Had a 2000 WRX and a 2005 STi Prodrive (from new), which was 310bhp and 4.6 to 60mph...
Pro:
Fast, stupidly fast. Overtake? No problem, sir.
Great handling. Corners? Slow down? Pah!
Good tyre life (yes, really)
Reliable
Subaru warranty & customer care is great
Con:
Patchy dealer network
Running costs are high (if you get the PPP to boost bhp, you're on V Power only)
My average 22mpg, best 27mpg on a long run at 70mph on the A1
A set of front pads are +£300
Insurance is difficult to get on a PPP car as many brokers class it as modified. I had 18years clean licence & full NBC, garaged and paid £900 comp.
Attracts attention from nob heads who will cheerfully scratch your car/vandalise it
Very few creature comforts in the cabin
It gets very loud at motorway speeds
Cam belt change & service at 50-60k is eyewateringly expensive.
There's a reason that Subaru are trying to shift these with finance deals; thirsty niche cars like this are suffering falling sales, increasing insurance costs and poor residuals. But I'm glad I had one. But I wouldn't give my GTI back to get one again...