[sperry]

-1 on the Elise. They are *really* small. I mean *really*. Think "Miata without the massive expanses of people and storage space". Think "a Goldwing motorcycle can carry twice as much stuff". Think "dear god, why did I spend $30k on the car with the equivalent practicality of a scooter". The only thing an Elise does well is drive at the track... no space, no power steering, no torque, stiff clutch, loud, windy, darty. It's basically a street legal Kart. You better have a nice comfortable truck in addition to that Elise, and a garage to park the Elise in.

As far as the other choices... since you're not autocrossing it, stock for stock, I think the STI > EVO... it's nicer, more fun to drive on the street (torque), rides better, and if you're willing to pull off the wing it draws less attention. But in LA, either car is gonna be a dime-a-dozen and the chicks will be turned off by the boy-racer aspect. If you're gonna live in LA and bother to play the game there, you'll need the new BMW at a minimum, or it's no plasticly endowed women for you. <insert Swinger's "what car do you drive" clip here>

And to the trucks... you're right, the mileage on the Titan would suck compared to the Toyota. It's by far the most practical choice on your list. I'm not sure that's a good thing, since cars IMO should be more fun then practical sometimes... but I think you'd be happier w/ a truck you like right now, then pick up a GC with a swap or even that Elise in the future.