I'm Michael, 23 y/o from NE Indiana area and currently own a 2013 Subaru BRZ (summer) and a 1999 Subaru 2.5RS (winter). It's a big step joining this forum due to some of that Subaru loyalty, but I've been down for the last year or so trying to decide if I wanted to trade my BRZ in for an STi or not.

Up until tonight, I was planning on trading the BRZ for an 06/07 STi when the right mileage/price popped up due to not wanting to deal with the 08+ ringland issues. I love the Subaru community and have made a lot of friends in the two years of owning the BRZ. However, I can't trade a 2013 for a 2006/7 for obvious reasons. On top of that, I would only trade the BRZ in if my payment were to stay the same, so the newer STi's are out of the question regardless.

That's why tonight, I've realized the doubts I had in the back of my mind about an STi are alleviated by the nemesis Evo. Why? I will be trading my BRZ in for a 2011+ Evo GSR and will have a vehicle that is only a couple years older and also have the luxury features I want; bluetooth audio, comfortable interior and not a many year old aged exterior. On top of that, 2010/11 Evo's can be found for the same price as an 07 STi...it's only logical. Some of my doubts about the Evo's is more or less bias, and I found this forum by reading a few "traded my STi for an Evo X" threads here. That was an eye opening and reassuring experience.

With that said, it's tough for me to even want to trade the BRZ. However, living in Indiana is rough with the BRZ. I hate having to garage her for months at a time in the winter only to see it every day when I walk by it in the garage to go to work. I want my garage queen to be a year round vehicle so that I'm not limited to a winter beater only in the winter.

Once this snow goes away and I'm able to get the BRZ to a dealership and trade in, I'll be joining your fellow ranks! I'm pretty excited to get into something different (finally).

 

welcome. ya that ringland problem is turning alot of people away from subaru. you would think theyd fix that by now im sure its hurting there sales

 

It's especially hurting their used market as well. There's a TON of 08+ but it's hard to find good quality 05-07's. I'm really bummed to say it, but I'm excited to give the Evo world a shot.

 

Don't be bummed. You should look forward to the easy power you can make reliably here.

 

Also have you given the IX a thought?

 

If I'm going to trade for anything other than an 07 STi, it has to be as close to 13 as possible. I like the IX but then some of my backup logics for going EVO are out the door.

 

Fair enough. I don't know what your goals are but if they are power related the IX would be a better route. The ssl version is very nice also. The X is a great car though.

 

Not really big power. Just a good all around vehicle with a turbo and AWD.

 

The BRZ is gorgeous, but you're right on the money about the pain of watching your pride and joy sit in the garage.
I'm astonished at how well STis hold their value. The debate about which is better, Subaru vs Mitsubishi, is never ending... but when you're throwing down cold hard cash it's hard to dispute the Evo value.
You'll find the Evo community is just as strong as the Subaru group, only more amazing in every way but of course I'm biased!
Evom is an awesome forum too... welcome!

 

Keep your 2.5 RS and you'll be like me with a foot in both worlds. My 2002 has 130K on it half of that with 300 WHP and I'm expecting it to go boom soon. After that, I'll want to put a 2.5 in there, I love that car.

 

I think its what catches you the most in the end because im not really big on the newer subarus period, i mean i have an 04 sti with a thrown rod and i still wouldnt give it up for a newer model subaru.

 

I disagree. While yes I find it odd they hold value so well, the subaru community is ALOT better than ours. They're very honest about their cars inferiority(in some ways) to ours. A lot of the evo world is VERY biased. I remember on NASIOC where AMS(an evo shop) had a claim that they make power easier with the sti(magazine article) all the member called bull**** lol. Very good community.

 

My favorite part about owning Subaru is the community both nationwide and locally. There aren't any dedicated local clubs.

 

He subaru community is awesome there's no comparison.

 

I've done the same thing I have an sti and just picked up an evo. The evo is much better on all levels.