Looks to me like you really aren't making a decision, but getting in line with the rest of the drooling horde! It's going to be a cool car, dude! All good choices (except maybe the vDub? Will the engine blow? will it? WILL IT?!) I did marketing and promotions for Subie for 3 years. Great car(s) as well, but to go for the Legacy over the others you have listed really does put you in a different "class" of car. Very much a sedan (unless you were onto the GT wagon) but still a bigger car overall than the "hot hatches" you've been considering. Anyway, I have it on very good accord that the Alfa Romeo influence is being quashed and Subaru will be returning to a more mainstream look. I must applaud them for having the cajones to try something different and provocative, much, in my opinion, like Mazda. Design is important. It's not only about performance, but looks as well. (Though vDub would argue that great looks and a sufficient warranty will do. The masses reject that theory apparently
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If you decide more towards Subie, let me know and I will hook you up with the right people wherever you are. I could have gone either way but opted for my Mazda3 and I love it.
DaMutt