Radiator replaced? Lots old man like to track their car... Or old man brought his son's car in to the dealer. Or the dealer is just pulling your leg. With 38K miles, no more waranty I assume.

 

well the elderly man (prob in his 45's) does have a 13 yr old son also his son does avid go kart racing and they do have a couple.

He did mention that he had old american muscle cars which he modified..and has been to Laguna Seca

damn guys ur making me weiry!!

 

I would pass.

 

any other advise guys?

 

go for it and buy it .....

 

The 'previously owned by an old man who did only a few miles and babied the motor' line is an old one, and the fact that it has a turbo-back and vishnu tune makes the 'old guy' line a bit unbelievable.

The facts are that it is tuned by Shiv, who's reputation varies from good to bad depending on who you speak to, and has probably had 38K hard miles, and you don't mention any kind of service history.

I'm not saying don't buy it, just don't delude yourself into thinking this is a once-only, never abused bargain. You always have the option of paying GST or LIC to inspect the car, they will uncover any major problems.

 

Sometimes really low mile cars are that way because they sat broken for a long time.

There is a few out there though that come from some rich old guys that have lots of cars to drive and not enough time.

Get it inspected by a reputable vendor here on i-club.

 

Thanks guy...I think I'll give Kevin a call at AHQ since he is a little closer..

 

I'm an old guy with an '04 STi with 23K miles.

Have the wheel bearings been replaced (possibly under warranty)? This was the reason all STi's after '04 have the different bolt pattern for the wheels. The bearings usually go bad around 20K. I just did my right front two weeks ago and a buddy has had at least 3 or 4 done on his '04. BTW we both autocross and track our cars, he does a lot of track days. If this guy hasn't had them done then maybe the car hasn't been abused. Also, the my dealer replaced the whole hub, a bit more expensive.

Another clue to abuse (or tracking the car) is if the guy has an extra set of wheels/tires to go with the car.

I agree that a pre-purchase inspection is always important with any car, but especially with this one. Make sure the inline oil screens have been removed ASAP. Mine had three with one going to the turbo. I also had Mike at GST tune my car and I was very pleased.

Lastly, I love my '04 and believe it is the best year for STi. I autocrossed my car all season this year, winning the BSP class and winning the overall championship on PAX in our club up here in Redding! "Old age and trechery will overcome youth and skill" www.trinitytouringclub.com

 

I emailed and left a message about an inspection lets see what he says..

Also I was able to get a hold of a Service Tech from Subaru who was able to tell me the service history...


From what he said:

**All Services have been done up to 30K (7500, 1500, 30K etc..)
Upon the 30K service the Service Tech will inspecting the vehicle found a slight hairline crack on the radiator (it never leaked)..so they decided to ...replace it under warranty


**Also Customer went it for Brake Pulsation at 22K and Service Tech found that the intercooler house clamp had punctured a whole in the hose...replaced under warranty..

**Pretty much thats it everything else has been maintanece...No Wheel hub...anthing like that mentioned...


Currently Im trying to get a dyno plot from Vishnu emailed!!

thanks guys for all your help...keep them coming!

 

**UPDATE**


So I mentioned to the seller that I want to inspect the car by Kevin at AHQ...Dude practically flipped out and turned the whole thing around on me...He said I was hesitant to buy and that he has other interested parties that are willing to buy right there...

Well Whatever....Seems like he has something to hide!!!

Im even paying for the inspection, heck i'll even give him gas money to drive for the inspection..

Good decision?

 

Screw the STi man, buy a evo.

 

Then tell him to let these other 'interested parties' buy the car.

My vote:

 

For realz...Sad thing is that some kid is gonna come with their parents and have them pay for it!!...

Whatever..we all work hard for oour money, especially now in this economy...I dont mind paying for a well kept STI...Just finding them is the hardest thing!

 

how much is it being sold for?

you can always wait for a better deal to come around.
I've seen three 05 stis with less than 20k miles or near and for about 23k. I got mine with 18k miles for 23000.