Well I went STI in black with silver BBS for 29,995 and they gave me what I needed on my '03 Cooper S.
The STI just seemed the better all around machine when you considered things besides turn in and styling as deciding factors. Mostly better interior - dash especially, outside temp that my last 4 cars have had and I need when nearing freezing at warp speed, more comfy seats with lowering feature and side airbags, 1.9% interest, $6K difference avail for mods

BUT I'll keep it stock until I see the US spec IX just in case

 

I don't think you'll find much agreement here that the STi is "the better all around machine". I will say that a $30k STi is a better value than a $36k MR. Crap like outside thermometer and "more comfy seats" isn't even worth mentioning unless you're trying to convince yourself.

Be happy that you got a better buy.

 

Thanks for the feedback -

I'll be back once we have an Evo 9 to test drive, until then I guess I'll get this STI to handle better and keep to the scooby forums...