd be willing to bet you can find a handful of desirable cars somewhere in the area for a reasonable price. My opinion, if you were going to spend that much on an 09, just buy new, base price is 24995 and you can still haggle as you could buying used. TSWs are not that impressive and you could use subarubucks to score spt parts for free. Oh, my experience has led me to believe that you will NEVER get a good or even fair deal at Internet, not to mention I would never buy a car that sounds to be in fair condition for $17k. There was an 05 sti in the frisco area for 17700 obo. I understand that the sti may be too much for her, point being, there are deals out there you just have to keep an eye out ;)

You bastard. that's the one I was going to post. haha

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/1883391669.html
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/1883172880.html
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/1872473913.html
http://reno.craigslist.org/ctd/1841698773.html

did she check the insurance on the cars wrx and evo arent cheap

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/1891242191.html

Thanks for all of the replies! I guess her grandma can't (or won't) finance a private party car, so unfortunately a dealership is necessary. I don't know what they're gonna be asking for that 07 at Internet, that was just my guess based on the bluebook.

Also, might have forgot to mention, she's not a fan of wagons, and she prefers white. If it's an evo, I doubt she'll be as picky on the color.

And does anyone know where Lithia keeps the turbocharged cars?? I walked through there and didn't see a single scoop in the whole lot... Getting a new WRX for close to that used 09 price sounds like a good idea, if we can find one.

Lithia doesn't believe in turbo'd cars. Michael Hohl in our state capital thought... I believe they have multiple! haha I remember when I said it has to be white.. Look what I ended up with.. -_- Ok i keep looking!

honestly, the car at Internet is going to be hugely overpriced. I was in the car business for a long time and they have very hefty mark ups ESPECIALLY on desirable cars such as the wrx/evo.

I'd have her look at a new one. Sure, it's a little bit more expensive than $20k.... but depreciation on the wrx is excellent and she will be able to have a better warranty... and also the 2011 wrx will be out soon with the wider body- or you could get a 2010 left over for cheap.

The wrx is literally one of the only cars I would recommend to buy new instead of 1-2 years old, just to put it into perspective.

I agree, and I appreciate your input. She doesn't want to put any of her own money down, so it looks like the 07 at Internet is about her only option as of now... We'll see what her grandma says I guess. We're going to look at it today with her grandma. Maybe we'll take her to see the one at Bill Pearce too, and see how generous she's feeling.

Michael Hohl has a WRB 10 in stock in Carson. The guy that I called said they'd sell it for cheap because the 11s are coming in. I'll keep everyone updated (whether or not anyone cares)

Signing the paperwork for the 07 at Internet. Only $18,999! :rolleyes:

I swear to god, her grandma was on the salesman's side... Oh well, if she wants to pay it, she can pay it. Got some lessons for when I buy my own car tho.

My grandfather was the same way at reno dodge back in 2000, I'd swear he was getting a kickback. I had to learn my lesson the expensive way.

That sucks. At least it was grandma's money, so I just shut my mouth and let her pay for it. If her grandma is willing to drop 19k on cars, I don't wanna get on her bad side :D

Tommy is selling his WRX for 8k. Swap an STi drive train in that beezy!