Im interested in getting an Sti, but want to know which year would be best. Of course newer the better, but in some cases a certain year is better. What year(s) do you recommend and why?

 

05 looks the best

 

isn't the 04-05 the same? I agree that those are the best years. Not liking the 06+.

 

dont forget the 2007 is 293hp, not 300

 

06. Looks? I cant see how my car looks from the driver's seat. Thats what counts in my book. The 07 is the same HP, its just tested in a different manner this year.

 

Same hp as before, they're just using a different method to measure it, which results in a slightly different number.

 

I was thinking more in lines of the 04 & 05's anyways.

Are there any known common problems in these years? For example, 04's overheating or having steering problems, etc.

What are the differences between the 04 & 05's? Were there any upgrades or changes in the 05's?

I appreciate your responses.

 

2003 sti is the best in japan but in the us 04-05

 

To name a few:

Externally there are few differences - badging, wheel well flare, wider wheels.

Mechanically, the lugnut bolt pattern changed, along with the hub design and some of the rear suspension components. There are some minor differences in the DCCD as well.

One of the nicer changes for 05 was the interior upgrade. It looks a lot more refined. Automatic climate control and a radio were added.


04 still has the best color option - Java Black Pearl.

 

04 is the lightest and has sure-trac front diff which is like a limited slip...it is the rawest of them all...they only get heavier and softer after that!

The interior does look nicer and the added radio is a bonus..but it is still heavier and softer.

 

they must've came correct and took it to mike...heart breaker dyno ftmfw!

 

as far as looks

I think the rear of the 06-07 STI look better, but the front of the 04-05 looks better. I also think that if you chose to modify the apearence of the car, you have more options with the 05-04.

your best bet apearence wise is go to a subaru dealership, and look at the two STI's ,and compare them. I did that yesterday, because I am thinking of converting my 04 rear tail lights to 06 lights.

any ways, knowing Subaru in 08 they will have a new body style that will make all the current body styles old and out of style........

 

04 vs 05
04 = 35/65 (Front/Rear) Torque Split; 17x7.5 rims, 225/45/17 RE070 tires. No stereo, semi-automatic climate control, 5x100 bolt pattern.
Color only for this year: Java Black Pearl

05 = 41/59 (Front/Rear) Torque Split; 17x8 rims, 225/45/17 RE070 tires. Stereo, automatic climate control, front helical differential, short steering rack, 5x114.3 bolt pattern (more gangster fitments), rear wheel arches, new interior design (different seats, door cards, and no longer has flip down center visor for sun blocking, now there's a mesh there), different steering wheel, immobilizer key. Relocation of washer fluid reservoir, high temp black rubber on radiator fill tank. STi badge is no longer pink/chrome, it is now pink/black. Head lights are also black instead of a dark chrome.
Color for this year: Crystal Grey

05 vs 06
06 = Rear vane spoiler, new tail lights, new front end, under body carriage tray, rear diffuser, over all - probably more aerodynamic. Thicker trunk carpet. Star badge now bolted into center of trunk, no longer says SUBARU in large letters on trunk.
Color for 06: New Grey color that's slightly greenish. (Correct me if I'm wrong)

06 vs 07 = pretty much the same, I've heard but have not actually seen: rear lights have more silver in them, even more Altezza style. New color: Pearl white instead of Aspen White. Still 300 HP / 300 ft/lbs, but rated on a different scale, that's why they say it's 293 HP.

 

I have heard in some cases that you can get a little more power out of the 04's when tuning them.

 

thanks onizuka for the more indepth details and everyone esle who contributed.

Do you guys of common problems in the 04 & 05's? Ive heard of people who had steering problems. Have anyone heard of this and other problems?