I like the hatchback, didn't at first but has grown on me.

That picture you posted of the sedan is awesome! Have always loved the STI, so I say do it. This coming from someone that has never owned or driven one so take it for whats its worth.

 

For some reason that didn't get me as excited as this did.

 

Alrighty. I'm heading to one of the stealerships tomorrow. No one has a white STI in stock. WTF.....Everyone has a dark grey or WR Blue.
Anyway, close second is this Obsidian Black beauty.

2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI w/Silver BBS Pkg/Nav For Sale | Avondale AZ

If for some reason I'm smitten and MUST HAVE THE CAR NOW, what do you think I should offer?

 

Took a test drive today. Obsidian Black, silver BBS wheels/Navi package (essentially the only factory option you can get for this car). 180 miles on the odo (guess it's been test driven a LOT). First thing I noticed were tons of child handprints on the door panels. I assume those would just wash off, but some were kinda 'sticky'. Ick.

Interior is pretty spartan, bit plasticky. Cluster is okay. Good visibility, lights up a cool red when illuminated. It's a wagon, so it's pretty roomy. Fold the back seats and you can haul a good deal of stuff. Would be very good as a backup family car (wifey's ML 350 will be the primary family hauler). Front seats are manually adjusted (thought they were power). Not a biggie as my Mini is the same way. Look cool with the black leather/grey alcantara with red stitching. But the side bolsters are not very supportive as I thought they would be.

Shifter is nice. Very short throws, little notchy. And why the hell do the Japanese put 'R' down and to the right? Clutch engages VERY quickly. As in an inch off the floor. Stalled it going out of the lot Exhaust has the typical Scoobie Boxer burble, obviously not as pronounced as the modded STI's with fart cans. Pretty good power. Couldn't throw it into corners as the salesman was sitting next to me.

Did a little haggling with the salesman. MSRP $40,521, invoice $37,8xx. Best I could do before we left was $23000 out the door (tax/title/lic) with my Mini trade-in. Just emailed him to see how much more room he has to play with.
BMW is still in the running (assuming I can actually find a good one). What the hell should I do?

 

My friend has a 2008 Stg 2 STi. We traded cars for the day - it's super fast, but I'm not sure I could live with it everydady. The boost is just so brutal, and there's no power below 3k rpms. Keep in mind, it has a Cobb tune, intake, and exhaust. It's a great car, and super fast, just not sure I'd DD one. Interiors not too bad if you get all the options.

 

What makes it no daily drivable in your opinion? And which other options are you referring to? I don't think they really have any others???

 

If you like it, do it. I think the hatch is pretty damn cool. If you haven't considered it, try an Evo X before you seal the deal...

 

That's the thing. I dunno if I really like it. It's okay. Don't think I'd ever LOVE it, but it's a DD, so I guess I don't have to splooge everytime I drive it

Mitsu's have never been in the running. Higher price point, don't like the styling of the Evo X (previous gens are a different story. LUV those). Either a 5 speed manny in the less powerful GSR or a dual clutch for the MR. Meh. Not for me.

 

Fair enough. When I bought my GTI for a DD, I wanted it to be enough to entertain, but not so good that my 911 wasn't worth the bother... The STI should fit that bill perfectly (and work in all weather if it snows where you are).

 

The car I drove was super loud, and had a very "tough" feeling. But, like I said, it wasn't stock..

Not sure about extra options, but I was told the car was loaded. Had nav, etc. I thought the interior was pretty nice.