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Speedracer228 · 11-26-2007, 06:31 PM

hey guys, havent been around much the past few months... after graduating college and getting settled into my new job I dont have the free time to surf the forum much...

Ive been carting around in my 01 saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have been getting that itch for something new. Last night a nice 6-pointer sped up the process. I am waiting for the insurance check and now it is time to get car shopping.

I know there are some members on here who have had sti's as a DD and I want some real life feedback.

With my job im on the road a lot going to see clients (insurance broker), so i need something that is fun yet "practical". Id really like an e46 m3, but i still look to "young" to be driving this up to clients without pissing someone off.

Therefore I am back to sti as my dd... the money is not an issue, but im just looking for some routine maintenance/every day experience from driving these everyday.... Ive have found most of my answers on nasioc.com, but its always nice to hear some first hand......

i know, i know

B · 11-26-2007, 07:39 PM

IMO, the sti is a pain to drive daily.

it's a great car... but.

1) the gearing sucks. normal around town, you'll find your self at 40-45 mph in between 4th and 5th. 5th is lagg city and won't get you up a hill, 4th is wasting gas when its flat. you'll constantly find your self shifting back and forth.

2) it's a pig on gas. expect less than 20mpg driving it normal. i averaged 16mpg on average, mixed commuting and boosting.

3) the seats outright suck. hated them. like 'em at first, but after 30 min on the road, my back was un comfortable.

moral of the story:
grow a beard and

lol

AHHVTEC · 11-26-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B

IMO, the sti is a pain to drive daily.

it's a great car... but.

1) the gearing sucks. normal around town, you'll find your self at 40-45 mph in between 4th and 5th. 5th is lagg city and won't get you up a hill, 4th is wasting gas when its flat. you'll constantly find your self shifting back and forth.

2) it's a pig on gas. expect less than 20mpg driving it normal. i averaged 16mpg on average, mixed commuting and boosting.

3) the seats outright suck. hated them. like 'em at first, but after 30 min on the road, my back was un comfortable.

moral of the story:
grow a beard and

lol

what he said ^^^ like the new name

BodyDroppedNikes · 11-26-2007, 08:09 PM

get a Mazda 3

Speedracer228 · 11-26-2007, 08:31 PM

a friend of mine has one of those mazdaspeed 3's, its a pretty quick car but fwd=teh suck and im tired of it.... even the slaab had major torque steer with only 210hp/210tq i cant imagine driving that every day putting down near 300tq on a dyno...

I was even considering an e36 m for the fun factor... i dont need a 12 sec dd...and in a year to two I could get something else since thats what I always do... Im just not sure about the reliability for how many miles im finding them with 80-90k

But ever since my friend bought his 05 sti right off the showroom floor ive loved the car... his only issues were as you had above with the gas and seats

I really would love the e46 but in my business i just cant have it yet.. if i was in an office everyday there would be no discussion.

edit: i just noticed the new name and suggestion thread... lol nice
its been some time since youve even owned a sol hasent it?

Speedracer228 · 11-26-2007, 08:51 PM

oh yeah and there is a 1 owner FD w/80k carfax clean all stock at the volvo dealer down the road i want to drive... screw reliability those cars are dead sexy

BrutalB83 · 11-26-2007, 09:07 PM

Do you have a mentor or somebody telling you that you shouldn't be driving a BMW? I'm just wondering if somebody is telling you not to do this or if this is just a personal opinion. I don't really understand what your hangup is. If you want an M and you can afford one, then why the hell not get one?

And by the way, is this one of those independent contractor 100% commission type jobs?

Speedracer228 · 11-26-2007, 09:18 PM

I could def go get one if i wanted too... but from being in the business for the past 5 years I know how it works. A lot of my clients are in the construction/blue collar business. Now granted these guys are def successful however they dont like to see that their 23 year old insurance agent is rolling up in an e46 (ie there paying me too much etc etc) i mean it just doesnt help my sales job to look wealthier than i should

my boss makes buku bucks but drives a suburban to work... he could drive whatever but from experience and hearing what people say it makes a huge difference in my business especially for me being "younger" in a business where experience counts for a lot

B · 11-27-2007, 12:44 AM

Yeah, i feel ya with that. I get random looks all the time.

Jelousy, it's a motherfucker

you work hard for your toys. let 'em look and hate.

Dasfinc · 11-27-2007, 10:36 AM

Buy a Audi.

nootrac22 · 11-27-2007, 10:59 AM

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

Speedracer228 · 11-27-2007, 11:43 AM

i do like the silver much more than red, however i would only buy an Fd if it was a documented 1 owner, no accidents, all stock under 90k with good compression and a drivetrain warranty... which the one im going to see tonight/tommorow has at a dealer

there is also a nice 99 forest green m3 coupe with 77k on it that I am going to take a look at when i drive the sti..

car shopping is fun

charleskwinter · 11-27-2007, 05:21 PM

i am wondering if this thread is real... where am i?

totalburnout · 11-27-2007, 08:08 PM

STi won't make a good daily driver in my opinion. The power band isn't real ideal for daily driving and it won't be fun to bang through gears while waiting in traffic. I'm much more of a fan of a bigger, more powerful, less rev happy engine. Factor in the fact that its a loud and rough ride and you lose the novelty of the 'fun factor' and being young after awhile. I'm 22 and have already grown out of my modded WRX. Also think about gas prices and the sort of gas mileage that the STi gets on premium gas.

If I were you I would be looking at S4's, M3's, or the Caddy CTS-V.

I have been an insurance broker for awhile now and I see plenty of nice looking cars in our parking lot. You have to remember that on the same token that some people may be condescending about having a high status car, others may view you as successful and thus respectable and trustworthy.

If you did well enough to afford the car without having to mortgage a house then you must be doing pretty well for yourself, right? People look up to those who are successful.

totalburnout · 11-27-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrutalB83

And by the way, is this one of those independent contractor 100% commission type jobs?

Thats how 99% of insurance works.

1099's. You're an agent and don't actually work for the company.

There's a 5% retention rate for certain jobs in the insurance industry for the first year. We have an industry leading retention rate for first year and its only 20%. Second, third, and fourth year go up dramatically and if you make it to the 5th year you'll most likely be there for quite awhile.

Some companies also have other things to offer besides insurances like financial products such as annuities, mutual funds, 401ks, etc.

In a study financial advisors have one of the highest top ten average salaries in the job market at $121,000.

BrutalB83 · 11-28-2007, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totalburnout

Thats how 99% of insurance works.

1099's. You're an agent and don't actually work for the company.

There's a 5% retention rate for certain jobs in the insurance industry for the first year. We have an industry leading retention rate for first year and its only 20%. Second, third, and fourth year go up dramatically and if you make it to the 5th year you'll most likely be there for quite awhile.

Some companies also have other things to offer besides insurances like financial products such as annuities, mutual funds, 401ks, etc.

In a study financial advisors have one of the highest top ten average salaries in the job market at $121,000.

Yeah, I know how all of that works, I've interviewed for several jobs like that, and was offered most of them. The 5% success rate is kinda what turned me off from it. Yeah, that $120,000 a year sounds really nice, but then again if the turnover figures are true, then for every 1 guy making $120 grand this year there's 19 other guys that are struggling or aren't making shit for money and calling it quits.

It's not that I'm not confident, but looking at it from a logical standpoint, chances are I would end up failing at it, and probably have made very little money in the process, since I'd constantly be spending money to drive out and visit clients. Plus (and I don't know if this is necessarily true for you, so please correct me if I'm wrong), because you're technically a contractor and not an employee, a lot of those jobs usually don't offer much in the way of benefits, so if you're wanting some kind of medical insurance plan, you're gonna be paying for it completely by yourself rather than having your company pay a good portion of it for you.

Plus, I'm just not crazy about jobs where I have to constantly drive my own personal vehicle all over the place for work purposes. Some people obviously don't care, but I'm not really into that. Also, you're probably not getting reimbursed for gas, so that's something else to consider when it comes to how much money you're actually making. Yeah you can ask for a tax write off, but it's still not quite the same as having a company provide you with a vehicle to drive and cover your traveling expenses.

Personally I'd rather get some sales experience that's not wholly based on commission before taking on a job like that. I mean if you're good at it and you're doing well, then more power to you man, milk it for all it's worth. For me personally though, I'd rather start off my business career with something that's salaried. That way at least I can count on having a certain amount of money every month, rather than busting my ass on a job where I might actually be in the red as far as income goes at any given time.

So are you actually contracted to a specific company? Or are you an independent agent?

Edit: Let me rephrase those last two questions. Obviously you're contracted to someone. What I'm asking is are you obligated to sell only a certain company's products or are you working for an agency that can match people up with policies from different companies?

BrutalB83 · 11-28-2007, 01:13 AM

And what the hell is this guy talking about?

Quote:

Originally Posted by charleskwinter

i am wondering if this thread is real... where am i?

totalburnout · 11-28-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrutalB83

Yeah, I know how all of that works, I've interviewed for several jobs like that, and was offered most of them. The 5% success rate is kinda what turned me off from it. Yeah, that $120,000 a year sounds really nice, but then again if the turnover figures are true, then for every 1 guy making $120 grand this year there's 19 other guys that are struggling or aren't making shit for money and calling it quits.

It's not that I'm not confident, but looking at it from a logical standpoint, chances are I would end up failing at it, and probably have made very little money in the process, since I'd constantly be spending money to drive out and visit clients. Plus (and I don't know if this is necessarily true for you, so please correct me if I'm wrong), because you're technically a contractor and not an employee, a lot of those jobs usually don't offer much in the way of benefits, so if you're wanting some kind of medical insurance plan, you're gonna be paying for it completely by yourself rather than having your company pay a good portion of it for you.

Plus, I'm just not crazy about jobs where I have to constantly drive my own personal vehicle all over the place for work purposes. Some people obviously don't care, but I'm not really into that. Also, you're probably not getting reimbursed for gas, so that's something else to consider when it comes to how much money you're actually making. Yeah you can ask for a tax write off, but it's still not quite the same as having a company provide you with a vehicle to drive and cover your traveling expenses.

Personally I'd rather get some sales experience that's not wholly based on commission before taking on a job like that. I mean if you're good at it and you're doing well, then more power to you man, milk it for all it's worth. For me personally though, I'd rather start off my business career with something that's salaried. That way at least I can count on having a certain amount of money every month, rather than busting my ass on a job where I might actually be in the red as far as income goes at any given time.

So are you actually contracted to a specific company? Or are you an independent agent?

I personally am an independent financial rep, but I have a contract that says I can sell Northwestern products. I can say any product from any company, but Northwestern products are only for contracted reps. You're still an independent agent, so you still file a 1099 tax form.

As for the commission issue, if you're young and don't have many obligations than going for a straight commission job where you can potentially make good money is probably a better option than wanting until a time in your life where you absolutely need that paycheck every month. (You may already be at that point in your life.)

BrutalB83 · 11-28-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totalburnout

I personally am an independent financial rep, but I have a contract that says I can sell Northwestern products. I can say any product from any company, but Northwestern products are only for contracted reps. You're still an independent agent, so you still file a 1099 tax form.

As for the commission issue, if you're young and don't have many obligations than going for a straight commission job where you can potentially make good money is probably a better option than wanting until a time in your life where you absolutely need that paycheck every month. (You may already be at that point in your life.)

Sorry, that was a little confusing. So you're an independent rep (so you can recommend and sell whatever you want) who also has a contract with Northwestern that allows you to sell their products? Or you're contracted exclusively with Northwestern? Just trying to clarify.

And actually, I'm sorry, I thought you were the OP responding. I didn't even realize you were someone else throwing their 2 cents in.

And I'm only 24, recent college graduate, no kids or wife, so no, I'm not really in a position where a solid paycheck every month is essential. And I totally see your point, that the potential to make good money is there. I'm just pointing out that you yourself stated that only 5% of people who start out in jobs like that actually make a career of it, and I'm guessing that's a pretty accurate number, I looked into it a lot when I was offered several positions like this.

Like I said above, with a 95% turnover rate that means for every one guy who hits it big 19 other guys are failing and quitting. To me, the odds are just kinda iffy on that. And also, like I mentioned before, the

11-26-2007, 06:31 PM	#1
Speedracer228 ...... Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1,585 iTrader: 0 / 0% Rep Power: 25	Need a new car hey guys, havent been around much the past few months... after graduating college and getting settled into my new job I dont have the free time to surf the forum much... Ive been carting around in my 01 saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have been getting that itch for something new. Last night a nice 6-pointer sped up the process. I am waiting for the insurance check and now it is time to get car shopping. I know there are some members on here who have had sti's as a DD and I want some real life feedback. With my job im on the road a lot going to see clients (insurance broker), so i need something that is fun yet "practical". Id really like an e46 m3, but i still look to "young" to be driving this up to clients without pissing someone off. Therefore I am back to sti as my dd... the money is not an issue, but im just looking for some routine maintenance/every day experience from driving these everyday.... Ive have found most of my answers on nasioc.com, but its always nice to hear some first hand...... i know, i know

11-26-2007, 08:31 PM	#5
Speedracer228 ...... Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1,585 iTrader: 0 / 0% Rep Power: 25	a friend of mine has one of those mazdaspeed 3's, its a pretty quick car but fwd=teh suck and im tired of it.... even the slaab had major torque steer with only 210hp/210tq i cant imagine driving that every day putting down near 300tq on a dyno... I was even considering an e36 m for the fun factor... i dont need a 12 sec dd...and in a year to two I could get something else since thats what I always do... Im just not sure about the reliability for how many miles im finding them with 80-90k But ever since my friend bought his 05 sti right off the showroom floor ive loved the car... his only issues were as you had above with the gas and seats I really would love the e46 but in my business i just cant have it yet.. if i was in an office everyday there would be no discussion. edit: i just noticed the new name and suggestion thread... lol nice its been some time since youve even owned a sol hasent it? Last edited by Speedracer228; 11-26-2007 at 08:34 PM.

11-26-2007, 09:07 PM	#7
BrutalB83 Crusher of Noob Ambitions Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oxford, MI Age: 25 Posts: 6,405 iTrader: 0 / 0% Ride: 97 Integra LS Coupe Rep Power: 134	Do you have a mentor or somebody telling you that you shouldn't be driving a BMW? I'm just wondering if somebody is telling you not to do this or if this is just a personal opinion. I don't really understand what your hangup is. If you want an M and you can afford one, then why the hell not get one? And by the way, is this one of those independent contractor 100% commission type jobs? __________________ If you find something I say helpful, please rep it up! Also, DO NOT PM me with tech questions! Use the forums so we can all benefit from the answers. I will NOT respond to tech-related PMs... 97 Integra LS Coupe: AEM Intake/Megan Header/Magnaflow Exhaust Tokico Shocks & Springs Megan Strut Braces & H-Brace 98-01 Conversion (Front/Rear Bumpers & "Mesh" Alloys) Last edited by BrutalB83; 11-26-2007 at 09:21 PM.

11-27-2007, 10:36 AM	#10
Dasfinc Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 532 iTrader: 2 / 100% Rep Power: 10	Buy a Audi. __________________ Teggy Powered Civic CX Hatch, and a 07 Ford Focus. Check out my Mini-Me Write-up! http://hondaswap.com/hybrid-eg-ek-dc...rite-up-96144/ Check out my B18B1 Swap Write-up! http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2239971

11-27-2007, 08:08 PM	#14
totalburnout Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Northern NJ Age: 23 Posts: 5,987 iTrader: 0 / 0% Ride: 2006 Audi A4 Rep Power: 104	STi won't make a good daily driver in my opinion. The power band isn't real ideal for daily driving and it won't be fun to bang through gears while waiting in traffic. I'm much more of a fan of a bigger, more powerful, less rev happy engine. Factor in the fact that its a loud and rough ride and you lose the novelty of the 'fun factor' and being young after awhile. I'm 22 and have already grown out of my modded WRX. Also think about gas prices and the sort of gas mileage that the STi gets on premium gas. If I were you I would be looking at S4's, M3's, or the Caddy CTS-V. I have been an insurance broker for awhile now and I see plenty of nice looking cars in our parking lot. You have to remember that on the same token that some people may be condescending about having a high status car, others may view you as successful and thus respectable and trustworthy. If you did well enough to afford the car without having to mortgage a house then you must be doing pretty well for yourself, right? People look up to those who are successful. __________________ "Good talk... I'll see you out there."


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11-26-2007, 07:39 PM	#2
B Administrator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: across the way Age: 28 Posts: 4,061 iTrader: 0 / 0% Ride: m3, dakota Rep Power: 157	IMO, the sti is a pain to drive daily. it's a great car... but. 1) the gearing sucks. normal around town, you'll find your self at 40-45 mph in between 4th and 5th. 5th is lagg city and won't get you up a hill, 4th is wasting gas when its flat. you'll constantly find your self shifting back and forth. 2) it's a pig on gas. expect less than 20mpg driving it normal. i averaged 16mpg on average, mixed commuting and boosting. 3) the seats outright suck. hated them. like 'em at first, but after 30 min on the road, my back was un comfortable. moral of the story: grow a beard and lol

11-26-2007, 08:51 PM	#6
Speedracer228 ...... Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1,585 iTrader: 0 / 0% Rep Power: 25	oh yeah and there is a 1 owner FD w/80k carfax clean all stock at the volvo dealer down the road i want to drive... screw reliability those cars are dead sexy

11-26-2007, 09:18 PM	#8
Speedracer228 ...... Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1,585 iTrader: 0 / 0% Rep Power: 25	I could def go get one if i wanted too... but from being in the business for the past 5 years I know how it works. A lot of my clients are in the construction/blue collar business. Now granted these guys are def successful however they dont like to see that their 23 year old insurance agent is rolling up in an e46 (ie there paying me too much etc etc) i mean it just doesnt help my sales job to look wealthier than i should my boss makes buku bucks but drives a suburban to work... he could drive whatever but from experience and hearing what people say it makes a huge difference in my business especially for me being "younger" in a business where experience counts for a lot

11-27-2007, 12:44 AM	#9
B Administrator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: across the way Age: 28 Posts: 4,061 iTrader: 0 / 0% Ride: m3, dakota Rep Power: 157	Yeah, i feel ya with that. I get random looks all the time. Jelousy, it's a motherfucker you work hard for your toys. let 'em look and hate.

11-27-2007, 10:59 AM	#11
nootrac22 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PA pocono mts Age: 32 Posts: 3,097 iTrader: 1 / 100% Ride: daily driver working on 92 prelude 4ws Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 103	Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

11-27-2007, 11:43 AM	#12
Speedracer228 ...... Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1,585 iTrader: 0 / 0% Rep Power: 25	i do like the silver much more than red, however i would only buy an Fd if it was a documented 1 owner, no accidents, all stock under 90k with good compression and a drivetrain warranty... which the one im going to see tonight/tommorow has at a dealer there is also a nice 99 forest green m3 coupe with 77k on it that I am going to take a look at when i drive the sti.. car shopping is fun

11-27-2007, 05:21 PM	#13
charleskwinter ignore Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: from: idaho - live: snort liquordale Age: 28 Posts: 233 iTrader: 0 / 0% Ride: 90 crx si Rep Power: 7	i am wondering if this thread is real... where am i?

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