Hello all! After selling my 04 STi, I am in the search for a 05 wagon. I tried looking at previous threads and they were all guesses (and was from 2005) but does anyone know the differences between the two? I need AWD in my life again. I heard everything from interior to suspension differences but any hard facts on it?

 

I know for sure interior. Seats are that black mesh, don't fade as fast. The center console / steering wheel are the 06.

As far as engine. I think 05 STi was the first with 2.5
I believe all WRX still came with the 2.0

 

Thanks for responding! Yeah, the STi came with a 2.5 turbo and the WRX came with a 2.0 turbo. Thanks for the info on the interior color. I do like that black interior for sure

 

the only difference i know of is the interior. both 04/05 drivetrain and engine is the exact same thing.

 

Yea I was in the same boat when I was looking for a wagon a few years ago and wanted the 04/05 look and basically the interior was the only difference I knew of and likeed better was in the 05

 

05 has painted sideskirts , updated interior center console, fabric, door cards

 

Sweet thanks for the response all! Looks like I'm aiming for an 05 for sure now

 

Seats are exactly the same in 04 and 05, but the interiors are different as mentioned. One thing to note, 05 has the fuel filter in the tank vs in the engine bay in 04. I kind of prefer it in the bay because it is easier to get to. Minor thing, not a huge deal, just a preference for me. There are no suspension differences that I know of.

 

As stated before the 04 has manual a/c 05 has auto a/c and different center console with rear cup holders. The steering wheel is different. SOME 05 have the updated plastic coolant expansion tank. Where as ALL 04 came with metal expansion tank. The front headlamp housings on 05 are smoked 04 they are not.

The 04/05 wrx isn't as big a difference then the 04/05 sti change. Which I think some people are getting confused with in this thread. Ie. imobilizer key system, different seats, different door cars, bigger hubs, steering wheel, center console, rear fender flares, 04 sti also didn't come with a stereo.

It's preference really because the 04 is more for your mod geek. 05 is more a complete package that you won't have to mod as much.

 

Just an update since I asked this question...I currently own a MY05 WRX wagon now

 

Fwiw.. I believe 05+ wagons/Saaburus came with the updated sti steering rack(15:1) as well as stronger aluminum lateral links like the sti's, but w/o the extended rear track... 04's did not... Otherwise I think we've covered it all :P

Glad you ended up with an 05! btw sweet pic of that levorg Oh how I wish we could have them here..

 

Ahaha thanks! Love the car. Reminds me of my 04 STi but without the extra power.

And Japan had LOADS of modded Scoobys. Those are the only ones I took pictures of but Ive seen them more than any other make.