I was thinking that going to the Blue Lake show today -- and seeing all those 1200s -- would make me forget about the STI. But a guy showing his roadster had an STI there (first one I've seen). It looks kinda big (odd thought). He said it drives better in traffic than his Mustang 5.0 because the clutch pedal is so much easier to modulate.

Torque? The US-spec STI has 300 lb ft of torque (same as the Ford 5.0 liter). Word is that only the US gets the 2.5 turbo.

I hadn't thought about the increased insurance costs. The STI list is $31k USD, so it's about the same as in Oz. But ... they are selling for $37-$42 right now according to the guy I met (who works at a Subaru dealership). That's too much for me.

I like what you guys are saying about buying a used car (GTI-R, etc). Problem is we never got any GTI-Rs, 323 GTRs or Skylines. The first Skyline we get is the 2003 Inifiniti G35. Maybe an import twin-turbo engine to stick in my '96 Legacy (Liberty)? Or maybe I could get a 2003 QR25DE for a few Ks at the wreckers and stick it in a 1200 ... hmmm. I wonder if the KA tranny bolts up to the QR25?