Guys,

I need your opinions. I am struggling with the decision between a new WRX STi or the WRX base model (both '04 model years).

I would love to have the 300 HP and 6 speed transmission all under full factory warranty, which is very important to me, but considering the following factors I think the base WRX might be a better fit for me:

Pros for the STi:
1. 300 HP and 6 speed tranny all under full factory warranty
2. Exclusivity of the new car and lack of necessity to mod the car
3. Add'l features like transfer case and intercooler water spray, etc.
4. Add'l handling performance, etc.

Cons of the STi:
1. Must pay full MSRP, Base '04 WRX can be had for $500 under invoice or invoice...roughly $10k under the STi price
2. Must wait until August, Sept, or maybe even Oct realistically speaking...base WRX can be had tomorrow with all options
3. No stereo...I know why, but it will cost $1,000 at least to put in a nice aftermarket system
4. Somewhat "aggressive" body work. I actually like the look of the base WRX a little better (more of a sleeper look) over the huge wing and skirts of the STi. I realize I am probably in the minority here.

So what would you guys advise me to do? Is there anyway I could swap out the base WRX with an STi drivetrain? If so, how much would that cost.

Thanks for the advice,

Dan

 

Don't let other people opinions sway your decision, you will probably regret it in the future if you do.
I personally would take the STi, for all the positives you've listed above, but that's just me.
In the end, you are the one that will have to live with your decision.

 

If you prefer the "sleeper look" of the WRX over the STi, then I suggest you get the WRX. It will be sleeper acceleration, sleeper responce and just about sleeper everything. So if you're not after breakneck-performance, superglue grip, superb handling, heart-popping excitement and only 70% car of the STi then get the WRX.

Personally, I would get a Mercedes E320 if you are after a nice looking car as the STi is a drivers car!

Forget about swaping the drivetrain, just get the STi

 

The amount of stuff they crammed into the STi for the price difference is incredible. In addition to what you listed, there's also the huge brakes, DCCD, good wheels and tires, HIDs, seats, and bigger intercooler (among other things I'm forgetting). You won't be able to find a 2004 WRX below invoice for a while, which really only puts it at $7K less than an STi.

 

Uncle Si - I agree with your comments, but I am not looking for a Mercedes and it will be a long, long time (about 40 years) before I buy a Merc.

I am only thinking that the delta in performance between the base model WRX and the STi is not enough to justify the extra $10k and wait until Sept (realistically).

BUT, I want those of you offering advice to understand my last car was a 2000 Camaro for which I put $7k into a turbo setup, etc....so performance is the most important issue.

I just wish the STi had a bit more subtle wing, hood scoop, and interior. Who really wants this car with no stereo? You can get a nice stereo in a Viper and a Ferrari and I don't know anyone arguing those are not "driver's cars."

 

Dan, I'm not sure you can do anything about the price as it's a case of take it or leave it. Moreover, the price differential between the two models are about the same worldwide...give or take a thousand (I've checked!).

It would be good to find somewhere where you can actually test boths cars to decide for yourself. Having driven both cars I personally feel I made the right decision in the STi. BTW, if you do get the chance to test both cars, do test them properly to find their abilities such acceleration and handling otherwise if you take it easy you'd be doing one of them a major injustice!

For the interior, go check with your authorised dealer as I believe Subaru are planing on a leather seats version and a more silver/aluminium orientated theme (I saw something about this a few months back but it might be next 2004 though!)

 

The STi is coming in around me (southeast PA). I went to the dealership by me and asked a couple ?? and they said they already got in one and another 3 within the month. The only problem is they are all ordered cars, so they cant be test driven.

 

The 2004 WRX is going to have leather and a sunroof as an option, so if that's important to you, that might be a nice way to go. You can always mod the WRX to be faster than a stock STi.

But....

Since the factory warranty seems to be a big issue for you, you really can't go wrong with the performance that you'll get out of the STi. Sure there's no radio, but you can buy a great CD player for $150 installed and speakers won't be that much more expensive for decent ones.

The STi is great because it's going to be crazy fast right off the dealer lot. You sound like me, more into the performance aspect of the car. But in all honesty, you'd be happy either way. Although it will take some mods to get the WRX up to where you want it to be.

It's a tough choice, and one that I've been mulling over for over a year now. I'm sure what every you decide, will be the right course of action. Keep us posted.

 

all you need to do is put yourself in the car... and see how itll affect your future... dont regret what you get... better to be safe than sorry... (sorry for the cliche)

i would get the 04 wrx cause im not a racer, and i could use that extra $10k for something else, like a new 40" plasma flat screen hdtv with a nice bose sound system... haha i dont know...

 

I don't agree that the STi is too expensive. At its sticker price, the STi is one hell of a bargain. Imagine what it would cost you to do all of those mods to a WRX to equal the STi.

I was in the same boat having to make a decision a couple weeks ago. The only differences were that down here in Texas, I couldn't get a WRX for invoice or below--I paid a few hundred above invoice, and I couldn't get an STi for sticker: dealers here are quoting $4-5k above sticker.

The real decision maker for me was twofold: 1) I couldn't get myself to pay the markup above sticker and 2) my credit is so bad that the price difference between the two cars is actually much greater due to the high interest rate I have to pay.

Therefore, I went with a WRX wagon with the thought that I might trade it in for an STi in a couple of years if I can repair my credit somewhat and the STi becomes more available such that I can at least get one at sticker if not a little less. I'm also hoping if it becomes more available that it might be less of a theft magnet.

My real preference would be for an STi that doesn't have the big wing, decals, etc. I'm interested in the performance of the STi but I'm not interested in being targetted more by police, having riced out Civics pull up next to me wanting to race and having local gangsters plan to steal my car to joyride and total it. So, yeah, sleeper look all the way. Im my WRX wagon, I feel almost invisible. That's perfect for me.... but I'd love to have the better suspension, suretrac, 6 speed transmission, better exhaust and headers, HIDs, racing seats, better wheels and tires...

Oh and one other thing. The STi not coming with a factory stereo should be listed in your pro's, not in your con's. Us regular WRX owners didn't have the option of not buying their POS stereo. I'd much rather have the money they charged me for that thing to go out and buy my own. Believe me your money can go a lot futher even in a really overpriced car audio boutique. Factory stereos are a total scam. Yeah yeah, I know, you have to add that into your total amount spent, but like I said, the STi IS a good value even considering the missing stereo.

 

Don't forget insurance on the STI.

I'm sure it will be more expensive. 100 bucks over 60 months is 6k..

 

Insurance may or may not be issue. When I had my Integra Type R, it was insured at the same rate as an Integra GSR because there were too few of them made to have a seperate listing. I don't know whether the STi owners will be so lucky.