All spot on Billy, although you won't get a manual 3.4 (the B3S) because they were auto only in RHD format. Shame really, although if you desperately wanted one in RHD I suppose you could buy the earlier B3 3.3, which ain't too far off the B3S in terms of ability.

Alpina builds - in total - about 800 cars a year, and that's ALL models. B3S Cabrio numbers probably ran to less than 200-300 in the world. There were 1299 B3 3.3s built (all four body styles of 3-Series here) and they were in production from 1999-2003. The B3S only ran from late 2003 to the end of 2005. I haven't got access to the exact figures yet but Sytner Nottingham will know how many are in the country. I bet you it's less than 100 B3S Cabrios, and probably about 300 B

 

Moff I think you're right - its one of those things you just have to do (well me anyway). I even said to Chris that I didn't find the STi at all numb or un-involving - it could be a bit of a handful and was set up so it felt more like a RWD than a FWD (ok, it still understeered but it felt more like the S than the Mondeo!)

However, was driving the S tonight thinking that if I can get the suspension squeak sorted out, I can live with the car til next summer/end of summer and then part-ex against a 2nd hand STi - atm finding the extra few k to buy the car would be tricky...

I realised that I've owned the S for 2 years (between the 2 cars) and I've had the pleasure of 3 winters (including the one coming) but only 1 summer! Maybe this is why I have such a downer with it - I've only really had one summer with it...... whereas I have a lot of memories of dark wet horrid weather.

I did really truly love the STi though - it sounded gorgeous, felt nice, was comfortable, passable stereo (easily fixable) and fits my "something a bit different" criteria - have been looking out for them otr and they aren't that common.

 

God I miss setting off from lights in the winter sideways with all 4 wheels furiously spinning I'm thinking a scooby stands a chance of being my next car as I have to take

 

Dreamer,

I am in just the same boat. I have an S at the moment, and am looking at either a 350Z (again) or an 06 STi PPP in black.

Like everyone else, I am a little worried about how it looks, but to be honest the drive more than makes up for that.

The black car does not look too 'bling', and it is easy to have the wheels painted grey or some other non-gold colour. That leaves the spolier, but I understand that it is a big job to change it.

I too looked at the Spec D - fits the bill, but is a horrible silver/gold colour.

I am driving them both again at the weekend, and am a bit worried that if you are into cars, you will have to own a Subaru at some point. The stereo in the Subaru is a disgrace, but as you say, easily fixed.

I suppose my main concern is depreciation. A 6 month old PPP can be had for under

 

100 B3S cabs??

They always seem so common in Notts, but not suprising with our Sytner dealer!

I love the Alpina cars, but not taken to the new 3 series Alpina... thought it was a dog.

I love the 200mph Alpina B10 - think it's the 5 series. Mr Sytner drives one which has Monaco reg plates

 

Errrrm, mine has all of the above.

I'll get my coat.....

 

[QUOTE=matthehat17,Nov 1 2006, 08:50 PM] All spot on Billy, although you won't get a manual 3.4 (the B3S) because they were auto only in RHD format. Shame really, although if you desperately wanted one in RHD I suppose you could buy the earlier B3 3.3, which ain't too far off the B3S in terms of ability.

Alpina builds - in total - about 800 cars a year, and that's ALL models. B3S Cabrio numbers probably ran to less than 200-300 in the world. There were 1299 B3 3.3s built (all four body styles of 3-Series here) and they were in production from 1999-2003. The B3S only ran from late 2003 to the end of 2005. I haven't got access to the exact figures yet but Sytner Nottingham will know how many are in the country. I bet you it's less than 100 B3S Cabrios, and probably about 300 B

 

You are kidding, right?
At the power plant I work at, every other car is a Subaru.
There are several blobeyes, a couple of classics (the best model), ugly in-betweens, Wagons an RB5, a P1, a WR1. God, they are all over the place. And around here you get a wave every five miles.

Not so with the S2K. There is only three, one appeared this week, we own one from this week, and the other guy is not happy about his exclusivity any more

As for comparisons, there are none. Take it from me, the S in experienced hands is more than a match for an Sti in the dry. On the track I would wager the S would outshine it. On a greasy country road its the Impreza all the way.
For sheer build, the Impreza drivedrain is awesome, but the rest is built very much DOWN to a budget, just like the 350Z.

If you can, have both. Two different animals. I would personally buy an EVO 8 out of the two

 

I've done it several times?

But I understand where you are coming from Jo, the Impreza will be more practical.


I've only driven a couple of Scoobies - didn't like them at all. Steering was light and vague and were not as fast as expected. The Evo was far more impressive (but costs even more to run).

 

I couldnt give a monkeys about image TBH, i buy what i like

If you like it, and it meets your needs buy it