new DD: 06 STI or 08 135i?
 

i currently have a 99 328i as my DD, and given that it has accumulated tons of miles, plus it's nearly 9 years old, i originally planned on replacing it with a 135i sometime mid next year. well, a couple days ago, my bro-in-law informed me that he is planning on getting rid of his less than 1 year old 06 STI with around 6K miles (that he rarely drives) for an SUV (don't ask me why), and since he had planned on trading the car in to the dealer, he asked if i would be interested in buying the car off him for trade-in value. so now i'm a little uncertain as to what i want to do. a super low mileage STI at trade in value is a mighty enticing deal, not to mention the car is fun and a great performer. my only gripes about it are that i think the suspension will be too stiff for DD especially since some of the roads i drive on are not very smooth, and also that i'm not too fond of the big rear spoiler and front intercooler hump (since i'm not exactly a teenager anymore.) other than that i have no problems with an STI as a DD. so what do you guys think?? should i take advantage of this deal, or should i just stick with my original plan and get a 135i at whatever price the dealer is willing to give me?? i'm sure the 135i will be a fun car and a great performer as well, plus i'm sure the suspension will be more "comfortable" for daily driving, not to mention the bimmer will not have the boy racer looks. my only gripe about the 135i is that i will be paying virtually full price for one and be passing up an opportunity on a great deal.

get the sti and remove the rear wing

i think the 135i is going to be a sweet ride... get the BMW.

scott

135i IMO.
The STI is pretty sweet but it attracts attention, if you're looking for strictly DD the less boy racer attention the better unless you dig that sort of thing.

I agree. I respect the STI, but if you wanna stay under the radar...135i.

i never understand why the STI is on the table and the Evolution isn't, its wing comes off just as easily

I just gave this some more thought. I think it would make sense to buy the car from him at trade in value. I mean he would have already taken a BIG HIT. I mean 08 is right around the corner. That way you can let the waiting list and price gouges for the 135i to cool down. Thats what I would probably do. The 135i dosent get here until march.

Trade in for 06 STI is something like 25k.
One year from now, you'll be able to get BMW 128i, which is
- only slightly more expensive (starting MSRP 27-28k)
- 300 lbs lighter than STI, probably more tossable
- No turbo lag
- Much better gas mileage
- Probably much cheaper to insure
- No silly looking rear wing

LOL. Why? Did you read any part of this post? :shrug:



To the OP, the 135i doesn't make as much sense - it'll cost more (perhaps even a markup from msrp). Sti is also better the winter or rain - hence better daily driver.

:iagree:

If you're getting the STi at a great deal. The 1-series is not going anywhere, you can get one in a couple of years when they have been out a while maybe.

Only thing about the STi is it's low quality interior and the rear wing, you should do a trunk-lid swap. Some people with normal impreza want that big-ass wing and they need the special high-po trunk hinges aslo. If you can find someone with the same color car maybe they'll pay you and give you a normal trunk lid.