Subaru WRX. Anyone own one?

[300ex_#387]

I've been through quite a few vehicles the past couple years and I think I want to get one of these. i don't know a whole lot about them but I like how it would be a good car for winter and still have a nice sporty car. I'm basically wanting to get a sedan without the huge wing on it. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these cars and can tell me a little bit about them. I'm not looking to mod one out or anything just looking for a good daily driver and something that would be nice for winter.
What is different from the STI to the regular WRX?
Anyone have any problems that occur with these?

[Canadian144]

I'm a HUGE Subie enthusiast! My dad has an '09 STI that will soon be mine :D

They are a fantastic summer/winter car. Also there is a great Subaru community in Chicago (not sure how far away you are), when we visited in August we took our STI and a fairly large number of WRXs, STIs, and other turbo Subarus.

Any questions, feel free to ask! NASIOC will be your best source for all things Subaru, it's "THE" Subaru community on the web. Lots of enthusiast owned cars for sale too, in the private car for sale section.

The STI and WRX are similar, but different. You didn't mention what year/generation you are talking about, but I'll assume you're looking at a GD (02-07). The STI was only produced from 04-07, and in 07 there was a "limited" model that featured a full leather interior, a front lip, different wheels, and a rear trunklid spoiler (instead of the huge rally style wing). The STI has a 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine mated to a 6 speed transmission with DCCD (driver controlled center differential). Comes stock with 17" BBS wheels, and brembo brakes. Has the blue suede/alcantra and dark cloth interior.

From 02-03, the WRX had the "bugeye" front end. All 04/05 WRXs/STIs had the "blobeye", and all 06/07 WRXs/STIS had the "hawkeye" front end.

The WRX has a similar turbocharged boxer engine, mated to a 5 speed manual (4 speed auto was available for some years), but doesn't have any of the other upgraded features of the STI. From 02-05, the WRX had a 2.0L engine, whereas from 06-07, it had a 2.5L. 06-07 Also had a limited model that had a full leather interior and sunroof.

There are a things that everyone with a WRX or STI does - Cobb Accessport running Stage 2 software, (about $700) with an aftermarket full exhaust system. Will really wake up the car, especially if it's a WRX. Those mods to a WRX will make it about as quick as a stock STI in a straight line. Also separate summer and winter tires setups are key. Obviously there are lots of aftermarket suspension components out there, as well as brakes.

Let me know if theres anything I can help you out with!

Also, there are other Subies out there that are good summer/winter rides - look at the Legacy 2.5GT - it has a 2.5L turbo engine, 5 speed manual, basically a WRX but more luxurious and a little less sporty. Also the Forester 2.5XT is the large wagon "thing" with the same 2.5L turbo. They are really cool when properly modded!

[300ex_#387]

Wow that is all really helpfull information. I would really like to get an automatic though. Is there very few of those in 04-05? I'm really just wanting an 04-05 automatic WRX sedan.

[Canadian144]

I don't remember off the top of my head which years the made them, but they are definitely rarer than the manuals. They are also typically cheaper! This is the only one for sale close to you:


Autotrader link (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=287287000&dealer_id=65334873&car_year=2004&rdm=1288055555963&lastStartYear=1981&model=IMPWRX&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=SUB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=62450&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=&cardist=135&standard=false&rdpage=thumb)

Didn't check craigslist. I searched within a 100 or so mile range... not sure how far you are willing to drive? There are plenty of them with manuals out there though.

[CJM]

autos are tough to find, shame the manual 5 speeds in the WRX dont like to be pushed to much. Often they need to be rebuilt well and then you will have no issues.

[Scottt89]

I have an 02 WRX wagon Stage 2. Cobb Access port, catless invidia down pipe, Nur Spec exhaust. And as of today thanks to a coworker getting too close, a new bumper. They are great cars. Never driven an Auto tho.

[FHKracingZ]

I own a 08 wrx sti hatch and love it. Have had good luck with it. Tons of fun. Not the greatest mpg for a 4cylinder. I average 22. Mine is a stage 2 with a few more things and it has been tuned. 21 lbs of boost at 320whp. I would recommend getting a regular wrx just because the stis are so much more money. A 2010 regular wrx is just as fast as a sti in a straight line due to its 5spd gearbox to the stis 6spd. Any questions jus ask.

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by FHKracingZ
I own a 08 wrx sti hatch and love it. Have had good luck with it. Tons of fun. Not the greatest mpg for a 4cylinder. I average 22. Mine is a stage 2 with a few more things and it has been tuned. 21 lbs of boost at 320whp. I would recommend getting a regular wrx just because the stis are so much more money. A 2010 regular wrx is just as fast as a sti in a straight line due to its 5spd gearbox to the stis 6spd. Any questions jus ask.

Yea but on a track the STI will still walk the WRX. In Canada it's only $5000 more for the STI now, and for $5000 its fully worth it. Stronger tranny, better suspension/brakes, etc etc.

BTW, lets share pics of our scoobs here:

09 STI, with BBS/Navi/Sunroof. Have an OEM foglight kit and an Authentic Chargespeed Bottomline V2 kit for it, will put both on in the spring. Stage 2 with TBE and some aftermarket suspension going in when the warranty is up/the car is mine!

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/2009%20Subaru%20STI/IMG_0536_7_8.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/2009%20Subaru%20STI/IMG_1335.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/2009%20Subaru%20STI/IMG_1336.jpg

And winter mode (with 17" BBS wheels from an 06 STI)

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o116/kucan14/2009%20Subaru%20STI/IMG_0099.jpg

[ben300]

Originally posted by Canadian144
Yea but on a track the STI will still walk the WRX. In Canada it's only $5000 more for the STI now, and for $5000 its fully worth it. Stronger tranny, better suspension/brakes, etc etc.

BTW, lets share pics of our scoobs here:

09 STI, with BBS/Navi/Sunroof. Have an OEM foglight kit and an Authentic Chargespeed Bottomline V2 kit for it, will put both on in the spring. Stage 2 with TBE and some aftermarket suspension going in when the warranty is up/the car is mine!



lets be honest...how many people actually go to the track...


i am currently looking at buying a 2011 wrx... i highly considered the sti, however, in the states here..the sti is $7-8.5k more than the wrx....for that much money you can build a fairly seriously wrx daily driver.


sure the sti has the adjustable diffs, but they are truly not necessary unless your rallying or doing time attack, and even then you can put some pretty good coil overs on a car to improve traction and handling...

plus, the a stock wrx can produce nearly stock sti hp with just a tune..and im not talking with a cobb access port....

their both great cars and would recomend if you have the money and are an enthusiast , however for the money that it would cost to buy a new sti, you can build a nice wrx...also insurance for an sti in the states is nuts....


now if your buying used....you can find excellent deals on sti's...my buddy got an 05 with 56k on it for $12k...and it had a few mods...

i would also recomend a legacy gt....my roommate owns an 07...he has an 07 sti turbo, front mount intercooler, full exhaust and a tune and its dyno'd 320.....plus his tein coil overs makes it hug the road like a bear....


cant go wrong with a sube......no matter what

[FHKracingZ]

^ he is right with the track thing. Although I did drive a regular 08 wrx and it had quiet a bit more body roll through the twisties. Its all what you prefer. I love my subi regardless!

>Cobb AccessPort with custom 91 oct tune done at Cobb's shop in Texas
>Perrin panel air filter
> -TurboXS stealthback (DP + catless MP)
> -Greddy Spectrum Elite catback
> -GrimmSpeed cross-pipe (heat coated)
> -GrimmSpeed stock headers (ported, polished, heat coated)
> -GrimmSpeed 3-pot BCS
> -Perrin panel filter + milkjug delete
> -Cobb DP heatshield

[ben300]

nice car...


ya...all that body roll can be completely fixed wiht the right suspension parts on the car....

when my roommate put his tein coil overs on the legacy, lowered it, and changed sway bars, it became a completely different car. so much fun to drive..

plus with the extra 70hp over stock.....it became a great sleeper as well

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by ben300
lets be honest...how many people actually go to the track...

i am currently looking at buying a 2011 wrx... i highly considered the sti, however, in the states here..the sti is $7-8.5k more than the wrx....for that much money you can build a fairly seriously wrx daily driver.

sure the sti has the adjustable diffs, but they are truly not necessary unless your rallying or doing time attack, and even then you can put some pretty good coil overs on a car to improve traction and handling...

plus, the a stock wrx can produce nearly stock sti hp with just a tune..and im not talking with a cobb access port....

their both great cars and would recomend if you have the money and are an enthusiast , however for the money that it would cost to buy a new sti, you can build a nice wrx...also insurance for an sti in the states is nuts....

now if your buying used....you can find excellent deals on sti's...my buddy got an 05 with 56k on it for $12k...and it had a few mods...

i would also recomend a legacy gt....my roommate owns an 07...he has an 07 sti turbo, front mount intercooler, full exhaust and a tune and its dyno'd 320.....plus his tein coil overs makes it hug the road like a bear....

cant go wrong with a sube......no matter what

Actually a lot of Subie guys in Toronto go to the track! There's a girl with an 09 WRX that tracks really frequently and has a 6 speed STI tranny in her car.

And yeah Leggy GT's are awesome, same with the Forester 2.5XT's.


Originally posted by FHKracingZ
^ he is right with the track thing. Although I did drive a regular 08 wrx and it had quiet a bit more body roll through the twisties. Its all what you prefer. I love my subi regardless!

>Cobb AccessPort with custom 91 oct tune done at Cobb's shop in Texas
>Perrin panel air filter
> -TurboXS stealthback (DP + catless MP)
> -Greddy Spectrum Elite catback
> -GrimmSpeed cross-pipe (heat coated)
> -GrimmSpeed stock headers (ported, polished, heat coated)
> -GrimmSpeed 3-pot BCS
> -Perrin panel filter + milkjug delete
> -Cobb DP heatshield

Nice looking Subie!

I drove an 09 Impreza 2.5i sedan, man that thing was rolling all over the place in turns. Never drove an 08 + WRX so can't really compare it, just the base model Impreza.

I plan to do the milkjug delete when I take off the bumper to put on the fogs/chargespeed kit.

[99400esex]

Im not really into the awd turbo cars, but i'd definitely take an STI. I looked at a few wrx's but they were more than I was willing to spend.

[QuadParkour23]

I would just save your money and get a "Giant Killer", You can quad turbo those things.

[magos]

I had an 05 STI (LOVED IT) but sold it for a 4-Runner. Needed something bigger to haul the family. The Insurance is terrible on those and I have a perfect record. I'd suggest getting a WRX and doing the STI mods yourself. SUPER fast and outstanding in the snow!

[FHKracingZ]

I pay $92 a month on my sti and im 21 on my own plan.

[400exrider707]

Maybe it's just me, and my background of driving mostly trucks, but I was seriously unimpressed with the snow driving capabilities of the AWD cars. My buddy has an 09 imprezza, and even though it's AWD, it still sucks in the snow. It was worse than some of the FWD SUV's I have driven. Maybe it was just his choice of tires? Either way, I thought it would be a lot better than it was, and the mileage sucks for a little 4-banger. He averages like 22-23.

[ben300]

Originally posted by 400exrider707
Maybe it's just me, and my background of driving mostly trucks, but I was seriously unimpressed with the snow driving capabilities of the AWD cars. My buddy has an 09 imprezza, and even though it's AWD, it still sucks in the snow. It was worse than some of the FWD SUV's I have driven. Maybe it was just his choice of tires? Either way, I thought it would be a lot better than it was, and the mileage sucks for a little 4-banger. He averages like 22-23.

not to start an argument, but my buddy before his legacy gt, had a 97 legacy wagon. That thing with blizzaks on it, is, was, and still will be the best vehicle i have ever driven in the snow. It was to the point where it wasnt fun in the snow because it got to much traction.

I will agree though. that car, and his current legacy do not get the mileage that people are accustomed to with 4cyl. cars.

[Pipeless416]

Originally posted by 400exrider707
Maybe it's just me, and my background of driving mostly trucks, but I was seriously unimpressed with the snow driving capabilities of the AWD cars. My buddy has an 09 imprezza, and even though it's AWD, it still sucks in the snow. It was worse than some of the FWD SUV's I have driven. Maybe it was just his choice of tires? Either way, I thought it would be a lot better than it was, and the mileage sucks for a little 4-banger. He averages like 22-23.

anything is better than my car and these things look sweeter and sweeter all the time :p :o

[QuadParkour23]

When I was a kid, my mom had a '89 Ford Escort. Dad's 4x4 would get stuck in snowbanks 8x more than the escort would. That car was a snow champ!

[400exrider707]

Originally posted by ben300
not to start an argument, but my buddy before his legacy gt, had a 97 legacy wagon. That thing with blizzaks on it, is, was, and still will be the best vehicle i have ever driven in the snow. It was to the point where it wasnt fun in the snow because it got to much traction.

I will agree though. that car, and his current legacy do not get the mileage that people are accustomed to with 4cyl. cars.

No argument there, it's two different cars so anything is possible. I'm just stating how I felt in that particular car, and again, I'm not even sure what it had for tires. It just flat out sucked. We also live in a pretty decent snowbelt too, and the roads are almost always covered with some sort of slop.

[ben300]

Originally posted by 400exrider707
No argument there, it's two different cars so anything is possible. I'm just stating how I felt in that particular car, and again, I'm not even sure what it had for tires. It just flat out sucked. We also live in a pretty decent snowbelt too, and the roads are almost always covered with some sort of slop.

i agree....i live in erie so i know plenty about snow, and his legacy wagon was excellent and his new legacy is just terrible...but i guess it would help if you didnt run your summer low pro street tires all year round too....