Damn I hope this shows up in the U.S. I've heard rumors (from various car mags) that it'll be here next summer as a 2003 model. I've had my heart set on a S2000 ever since I test-drove one back in 2000 and am planning on getting one sometime in the fall of 2002 (at least, that's the date the wife has given me), but I do like the WRX as well so I can't really make up my mind. It's weird because other than both being fast, good-handling, reasonably inexpensive cars, they're nothing alike. However, I do know the wife would rather be seen riding in the S2000 rather than the WRX.

 

Why do we always get ripped off in the US. Why is this car everywhere except for here. After talking to kuni about the wrx, I'm beginning to like it a bit more now. I'd love to see this version make it into the US.

 

My current WRX cost me over 4k for insurance when I actually insured it... The car is still a bargain. I think this will be less because of my rating and because the insurers are starting to calm down about WRXs. If you're spending 55k on a car what's 2.5k on insurance anyway? Won't influence my decision. Depreciation in the first year will be 10k I would wager.

Not sure about the microdots but it's probably a good idea to get it done for few hundred bucks and then NRMA will cut the insurance bill or something.

I just saw this thing in the flesh at the Sydney Motor Show and now I want one even more. I think the S2000 might go too. STi and Formula Ford - how's that for a combination of cars?

 

as far as the microdots, hsv claim that it will cut rates by 10%, which is about $250 as the rates i hear for a r8 are about $2500 for a 35 yo driver.
man $4k insurance, that stings, mine is only $1400.
here is a story. a mate HAD a white STi, advertised to sell it in the paper, a person came to look at it and test it, was well dressed and looked civilised. they went for a test drive, the mate was driving, when he pulled over to let the guy have a go the dude quickly got in and took off as the mate was getting in, he got a punch in the head and the car hasnt been seen since, that was almost a month ago. man the lengths that people goto for a car.

 

Whoa, this comment really takes the wind out of my sails. Auto prices in the US are the lowest compared with ANYWHERE in the world, the range of vehicles you get is huge relative to any other country, and yet you claim to be ripped off!.

Honestly, you guys have got no idea what it is like anywhere else.

As an example, Australian wages are roughly equal to US ($ for $), except we pay 48c in the dollar tax and then it costs us $80K for a S2000. Compare that to the US experience!

As another example, we pay $4 a gallon for fuel - and that is cheap compared with many other countries.

Get real before you make comments like this!

 

that raises an interesting point, which country gets the best range of cars. i know that UK gets a lot of cars, i buy CAR magazine and it gives a good coverage, yet petrol is obnoxiously expensive, plus they have all tose damn gatso radars and crap, makes driving useless.
the USA have a lot of good cars as well but lack the japanese contingent. hmmmm.... makes u wonder doesnt it. i guess u cant have ur cake and eat it too, is that right??? doesnt sound like it....
im just happy to have my s2k, ill make a decision in 4 years when my lease is up, until then, my lotto ticket is gonna come up and booya- 360 modena spyder

 

I'm not talking about insurance prices or gas, I'm talking about not being able to get the car in the US. We always get the tuned down version of cars.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2kturkey
[B]

Whoa, this comment really takes the wind out of my sails. Auto prices in the US are the lowest compared with ANYWHERE in the world, the range of vehicles you get is huge relative to any other country, and yet you claim to be ripped off!.

 

One important note, no HIDs ... That I'm very sure, because I made one of the guys turn on the lights for me after a bit of convincing. And yes, it's still optional in Japan ... No way it will be standard in Australia, maybe option if there is any bit of luck.

 

I think you may be right TK, but they are at least projector beams which should make good light without the expense if they fail. Good compromise I think. They seemed to have very similar lenses to most HIDs.

 

Seriously, doesn't matter what sorta lights they have. You can get genuine Subaru HIDs for an extra grand or so anyway. Most importantly, it's no doubt one of the best buys on the market for the next few months to come. The only other way to match a good deal like that is probably by the Evolution to have a similar price tag.