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Old 08-23-2015, 02:04 AM   #1
Napalm3nema
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Default What would you get, and why?

2005 unmodified STi reasonably low mileage, 80k-ish on the clock, one owner
2005 unmodified even lower mileage 70k, 2005 WRX Sport Wagon, 5 speed stick



Updated with Pics -

Picked up the wagon. Car is rock solid, going to get the timing belt changed and some shifter bushings. Other than that and an air filter replacement she drives perfectly -



Behind my other vintage pickup, 02 SLK32 AMG - 1 owner 42k when I bought it lol:

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Last edited by Napalm3nema; 08-25-2015 at 02:13 PM.
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:06 AM   #2
Maximum Gentleman
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Ford F-150.
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:13 AM   #3
Luke17
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Wow really? Honda Civic for you!
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:55 AM   #4
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Great input so far guys, thanks for the stellar help with me making a decision on which car to purchase!
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Old 08-23-2015, 12:04 PM   #5
thill
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STI. Have you been able to see and drive them?
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Old 08-23-2015, 12:13 PM   #6
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Also assuming you are keeping the Evo, what would you be using the WRX/STi for? If it is just a project/fun car have you considered something much different like an S2K, Miata, etc? Just so you have something different (RWD, lighter, convertible, etc).
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Old 08-23-2015, 12:24 PM   #7
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I'd get what I want. I agree with F-150, do want.
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Old 08-23-2015, 12:52 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm3nema View Post
2005 unmodified STi reasonably low mileage, 80k-ish on the clock, one owner
2005 unmodified even lower mileage 70k, 2005 WRX Sport Wagon, 5 speed stick

Are there any assumptions you're working under like "not molested STI/WRX" or "meticulously maintained"? Or the assumption the CarFax report is clean?

Otherwise, neither. I don't buy at face value, especially used, unless I know what the previous owner did to it as far as maintenance.
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Old 08-23-2015, 12:56 PM   #9
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Drove both, both in great condition and the STi especially is like mint. The WRX appears in good working order but I would take it to a Subaru dealership prior to purchase and don't know if the uppipe has been changed. Leaning towards WRX at this point, is there any downside to the 2.0 that it has in it? (aside from aforementioned up-pipe)
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Old 08-23-2015, 01:37 PM   #10
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Both are ancient performance 4 door clown cars known for owners who mod the piss out of them then go to great lengths to revert them back to stock and swear that they have never been modded. Then the new owner buys the car and drives back home, 2 states away and spins a bearing driving home.

My recommendation: Recent Mazda 3S Grand Touring.
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Old 08-23-2015, 01:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack View Post
Both are ancient performance 4 door clown cars known for owners who mod the piss out of them then go to great lengths to revert them back to stock and swear that they have never been modded. Then the new owner buys the car and drives back home, 2 states away and spins a bearing driving home.

My recommendation: Recent Mazda 3S Grand Touring.
I definitely get that, and look for those very things because I've had an STi before. These two cars I am looking at have not been modded. Heatshields, downpipe, all components for the intake 100% stock. Heck the guy with the STi has the original floor mats, and even wiper blades. It felt new sitting in it lol.

So, pessimism aside, which is VERY WARRANTED, just assuming both cars are as advertised, what are the downsides to either, and what's the downside to the 2.0 WRX motor other than the uppipe?
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Old 08-23-2015, 02:41 PM   #12
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Don't get the STI. The brakes clunk.

/thread.
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Old 08-23-2015, 04:03 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Gallo2011 View Post
Don't get the STI. The brakes clunk.

/thread.
I think I'm going with the WRX wagon. My wife couldn't find a good way to drive the STi we tested, but she was able to drive the wagon no problem. Plan is to buy it then drive 10 miles to drop it off at Cobb in Austin and have them go over it and spruce up anything that needs-a-sprucin'.

Will post pictures when I pick it up, WRB 5speed 70k one owner
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Old 08-23-2015, 04:25 PM   #14
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My pessimism isn't unwarranted. I can't even count how many "I bought a WRX/STi from a middle aged guy with all the records and on the way home borked the engine threads I've read here.

If you are going to buy one or the other, I'd make a choice of what you'd prefer and bring that one to a Subaru tuner/mechanic. You're going to be spending $200-$400 for a REAL pre-purchase inspection. You'll want his opinion on the tune, what's going on mechanically, what the compression ratio is on all cyls and an overall leakdown test done. You'll want it tested for hydrocarbons in the coolant and water in the oil. From the cv boots to tire wear, you want to know everything about the car.

If you do the above, you have the best chance of buying a good car. Skipping this and you are destined to have problems undiscovered. And don't depend on yourself. I don't care if you've built a car from the frame up, modified a racecar from IT to prepared, built engines and studied what's gone wrong with Subarus since before the WRX came to the US. Pay someone. (the description I just gave is me. I paid when buying a WRX. I got tune opinion and knew exactly what I was getting into).

Of the 2, I'd choose the STi because my WRX had an STi 6 speed and it was by far the best thing about the car.
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Old 08-23-2015, 04:58 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm3nema View Post
I think I'm going with the WRX wagon. My wife couldn't find a good way to drive the STi we tested, but she was able to drive the wagon no problem. Plan is to buy it then drive 10 miles to drop it off at Cobb in Austin and have them go over it and spruce up anything that needs-a-sprucin'.

Will post pictures when I pick it up, WRB 5speed 70k one owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack View Post
My pessimism isn't unwarranted. I can't even count how many "I bought a WRX/STi from a middle aged guy with all the records and on the way home borked the engine threads I've read here.

If you are going to buy one or the other, I'd make a choice of what you'd prefer and bring that one to a Subaru tuner/mechanic. You're going to be spending $200-$400 for a REAL pre-purchase inspection. You'll want his opinion on the tune, what's going on mechanically, what the compression ratio is on all cyls and an overall leakdown test done. You'll want it tested for hydrocarbons in the coolant and water in the oil. From the cv boots to tire wear, you want to know everything about the car.

If you do the above, you have the best chance of buying a good car. Skipping this and you are destined to have problems undiscovered. And don't depend on yourself. I don't care if you've built a car from the frame up, modified a racecar from IT to prepared, built engines and studied what's gone wrong with Subarus since before the WRX came to the US. Pay someone. (the description I just gave is me. I paid when buying a WRX. I got tune opinion and knew exactly what I was getting into).

Of the 2, I'd choose the STi because my WRX had an STi 6 speed and it was by far the best thing about the car.
I like Jack's plan better, Napalm. You know quite a bit about the EJ engine and it's weak points. Work with the seller to have the testing done prior to purchase. Or, at least make sure if the testing shows a sour engine, you can bring it back and cancel the sale.
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Old 08-23-2015, 05:48 PM   #16
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I'll have it pre-inspected before I purchase or some other contingency in place. This is from a dealership not a private party. (a reputable dealership not some fly by night thing)
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Old 08-23-2015, 06:33 PM   #17
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Keeping the evo?
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Old 08-23-2015, 08:28 PM   #18
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Keeping the evo?
Yes, this would be a fun side car to keep miles of my more fun rides
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Old 08-23-2015, 09:53 PM   #19
Daniel Dudley
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05 Wagon is a great wife mobile. More than fun enough to tool around in. Decent STIs of that age are getting hard to come by though.

I assume you are just having fun posting a newbie parody thread, and are going to show us some pictures of your new whip when you get it.
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:02 PM   #20
meinct
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I say wagon just cause they are more unique? I guess.
Do compression tests on both of em then I'll tell you which to buy.

After some long thought out thinking...
You should buy both, swap the sti engine and drive train into the wagon and make an sti wagon.
Sell the leftovers to recoup some costs and have a sweet wagon.
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:07 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Dudley View Post
05 Wagon is a great wife mobile. More than fun enough to tool around in. Decent STIs of that age are getting hard to come by though.

I assume you are just having fun posting a newbie parody thread, and are going to show us some pictures of your new whip when you get it.
No, this is legit. I'm going to get the wagon checked out and pick it up this week. Will post up some pictures when I do.
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Old 08-24-2015, 02:06 AM   #22
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Is this going to be a unmolested daily or are you planning to add some enhancements here and there? I personally love the blob eye generation. Seeing a clean wagon is always great. If you had the means, I'd swap transmissions in the wagon and call it a day.

But that is just me.
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Old 08-24-2015, 02:09 AM   #23
Napalm3nema
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Originally Posted by J_mythsuby View Post
Is this going to be a unmolested daily or are you planning to add some enhancements here and there? I personally love the blob eye generation. Seeing a clean wagon is always great. If you had the means, I'd swap transmissions in the wagon and call it a day.

But that is just me.
Why swap the transmission it has a functioning 5 speed? Only thing I am going to do is change out the up-pipe and ensure it's solid. Not looking to do much with it initially / at all.
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Old 08-24-2015, 02:45 AM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm3nema View Post
Why swap the transmission it has a functioning 5 speed? Only thing I am going to do is change out the up-pipe and ensure it's solid. Not looking to do much with it initially / at all.
For me, I had a used legacy gt (05), and I was the...third owner (parental/son owned) and I had to find out the hardway the transmission was not up to snuff. But I do like the six speed of the sti for the shifter feeling (especially now that I'm in a '15 wrx) and the solid gear changes I was experiencing.

So, that's why I would want to switch the tranny. As long as the car passes the inspection, I wouldn't worry about it in your case.
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:52 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm3nema View Post
2005 unmodified STi reasonably low mileage, 80k-ish on the clock, one owner
2005 unmodified even lower mileage 70k, 2005 WRX Sport Wagon, 5 speed stick

Two types of people buy ten year old Subaru vehicles. Collectors of fine classic Subarus or Flat-brim wearing younger types, who'll no-doubt abuse the hell out of them. After all, there is no other sane reason to be buying one so old. Might I remind you, these are Subarus we're talking about here

If you're a collector, you should already be able to answer that question yourself. The wagon is a nice vehicle, but the 04-05 STi is infinitely more collectable and nostalgic. Plus, there are many who consider the 04-05 generation to be the best looking of all STIs.


If you fall into the second category, chances are you're younger and don't have funds for a new Suby. Before you buy either, ask yourself something. Do you like rallying? How about Ken Block? When you look at yourself in a mirror, do you seen a flat brimmed hat perched atop your dome? Have you ever used the term yolo? Is monster your fuel of choice? If you can answer yes to any of these, chances are you're going to wrap one of these otherwise unmolested Scoobys around a tree at some point. Please don't hurt these Scoobys; They've made it this far in life. They deserve to live out their remaining years in peace.
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