Currently drive a 02 WRX. Looking to get into the STi club.

I was mostly into Hondas before getting my WRX in June of 2001. It's bone stock except Michelin Exalto 205/50/16 tires that replaced the stock ones when they wore out, and OMP brake pads that replaced the stock pads when they wore out. Oh, and I also got an ACT clutch and flywheel in there, which (you guessed it) replaced the stock clutch when it wore out. I am ready for something new, so I was looking towards a black 04 or 05 STi.

Wolfe Subaru has a blue one that has a carbon fiber hood scoop, modified front emblem, and it what appears to be Yokohama SNOW tires??? It also had a panasonic stereo but with a pioneer remote control??? Something seems fishy. Looks as if the previous owner drove the crap out of the stock tires and put on those crappy tires before dumping it. Also seems WAY overpriced at $39,900. I read that blue book on these is 25 to 28k US, which works out to about 30k-33k canadian.

Where is the best place to get a used 04 or 05 STi? Should I stick to Vancouver? Should I look out of province? What about importing one from the US? Is there much difference between the 04 and 05?

Please help!

The local VW dealer, Speedway here in Vic has a blue 04.
I'd be cautious too but remember, these are enthusiast cars, there aren't going to be many unmolested cars.

The local VW dealer, Speedway here in Vic has a blue 04.
I'd be cautious too but remember, these are enthusiast cars, there aren't going to be many unmolested cars.

Do you know off hand what are they asking for it? Mileage and whether it's stock or modded?

Looks stock, it's not on their site so I would call if I were you. The island usually overprices their cars but if you are ready to make a deal I am sure they will be flexible.

US blue book is useless for these cars unless you are going to import one, because the canadian MSRP is way over the straght conversion.

We've seen a lot of BC-only 04s go recently for high 30s with ultra low mileage ones in low 40s. In the USA, if you want to bring one across the border, you will it will of course be less. And of course, deals can be had with some going for mid 35s. But you probably will not find a Canadian titled one *from BC* with less than 50km for less than that. Of course, go to quebec or alberta whatever and they are cheaper (the bc cars tend to have higher resale as there is no salt - at least in lower mainland)

I know of 2 but they are in the 38-39 range, one with 47k and one with 40k. Both bone stock, both not tracked etc..

wait for nxt year.and see the price drop a bit..

US blue book is useless for these cars unless you are going to import one, because the canadian MSRP is way over the straght conversion.

We've seen a lot of BC-only 04s go recently for high 30s with ultra low mileage ones in low 40s. In the USA, if you want to bring one across the border, you will it will of course be less. And of course, deals can be had with some going for mid 35s. But you probably will not find a Canadian titled one *from BC* with less than 50km for less than that. Of course, go to quebec or alberta whatever and they are cheaper (the bc cars tend to have higher resale as there is no salt - at least in lower mainland)

I know of 2 but they are in the 38-39 range, one with 47k and one with 40k. Both bone stock, both not tracked etc..

Do you think bringing one across the border is a realistic option in terms of the hassle?

Ok so let's say a 04 STi with 40,000 to 50,000 kms... is $38,000 realistically the going rate? Or was 38-39 just the asking price? I would be willing to pay around $35,000 for a bone stock one in excellent condition. Somebody please help me find one! :)

there is a black one here in alberta with low KM at he is asking for 35,000. check canadatrader.com to find it

Are there STi going for $35,000 locally?? The ones on Buy&Sell never go below $40k... now there is one at $39 but maybe in a year or two they will drop down by more especially with the 06 new design

there is a black one here in alberta with low KM at he is asking for 35,000. check canadatrader.com to find it

Sweet... thanks for the heads up. I may actually be going to Alberta for vacation! I may just have to pay him a visit!

Border fees are basically 6.1% import duty + 7% GST + about $300 for misc at the gate fees. You have to pay the 7% pst in either case upon registration.

Exchange is currently at 1.19.

So, if you can get a 25 KUSD impreza then it's 33800 CDN here. and so on.

When I was looking into getting an STi, no matter how I added up the numbers it was WAY cheaper to buy one in the states and bring it up. You could probably get a new one for close to the same as a used one here. The only catch is you've gotta do all the paperwork, etc.

www.riv.ca has all the info you'll need.

Subaru is gouging us on prices here, so people want more for used too.
Example (apples to oranges but still both new cars):
STi in US is $32,995USD = $39,400CDN, in Canada it's $48,995 :huh:
Dodge Charger SRT8 in US is $38,095 = $45,000CDN, in Canada it's $44,795 :banana:

like I said, few if any BC titled STis low mileage under 40 if they are any good, or its a fire sale

I know of 2 beautiful examples with many mods, and meticulously maintained for under $40k. One recently sold, the other is my secret. I'm saving for that one.
;)


For the record, Wolfe is smoking crack.
Do as search on my last experience with them trying to buy an overpriced STi.
Other than that, go with the US. I'd never buy another car from them.

Fwiw, there's a 400whp beast for sale for around the $35g usd range. Fully built block, big turbo, Engine Management, and built by a respected US shop. It runs high 11's, and looks amazing while doing it. I spotted in the in "car for sale" section last week.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=879961
$40k usd, and it's twincharged!
:eek:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=866674
stock, white 04' $27,500usd

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=879149
Black STi, 26,500

Add another $1000 to transport the car, pretty much anywhere in NA to you.
Other than that, follow the RIV rules, and it's not that bad an experience to buy from the US.

SOC is screwing us royally on the price of their cars.

I bought my Miata from the States. Paperwork was fun and I'd do it again to save money!

Man, that twincharged STi is scary. GT35R ballbearing turbo spools close to 2500rpm with the supercharge whine..that car must make sick sick sounds...

i'm quite interested in this one~~ 2005 Black STi w/ 12500 miles on it, if i had the money, i'd get it since it's a good deal and not too far from vancouver...
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=880293

Thanks so much for your posts. That Black STi in Oregon looks tempting. It seems as if the paperwork isn't that big a deal, so now my options are wide open.

However, I am now having 2nd thoughts. Main reason I wanted to sell my 02 WRX is because the tranny isn't as strong as before (I was one of the lucky ones that didn't experience many of the problems you guys did), the stereo CD player died (only radio works now), and I'm getting a major hesitation under hard acceleration coming out of corners in 2nd (6500 rpm) or 3rd (4500 rpm). To me, it just seems there are more and more gremlins appearing in the car and I thought now is a good time to sell it. However, after reading the board more, I think that maybe modding it may be a good option.

The main reason I wanted the STi is for the 6 speed tranny to be honest. The extra power and other mods are nice, but aren't essential. I am perfectly "happy" with the WRX performance for the most part. I've now researched the 6 speed tranny option and it looks like for $5000 or less, it can be done. Opinions?

I know that for around $12g, one can have a full STi driveline in their WRX. That would include brakes, hubs, diffs, turbo, virtually everything you would need. $5g for the tranny swap is a bit tight I think, since you'd really need to do a hub, axle and brake swap at the same time. Either that, or go with custom driveshaft, with custom WRX/STi axles.

I'm almost considering going with an STi RA gearset, but having them cryo-treated. That's another option for those looking for bigger power, without killing trannies.

I'm almost considering going with an STi RA gearset, but having them cryo-treated. That's another option for those looking for bigger power, without killing trannies.

Same route I wanted to go with my old RS-T.
For $1500USD (time when I was looking..could be more or less give or take $200) you could get the STi RA V6 gearsets which are good for 300-350whp.
There is a special edition version six out there which is already cyro-treated.

STi 6 speed swap almost makes you want to just buy a STi and have it all under warranty and get the better suspension, brakes, tranny etc.

holy smoke that twin charge is sick...