Fellas, thanks so much for all the feedback – really appreciate it!
Wow, I’m happy to read the shared opinions re: the warranty are so unanimous; i.e. it’s not worth it! The price on the car seems reasonable and comfortably within budget, so I would have enough left over for a warranty - if it were necessary - or for incidental repairs as they came up. It’s more just the principle of the thing: nobody wants to feel like they're being fleeced.
Haha, appreciate the comments on the Red. Objectively, from a pure practicality standpoint, I mostly just dislike the “cop-bait” and “thief-bait” aspect of it. (and I realize the answers there are “well, don’t drive like a dumbass” and “don’t park it somewhere unsafe, like a dumbass). I do agree, though, it does seem to ‘work’ on the R-design, for sure. We shall see. And beyond that, I'm a low-key person and love a good Sleeper, and this one is, uh, not exactly that
Guy, thanks for your insight – I do recall both you and Mmret had this car, right? Glad you still have good memories of it!
Re: the tight back seats, yep: definitely a consideration. Like the spare tire omission, some unfortunate packaging there, but it's OK for right now. (single and no kids) Frankly, i'm used to it anyway, as my Legacy GT had the exact same problem: plenty of room up front, Impreza-esque in the back.
The other other niggle I have is with the tire/wheel combo (and aforementioned lack of spare). It comes with separate winter rims/tires, which i'm pleased about, and waiting to hear back from dealer what size those are. But the summer ones that it's on now are 235/40/19's and I'm not thrilled with the resultant lack of tire sidewall; the ride is comfy enough, but I'm skeptical about durability. Vancouver roads are pretty good, but still. For you guys with experience with thinner tires: am I overthinking this? I've inquired with the dealer to possibly switch those out for 18's, but she's suggesting that 18's may not clear the R-design brakes (which seems untrue, as 18's seem to be available on tire rack and elsewhere, so I will push back).
Noted on the Indy - yup, some good ones in town, will be giving them my business!
And yes, if and when deal goes thru, will look fwd to Show & Shining the bejeezus out of RDSLD (frontrunner for nickname
Thanks again guys and sorry for the ramble - it's been 11 years since i've been this close to buying a car, clearly i'm stoked