K.A.I.N

Sounds like my previous car, a 2008 Mazdaspeed3. Loved the versatility and the looks, but it became a rattletrap in winter. Known issue with the windshield cowlcontracting in the cold and you get this maddening ticking on the glass. The TSB did not fix it, had to disassemble the cowl and stuff sound deadening underneath it. Also the turbo seals leaked at long idles, leading to excessive exhaust smoke. Applied the TSB for it twice and no dice.

Just food for thought buying the suped-up version of a $15k econobox: you're paying for the extra power, but don't get the extra quality.

imeyers302

Just be warned that Subaru is worse with voiding warranties on the STI/WRX than just about anyone. You are essentially paying 39k for a new car with no powertrain warranty.

FromZto5

That's another reason why I'm hesitant of getting his/that car. Essentially he already voided all his warranty right? So I pay more for a used STI, albeit more power, but with no warranty... Versus just getting brand new, stock, enjoying it that way with full warranty. I'd just get an intake and exhaust.

imeyers302

Basically. Powertrain warranty is done. Just so you know for example a transmission in that car is no MT82. It's $6000 to replace. If it were me I would go new but that's just me. If not racing though you may want to consider a wrx. Would save a ton of money and the newer engine in the wrx has much less turbo lag and a better powerband for daily driving.

FromZto5

Significantly less power than the STI tho right? I guess there's just something "special" about getting an STI... What are the specs on the wrx vs STI? I need to read up on those

imeyers302

In around town normal daily driving the wrx will be as quick or quicker. Much better torque curve, as well as less shifting with the wrx due to the shorter gearing in the STI. On the track there is no comparison. The STI is much better suited for that. Don't let the STI mystique suck you in though. Test drive both and decide. It's a big money diff between the two. The extra goodies that shine on track in the STI really don't do much on the street. Under most circumstances that is.

JoeMidnight

Good luck with it! I have an old friend that has a wrx STI dyno'd at 400bhp and a massive blow off valve to boot. fun cars for sure.

BudgetPlan1

FWIW, just cruising on thru, still like reading about Mustangs and such.

3200 miles on WRX now, a few thoughts:

1. Paint is positively, uh, 'fragile'; just look at it the wrong way and it swirls. Yep, black...but Mustang paint was much more durable, resistant (black). Our Corvette paint is somewhere in the middle (black). WRX is definately gonna need some paint correction after the winter, followed by a durable more durable sealant than Zaino; likely 9ne of the more advanced ceramics.

2. Base stereo really blows; drove a car for 250K miles w no radio so that doesn't much bother me.

3. Shifter is horrible; long throws, wide gates, tall lever. Reminds me of my Dad's 1982 Dodge Omni. $55 in aftermarket shifter stop/bushings helped tremendously.

4. Big , big flatspot in powerband at 4k-5k rpm. Overall power curve takes a bit of getting used to; very touchy and non linear throttle mapping. Tune will smooth that out somewhat but not sure I wanna go that route.

That said , no regrets. Wrx is just a hoot to toss around...look forward to it each day, something I no longer felt with mustang. Guess it was time for something completely different.

Really fun stuff...just different.

Also interesting to dip a toe into the tuner world, something I kinda looked at with some disdain previously ('ricers' and all that)...no different than V8 world, just different mods, different names...but still full of real enthusiasts who are really into their cars. And generally younger than my creaky, old self.

Oh yeah, kids must wreck these things at a bit higher rate than Mustangs as insurance was a bit more for WRX.

Stage_3

Good luck with the STi.