Thanks to Ford's warranty policies :mad: (and refusal to let me test drive an '05 Mustang GT [whereas the Subaru dealer let me try an STi]) I've virtually decided on an '05 STi.

I'd like to hear any advice/cautions, etc. you all know. Like, what sort of horror stories have you heard about these? Maintenance issues? Tips? Experience? I saw in another thread, this comment:

trannie problems generally come from ppl who aren't familiar with awd manual and abuse it.

Can someone elaborate?

What's invoice on these?

I'd just like to be more comfortable before I shell out $30k on a make I've never owned before. Thanks.

Got an 04 STi and I love it ^_^ the only thing that I have a problem with is the ruff ride but that could be replaced with new spring. Also the stock 04 didn't come with a head unit nor speakers -_- which makes the ride boring but I fixed that except for the ruff ride :). The performance is awsome and I also like the interior. Go for it :).

OMG!! :eek: I just looked at the "warranty issues" forum! What's going on here? Are problems like those as common as they seem? Are bad dealers the norm? This is really giving me the willies.

You were going to buy a Ford and you're concerned about Subaru warranty issues? :huh: :lol:

Reliability reports for all car makes are available from various sources such as Consumer Reports, I'd rely more on those.

It's not (just) reliability reports I want. I never can phrase my concerns exactly right, but it's like, does this car make, you know, any "extra demands" of its owner, compared to more mundane cars? Something you might not have been prepared for if you'd never owned a "special" sort of car? That's what I mean. Sort of.

My take is this: I have owned Hondas, Volkswagens and Fords. Fords have been shiite for quality likewise Volkswagen. Something was either designed poorly or broke. Maybe not big stuff but lots of little things. My Hondas I never had a problem just changed the oil and beat on 'em. Now, making a leap, Subarus are Japanese designed. I never ever thought I would buy a Subaru until I needed a car with 4 doors, Japanese, and had performance for a middle aged guy. This car is my daily commuter and I also carry my two kids to and from school. Accident rating was tops and reliability was supposed to be average or better. I figured I will keep the car for 2-3 years then move onto something more "grown-up" ;-) In the meantime, I can enjoy the 3 year warranty from Subaru (you can extend the warranty at the dealer anytime b4 the original one runs out. Price negotiable). I don't plan on making any mods so as not to affect warranty (at least not with out talking to the Subie mechanic 1st). Tranny problems I have not read the postings but folks are no doubt beating on their cars and are pushing the car beyond its design limits. Anyone who frys a tranny needs to learn how to shift or mod properly.

Only extra care I am going to put into this car is scheduled maintanance (skipped alot in the Hondas), regular oil changes every 3-4k, and I guess I'll need to wash it more often given the brake dust problem. Other than that, so far it's like any other quality Japanese car. The car is 'special" because its can be f'n/fast and fun or docile/domestic at your leisure. All with Japanese reliability.

I base my experience on this: I bought mine used with 10k (bank repo so I never met the owner!) and have put 2k on it in the past 2 months. I don't regret my decision. I had the dealer do the 7.5k tuneup for $150 and he said the car looked clean and I would have warranty to cover any of my mystery mile concerns. Just be prepared to deal with some interior rattles (which can be fixed). The car guzzles premium gas 17-19 mpg, but that's comparing with my 87 octane Honda.

To buy new, I researched the car back in October In NorCal they were going at or under invoice. Do your homework at MSNcars, Edmunds and Intellichoice. Don't pay over invoice + tax/lic. Buy no extras! I know for a fact the Reza in SoCal can be very competitive.

Final advice, just pull the trigger and enjoy!

Don't rev to 5 or 6 grand and dump the clutch, with AWD you will break the tranny eventually.
The stock tires are fabulous performers but don't last more than 20k miles, less if pushed.
Otherwise, it's a great car. However, if the quarter mile is your thing the mustang is also a good choice and may hold up better in the long run.

There are lots of tranny issues with the WRX. It seems to be a north american preoccupation with drag starts. Other markets don't have nearly the issues with the same tranny. Treat it will kindness and it will last a long time.

WRX trannies have had issues with people who drag race. Adult driven WRXs haven't had problems.

Also, STi has not had these problems. Also Subaru dealers are generally better than most.

Stock, adult driven STi's don't seem to be having any issues. That includes cars used for track days and autocross. (Drag racing is toughest on these cars)

The thing that most likely will annoy you is the ride. Make sure its not too stiff for you.

Don
04 STi - stock - 17K miles, no issues.

I agree with most of the stuff said above. I work with these cars every day, and almost every car I see come in with a major problem is either 1) heavily modded, in which case, Subaru really can't be faulted, or 2) flogged like a rented mule. I drive my car hard, but I also take care of it. If you do likewise, you should be fine. I have a lightly modded WRX, and love it, but I'm not sure I'd want an STi. I don't think it'd be worth the extra power to give up the things you loose (space, quietness, nice ride, etc). I don't track or auto-X though. If I did, I'd go STi in a second.

This post no longer applies.

I saw the post before you edited it. It's (was) tempting, but I'm not ready to pull the trigger. I was going to say don't wait for me, but it looks like he didn't.

Don't buy the STi.

Here's mine:

http://sti.swankmonkey.com :banana:

I've just sold my superclean, tastefully modded 04 STi for 26.5K , after 16 months of driving it. Why did I buy it? 4 doors and a very good crash rating, and the most powerful 4 cylinder in North America were my reasons for buying it. That, and I work at a dealership so warranty was not an issue for me.

I drive WRX's, STi's, R32's, GTI's, etc etc just about every day of the week. Every time I sat in a WRX, it felt significantly more comfortable and civilized, without sacrificing support or too much power. The 04-05 interior is a big improvement over the older models too. I'd say for practical reasons, a WRX sedan will suit you just fine, and a wagon will suit you even better. And if you truly want comfort, style, power, and utility, take a look at a GT sedan or wagon and upgrade it with a Cobb Accessport. You'll save big money in insurance too, when compared to the STi.

Don't get me wrong, the STi is an awesome car. Just keep in mind if comfort is important to you, the Legacy GT performs very well in comparison, is more comfortable, has the looks, and is cheaper. And cops don't even notice you.

i took delivery on my 05 this past tuesday and love it, go for it !!!

I went from a 350Z to my STi, and I couldnt be happier. My roommate is buying an 05 Mustang GT. My personal opinion is I like the Subaru. Also please note: "Ford plans on selling 175,000 mustangs PER YEAR" .... Now think... how many STi's do you see around town?

Alright! - a few more responses.

I get your point about how many STis you see around town, but to me that's a big minus. Fewer built = more demand for parts and the cars themselves = more popular with thieves.

I've been thinking about which car to buy every day for 6 months now, and it's driving me nuts. :mad:

Jeff,

Not true at all. More built = more of a market for spare parts = more theivery. One of the most stolen cars in this country is the Honda Accord (and toyota camry). Why, because there is a huge demand for used parts for these cars.

Don

Buy the damn sti and shuddyap! kidding... its honestly a top notch car. Best thing to buy for $30k if you are looking for fast as $#%@ and some practicality.

i went from a 2004 mach 1 to STi..no regrets this car rocks!

I get your point about how many STis you see around town, but to me that's a big minus. Fewer built = more demand for parts and the cars themselves = more popular with thieves.

I've been thinking about which car to buy every day for 6 months now, and it's driving me nuts. :mad:

i also have new car fever, its horrible since i've only had my car (2003 tiburon gt) for less than 2 years. though i think i have settled onto the wrx (350z and c5 vette also considered). it will make a good daily driver and i autoX, so this should be a fun car.

people steal popular cars (or steal from them) because they can perfect how they break into them. thats why almost everyone i know who has a 2nd gen eclipse (including my old talon) had their stereo stolen. the thieves knew exactly how to get into it so they can do it quickly and efficiently without getting caught.

as for reliability - If you take care of the car it will take care of you. i drive a lightly modded hyundai, i AutoX it, i drive it pretty hard and i've put 47,000miles on it in 23 months. the only problem i've had is a locking actuator. many other tiburon owners have to have the clutch replaced at 12k miles (and 24 somtimes). but i probably take care of mine a lot better than other people.

hope this oppinion helps a bit.

Sti tranny is much stronger than the wrx one, don't worry about the tranny worry about getting new tires the tread wears quickly if you are having fun!!

I have an 05 Sti, no issues. other then going through 93 octane like its water and getting a reckless driving ticket i love it. Plus the insurance was no lie 10 times cheaper. 103 a month

OMG!! :eek: I just looked at the "warranty issues" forum! What's going on here? Are problems like those as common as they seem? Are bad dealers the norm? This is really giving me the willies.

Yeah I wouldn't be concerned with the warranty issues. Sports cars are abused, and its more common than you think where people don't know how to treat their car.

I used to have a 3rd gen rx-7 and I experienced few of the mechanical issues a majority of folks have reported for the rx-7. The RX-7 did require more care, but it wasn't a ticking timebomb.

Check out the private for sale forum. I've been contemplating a motor swap for my legacy and I've been watching the forum for only a few weeks, and I've already seen a couple of "wrecked sti" part out threads.

Interesting about what you mentioned about the test drives. My local Subie dealer wouldn't let me test the STI, but I could test a GT, if they were in stock, they seem to be selling very fast.