Lol, not if dealers keep on charging 10% over MSRP.

 

Of course. I was implying that it was not that hard compared to designing a car from the ground up.

 

As Ambystom has stated, since many of the major details haven't been confirmed either way (from Mitsu or Subaru ex. price and mpg). It is difficult to decide which will have the edge. I for one think looks are very subjective and with that I am aligned with Ambystom's view of performance first (or more important) with looks coming somewhere down the list on priorities. The major factor for me in my interest with the RA is the TC-SST. As much as I would like to continue to have an MT to drive around, an AT is in my best interests (an hour down the 405S passing the 101 and the 10 going to and from work will change anyones mind). The SST will give me the performance that I would like. I believe there are a fair share of people that would like a performance oriented transmission. So good job to Mitsu for offering one at this price point with all the other goodies that the RA offers.

The Impreza GT while I would hope for their 5EAT, it will most likely get the 4EAT which is currently around a 4k option considering that you need to get the premium package to even consider an AT setup. Currently priced around 28k from building a WRX 5 door on Subaru's website. So the RA even at 27k looks like a great deal.

 

For me:

1. Performance.
2. Aftermarket potential.
3. Price.
4. Looks.

 

i completely agree with everyone that performance should be first. the wrx would need a bigger increase in power and a large decrease in price for me to have to look at it every day. I don't want to drive something I would be completely embarrassed about unless I got an incredible deal for an amazing machine. But then again I am not stating that the new wrx is ugly is a fact I am just saying that its my personal opinion. too many better cars on the market for around the same price

 

Here's my take, only boring cars need to look good. If a car is a blast to drive, I couldn't care less about how it looks because it keeps me happy behind the wheel.

 

The Impreza WRX/STI was never ugly to me in all it's forms, but in IMO the Lancer/Ra/Evo are better looking.

 

Completely agree with you Chewy. It is great that we have alot of options at this price point now.

I was over at Nasioc and in the 2009 changes thread the OP posted another link to a site that states the Impreza GT is to be standard with the 4 speed. So for those that want a sporty AT, the RA still looks like the best bet for those of us that want the flexibility of the SMG style transmission. Well, only time will tell because SOA hasn't confirmed any of the WRX changes.

 

You can't even see the whole outside of the car when you're driving it. Most of the time while I'm around my car I'm inside it, so most of the time I don't even see how it looks. Looks don't matter that much to me.

 

STi had more power over the EVO 8 and 9 and who is faster?

power doesn't meatn anything don't worry

 

its still ugly

 

STI had almost identical power, it depends on how you choose to gauge that power (ie. whether you trust the manufacturer or go with what external sources suggest). Same goes with deciding on who is faster.

 

if this is actually true, then IMO subaru will continue to dominate and the RA will have a really tough time gaining marketshare.... then again, we still don't know what the GT is going to cost, if it exists.

 

My list goes:
1. Performance
2. Tuning options, Aftermarket support
3. Price
4. Looks

The new RA has to compete, not only with the current WRX and MS3, but with a new turbocharged Cobalt... while it's not my interest for american made cars... So I wonder how will the RA respond to the market it's entering.

 

If the requirement is performance first, then I doubt anyone should be shopping this car. There are many others that will perform better and cost less. A Cobalt SS is faster and will stop quicker with a price of several thousand less. A MS3 is close in price and also better performer. Both of which are not very good looking IMO. I am sure there are others to compare like the SI. The Lancer is the first 4 cylinder car I have ever considered. I am looking at it for the same reasons you guys find issue.

I find the SUBARU odd and very uninteresting. It may even be a better car but not even on my list. Faster or not. Looks like the new version of a soccer mom car.

I like the idea of better MPG while still being sporty. I don't need my daily driver to be my speed freak but I don;t want a slug either. I don' t want to shift gears on a daily basis anymore either (SS and MS3 and SI are manual only). Paddle shift is the best of both worlds: practical when you need it to be and shiftable if the mood strikes. If FERRARI thinks its a good idea, I see no reason to argue. As far as durability, who knows how much power the SST can take reliably? I am sure it is fun to drive which is what I want. I realize that many of you are young and have to get the stick shift/performance thing out of your system, but 10-15 years of driving to work everyday in traffic will cure you of that obsession. Now if this is going to be a track car or drag racer, that is a different story. But again, used EVO VIII or IX is the better way to go.

I am looking for a practical, performance oriented car that looks good and can still haul the family in comfort. I want a car that is year round usable, so AWD fits the bill better (OHIO) than true RWD performance. I want it to look good and I do not plan on street racing, so top speed is not top priority. I need a usable trunk. I want decent gas mileage and a ride that does not dislodge my kidneys. I want brisk acceleration, but if I want to race, my 72 Skylark or 72 Vette is the better way for raw power. I want a car to be fun and keep me entertained instead of just 4 wheels that get me from A to B.

So, if the power gets bumped at the cost of fuel economy than I need to look elsewhere. The true reason I am shopping the RA is price, MPG and AWD with auto trans. If I need more power, step up to the EVO or something with V8 power (Challenger, G8, Camaro, Mustang). If I want high maintenance, frequent brake and tire changes, get the EVO. While the EVO is nice, I am not a track racer so for the street an EVO is overkill for me on a daily basis.

Right now, the Ralliart is on the top of my list. I need a new vehicle in April next year. The Cobalt SS is a tight second. It is hard for me to think of buying a new American car for a daily driver. I do not think Mitsu is much better in terms of resale so I need to factor that in also. I am also concerned with Mitsu even staying in business. I also like the long warranty vs. others.

So, if the idea is for MITSU to get new buyers, this is their chance. I have never owned a MITSU product. I have never even thought of shopping one. I am an older more affluent buyer. I think that is their idea. Almost forty, six figure income with wife and two kids.