This pertains to me, your milage might vary.

Subaru - Excellent reputation, great reliability, better performance numbers.

But the looks were ... Meh to me

I recieved better financing from Mitsu
I think the Mitsu is a better looking ride... for me
The difference in performance... means nothing to me, I like that I have upgradable options in performance unlike my previous car.
The Mitsu dealership is a stones throw from my office

I like the TC-SST tranny as I travel in rush hour to and from work, but I like to play when I can.

All reasons I bought the RA
I'm to old to be chasing numbers.

Either choice would be fine. Make it, live with it, or Mod it, but the perfect car like a Suburu that doesnt respond to performance mods ....is a myth .

 

I have heard good things about the SST automatic

 

Well, that's too bad if you don't have good credit, I think a 700+ credit score qualifies for the 0% APR (I know, I did). This is assuming you have enough monthly income to pay the monthly comfortably. If you don't have good credit, you can always get the $2,000 cash back on the 09, couple that a $4K-5K discount off of MSRP, you still come out on top. PM Sam of Southcoast Mitsu or Anaheim Mitsu, they are always willing to make a deal. If you read the Mitsu deals, only 08 Evos are not included in the 09 special offers.

 

I had a credit problem 2 years ago that has been fixed, but was still hard getting a loan for the 18k SRT-4. My dad actually had to co-sign even though I bought a 29k Mustang GT on my own 3 years prior.

I was going to put 1.5k down and probably have my Dad cosign again.

I also owe 15.5k on the SRT-4 when the Bluebook is only 9k even though I only have 44,000 miles on it in mint condition.

I plan on leasing the new car for 36 months.

 

^ So you have negative equity on the SRT... man, that's going to be tough, they might grant you a loan, but it might be high interest. If your dad cosigns you though, that might help things a bit, dunno. Well, good luck anyways.

 

That is what I am worried about. I have only had my SRT-4 for about 8-9 months. When I traded in the Mustang I had 2k negative equity.

I am talking to the guy from Anaheim Mitshu to see what he can do if anything.

 

^ So wait, you bought the 4-year old SRT-4 just this year and still owe $15.5K, how much did you get it for?? Just wow, I never knew used SRTs were that high priced... was it an impulse buy? I bought my evoX 7 months ago, and new 09 Ralliarts were going for $22-23K before TTL at that time after some good price hunting.

 

Crap. I didn't want to get sucked back into this, but at least it is still civil and on point.

Amby: My other point about the track/road/autox racing is that, unless you are a pro with a manual, the WRX might not be the better option. The TC-SST is going to be a faster transmission for the average person. Either way, the point has been argued back and forth too many times already, so I'll just default to what we have both been saying: Test drive them both and buy whichever one you like best.

As for the financing: Being upside down shouldn't be too bad. I was upside down almost $5,000 on my WRX, and with a $2,000 down payment, they were willing to roll the rest into a 0% APR loan. Having bad credit, on the other hand, will negatively affect financing.

I would also suggest that you avoid leasing if at all possible.

 

The car was 16k ish and had 40k miles. It was modified so they charged more. Basically I was paying $515 a month for the Mustang and needed lower payments so that is why I got it. Now I can justify spending more money. I can easily afford the monthly payment, just need to get approved for a loan.

I am hoping the 1.5k down will help offset the negative equity.

 

^ Still a bit pricey given the miles... mods are suppose to devaluate the value of a car when you go to a dealership... but privately, it might bump up the price just a little bit. I don't know, I would never buy a modded car myself for the fear of being abused by the previous owner and mods not done right.

If I were in your case, I'd try to sell the car privately... or pay up front to zero out the negative equity. That way, the dealership can't give you the "hey, you got a big negative equity on this, we can finance you with 12% APR"-card, given your credit is not okay.

 

I had a $4K negative equity with my trade-in when I got my X. Since both me and my wife have pretty good credit, they just rolled it to the new loan and still got 0% APR... worked out well.

 

I called my finance company and they wont change over the title if I sell privately...long story.

 

I see your in CA...what dealership?

 

No it applies to the RA's as well. My friend sold a sportback version to a lady with the 0% apr 48 months. But ur right it applies to tier 1 credit.

I have credit issues too and i got $0 down and 6.9% for 72. I'm lookin to refinance soon though. Looking at your negative equity i would say see if u can squeeze $9.5K for trade and put $2000 down. A tleast u won't be in an insane position. I use to sell cars and i've seen worse.

 

I am worried I won't get approved even though I could easily afford the monthly payment if it is around the $525 range.