Subaru Impreza WRX STi

m382 · January 2006

well congrats, it's a great car. I don't happen to like the way it looks at all, and I live right near a Subaru dealership so I see them quite often, and it just can't grow on me. I now will consider swithcing sides to Mitsu and grabbing myself an Evo MR when the time is right, (considering the looks of the present STi). Again congrats on perhaps getting an STi, it's an amazing car.

shrink2 · January 2006

I looked at the Evo MR. In my mind (and Road and Track's too) it's the competitor to the STI, as opposed to the Evo IX. I liked it (even if it just had a single disc player in dash) But dealers around here lean on the MSRP which is higher, and then try to mark it up beyond that. I just got a voice mail from a dealer saying that they want $33K for the Evo IX! The looks can't get me to pay more for a car that is at the most comparable (MR) and slightly less equiped (Evo IX).
But that's my taste. I agree with you that you've gotta like looking at your ride. :shades:

s200087 · January 2006

I couldn't agree with you more. The MR is the real deal when all is factored when it comes down to competing with the STi. The Evo in my mind with the MR now pulls ahead in the looks department, but in terms of Evo IX against STi...as a matter of preference I have to go with the STi like yourself...again...just my opinion

rsholland · February 2006

Again, the EVO wins.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=109126

But guess what? I'd still pick an STI over the EVO. The STI is the better daily driver, and I support Subaru's commitment to AWD. Whatever advantages the EVO has over the STI, would be lost on me, as I'm sure the STI is still a very satisfying car to drive.

Bob

ateixeira · February 2006

They got the slowest STI ever...5.4 seconds to 60? Most mags are in the mid 4s! The Legacy spec.B is quicker than that. Weird.

-juice

chemgirl · February 2006

Does anyone know of a trustworthy subaru mechanic in northern ca?

skatingbo · February 2006

Hey
My name is mike, i actually work at a subaru dealership, dont feel bad, they have very strict rules against that. Hell i cant even take it out without, a manager driving it. They have to do it for insurance purposes.
sorry
later

gistiowner · March 2006

"get ready to sign if everything checks out then we take you on an orientation. NO TEST DRIVES"

That is really weird. Dont know if the policy changed recently but i just test drove one and the salesman didnt even look at my ID. I could very possibly have not even been licensed.

needsti · March 2006

looking to buy a 04 or05 black sti actually foung 1 at carmax drove 5 hours to go get it and it got it ripped out from under me.... PURE TORTURE even got to stand next to it and drool on it.. anyway still in the market for 1 and wondering about a good sounding exhaust? does a aftermarket blowoff actually hurt the car? read it would make the car miss ang gurgle whan ur on the throttle.wanting to order some stuff before i get it. thanks alot for any replys

faust54 · March 2006

Aftermarket exhausts like the APS, AVO, Invidia etc... all sound mean and can add some power to your STI. Look around on various forums, you can usually get sound clips of installed exhausts.

BOV's can be tricky since the STI is a bit tempermental in regard to sensors. I have a friend who installed a BOV and threw a CEL soon after. Not a huge deal, but you never like seeing a CEL on a car with less that than 6k miles on it

solublefish · March 2006

It is possible to get an STi test drive, if the dealer seriously thinks you're about to buy the car. I was able to get a very short demo, and others have told me the same thing. They'll want a credit check to be sure you're qualified to buy it.

-wgarner

solublefish · March 2006

I agree with rsholland. I tested both Evo and STi and bought the Subaru. Obviously both are fantastic cars, so it does come down to personal preference. But IMHO, the couple tenths of a second speed differences would take a _very_ good driver to achieve, and I think the STi is much more manageable. To me it feels much less jumpy, and the handling is significantly more predictable. The turbo kicks in when you want it to instead of out of the blue, and the steering is telepathic. The interior is much more comfortable, and cruise control (unavailable so far on Evo)is awfully helpful if you spend time on highways at close-to-legal speeds. Finally, I have a lot more respect for Subaru's maintenance and service than Mitsubishi's, based on everything I've read. And the MSRP on the STi is a bit lower than the Evo MR.

solublefish · March 2006

Here's a small blog I've been keeping of my car-shopping and test drive experiences, including thoughts about the STi I finally bought.
http://www.xanga.com/solublefish

needsti · March 2006

bought a 05 black sti today and loving it. its even better than i thought it would be.thanks for reply faust54, but im wondering does anybody in here have an an aftermarket BOV that didnt set off there CEL? if so which one?if anybody has some tips or good websites that have good deals please let me know.also wondering will a full exhaust set the CEL on as well? thanks for replys guys!!

ateixeira · March 2006

To both of you.

-juice

faust54 · March 2006

You know, I had no problem getting a test drive (Bob Baker Subaru/VW Carlsbad, San Diego, CA).

I was a little surprised. They had 3 06 STI's on the lot, two blue, one OBP in the showroom. The one I test drove was on "sale" with the boost gauge and short throw. 1100 miles on it. The dealer pulled her out and didn't even ask to see my ID. He then let me drive it like I stole it. Didn't hard launch but did rush it past 3k and fished it on a turn. He didn't even squeak.
Long story short he tried to sell me that car. I told him nope, i want the one in the showroom with 17 miles on it. No way i was going to buy a car he let me test drive like that.

ateixeira · March 2006

A demo like that is a good idea for dealers. I wish him luck selling it, though.

-juice

faust54 · March 2006

What a great blog!

My experience was similar- driving a 350z track, an Evo IX MR, a Mazdaspeed 6 and finally the STI. Once I figured out that I HAD to have AWD after driving an Audi A4 for so long it was the battle between the Evo and the STI. The final straw? Price. I was able to get the STI, black with silver, short shifter, and the super extended warranty for around 33k all told. The Evo would have set me back 36k. After driving the two i couldn't justify an additional 3k for virtually the same vehicle, they are THAT close.

nazdebo · April 2006

U think it would be possible to put it in the new setnra se-r spec v?

qbrozen · April 2006

well, first off, why?
second of all, no. AWD vs FWD. Plus, I'd be surprised if the sentra's engine compartment is high enough. So your first hurdles would be relocating the intercooler to cut down on the engine height (if that would even be enough) and then your 2nd issue is either making the sti engine work as a FWD'er only OR cutting up the floor in the sentra to accomodate all the AWD components. Of course, I'm oversimplifying all of this. There are MANY more problems with this idea.

ateixeira · April 2006

I'll go all out and say no, it's not possible.

You've got a wide, flat, pancake engine that certainly won't mate up to any Nissan trannies nor would it likely fit in the engine bay designed for a transverse in-line 4.

I doubt the engine bay is long enough, either.

I can't think of a more complex swap. Bring cubic money.

-juice

bigpapido · May 2006

hey great blog man. you basically saved me a lot of time test driving the same cars i've been looking at. i'm seriously considering the STI too...i'm 25 now and am also worried that this is my last chance at something fast and impractical. the only concerns i have is that i live in LA/Orange county and so traffic is a concern. also, i've never actually owned a stick...so i'm worried that the STI may be too much car for a first timer. should i go with a WRX limited instead of the STI?

ateixeira · May 2006

A WRX Limited wagon will be a lot more practical, even if you do end up getting married and having 2.3 kids (I think the .3 means a dog).

STI in traffic is like a bull in a china shop.

-juice

john500 · May 2006

Anyone have any pointers on how to actually record a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds with a Subaru STI? I bought one about a month ago and I'm just starting to punish it now. The first three times I've pushed it, I smelled fried clutch and the acceleration was poor. I believe I'm not used to the turbo lag. How do you optimize the launch without popping the clutch?

Thanks

ateixeira · May 2006

I'd avoid slipping the clutch entirely. Not worth the $$$ for the 2 seconds of fun you get in return.

Legacy owners report that they get the best rolling acceleration by slowly rolling into the throttle, i.e. not just flooring it.

-juice

fisherboy · May 2006

First get your WRC credentials. Then rev to 5k and drop clutch. Keep foot down to 6800 rpm or so and shift to 2nd in a nanosecond. 60 should be coming up in 5sec, - 10th if you are a pro on a grippy surface and it is not to hot out.

Oh, be prepared to write checks if you do that very often. I take the rolling start approach and save the driveline the shock of the dropped clutch. Slipping the clutch gets you up speed fast enough for most mortals.

pat · June 2006

A national news magazine is looking to interview college students who has pimped out his/her ride Have you tricked out your car with big rims, outrageous stereos, wild paint jobs, spoilers, ground effects, neon lights, nitrous, the works . Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, June 9, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the make and model of the car youve pimped out.

Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

iowadoc · June 2006

Clunky thunky noise from trunk wing area since new 55,000 miles/16 months ago. Or maybe it's the rear shock area. It is beginning to get to me. Any suggestions regarding what it is/ is it fixable. 2nd WRX. 1st was a wagon. I need an STi wagon for my dog/bike/stuff. Dont make me go EVO. Only problem other than the noise was that it ate the turbo at 145. fixed under warranty....had 48K miles..at the time. I'm 50 y.o. and it's the most enjoyable ride Ive ever had. More stable than any beemer at warp-speed....but THE NOISE... help would be appreciated.

ateixeira · June 2006

Wheel bearings?

Do you hear it when you're coasting in neutral? That would help narrow it down. Is the pitch speed-dependent?

-juice

hypov · June 2006

it's stock I suppose?

adding to juice; going over bump, turning, stopping?

I have a clunky thunky noises in my wagon too, but I know what they are. Too much slack on one brakeline and it knocks against the inside wheel well when the strut rises and drops.
The other is the endlinks.

-Dave

fisherboy · June 2006

I read in another forum (NASIOC?) that some STI owners had a clunk from the rear they traced to a sticky rear strut.

unctarheel1 · June 2006

jus wondering if there are any other 20smth year old guys in my position? that is, going to college, interesting in fast cars and a little fast driving {0-60mph} and worried that it won't be practical to redline from a stoplight once in a while [every other light on fridays and sats] with future gas prices?

Unlike my high school friends who's parents financed their "fast and furious" scenes, i actually have 2 more years of undergrad be4 i can get my Subie STi, which i'm hoping will get decent styling by then. anyways, i just wanted to throw that out there....

p.s. i'm currently studying abroad in europe and 99% of cars here are diesel and 6spd, i've heard diesel yields good torque but it stills sounds like crap in my option...

casbah27 · June 2006

I've been researching AWD cars lately and am drawn to the fact that the STi has front, center, and rear limited slip differentials. It seems unstoppable. It's also significantly safer than the Evo and has the elegance of a naturally balanced engine configuration-the flat four.

However, I'm curious as to how these differentials work. I know that the rear is a "Torsen" type-ok, that's familiar.

The front is a "helical" type-is this essentially a generic way of saying Torsen?

And the center combines "a mechanical with an electronically controlled" type-What does this mean? Is the "mechanical" part simply a Torsen/helical type? And how exactly does it work in conjunction with the electronic one?

These are very technical questions and I appreciate any help or a hint as to where I could read about the details of the STi drivetrain.

zhanwen7 · September 2006

Hi all, I'm in the market to look for an STi and have found most posts here really informative and interesting. I have some questions on your experience with STi before i consider if i should get one.

How has STi been been treating the owners on the road in terms comfort of ride and when there is bad traffic?

I have test drove a pre-owned STi from a Subaru dealer and it seems like i can't control the clutch too well due to the sports and short clutch. I have been driving stick for a while and never had problem controlling the clutch, but STi's seems to be foreign to me. I tried flooring the gas, but the jerks from the shifting of gears made my wife sick.. Am i not doing it right?

How do you get the hissing sound from the turbo when u change gear? I tried doing that but did not hear anything.

Also, is it advisable i go for a pre-owned STi if it's not too bad? Thanks a bunch in advance if you are assisting me with all these questions.

fasterthanyou · September 2006

If you have a very hard commute every day this will not be probably the ideal car for you. It can be a daily driver but not when you experience bad traffic very often.
I cannot tell if is your driving or your wife just doesn't enjoy being in this type of car.
I'm guessing that you were a little slow in releasing the clutch (jerks from shifting, no hissing sound from turbo).
A pre-owned performance car is always a risk but if you think you can save enough to make up for that I guess it is okay.
Just drive a new one before you make a decision... to make sure you don't get a lot less by buying a used .

zhanwen7 · September 2006

Thanks for the information.

Releasing the clutch faster will give me the hissing sound from turbo and reduce jerking? Do i need to rev to a certain RPM to shift gear and hear that hissing sound?

I might need to try again. I tried a preowned one but did not ask to try a new one. I just don't want to run into situation that i pay 34k for a new STi and 1/2year later, evo X and newer STi comes out and forces the older generation's price so much lower.

PF_Flyer · September 2006

Discuss all the latest Subaru news, dropping gas prices, or just get to know some of your fellow forums fanatatics a bit better! :P

The Subaru Crew Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule

fasterthanyou · September 2006

The more you rev the more you are going to hear the sound. Right now a brand new 2006 STI will cost about 31000. Try the new BMW 335 twin turbo. It is about 10000 more than the STI but is giving you everything you ever wanted in a car. Just brilliant. And that comes from an STI owner.

zhanwen7 · September 2006

Are you driving an STi now or the BMW335? How different do you find these 2 cars? What is the $10k difference? Twin Turbo sounds exciting. I have not considered another car other than an STi. Thanks for opening my options!

fasterthanyou · September 2006

I'm driving an STI but I wish I was driving that BMW. The sound that machine makes is intoxicating. If you can afford it I will say go for the BMW. Torque coming at 1400 RPM(compare with 4000 RPM for the STI) .. Unbelievable...absolutely no turbo lag...
Just drive it..it will blow you away.

About 10000 dollars is the difference between a fast car and a perfect car.

zhanwen7 · October 2006

Hi all,

I would like to bring an STi to one of the Subaru dealership to check out if the pre-own STi has been wrecked or signs of major issues going in the car but not visible to me.

The STi i am intending to get is from a private seller. Do you guys think it is advisable to bring it to the dealership to get their opinions? I feel its stupid of me, because dealers are not making money to help me make good decision on a private seller's pre-owned. But i'm desperate to get some specialist in STi to help me evaluate the STi i am getting.

Please advise.

merrycynic · October 2006

IMHO it's a very good idea. It always a good idea to have a used car inspectied by a mechanic before a purchase, why not have a specialist do it? This is probably even more important with a vehicle like an STi, which has such promising performance and may have been used with, eh, lets say over exuberence. You will probably be charged for this service. Make sure you find a good dealership, they're not all the same. Heck, who ever does this inspection for you, might end up getting further business from you. Hopefully just routine maintance.

ateixeira · October 2006

Mechanics do this all the time. But I'm not sure if dealerships do, because they might end up competing with their own CPO models, since Subaru has such a program now.

FWIW, I've heard it costs a bundle to CPO a car, too.

-juice

osucowboy · October 2006

Lately I have been considering purchasing an STi, I'm not quite sure whether it will be new or used. I haven't got the chance to test drive one yet so I was wondering how this car would do on a trip in excess of one or two hours in terms of comfort because I have heard a lot about the STi's comfort and I'm not sure what to think.

slicksix · October 2006

I would not get a used STi. Here are the reasons:

1. They are not much cheaper than a new one since they are more or less in high demand either way.
2. They may have been abused in ways even the most "passionate drivers" among us cannot imagine. Once I saw a guy drive one over a 1-ft curb to beat a Vette...
3. Turbo cars need good care to prevent damage to the turbine casing and airfoils. A turbo must be properly warmed up in any weather (especially in cold weather) and allowed to run to cool down for a few minutes with the engine running after driving them. Most people are either unaware of this or just choose to not care.
4. Even modern, high-tech cars must be properly broken in. This includes staying under 70 mph and 3,000 RPM for the first 500 miles (these number can be argued but the principle holds). This is important to properly wear in the engine and transmission components that must work together for a long time after. Most people, again, either don't know or don't care, and beat the snot out of their new STi as soon as they're out of sight of the dealer lot.

All in all, you are better off saving cashe for a few more months for a down payment on a new STi that's under full warranty and has not not been abused.

slicksix · October 2006

I forgot to comment on the comfort question you posed, osucowboy. My advice is that if you will drive the car more than 1 hr at a time, you're going to need new kidneys after a year. The STi is all performance, very little comfort. I think you should take a look at cars like the Infiniti G35 Sedan. A new G35 sedan sells in the low 30k's. I also sports 300 hp and handles really well (6-speed manual is also available). An STi will beat it, but it won't embarass it, and the G35 is 10 times more comfortable.

osucowboy · October 2006

Just curious, what exactly is in an STi that isn't in a regular WRX sedan? because I know the STi gives about 70 more horses.

ateixeira · October 2006

A lot of stuff...

* 6 speed manual trans
* different AWD system
* different suspension
* different seats
* different wheels and tires
* engine tuning
* HIDs
* bigger brakes

And that's just off the top of my head...

-juice

PF_Flyer · November 2006

As part of our forums reorganiazation, we're closing the general, everything in one pile discussions like this one and breaking out smaller discussions that deal with various aspects of the ownership and upkeep of the Impreza.

Here in the Subaru Impreza Group you will now find discussions such as:

New Subaru Impreza Owners - Give Us Your Report!
Subaru Impreza Test Drive - What Did You Think?
Subaru Impreza Real World MPG Numbers
How Much Can My WRX Wagon Carry?
Subaru Impreza Accesories & Modifications
Changes You'd Like To See in the Subaru Impreza
to mention a few.

You will also now notice the Subaru Impreza Maintenance & Repair Folder which you can find above the list of discussions on the main group page. In that folder you will find the "problems" discussions set up to cover the major areas where you may have a question or problem, such as:
Subaru Impreza Engine Issues
Subaru Impreza Brake Questions
Subaru Impreza Tire/Wheel Questions

When you are ready to post, please check the discussion list for the appropriate place for your comment or question. If you have a question or issue that doesn't yet have a discussion set up for it, please use the Add A Discussion link to create a new one. This is especially true of comparison discussions. Rather than try to set up all the possible combinations of vehciles you may be shopping beforehand, these will come up as users create them for vehicles they are comparison shopping.

There will be a bit of dust until we get things moved around, but we're getting there.

Thanks for your help in making this group a great source of information on the Impreza.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

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