Just curious if anyone has found the car to stiff, loud, just annoying in general to drive ona daily basis. I'm currently shopping for one but am a little leery just because it would be my daily driver which would mean it would go through traffic, open highways etc. Any comments?
Mike

nice car back kinda aches sometimes after 1hr long drives, but man handles amazing and u actually love driving every day.

I drive 32 miles one way daily. Half of which is stop-n-go driving and the other half, our version of the autobahn this side of the country (toll roads). I have no regrets and in fact made my commute much more fun and about 5 minutes shorter compared to a modified 1.8T B5 that I had for daily driver before. ;)

Love mine. but trips longer then an hour do get old unless your on curves and the back roads. I don't regret buying the car.

nope... just wish gas mileage was a little better, but its not bad.

I wish people would stop trying to race me, box me in, police my speed by cutting me off when I'm cruising in the right lane. Honestly, people need to mind their own business and leave my car alone.

PERFECT daily driver....but yeah I could use some better gas milage :lol:

no regrets other than the chips that have slowly started to accumulate... :(

I drive my STI daily around Albany NY and on weekends a 4 hour trip to Potsdam NY and then 4 hour trip back to Albany. I really have gotten a chance to experience it all; rush hour and the 5mph roll, the upstate mountain roads, and the city. I will honestly say the STI is great in every situation. I look for reasons just to drive the car!!!! As people have said there is the back ache issue with the seats after about an hour and a half, to solve that I just change the position of the seat now and then on long trips and it seems to be just enough to stay comfortable. The back roads are amnazing and the car never fails to put a smile on your face and your passangers! :D

Daily Driver here since 7/4/04 with 16,000 miles and no complaints other than gas mileage, as low as 17mpg city but it will hit close to 28mpg at 75 with cruise control

17,500 awesome miles...no regrets...i knew what i was getting into

No regrets here, but I can agree with the gas mileage.

Too loud :)

~v6

8,800 miles, compared to my previous G35 and VW GTI, this thing is the best car ever! I drive 45-60 miles a day and its absolutely amazing. Handles amazingly, accelerates amazingly, very stable car. I love the stiff ride; gives it a more sporty feeling. Not a single regret about buying it. The only thing i don't like is that its a cop magnet. You will hassled. GREAT CAR

no regert...

getting recaro to replace my stock seats, since i think the stock seat is not comfortable for long trip

Love my STI, but me don't love the miles to and from work so I will get beater car for work commute. I currently drive 80 miles per day to and from work, 4 days a week, only have 4500 miles.

Too loud :)

~v6

I agree completely.

I'm going to put some dynamat over the 1/64" honeycomb between the rear seat and the trunk.

1 Year..no regrets. It makes driving fun, even on those stretches that used to "bore" you, previously.

13,000 miles since 5/04. Love driving it daily more than the EVO by a long shot.

No regrets at all. I got a 45 mile round trip to work every day. Enjoy getting behind the wheel. When its time to boogy, I do. When its time to sit in traffic, I just relax and turn up the stereo:)


Mika

Just curious if anyone has found the car to stiff, loud, just annoying in general to drive ona daily basis. I'm currently shopping for one but am a little leery just because it would be my daily driver which would mean it would go through traffic, open highways etc. Any comments?
Mike


Not the best for taking clients to lunch. And it gets a little to much attn when youpull up to a appointment. And the gas milage sucks. But you gotta love it.

Dynamat gooood :) (or similar product :lol: )

I got 30-50lbs of deading in my car and im not done yet :devil:

At first i wanted it to be as quiet as my wrx was... but then i said fuggedabowdit and went nuts and did everything. Roof to floor, firewall to the tail lights.

~v6

as far as a daily driver, my only complaints are the stiff (busy) suspension and the gas mileage (i get 23ish). i didn't buy the car with daily driver in mind so those things don't really bother me, you get used to them.

if you want a true daily driver, a wrx is cheaper, has better GM and is a bit more comfy.

I love my STI, but when I do make trips to the San Francisoc city (I've added espelir GT springs) there are so many pot holes/ crevices that the car is totally uncomfortable. You feel everything and the car rattles badly. Eventually I may go to the whiteline Group 4 shocks and from what I hear will improve ride quality.

Thanks a lot for the info guy! I mean I like the WRX but let's face if I know if i got one I'll just regret not getting the STi in the long run. I love the extra torque the 2.5l gives out adn the 6 speed is a helluva lot nicer trans, along with being beefier. I figure if worse comes to worse I can dynomat it like some of you have done if it's really friggan noisey. I'm going in about an hour to go look at a slightly used 04. So I may be back with a look what I bought story=)
Mike

Only regret I have is that there are too many people in the way on my commute to work. :)

It's a great daily driver in the sense that you can overpower 99.99% of the 'mobile cones' that come into play. The car doesn't need a radio(I'm at 12,000 miles) because it's that much fun to drive. It will be even better once the suspension gets some attention.

I still prefer to use my 1981 Toyota Celica as I can beat on it from start to finish without having to wait until it's warmed up and I have no problem parking it anywhere.

I'd replace the seats with Sparco racing shells, but then you lose the side airbags... I'm thinking of sticking an inflatable lumbar in the stock seats though, other than that they seem pretty comfortable.

Agreed. The stock seats are horrible with such little thigh support. Most people try to make an argument for them but they are indeed inferior to what the aftermarket has to offer.

I drive 40 miles each way everyday in some pretty heavy traffic. It's an even mix of stop-and-go and 60mph cruising. Other than the tire noise, there is really nothing to complain about. And IMO, that only reaches annoying levels in certain conditions such as rain. The clutch and tranny are light enough that I rarely wish I was driving an auto when traffic gets really backed up. But by the end of the week, I've had enough of the stiff ride and I'm ready to park the STi and drive around in my wife's Tahoe for the weekend. Overall great car, great daily driver.

Only regret I have is that there are too many people in the way on my commute to work. :)
werd. too many monkeys on the road.

I test drove the Legacy GT back-to-back with the STi. I think the Leg GT is a great car, and would be perfect for long highway journeys. Get the auto, and you have a nice daily driver if you have to contend with a lot of stop-and-go traffic.

Having said all that, I just couldn't say no to the STi. This car is easy to drive around town in a more reserved fashion, and if you shift before 4k like you're supposed to during break-in, you can get ~20mpg around town. But who the hell can resist? :devil:

My main complaint is tire noise. All the rest of the mechanical noise is part of the attraction of the car to me. But tire noise drives me insane, and the RE070's are quite noisy. I'll be much happier once I can put a quiet set (relatively speaking) of tires on the car.

But to answer the question, I had to choose between the Legacy GT and STi, and chose the STi. No regrets whatsoever.

I test drove the Legacy GT back-to-back with the STi. I think the Leg GT is a great car, and would be perfect for long highway journeys. Get the auto, and you have a nice daily driver if you have to contend with a lot of stop-and-go traffic.

Having said all that, I just couldn't say no to the STi. This car is easy to drive around town in a more reserved fashion, and if you shift before 4k like you're supposed to during break-in, you can get ~20mpg around town. But who the hell can resist? :devil:

My main complaint is tire noise. All the rest of the mechanical noise is part of the attraction of the car to me. But tire noise drives me insane, and the RE070's are quite noisy. I'll be much happier once I can put a quiet set (relatively speaking) of tires on the car.

But to answer the question, I had to choose between the Legacy GT and STi, and chose the STi. No regrets whatsoever.
I was in the same exact boat and chose the STi as well. Personally I wasn't ready to make the switch to a somewhat luxury sedan. The LGT would have been great for road trips and commuting, but it would have left me wanting more when it came time to perform. I also wasn't ready for the conservative look. Maybe a few years down the road I'll think differently but for now I'm loving the STi.

As for the road noise, I hardly notice it. The RE70's are significantly quiter than the yokohama parada spec-II's I was running on my last vehicle.

I LOVE IT!!!! :banana:

i love my STI :banana: no regrets at all ;) there's only 1 thing missing -----> sunroof :p :D

My only complaints are noise: from the tires and from rain (roof is quite loud in heavy rain). However, that being said, I absolutely LOVE this car. It all depends on what you want. I wanted a sports car and the STi fits that perfectly. If you want a quiet, luxurious ride - this car is not for you. If you want performance - this car is best bang for buck you're gonna find. Awesome car IMO.

Only that I cannot drive this car as I want to in the city, mucho traffico.

The only downside is gas milage and having to use 93 octane. Other then that I have no regrets.

no regert...

getting recaro to replace my stock seats, since i think the stock seat is not comfortable for long trip

i agree

I'll second anyone who said something about loud tires. The stock RE070's are quite loud....but you get used to it. I'm hoping the noise gets covered up somewhat when I put my exhaust on :devil:

perfect car.

its a daily driver... its a track car... it holds 4 people... it has baby seat latches in the back... big trunk...

best all around car.

i've driven it for 3 hour trips and still have been comfortable

perfect car.

its a daily driver... its a track car... it holds 4 people... it has baby seat latches in the back... big trunk...

best all around car.

i've driven it for 3 hour trips and still have been comfortable

and because of this very reason I just put a deposit on one. Black with silver wheels. 5k miles, 26500 and it has a radio. I'm psyched. Looking to pick it up either wed or friday night
Mike

congrats man... you'll love it to death!

thought of the only con to the car... BRAKE DUST! :devil:

sounds like you got a great deal on it man...

As stated by others, the tires are pretty noisey for an everday car. Put on some P Zero Nero's and you have a perfect daily driver. It's easy to sell the stock RE070's so you can recover most of your tire cost.

brake dust for sure sucks
ive put 7500 miles in 2.5mths!!!
drive about 100miles a day(hate putting all that mileage on the car:()

but who cares, makes the drive fun

thought of the only con to the car... BRAKE DUST!
-criz

I agree. That is another complaint I forgot about. I know, it is a trivial complaint, but I hate washing the car, driving 6 blocks and already having brake dust on the wheels after such a short drive. I know - part of the deal with good/big brakes. Is there better pads you can get to eliminate some/most of this insane brake dust?

EDIT: Let me rephrase the questioin: Is there better pads you can get to eliminate some/most of this insane brake dust that still perform as good as the stock pads?

Whats the differences between the 04's and 05's. Im looking at getting an 05'. Are they better than the 04's?? I know they have a radio now?? I heard they handle different and drive different any truth?? Thanx guys

Don-

The STi is a blast!Cannot wait to get in it. Instant smile. . Toque is massive for a daily driver. . less downshifts! Its a year old this month and 11K. I agree with the seats being uncomfortable on long trips. Actually drove from Albany to Cherry Hill NJ twice.. .not bad.It frikin grips like a SOB. There is lots of brake dust. .but keep on them. . Brakes may squeal. .mine did.Stock tires arent the greatest rain and are pretty noisy. I drive it everyday. You have to run premium gas. .HOWEVER you can benefit form Ultra 94 in NJ <Nice>. Dropped it here in NY.
No regrets. . and you wont either.Its all that and more. Very satified. Winters have never been this fun. It dominates in the snow / ice.
Have you driven one? Take care.
Andy

So the 04 STI does not have a radio? Does it even have a CD player? Between the slight handling difference and if the radio thing is true, I might be getting an 05 instead of an 04.
Ryan

No factory stereo but I'm guessing most '04s have stereos by now.

So the 04 STI does not have a radio? Does it even have a CD player? Between the slight handling difference and if the radio thing is true, I might be getting an 05 instead of an 04.
Ryan

There are a lot of changes for 05, if you can afford the 05 it a better overall package in my opinion. Most 04's now have stereo's in them since most of the owners added them, the one I boght has a cd player and speakers so that wasn't an issue for me.

Some of the changes for 05 are a new steering wheel, different climate control, wider wheels, wider fender flares, revised suspension, new bsuhing, aluminium control arms, and a few other tidbits. It's supposed to understeer less then the 04 did.

I paid about 4k less then an 05 at invoice would cost so I'm pretty happy and am willing to sacrafice most of those changes
Mike

PERFECT daily driver....but yeah I could use some better gas milage :lol:

ABCD!

My biggest complaint is the chips! The brake dust is pretty bad also, but I'm used to it now. My nice and quiet Hakka 2's will be going on soon. Yes I just wrote that one of the most aggressive snow tires are quiet. However 23k miles and I'm still loving it.

Bryan

31K plus miles in the last 18 months. Does that qualify as "daily driven"? :D

My only regret is that the STi was not available years earlier! I live in the "snow belt", so my previous sports cars sat for 4-5 months out of each year. That should be a crime.

There are minor inconveniences, like the thin paint, the rattle in the self dimming rearview, the brake dust, and the inconvenient height of the rear spoiler for rearview vision. But then again, I went into my purchase with my eyes wide open, knowing that I was compromising "road ability" for outright performance. I have been pleasantly surprised just how civilized the STi actually is.

Dont let the brake dust build up. It ruins your rims.

~v6

thought of the only con to the car... BRAKE DUST!
-criz

I agree. That is another complaint I forgot about. I know, it is a trivial complaint, but I hate washing the car, driving 6 blocks and already having brake dust on the wheels after such a short drive. I know - part of the deal with good/big brakes. Is there better pads you can get to eliminate some/most of this insane brake dust?

EDIT: Let me rephrase the questioin: Is there better pads you can get to eliminate some/most of this insane brake dust that still perform as good as the stock pads?

wax your wheels and its really a non issue.

52K miles in 13 months, top that:cool:

usually drive about 150-250 miles a day in it when I work, and thats on Tein springs, 225/40/18s and Sparco Torino seats, feels great to me!:)
Although I felt the STI was a bit too soft when I got it(compared to my last car!) so your opinion may vary;)

no regrets besides that the roads down in S. Texas are some of the worst I have ever encountered, but I'll be leaving here in a year thank god

I put some Boston Acoustics speakers in, an Eclipse HU, and lastly a Kenwood woox amp/sub and I sing to myself on the way to work every morning (just gotta stop singing before I get to the gate, don't want the sentries looking at me all weird). That drowns out the road noise.

I love my car and never have regretted the purchase.

It's definitely an able car to be a daily driver, but, to summarize: stock tires too loud, not a lot of sound deadening, combined with yucky commutes (bad roads and traffic), makes for a fun car and a not so fun regular drive. (done over 24k miles of that). I've switched to another car that's a little more utilitarian and comfy for the daily commute. The STi now acts as a play toy.

had the car about 2 weeks now and loving it a lot....the 6-speed, all the little gadets, and most of all the TORQUE....the ride was pretty rough with the RE070s...but they grip really good. but i have WS50s now and i can hear the motor a lot now since there isn't too much road noise....

things i don't like are brake dust....stiff ride....and a few interior rattles that need to be addressed....and also the flapping wing....

but overall i really love the car....a lot more than my old wrx....just need to get past break in period:D

does waxing the rims really help with the brake dust?

does waxing the rims really help with the brake dust?

It just makes it easier to get the dust off, and helps protect your wheels from pitting.

I just got mine a week ago. I drive 25 miles to work. No regrets. To keep the noise down, I try to keep the rpm around 2500. I believe the road noise is louder than the exhaust.

As for back hurting, It took me a while to get the driver seat just right. I have driven the car for 2 hours straight, in a city with lots of stop and go. The only thing that hurts is my right leg. It's hard to keep it from going fast if you know what I mean. I have to keep restraining my self. I can't wait until break-in is over.

ONLY REGRET... i should have put a rock shield on the nose of the car right off the bat.. i waited, and by the time i was thinking about doing it... the nose hal already 3 or 4 chips...

i opted for the underbody spray on coating, to help combat road noise, and minnesota salt.. i also put in a ton of sound deadening material, in the front doors, and in the trunk bed... this cut down of road noise in a huge huge way.

other than that, it's been an awsome daily driver.

I love my car. No regrets. Ever km I rack up brings mt 1 km closer to a cool replacement mod.

-J

~9k miles on mine as a daily driver with mixed city, highway driving. no regrets, even with the nuisances described above.

The only complaint is that on my 1.1 mile commute the car barely reaches normal operating temperatures :o which in turn gives me crappy gas mileage! :(

Sometimes it just makes me want to walk to work...but ohh well; No major regrets here.

Dynamat gooood :) (or similar product :lol: )

I got 30-50lbs of deading in my car and im not done yet :devil:

At first i wanted it to be as quiet as my wrx was... but then i said fuggedabowdit and went nuts and did everything. Roof to floor, firewall to the tail lights.

~v6

So how is it now? Any specific areas that are responsible for the most noise?

I think the STi is a great daily driver. Much better than my S2000. The ride really isn't that bad and all that grunt down low makes it a breeze in city traffic. I also love having the passing power, in the S2000 you have to downshift 2 gears to get the revs up before passing some 95 yr old doing 35 in a 50.

I replaced the tires. It eliminated 70% of the tire noise.

I replaced the tires. It eliminated 70% of the tire noise.


what tires did you get ????

thanks

what tires did you get ????

thanks



Bridgestone Potenza RE750's


The tire techs had a very difficult time removing the OEM tires as their sidewalls are so stiff. They were visibly amazed and commented that the OEM tires were a bitch to remove.

Mega stiffness=lots of tire noise into the cabin.

The 750's are much quieter and serves my needs well.

Waited so long (14k) to get a radio and didn't dynomat the car when installing.

Just curious if anyone has found the car to stiff, loud, just annoying in general to drive ona daily basis. I'm currently shopping for one but am a little leery just because it would be my daily driver which would mean it would go through traffic, open highways etc. Any comments?
Mike

Yep, found it tiring enough that I traded it in on an S4 Avant after less than 8 months. When you buy an STi, you are buying the motor, transmission, and drivetrain (which are phenomenal) - the rest is just free stuff they throw in to make it a complete vehicle, and it shows in the quality (or lack there-of).

if you want sti hosepower, but like the wrx "daily" comfort, then buy a wrx and install a turboxs stage 2. my modded wrx was more comfortable, and straight line faster than my stock sti.
wrx with txs stage 2 i ran 13.20's with base maps.
stock sti i am running 13.60's.
however it is not long until i modify the sti.....hope to see mid 12's

6k and had it 2 months. Car kicks ass, holding up to a good level of abuse w/o any issues at all. Stock stereo is pretty badass in my op. 05' btw. Road noise does bother me a little so i just turn the stereo up. The brake dust is also anoying. But the brakes are incredible. Suprisingly no tickets yet :lol: . I figured id be more of a target with the bigass wing. Needs another cigarette jack ( only one). But i have thats easy to solve. Love having no doorframe over the window. Shift light and buzzer. Car is just awesome, never owned a car before that people stare and point at in awe. Im mean its only an sti, but makes me feel good.

i made mine stiffer, so no to that question. and i dont care about road noise. brake dust comes with the territory, although i have heard some aftermarket pads give off less. i put 19000 on mine in the first year. perfect daily driver.

How many miles are you guys getting from the stock pads? I am afraid of the $$$ when it comes time to replace them...

16k and mine are pretty much gone. Decent pads are under $200. Hoping mine last until HPS's are available.

another thing i dont like...the wiper blades suck....they streak a lot...and i dont even have 1000 miles on the car yet.....maybe i'll get some rain-X ones...

my regret is hitting a deer (actually it ran into me)

http://www.fallrevolution.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10068/normal_DSC00066.JPG

I wish people would stop trying to race me, box me in, police my speed by cutting me off when I'm cruising in the right lane. Honestly, people need to mind their own business and leave my car alone.
:lol: add to that honking their horns for you to slow down while doing the limit :rolleyes:

For a daily driver, get some softer tires, like PZeros

I really love driving my car. I hate driving when there are too many people on the road, trucks, or cops. I hate shifting when its cold out or when the tranny is still cold.

Best daily driver I've owned. It's my one and only car and I just made it louder with a TB exhaust.

How many miles are you guys getting from the stock pads? I am afraid of the $$$ when it comes time to replace them...

i have 20k miles (daily driver, no autox) and i still have a good 3-4mm (till i hit the squealers) of life left on the pads.

i got front and rear pads, speed bleeders and ss brake lines for 600 bucks or so. its not too bad.

its a blast to drive, even in rush out gridlock, i have a turboXS type "BOV" in mine and i have alot of fun messin wit the people next to me. seats hold u in well, and u will do circles around people in the rain.

I drive my STI daily around Albany NY and on weekends a 4 hour trip to Potsdam NY and then 4 hour trip back to Albany. I really have gotten a chance to experience it all; rush hour and the 5mph roll, the upstate mountain roads, and the city. I will honestly say the STI is great in every situation. I look for reasons just to drive the car!!!! As people have said there is the back ache issue with the seats after about an hour and a half, to solve that I just change the position of the seat now and then on long trips and it seems to be just enough to stay comfortable. The back roads are amnazing and the car never fails to put a smile on your face and your passangers! :D


Ah, I assume that you take, what is it, 28 to 30 to 3 to 56? Damn, I'd love to do that drive in my STi.

another thing i dont like...the wiper blades suck....they streak a lot...and i dont even have 1000 miles on the car yet.....maybe i'll get some rain-X ones...

Try using Rain-X, then you wont need wipers at all!

Better yet, just get better wipers. I've been using triple edge wipers and am quite pleased with them. Others swear by PIAA's (I think that's what they're called).

Rain-x has to be continuously re-applied. If it wears off during heavy rains you end up with squeaky wipers that bounce and do a horrible job in clearing off water.

depends on what you are looking for... if you want a nice good feedback mechanical sounding car its excellent...comfortable...4 door...etc..... "ok" on gas

Switching to a more all season tire (i have 19's for the summer) made a big difference in interior noise and tramlining on the highway....

i think the most annoying thing about the sti is its undersprung for what it is...the damper/spring package is not matched very well... stiffer springs might cure some of that...but the car is very sensitive to pitch and roll....

I dont feel a rear bar alone is just the solution for the roll/understeer either (but i hate doing bars in general... especially front)... but the car needs more roll stiffness at both ends.

The car tends to take on its own rotation alot when u modulate the gas... Id rather have a more consistent platform with more neutral an attitude... (aka...different suspension, with different alignment settings)

I think the car would be real nice on a different set of tires... some stiffer springs (that add a tiny bit of rake)...and a different alignment setting.

just my two cents...

chad b
CBRD

Hey CBRD. A lot of those problemswere fixed with the 2005 STI. An active front YAW control has solved the understeer problem. The boost creep proble is also gone. The car actually has slightly more torque than the 2004. Another thing that everyone isn't familiar with is the 2005 rims have a different bolt pattern. They are NOT compatible with the '04 model. They should've redesigned the rim for better brake dust ventilation. The ceter console/dash area is a bit different and actually looks nicer IMHO. and that retarded cup hold under the center vents has finally been removed. In addition to all of that the ECU is actually much different than the '04.

I use my '05 as a daily driver in Central NJ. Pot holes and all and there isn't a single regret I have or thing I would change. Just watch the power in the rain kids ;)

I have a 2005 STi also... im just stating the things I have noticed with the car.

I am aware of all of the changes with the car from 2004, such as suspension geometry etc... i think some of the handling characteristics have changed because of the new front diff also.

I agree with ur assessment of the new dash much nicer looking, problem is...it's hard to see the AC lights and such when its bright out... (i drive with my headlights on all the time though, so this dims the dash lights...)


I feel the car would benefit a lot from negative rake... and possibly a little more rear spring and rear rebound... i think this would keep the car in line... but would alleviate the understeer...

its fun in the rain with the all season tires now...throw the power to the rear.... put on the more aggressive map...and hiyo!! hee he...cant wait for the snow!!!

chad b
CBRD

as far as boost...

im experiencing some small issues with boost variances o n mine with the cold weather changing...im running a UTEC, intake and downpipe, with stock exhaust... and have recently switched to a mbc.... but I like the power delivery better with the MBC...just needed some tweaking...

Otherwise.... i am one of those people that isnt happy ever with a stock suspension platform... and as far as understeer... if you drive the car hard...it will understeer.... on the street driving sporty... you can have a little push... but not too bad... I have a 22mm rear bar and still experience understeer...

when my 2005 RSS H&R Coilovers arrive I will be throwing my own alignment specs at the car... to make it a little more responsive but also more stable... I feel the sti is a difficult car to drive with one hand....comfortable anyway...but it is my first non german car....

chad b
CBRD

Better yet, just get better wipers. I've been using triple edge wipers and am quite pleased with them. Others swear by PIAA's (I think that's what they're called).

Rain-x has to be continuously re-applied. If it wears off during heavy rains you end up with squeaky wipers that bounce and do a horrible job in clearing off water.
i had rain-x blades on my old rex...and they worked great for almost a year...i put a pair on the STi only thing that sucks is that i lose the little spoiler flap on the driver side blade....but other than that...rain-X wiper fluid and rain-X blades make rainy driving not so bad....

also, are the HIDs dim to anyone else? i think im used to the 5000K ones from my old car.....

My commute in many ways defines my day. If I can open up my STi and get some ownage in :devil: it's all good but if I have to sit in traffic or go slow, I notice the little stuff like the ride quality, the cabin noise and the awkwardness of stop and go driving and I start to think about a 3 series :eek:
That said, I would buy this car again, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on. There's nothing like threading a corner at 9/10, going positive on boost and feeling the differentials do their thing.

Not a single one.

well, it's a LOT more comfortable than my FD, but still a LOT less comfortable than my explorer.

there's nothing to really regret for me since i still have other cars to choose from.

i'm 6'3 and 320lbs too.

i'm 6'3 and 320lbs too.

Yo, particle, then you are doing origami like me when you get in the car :lol:

EDITED

also, are the HIDs dim to anyone else? i think im used to the 5000K ones from my old car.....

I'm happy with the brightness, it's the level adjustment that I'm not happy with. It seems like at the highest setting they still aren't aimed high enough to light up the road ahead of you properly. I believe that there is a way to adjust the adjuster so that it goes up higher...I'll check scoobymods.

I wish the seats were a little better...after driving a evo for the last week...it makes me wish i had those Recaros in my car...
The shifter action in the STI is kinda vague also....compared to a few other cars i have owned..

My other let downs on the car have been taken care off when i replaced the turbo and moded the suspension...now i'm a happy camper.

thought of the only con to the car... BRAKE DUST!
I just purchased black wheels. Problem solved!

It has been my daily driver for 16 months and it is still the most favorite car that I have ever owned.

I'm happy with the brightness, it's the level adjustment that I'm not happy with. It seems like at the highest setting they still aren't aimed high enough to light up the road ahead of you properly. I believe that there is a way to adjust the adjuster so that it goes up higher...I'll check scoobymods.
let me know if you find anything :)

How many miles are you guys getting from the stock pads? I am afraid of the $$$ when it comes time to replace them...

I have just over 23k on mine and I still have some meat left. I've already searched for pads, and thay are reasonable, asl ong as you don't go to the dealer,

Bryan

dudes the f'n hood scoop rattles like crazy through the vents, soooo annoying. i'm loving all the head turns i get though! car is a blastg to drive, just a little shaky though on some parts of the car.

I have 15K on mine. Love the performance, but wish it had more luxury. That said, I would probably prefer a 911 Turbo... but I can't justify 100K on one car. The STi is fine for a daily driver.

To those of you complaining about the STI seats:

I had 2 WRX's; both of which I drove over 35,000/year. I had an '02 and an '03 and those seats are MUCH more comfortable and supportive than the '04+ STI Seats. You can get used WRX seats VERY cheap and Leatherseats.com has seat covers that match the STIs perfectly and look incredible. Someone on the boards did it....can't remember who but it was a Tri-Stater.

Yup, i regret it a lot. Think of it, read this forum over and see how much problem we got from this car while this car is not cheap.

Yup, i regret it a lot. Think of it, read this forum over and see how much problem we got from this car while this car is not cheap.


actually relative to what you get its very cheap. What problems are you having?

I mean i love this car at first sight and that's why i pick it from G35, Rx-8, SLK, 3.2TL, and 9-3. But the STi have too many LITTLE problems. The value i paid can buy one of the above and maybe have less problem.

Not a single one.
couldntve said it any better myself.

I mean i love this car at first sight and that's why i pick it from G35, Rx-8, SLK, 3.2TL, and 9-3. But the STi have too many LITTLE problems. The value i paid can buy one of the above and maybe have less problem.

yep, sounds like you bought the wrong car. You probably would have been alot happier with the a G35 or SLK I hear they come with seat warmers too. :)

couldntve said it any better myself.

okay, but what the hell was he talking about :p

Nope. Wouldn't trade it for the world. You can experience a great rush 365 days a year.

I mean i love this car at first sight and that's why i pick it from G35, Rx-8, SLK, 3.2TL, and 9-3. But the STi have too many LITTLE problems. The value i paid can buy one of the above and maybe have less problem.


Nightrunner, I don't want to be an ass but it would be nice to know exactly what you are talking about when you say you have complaints. As of now your ingrish is a bit hard to understand.

Jon

PS: Maybe it's just me :alien:

okay, but what the hell was he talking about :p
took me a second, too...but the topic is:

Any STi owners that use their cars as a daily driver have any regrets?

to which he replied:

not a single one. :)

;)

PS: Maybe it's just me :alien:

nope.

8,800 miles, compared to my previous G35 and VW GTI, this thing is the best car ever! I drive 45-60 miles a day and its absolutely amazing. Handles amazingly, accelerates amazingly, very stable car. I love the stiff ride; gives it a more sporty feeling. Not a single regret about buying it. The only thing i don't like is that its a cop magnet. You will hassled. GREAT CARDo you think the biggest hassle factor is the rear wing?

took me a second, too...but the topic is:

Any STi owners that use their cars as a daily driver have any regrets?

to which he replied:

not a single one. :)

;)

yeah I though he was replying to someone elses post.

In that case, +1
:)

yep, sounds like you bought the wrong car. You probably would have been alot happier with the a G35 or SLK I hear they come with seat warmers too. :)

Mine has seat warmers too. :)

And i don't want to repeat my problems again; otherwise, happasaiyan will kill me for this.

I regret not having more money to mod my car with.

Everyone does :lol:

Do you think the biggest hassle factor is the rear wing?
I HATE the STi wing. Can't see a damned thing behind me (I'm 6'3"). It obstructs my view all the time.

I think the wing is COMPLETELY a cop magnet. I plan to de-wing the STi and buying a TS trunk in the spring. I just hate the damned thing. :mad:

I plan to de-wing the STi and buying a TS trunk in the spring. I just hate the damned thing. :mad:


I'd love to se a "TS" trunk on an STi, good luck with that :lol:

i got 16,300 miles since 8-04' on my 2005' STi with no probs i didnt cause. Like pulling the ebrake in mid-drift to compensate for a little understeer = ebrake off track. Stock tires are awesome on a Hot day but aren't any other time, especially when it's time to replace them. I got about 40% tread left @16K miles. I hear the brake pads are costly but im to afraid to look. I lost about 20% power throughout power range from doing cookies 5deep on dry pavement. I believe i ate half my clutch life up in 30 seconds; Any input on what i may have done here? Love he Car though, Handles like a champ on gravel @ 80-90mph even with 17" road wheel/tire/Brake setup.
*Long Live Lovell/Freeman

I HATE the STi wing. Can't see a damned thing behind me (I'm 6'3"). It obstructs my view all the time.

I think the wing is COMPLETELY a cop magnet. I plan to de-wing the STi and buying a TS trunk in the spring. I just hate the damned thing. :mad:

Really!? I am planning to get the "rally" wing on my STi. :D

Chase me, cop! :devil:

I'd love to se a "TS" trunk on an STi, good luck with that :lol:
Actually, there is a local guy up here that has a "dewinged" STi. He was very quick to point out that the paint on the new trunk from the body shop had less orange peel than the stock paint :o :lol: ==> FHI really should be embarrased by the poor quality of paint they consistently produce year after year. :mad:

Since we can only buy "winged" WRX's in Canada, seeing one without any kind of wing looks rather unique. I like the stealth factor.

the only regreat i have is selling mySTi. i miss it so much.
later
andy
a new one may be in the future. we will see.
later

I have put 22000 miles on mine since its purchase in April. I love it, and i find it more comfortable, even on long drives. It also makes me feel safer, since last night while going for a ride in my friend's Porshe 911 GT3 and he threw the rear and gave the gaurd rail a kiss. I know that the STi out handles his $180,000 Porshe going up and down hills.

my only regret was that for a while i was doing a lot of highway miles to and from work.... i eventually got bored because i was never on a curvy road! so i had to get a $250 car to remind me how much fun my car really is...

and gas mileage stinks (but i think that point is pretty well covered)

:(

btw black sti is right abo the gt3. my friend has one too and ill tell you, a ride it in just felt scary and out of control, though he was thoroughly impressed with my STi and is now thinking of getting one

i didn't use my sti as a daily car, basically, i treat it as my toy & god....it's amazing!! i enjoy it very much!
right now i'm on t67 & put 1.4bar on stock internals, will change to forged soon! but basically, i enjoy it! 3222 awesome miles since i bought it Dec 2003~~

bump for an outstanding topic for those of us who are really interested in purchasing an STI for hard daily use.
*thread subscription for the newb*

Yo, particle, then you are doing origami like me when you get in the car :lol:


he he, it's not as bad as taking off the rx7. but the B pillars lower plastic piece is very scratched up from me rolling on it with my jeans when i get out. i always tend to "roll" outward around the pillar since i sit BEHIND it with the seat all the way back.

and i must say that my ass is too fat for the ass bolsters in the seat and they are not very compliant with their metal supports. this becomes an issue on long drives and with most stiff seats like this it's best to not be sitting on a fat wallet. but leg room is much less of a complaint. especially with the cruise control.

head room is fine, i'd imagine i could easily wear a helmet (a huge problem in the 7).

i got the optional raised center arm rest too, invaluable.

ZERO regrets. and I've upped spring rates, hardened all the bushings, loud exhaust, etc. My 2 yr. old daughter loves it!

I drive 158 a day on my 05 Sti and i love it.The only thing that i hate is seeing my millage go up everyday

is it me or are the rims real hard to keep blingin and clean? i used some wax as you dry on em after the car wash, but that did nothing. anything you guys recommend? right now i have meguiars NXT wax, Gold Class wax, and Stoners Speed Bead wax. should i try either of those onthe rims?

also anyone running rally armor mudflaps on their STi? i'd like to protect the paint more and i'm torn between clear car armor (clear stone shielding) or some nice mudflaps, my make shift ones may not be doing the job.

other than that, i drive 50+ miles a day on mine and love running the car through the gears. i wake up every morning looking forward to driving the STi:)

I drive my STI daily around Albany NY and on weekends a 4 hour trip to Potsdam NY and then 4 hour trip back to Albany. I really have gotten a chance to experience it all; rush hour and the 5mph roll, the upstate mountain roads, and the city. I will honestly say the STI is great in every situation. I look for reasons just to drive the car!!!! As people have said there is the back ache issue with the seats after about an hour and a half, to solve that I just change the position of the seat now and then on long trips and it seems to be just enough to stay comfortable. The back roads are amnazing and the car never fails to put a smile on your face and your passangers! :D

I also drive my 04 around Albany and Troy.. The roads suck ass around here and make for a bumpy, noisy ride. I wish the roads were a little better!! When the snow and salt hits I drive my beater. I'm probably going to sell the car next year to get something with more luxury and more practical.

is it me or are the rims real hard to keep blingin and clean? i used some wax as you dry on em after the car wash, but that did nothing. anything you guys recommend? right now i have meguiars NXT wax, Gold Class wax, and Stoners Speed Bead wax. should i try either of those onthe rims?

also anyone running rally armor mudflaps on their STi? i'd like to protect the paint more and i'm torn between clear car armor (clear stone shielding) or some nice mudflaps, my make shift ones may not be doing the job.

other than that, i drive 50+ miles a day on mine and love running the car through the gears. i wake up every morning looking forward to driving the STi:)
My buddy just put mudflaps on his STi. He got them from the member "fastlane" He sells them and a few other items. You should check them out.

http://www.fastlineonline.com/

~v6

No regrets at all. Wonderful daily driver it is :D

Other than washing the BBSs is a pain in the arse :lol:

I love having my STi as a daily driver. It makes heading to work a lot more fun, I only wish my commute was more than 5 minutes! Yes the gas mileage stinks in the city, but it'd help if I didn't have such a lead foot :p

No regrets at all. Wonderful daily driver it is :D

Other than washing the BBSs is a pain in the arse :lol:


Mothers wheel cleaner works well for me. I spray the SH IT outta all the rims(use half the bottle for 4 rims) and it takes 90% off all brake dust off. It's a totally different looking car when it's clean!!