Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum in preparation of purchasing a STi within the next couple of months. I've been wanting a Subaru since I first laid eyes on a 98 2.5RS and now the time is closing in on getting rid of my decade old Honda Accord. I have never driven a Subaru before and I don't want to settle with a WRX; since the STi comes with 300hp out of the factory, I think I'm just gonna play around with the suspension until I get used to the power this car has.

Can anyone here shed some light on me on what to look for in buying a STi besides the general dealer prices and basic engine performance. I don't really like the way the new 06's look so I'm stuck between searching for an 04 or 05 STi. Are there any differences between an 04 and an 05 besides the year they came out? Also, do you guys recommend removing the wing off an STi?

 

The '04 and '05 STi is basically the same car with a different interior. IMO, the '05 interior is much nicer, and it comes with a climate control that the '04 lacks. There were also some minor suspension changes for '05 and a few minor body changes (additional fender flare on the rear) and the wheels have a different bolt pattern/offset so they can run 8" wheels as opposed to the 7.5" wheels on the '04. Other than that, they're pretty similar.

If I may recommend - just buy the '06. I didn't like how the '03 I had looked, and I didn't like how the '05 I have looked. Once you buy the car, it really grows on you, and when you're behind the wheel, it no longer matters how the car looks (you can't see it anyway)

 

Thanks for the input. Really helps! hmm...I wouldn't mind getting a brand new car but $ plays an important factor in my decision. Plus, I already have plans on how the car is gonna look when I get my hands on it. The car won't stay stock for long =)

 

Oh, and I share your desire to own a Subaru since you first saw the RS in 98. So hot. After I bought my WRX, my fiance needed a new car so we got her an '01 2.5RS

 

Well, check around for stocks of 2005. I originally wanted a 2005 instead of the 2006 because of looks and ability to bargain. But there were only 7 black 2005 left in California as of a few weeks ago. And the internet quotes I was getting from the dealers were just barely (less than $500) cheaper than buying a brand new 2006. I went to look at the 2006, and the pictures don't give it justice. The new look is definitely different and less aggressive. But I guess I was worried about the car attracting too much attention in the first place, so the less aggressive look was more appealing.

Go take a good look at the 2005 and 2006 and see if you like the 2006. But make sure there are 2005s available in the color you're looking for before you start shopping.

 

I would find a used 04 ($24K - $28K) and put on the fpgreen/supporting mods with the money saved from buying new.

 

Would it be a wise decision on keeping the rear spoiler? I'm thinking about parting that out when I get the car.

 

some people say it adds high speed stability to the car. if you're not tracking or regularly going over 110 or so you probably can rid it without much trouble.

 

what should my first mods on my car be???

 

/\ its really personal preference.....but I would suggest doing suspension mods before any power mods, so you can "learn how to drive the car" before you start boosting HP levels, esp. if you have never driven an AWD car before. Also, NEVER, ever ever ever EVER, dump the clutch on any AWD car, unless you like watching your transmission blow up.

-Ted

 

Well spoken. If you have a 300+ whp car and end up driving into a wall because you don't know how it handles, what's the point of modding it at all? You'd do much better to add at least a rsb and endlinks,even new tires if you haven't already done that before boosting any more power.

 

new tires for an sti?? the stock tires are almost an R compound tire, very good from what I hear

I can understand new tires for wet/snow/winter conditions though

 

ok yeah umm suspension i thought i had very good suspension already wut is there else to do? i mean i took my car to the canyans already like more than 8 times and i got use to it by like the 4th time. i think i gotta good handle on how my car handles. i mean i took a turn at 60 like a right turn pretty good. its just wen im turnin i feel like im fallin out of my seat hahaha... holla back bro

 

oh yeah wut do u guys mean dump the clutch? coz when i launch my car its like i rev it between 5 - 6 and i release the clutch slowly like 1 inch i just release it hella fast and i lauch. churp the tires and cant smell the clutch. hows that guys???? oh yeah i have a question wut can i do to my car like internals? wuts this all about changin the headers isnt my manifold the headers???? need help yall?