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Subaru Impreza WRX STi

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Comments

  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    Qbrozen, yes, your assumption was correct. Thank you for the correction. I understand it's all relative, considering power to weight ratio etc. Mitsubishi is offering a 400 hp EVO, though not here (sigh!). I just wonder if the recent bump in power that appears to be happening everywhere will require Subaru to do the same. It just might come down to a marketing need.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They outran an S4 with a plain-Jane Legacy GT.

    The 2.5T engine is a gem.

    -juice
  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    Just saw my first '06 STi. Couldn't stay long. Aside from the new grill and additional rear hood spoiler (not exactly pretty) I didn't see much difference. I don't know if the old rubber was directional, but, the new rubber is. The only things listed on the window sticker were a couple of options. Damn, do I wish they would make a wagon of this!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rear diffuser also.

    -juice
  • unctarheel1unctarheel1 Member Posts: 19
    is the 06 STi still rated at 300 hp?
  • freak showfreak show Member Posts: 21
    Reports show that the 06 sti will have the same engine output as the ongoing one but will be paired with a revised awd system. so look for moere sharp handling also steering sensor input is added to the dccd to further enhance the power distribution for more enhanced power distribution. for the WRX it will now get a 2.5 liter boxer turbo. tried to search for the the hp rating but couldnt find them ;)
    FrEa|<
  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    Sorry, I don't have any real information. I couldn't stay long, the window sticker was blank except for options and I didn't have the opportunity to ask any questions.
  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    I'd like to know more about this revised awd system and steering sensor for dccd. Sounds like it could be exciting stuff.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Gets the 230hp engine from the Forester XT. A lot of us believe Subaru under-rates that engine intentionally. The old 210hp version used to dyno at 240-250hp, and they just cranked up the boost slightly.

    -juice
  • freak showfreak show Member Posts: 21
    I personally think that the WRX power would be more then 230 cause from the reports out there suggest that it might jump up to 240 or so as the boost remains the same (13.5 psi) but it would now be used in the bigger displaced motor(2.5l). Another factor contributing to it is that the power is up in the base impreza using more enhanced timing.

    FrEa|<
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Keep in mind 230 hp is the "official rating", but that doesn't mean much. Subaru is not yet using the new SAE formula for calculating HP.

    -juice
  • jpaukjpauk Member Posts: 5
    Well now for you younger men, my 05 STI is holding up just fine, (5500 miles). The interior is great, easy to keep clean, and comfortable an a long drive. Maintenance cost only oil changes so far, (Royal Purple 10-30) expensive but good. Tires wear evenly and realy stick to the road, wet and dry. Hope this helps.

    John
    60 something years old
  • jpaukjpauk Member Posts: 5
    Kevin,

    My 05 STI has no problem beating the SVT Mustang 1/4 or 0 to 60. Car and Driver article said the same thing.

    John
  • djselzerdjselzer Member Posts: 10
    The manufacturer data suggests the STI has a 0-60 of less than 5 sec. However, many car mags report 0-60 of just under 6 sec. Which is it? I know that performance is not only dependent on straight line speed, but in the world of performance automobiles it's a big deal. I would hate to purchase this car and be out gunned by a Dodge Neon! :confuse:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The SRT-4 has many levels of performance because they sell Mopar kits to upgrade the engines. Plus it's FWD, so there is less driveline loss.

    STi is usually quicker, especially at the launch with AWD traction, but an SRT-4 is potentially modified and then it would depend, how much?

    -juice
  • joyride21joyride21 Member Posts: 17
    I don't know if i would plus FWD, you forget that you get more torque through drivelines. Think about when you accelerate, where does the weight go? To the rear thats why AWD would be better expecially since the STi is adjustible.

    My brother has a TT 225 AWD, i can never get the thing to break loose. No matter how much gas it keeps sticking, in a FWD with that much power you could never do that without cutting back the power.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But only when there isn't sufficient traction. And the SRT-4 gets a front LSD to help somewhat. It would still be harder to launch until it gets going.

    -juice
  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    Wow, first Mitsubishi offers a 400 HP 2 litre EVO, then a nearly full boat EVO wagon. Too bad none of them come stateside. Subaru, I'd much rather have a full boat STI wagon. What do you say? Why not beat the arch rival with a full bore performance wagon in th US first?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just like they did with the original, they could one-up Mitsu.

    If you recall, the EVO came out at the LA show, and then the STI debuted (with more power and better feauters) about 3 days later at Detroit, and stole all the thunder.

    -juice
  • startac345startac345 Member Posts: 2
    I actually had this thought today of these two perfomance monsters, going head to head dragging down a straightaway - which one would win. The STi would probably grab faster being that it had AWD vs. the slk's RWD, but the supercharger of the benz would probably kick in and take the Sti down the stretch.

    As far as the handling compartment is concerend, Im sure the STi would flat-out-kill the AMG32 in any situation once or ever. The steering feedback of the Sti is far superior...etc.

    But as far as pure brute acceleration - whick one would take the checkered flag??

    Any thoughts? :confuse:
  • dshibbdshibb Member Posts: 4
    Hey everybody I'm relatively new here, and I am thinking about getting a used Sti a few months down the road. First of all Subaru started making the Sti in 02 right? And roughly how long do you have to look for an 02 with about 50 -70 thousand miles before someone is willing to sell one?
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    WRX = 02, STi = 04, so, it has only been a few years of STi's here in the USA. Still, 50k miles isn't impossible on an 04 even right now.

    Jim
  • dshibbdshibb Member Posts: 4
    Do you think that Sti's will hit $21-22k with 50-70 miles?
  • freak showfreak show Member Posts: 21
    rt now i guess it might be next to impossible to find an STi with tht many miles...u might get one bout 24k for a 30-40k miles (tht an 04)
    FrEa|<
  • merrycynicmerrycynic Member Posts: 340
    Another magazine shows better specs and just prefers the EVO to the STI. I firmly believe that Subaru has the better platform. What's the matter? Subaru, I believe in you. Come on, show us what your really capable of, and please don't come back with a 2 door with a high lift over hatch. Bring on the ultra STI wagon!
  • saabskisaabski Member Posts: 61
    Hello all, I was in a market for a 2005 WRX wagon, then the dealer that I was dealing with called me up and said that there's a used 2005 WRX STi available with short throw shifter, security system upgrade, and auto dimming mirror for $23500. I am gonna check this car out later on today, but I would like to know if this is a good price for an STi. Also, what are the average tire life on STi? This car is used with 19K miles...would I need tires soon? Is there anything I need to watch out for?

    I would appreciate all comments.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well, being an STI, I would be careful to check to see that it hasn't been abused. Can you have a private mechanic check it out?

    Bob
  • saabskisaabski Member Posts: 61
    Well, I drove the car last night. It drove very well, incredibly fast with good control. Interestingly, the owner admitted that he did BREAK one of the front suspension and had it repaired at local Subaru shop. Other than that, he did replace entire set of tires just tow weeks ago, and had all the books and records-and carfax came clear on them. I just get a feeling that this car was driven pretty hard, even though it's in an immaculate condition. How can you break a suspension on a new car?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    depends. what exactly broke? could be that he hit a curb or a pothole.

    new tires in 19k miles COULD indicate to me it was driven hard ... but how far do owners get on that car on the stock tires? Could be they just aren't made to last very long in the first place. I've seen and heard of many other sportscars that go through tires even faster than that without hard driving.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    That's the problem with a used STI and EVO (maybe WRX too), they likely have had a hard life. People buy them because of their performance, and they drive them accordingly. Unless your really know what to look for, it could be an iffy situation.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Summer tires...they don't last too long. 19k is not abnormal.

    -juice
  • dhamiltondhamilton Member Posts: 878
    I had a wierd experience at a Subaru dealership today. I went in and was greated by a salesman. We started to talk about the STI. {mind you this is where we almost bought my wife a B9 and experienced excellent service} I asked if I could drive one and the salesman said, "we have a policy against test driving the STI, how it works is you go thrue the paperwork and get ready to sign if everything checks out then we take you on an orientation. NO TEST DRIVES"
    Has anyone else found this to be true? I admit I didn't handle it very well considering I have the means to by one and more. More so, I had just test driven a 50k plus Audi S4 with a very knowledgeable salesperson from Audi.
    Is this truly the policy? If so, let me be the first to say that Subaru has lost a possable customer with no hope of getting him back. It's a freakin 34k car for cryin out loud. I would expect this from BMW, Ferrari, or maybe a Bently, but Subaru?
    Audi will be getting my money. To bad because everything else I've heard about Subaru is great. BTW I'm 35 and I was driving my wife's loaded FX335 when I pulled in to the dealership, but even if I looked homeless if Subaru is qualifying people on look's then that's poor. Thoughts?
  • prosaprosa Member Posts: 280
    That's just a weird policy. If the dealership is concerned about reckless driving, they probably could run a driving records check before allowing a test drive.
  • psmith6psmith6 Member Posts: 1
    Hey I wanted to get some opinions on my 2006 sti. (black) I was thinking about putting in a cobb access port, rear sway bar, stiffer springs? I took off the huge spoiler and put on a lip spoiler from a M3 (had it painted to match, and had to modify it a little on the corners). Anyway I tear up the mountain roads of western CO (the car rides on rails), and didn't want the spoiler to attract attention to the cops. I know the large spoiler is functional yet does anyone know what speeds and what presssure it exerts over the rear wheels? I assume its only significant at speeds over 90+.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It is not SoA policy, it's up to the dealer.

    -juice
  • 240zx478hp240zx478hp Member Posts: 3
    hey guys well to awnser psmith6 i really would not reconmend doing anything to your 06 b cuz it already has everything you need and more...today i was on my way home from work and lucky me i get to drive threw ortega hwy everyday well some of you know it as hwy 74 very famous in movies for all the twistys and beautiful scenery well i never ever get passed unless its a motorcycle then i just move out of the way but today was a very different day i was about 3/4 the way home when my wife called me on the phone i looked down for half a second and when i look up theres 2 cars right on my a@s so i downshift to 3rd and punch it but this black car would not get off my a@s
  • 240zx478hp240zx478hp Member Posts: 3
    well at the speed we were going i could not really tell what kind of car it was but on the last stright away he passed me at over 140 mph IT WAS A BRAND NEW 2006 STI IT LOOKED TOTALLY STOCK BUT WAS PROBALLY STAGE 2 OR 3 BECAUSE HOW FAST HE WAS TAKING TURNS so any way i slowed down and a 240 just like mine but a lil newer past me 10 secs later at 100 plus well to make a long story short the 240 spun out and crashed in the side of the mountain and the sti dissappeared the point of this story is learn your cars limits what they did was very dangerous for everyone!!!
  • 240zx478hp240zx478hp Member Posts: 3
    I NEED TO SELL MY CAR ASAP BUT UNTIL TODAY I WAS GOING TO BUY THE 06 MR EVO AND I DONT MIND WAITING BUT NOW I REALIZE THE NEW STI IS BY FAR A BETTER CHOICE AND I CANT WAIT ANY LONGER HOW CAN I GET THE MOST FOR MY CAR AT THE DEALER AND IS IT BETTER TO BUY IT OR LEASE IT I DONT WANT TO RENT IT FOR 3 YEARS BUT ALSO I HEAR THE 2008 WILL BASICALLY HAVE WINGS!!!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Please don't post in all caps - it looks like you are yelling at us and it makes your message very difficult to read.

    If you want help selling your car, you can check the Edmunds Used Car Appraiser. You might also try asking Terry (rroyce10) in our Real-World Trade-In Values discussion. Be sure to include all the necessary information that is listed above the post box.
  • spowersspowers Member Posts: 2
    bought a STI in 10/06 love the car but don't know the proper launch tech. turbos are not like old school muscle. have heard from friends that you have to dump the clutch when the rpm's are going up and turbo is starting to spool up? Any info would be helpful to get the best hole shot and 1/4 times.
  • 06stisj06stisj Member Posts: 1
    I just got my STI and have a question about the engine immobilizer indicator light. According to the user manual, the "security light" is supposed to illuminate when the key is entered into the iginition ..if the system is working properly. Is there something that Subaru service needs to do at the time of sale to program this function? Thanks in advance for any input you may have!
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    well, yes, you want to get the rpms up to where the turbo is pushing good boost, but "dumping" the clutch at high rpms is for magazine tester and people with money to throw away on a new clutch every few thousand miles. If you want yours to last, I suggest experimenting at launching at the lowest rpms in which you are in the boost range, and not exactly dumping the clutch, but letting it out a bit quicker than you do in daily driving circumstances. I don't have an STi, but I believe your magic number may be around 3k-3500. And I still wouldn't do it that often at those numbers.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    Proper answer to your question is:

    How much money do you have for maintenance?

    I saw posts with pictures somewhere that showed dealers how to tell that car was abused. It showed half axles twisted and broken. The point was to decline the warranty.

    One cannot count on tires slipping under haevy acceleration to relieve stress on drivetrain. It is much cheaper to let the clutch slip.

    Legacy GT has nice "feature". When you let the clutch slip too much you are treated with such odor (bad smell) that you instantly stop doing it ;-)

    Krzys

    PS Magazines use clutch drop at 3000-3500 rpms but they do not own the cars they test. If you want cheap 1/4 mile rocket you bought wrong car.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    Magazines use clutch drop at 3000-3500 rpms but they do not own the cars they test. If you want cheap 1/4 mile rocket you bought wrong car.

    That would be extremely mild. For AWD, its most likely a 5-6k drop.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    a few such launches and something will break.

    Krzys
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,733
    right. exactly the point of my first post on the subject.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • shrink2shrink2 Member Posts: 9
    Realizing that there are many opinions on this (ie opening a can of worms),

    current thoughts about break in procedures?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Go with the factory recommendations - under 4000rpm for the first 1k miles, vary the rpm, no full throttle. Easy on the brakes, too, when possible.

    -juice
  • m382m382 Member Posts: 35
    I'm a proud owner of an 05 STi, am I the only one that thinks the new STi is disgusting? I knew the changes were coming when they did and glad I got one before the change.
  • shrink2shrink2 Member Posts: 9
    Disgusting is a strong word(especially as I may be an owner of one by the end of the week). I like the '05 styling better than the '06. That being said, it hasn't turned me off from buying it. It's grown on me as I look at it.
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