I'm picking over the last few (new) '05 STIs here in NorCal looking to buy a car to modify and autocross (in STU or ESP/BSP class).

I think I can get one around invoice, no problem. Thing is, there is another choice: one local dealership has 2 STIs that were stolen (!), presumably street raced, and at least cosmetically damaged. They are at a paint shop now because "they look like they were driven through a barbed wire fence." When they get back the dealership will be selling them as new cars *with full disclosure* -- ie they are not trying anything funny here -- with full warranty support, etc, for "at least $3K under invoice."

So -- scooby owners, would you run-in-fear away from a car that has presumably had a rough night of abuse, or would you buy it and pocket the $3K (or more) against anything that turns up?

The issue is somewhat complicated by the fact that I plan to modify and autocross the car, so the "full warranty support" might be difficult to collect on whether I buy a previously-stolen car or a regular one. I'm gonna thrash it myself , although I was hoping I could control myself long enough to break the car in properly first!

-- Glenn

 

You can already get a smoking deal on STis at most places. IMO, peace of mind is worth whatever extra money you pay.

PM i-club member XkrazyAsianX - he works for a Subaru dealer in Oakland and might be able to hook you up. I heard they had some '05s layin around

 

violation of the break in rules is a pretty big deal dude. Make no mistake, if you mod the car, you WILL NOT get warranty support from SOA for anything that goes wrong with it. Especially if you're going to be forcing extra HP through it, you need to break it in well, or you'll not only waste the 27000 the car will cost, but also your time and money in mods.

The new car warranty issue aside (since you're giving that up either way), you can get a 30,000 mile USED STI for 10,000 below invoice, if you're planning on modding heavily, do that instead.

 

I wouldnt do it.... Abuse early on can lead to major mechanical failures in the future... CAN, not WILL FOR CERTAIN, but if you ask anyone, the chances are rather high...