k20z3

btw, i noticed something about the subaru...
ORDER THE SHORT SHIFTER. DON'T LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT IT. the subie comes alive with this thing. boost gauge can come later. the SPT boost gauge is mounted in a retarded area anyway. i suggest (and i'm going to do this later) the SMY clustermaker, and defi gauges.

Wait, what exactly is your price range lol. A FX is nearly 15-20k more than a WRX or base STI. A FX is a crossover SUV and the WRX and STi are sports cars. You need to compare apples to apples lol.

STi

Same engine 40hp difference. Hatch and STi hatch have essentially same body work. STi just has little more revised suspension, 40hp, and better brakes. The WRX is no slacker. I drove a base STi and the interior is absolutely cheap hard plastics, unless you get a STi limited then it's not even a contest. The Limited gives you the NAV, nice seats, a sunroof, etc. It's up to you, the new WRX's are pretty good. If you want pure performance, no goodies dependent on what trim STi you get, get the STi.

Get the loaded WRX Limited. Much cheaper than a base STi and more loaded. Stick with the WRX and mod it with the few thousand you save over the STi.

don't get the STi if you don't have to. WRX is fine IMO.

there's a few goodies the STi comes with, but for a reliable DD / decent track car, the WRX is a great all-rounder.

Um, no... Why would I?

Yep.

Dealers make their money on those parts.

I would say save the money from both. Look through the aftermarket arena because I'm 99% sure you can find something just as good, if not better for the price.