Hey Everyone,
I've always had a car journal for every car I've ever owned. Figured I'd do the same for my RA
Updated: 10/24/12
Latest post:
- Page 1: Intro
- Page 4: Photos
- Page 5: AEM CAI Intake
- Page 6: Buschur Racing Catback Exhaust
- Page 7: Ultimate Racing Upper & Lower Intercooler pipes
Before the Ralliart I was driving this little guy for awhile, a 2005 Nissan 350Z 6MT
- Nismo V2 Front
- Powerhouse Amuse Sideskirts
- Nismo V3 Rear
- Greddy Type Coilovers
- Nismo LM GT4 wheels
- Fujita SRI
- Invidia Catback
- TWM Short Shifter
- Megan adjustable camber arms
- etc.....
In Feb of 2012 it began to be more and more of a hassle to carry my camera equipment around. I really didn't want to get rid of her, but I had no choice. I spent from March - July debating on what car to get. I for sure wasn't getting a FWD car.
The things I had to put into consideration:
"Daily Usage"
- Camera equipment (3-5' stands and tripods)
- Lighting energy sources (i.e. power generators and batteries)
- Lighting strobes
- Lens and camera bags
"External uses"
- Surfing
- Biking
- Snowboarding
I decided rear wheel drive wasn't the best option especially since I liked going up to the mountains. I've always liked Subarus and Mitsubishis, but which one was I going to get...?
For the entire months of June and July I went to multiple Subaru and Mitsubishi dealerships talking, negotiating, test driving, etc... I had a horrific experience at one of the Subaru dealerships which automatically turned me away from that one.
When it came down to price points it came down to this:
(*Note: These price comparisons are between dealerships here in CA with price negotiations)
^ Subaru STI = Mitsubishi Evo X MR
^ Subaru WRX = Mitsubishi Evo X GSR
^ Subaru Impreza = Mitsubishi Ralliart
Considering this was going to be my daily driver, and I was going to stack miles on this guy I didn't need an STI or MR. I could have afforded either the 2012 WRX or 2012' GSR. I test drove both and they were both super fun. I loved the feel and sound and the fact that they were both stick shift. The deciding factor between the two were the motors. Finding out the the WRX wasn't even a "watered" down version of the STI, and that it was basically a completely different car bummed me out. So I decided with the Evo X GSR. I loved the look and feel of the Evo. I thought it looked way more aggressive than the WRX. I test drove and fell in love. I was ready to sign papers until the salesman showed me the trunk and I was speechless... The Evo's trunk was smaller than my Z's trunk. The whole point of me selling/trading my Z was to get something with a bigger trunk. I was ready to leave until the salesman told me that the Ralliart had the same 4B11T motor as the Evo, as well as the same tranny, and awd system and not too mention it had lay-down backseats. I was confused... I had no idea. I went home that night and simmered on it and did more research. A few days later I went back to the dealer and test drove. I fell in love (again) despite it not being a stick shift...
I didn't want to rush into it so I waited another week. Then in August of 2012 I went back and starred at an Octane Blue 2012 RA for about an hour
Here's a cell phone pic I sent my brother asking him what he thought
He said it was badass. He's been wanting an Evo or an RA since this body style came out.
I sat with Sam Smash (most of you guys know him) and I asked him to be honest with me and to give me the pros and cons of the RA.
About an hour later as we were negotiating pricing he says, "DUDE! What else can I do??????"
and I said, "Throw in the side mount plate holder and some window visors and you got a deal"
He stook his hand out and simply says, "deal."
Pic of MY new car a few hours later after we finished signing papers and the guy washing my car
*My RA Journal>>>>>>>>>>>Update: 10/24/12<<<<<<<<<<<<Pg.7
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