Going from an STI to a Speed6 is bittersweet. You lose that enthusiast feeling with a Speed 6, but gain a better all around car IMO. It's not as fast obviously, it doesn't handle anywhere near the STI, but it's so much smoother quieter, more comfortable, IMO looks nicer inside and out. The STI is definitely a more solidly built car, but feels cheap except when you drive it the way it's supposed to be driven, then you realize why it's such a special car. I did have the 04 (first year STI), so it was very RAW. As a work commuter, it left too much to be desired. The Speed 6 is a perfect daily driver IMO, because it's a great combination car that gives you a bit of everything.
Yes, I saved a fortune on insurance, and I also am under the radar. As a daily commuter, the STI just wasn't cutting it. So much negative attention from cops and people trying to race me, and the car was just so toyish looking. Of course the newer ones improved. Since I paid $29k for it in 2004, drove it 28k miles with nothing but oil changes, then was able to get 23k on trade in, while getting the Speed 6 Last July for $23500, it was a no brainer. For $500 and my used STI, it was the best car swap I ever made, if for no other reason then financially. The resale value and used demand was insane for the STI.
When you have an 06 S2000 sitting in your garage as a fun car, it makes letting a car like the STI go that much easier. I didn't need a 300hp nimble car like the STI as a daily winter beater. No way could a Speed be both my fun car and daily, because it lacks too much as an enthusiast, but as a daily winter beater, it's PERFECT for me. I simply chose the S2000 over my STI as a fun car. because, well, it's simply more fun to drive. After all my car swapping, I finally got it right. However, without my S2000, I wouldn't be able to own My Speed 6. I'd be missing out on too much.
