18 yrs With The Brand - Still Have my LGT and STI

shadowsports · 05-23-2024, 11:00 AM

Greetings,
18 great years with Subaru.

'06 FXT (sold)
'08 LGT
'17 STI Limited

Both in my garage

Lives in CA

Due to emissions requirements, everything is stock again.

Looking for more power without the SMOG swap out hassle.

Considering the 2024 Z Performance trim.

Would you do it?

The 2024 WRX GT feels like a downgrade from where I am now. Still no passenger power seat, 36 less HP, So much plastic. I mean everywhere. Not "feeling" the FA motor. I feel like Subaru has shot themselves in the foot.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Jack · 05-23-2024, 04:33 PM

Well, I sold my 08 LGT that I bought new and still regret doing that. Then again, I regret selling my E30 M3 back when it was just a used car and got $15k for a 7 year old one with 51k miles on it.

For a replacement, I'm all over the map. I'll be glad to let you know my list of potentials. Today, I've got a 19 Crosstrek manual lowered 1.2" on RS-R springs. Now my list:

WRX premium manual
Infinity G50 Red Sport 400
Lexus iS 350
Lexus iS 500
Lexus LS 500
Cadillac CT4-V
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing manual (maybe)
used Porsche 911 GT-3 (a PDK one locally is a good deal) I would prefer a manual (maybe)
New GT-R
And here's the monkey wrench: A Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon auto (I offroad but am also looking at the 2024 Rubicon 5000 pound towing capacity

The Z does look good. I think it's a bit overpriced, but not by much.

rallly 4 · 05-23-2024, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

Well, I sold my 08 LGT that I bought new and still regret doing that. Then again, I regret selling my E30 M3 back when it was just a used car and got $15k for a 7 year old one with 51k miles on it.

For a replacement, I'm all over the map. I'll be glad to let you know my list of potentials. Today, I've got a 19 Crosstrek manual lowered 1.2" on RS-R springs. Now my list:

WRX premium manual
Infinity G50 Red Sport 400
Lexus iS 350
Lexus iS 500
Lexus LS 500
Cadillac CT4-V
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing manual (maybe)
used Porsche 911 GT-3 (a PDK one locally is a good deal) I would prefer a manual (maybe)
New GT-R
And here's the monkey wrench: A Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon auto (I offroad but am also looking at the 2024 Rubicon 5000 pound towing capacity

The Z does look good. I think it's a bit overpriced, but not by much.

GTR or GT3. Both will lose little to no $$ in the short and long term. I would also strongly reccomend trying a GT350/GT350R. The 350 will be more fun than everything besides maybe a manual GT3 depending on what you value.

shadowsports · 05-23-2024, 09:32 PM

While I do love Porsche (grew up with them) and would love a GTR, I'm putting my max budget at $60k. I haven't owned a 2 door since the early 80's. I looked at mustang's too, but I'd want the V8 and gas is costly here.

Its a compromise at every turn. The WRX GT has electronic dampers, like the GTR, but I don't need 565 HP, nor do I need to spend $140K on a car. Mustang is comparable at 485HP, but the MPG of a V8 is as bad as the GTR. My EJ is a hog too, but better that the others.

Kills me that I can't get AWD in the Z without going GTR. The Z performance would be perfect if it had AWD. Even the Nismo is 2 wheel and no electronic suspension. I also want 4 pot brakes which at least Nissan does have.

My '06 FXT had dual power seats, my LGT has dual power seats... but not my STI Limited (because a seat motor costs or weights too much)... Simple creature comforts we've all known and complained about for years. Its dumb petty decisions like this that is going cost Subaru my continued business. That and 271 HP of slowness. My 18 yr old LGT was within like 8 HP of this. The 14 yrs of Rally Dominance and the EJ is done.

I still love my STI and like my LGT, I never get tired of driving it, but Subaru is going backwards not forward. Great cars, fun and reliable, but I want fast too. I could settle for something middle of the road 350HP+, but its not going to happen. Not in CA anyway. My modified LGT didn't even emit measurable levels of pollutants, but you'll fail visual. This is why I bought the STI. Subaru went on to add 5 HP in the RA and then did an about face. The S209 @341HP was moving in the right direction. I know they will remain a popular brand, but I'm going to have some fun before I retire. Its going to be very hard to switch. I am so familiar with Subaru turbo motors. It pains me to think about starting over.

21ej · 05-25-2024, 12:36 AM

What do you prioritize in the car? Handling or straight line acceleration? Manual or auto?

If you want to go way into left field, you could probably buy a performance Tesla model for around the 60k price point and blow the doors off of most other cars in a straight line. Handling is where that heavy tank will suffer. You could even tow and you wouldn’t have to worry about fuel consumption.

shadowsports · 05-29-2024, 09:48 AM

I'm a mix of fast off the line and handling. Not trying to race anybody. LGT was auto, STI manual, going back to auto for my wife. I just like smooth powerful acceleration. I'm not a good EV candidate. My parents have it all. Solar, heatpump. power wall and love it. X and model 3.

Every time I've borrowed a car from them it re-enforces why EV doesn't work for my wife and I. The endless charging and the delays / disruption it causes in life is such a pain. Even if you're doing little puff charges (point A to B). My house is also older so I will need to bring another 100 amp service to the property, well, actually x2 since 2 garages. Then there is upgraded electrical service 2 boxes, charger installs and that's before I've even visited a dealership and purchased a vehicle. EV is great for some people, but doesn't fit our lifestyles, driving ranges / habits, etc.

I'm going to purchase at least one more gas vehicle. The Z is still looking like it will be the one, striking a better balance between power, performance and handling. I'll do the EV thing when I retire.

GoFrogs · 05-29-2024, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowsports

Considering the 2024 Z Performance trim.

Would you do it?

The 2024 WRX GT feels like a downgrade from where I am now. Still no passenger power seat, 36 less HP, So much plastic. I mean everywhere. Not "feeling" the FA motor. I feel like Subaru has shot themselves in the foot.

MINI Countryman John Cooper Works.

How much space do you need? I think any JCW spec'd MINI will get you near your target and you are then apart of a group of like-minded owners that are as cult-ish as WRX/STI, or VAG owners.

I personally would just go MINI Cooper S 3-door do I can get 3 pedals; but I don't live in CA and traffic/congestion is far, far less.

MINI will be going full EV soon on the Cooper, so this could be the right time to visit your nearest MINI dealer to get in on the fun before it's gone.

What about a Genesis G70 with the 3.3 v6?

D-Rodman · 05-31-2024, 10:16 PM

Z is a cool vehicle, I can see why it’s won you over.

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

shadowsports · 06-01-2024, 01:39 AM

The Mini @312hp is another no go.

The G70 however looks nice. The a$$ end looks a little like a BMW (which I really don't care for). I drove VW's for 12 yrs so I understand the German engineering thing. There's a Genesis dealer near me so I'll have to go sit in one. I'm a trunk person so its appealing. 3.3L also has AWD. I'm in NorCal so winter puts down a some rain here. Although I drive a little less now than I did 3 yrs ago (thanks to covid), the traffic can be crushing here, so I'm going back to A/T. I still enjoy the paddle shifters in my LGT. Will also be useable by my wife who probably couldn't handle power, parking and a 6 speed. If she can press the pedal and go, that works. She says one of us needs a 4 door, but that might be her. Really helpful info guys, appreciate it. You as well D-Rodman.

REX_WGN · 06-03-2024, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowsports

Due to emissions requirements, everything is stock again.

Did CA emissions become more strict?

shadowsports · 06-03-2024, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REX_WGN

Did CA emissions become more strict?

Yes. Years ago now. If you put practically anything on your car here that wasn't installed by the manufacturer or dealer, you will fail SMOG (visual inspection) even if the car is not "polluting".

You can get away with a catback, intercooloer, maybe an Up-pipe or intake, but what are those going to do for you. Nothing and they connect to the car's ECU and it knows if you have an AccessPort or have modified the factory ROM. Its extremely prohibitive, and not worth one's energy or time. Unless you are OK, returning the car to stg0 every 2 years for the 15 min test.

This was the reason I purchased my STI. If you have a colored coolant hose on your car, they are going to pull out flashlights and start looking for stuff. It ridiculous here. Its taken all of the enjoyment out of modding your car. Our 91 octane gas is crap too.

Next weekend I'm going to look at the G70 and Z which are the current cars I'm considering (on paper). I won't buy until next year. I don't want to make a hasty decision or move. Subaru is releasing a WRX tS, but once again with 271HP and all the plastic you'd want in life

REX_WGN · 06-03-2024, 10:24 AM

that's ridiculous.

Good luck on your next vehicle search.

shadowsports · 06-13-2024, 11:06 AM

I visited a Genesis Dealer and sat in a G70 AWD Sports Prestige last weekend. Beautiful car. The interior refinements and attention to detail were very nice. Plenty of creature comforts, electronic suspension and Brembo brakes. Also noticed a silicone intake hose which is factory

I'm not a huge fan of the diamond tuck leather, but in black it's not bad. It doesn't have red bolsters like my STI, but the red stitching was a subtle plus. The size of the trunk wasn't bad either. The 19in wheels have too many nooks and crannies for my taste and will be awful to keep clean, but that's true of many cars these days.

Going to visit a Nissan dealer this weekend for comparison and sit in a Z performance. I need to see if I can do a hatch and not have the full-on trunk experience.

lidrew · 06-16-2024, 07:50 AM

I've always been a Z and Nissan fan. Had an 03 350z for 4 years That I bought preowned when they came out which I ultimately traded for my first new STi in 2007 and then had an 11 STi for 10 years and now my 2020 STi I've had for a few years so like 17 years STi owner. All have been modified with my current STi the most modded with an FP green on flexfuel and RCE coils etc. I've wanted a GTR since they came out as well but MSRP has doubled practically and even used is ridiculous $100k for an 8 year old car. I think if the GTR had a manual transmission, I would have found a way.

I recently got the itch for something new and planned to sell the STi to get something that performs without all the mods.I looked at Mustangs, GT350, Supra, Z, etc. and started looking at BMW S58 cars, G80 M3,M4 M2 and ended up ordering an M2 manual.My first German car ever. It's great! It has a controversial styling, just like the Subbies I've had. Beautiful interior, good tech, great smooth power delivery, sounds good and can make like 600 whp with a tune. You could probably get a preowned for around $60k. Worth a test drive.

My plan was to sell the STi and I have it listed for sale on here however I still love the STi. The manual shifter, hydraulic steering and AWD are really amazing and cars like this will never be built again. With 450 whp, the car moves pretty good too, sounds obnoxious and is just like a grown ups go kart that you want to keep around forever.

855T · 06-17-2024, 02:10 PM

Have you considered the Civic Type R or GR Corolla?

shadowsports · 06-18-2024, 10:02 AM

Greetings,
I have, 315 and 300HP respectively, but I'm at 305HP now. I appreciate you mentioning them.

At minimum I'm looking for 350+ stock. Nissan is also releasing a Heritage edition which will be limited production and I'm afraid overpriced. It looks cool though.

My brother and a friend both have a 350z and 300z. The Nissan motor is a proven power plant with a very good track record. They are squeezing another 35HP out of a 3.0L where you only get 365HP from the 3.3T in the G70. I'm researching the longevity of the Kia 3.3 now. I still haven't seen a Z in person yet. It seems to be extremely rare. I've seen a few 350Z Nismos, but those owners seem to be sitting where they are at, not want to step up to the new model. At $70k+ I understand why.

shadowsports · 04-26-2025, 03:49 PM

Update. The 2026 Lexus IS500 will be the winner. Lexus has said the 500 will still have a naturally aspirated V8 as one of the power train options. Roughly 480HP without one single mod.

Red Sport discontinued
Z performance has a nice engine, but I want a backseat
Genesis G70 was a runner up at 365HP
Mustang was my final back up, but only available as 2 door.

I would have purchased the Red Sport had it not been discontinued. The Z was a little uncomfortable getting into and out of. Interior is also pretty dated. No heated seats in the Nismo... for $70K is a joke.

The G70 was an option until I saw the IS500. Lexus makes some beautiful cars. Their SUVs are nice and fully loaded. The 500 is said to be getting an interior refresh for 2026. Turn key, no mods needed and plenty of power. Subarus will always have a special place in my heart. I'll remember the good times, but won't miss the stock power levels.

05-23-2024, 11:00 AM	#1
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	18 yrs With The Brand - Still Have my LGT and STI Greetings, 18 great years with Subaru. '06 FXT (sold) '08 LGT '17 STI Limited Both in my garage Lives in CA Due to emissions requirements, everything is stock again. Looking for more power without the SMOG swap out hassle. Considering the 2024 Z Performance trim. Would you do it? The 2024 WRX GT feels like a downgrade from where I am now. Still no passenger power seat, 36 less HP, So much plastic. I mean everywhere. Not "feeling" the FA motor. I feel like Subaru has shot themselves in the foot. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by shadowsports; 05-24-2024 at 09:39 AM.

05-23-2024, 09:32 PM	#4
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	While I do love Porsche (grew up with them) and would love a GTR, I'm putting my max budget at $60k. I haven't owned a 2 door since the early 80's. I looked at mustang's too, but I'd want the V8 and gas is costly here. Its a compromise at every turn. The WRX GT has electronic dampers, like the GTR, but I don't need 565 HP, nor do I need to spend $140K on a car. Mustang is comparable at 485HP, but the MPG of a V8 is as bad as the GTR. My EJ is a hog too, but better that the others. Kills me that I can't get AWD in the Z without going GTR. The Z performance would be perfect if it had AWD. Even the Nismo is 2 wheel and no electronic suspension. I also want 4 pot brakes which at least Nissan does have. My '06 FXT had dual power seats, my LGT has dual power seats... but not my STI Limited (because a seat motor costs or weights too much)... Simple creature comforts we've all known and complained about for years. Its dumb petty decisions like this that is going cost Subaru my continued business. That and 271 HP of slowness. My 18 yr old LGT was within like 8 HP of this. The 14 yrs of Rally Dominance and the EJ is done. I still love my STI and like my LGT, I never get tired of driving it, but Subaru is going backwards not forward. Great cars, fun and reliable, but I want fast too. I could settle for something middle of the road 350HP+, but its not going to happen. Not in CA anyway. My modified LGT didn't even emit measurable levels of pollutants, but you'll fail visual. This is why I bought the STI. Subaru went on to add 5 HP in the RA and then did an about face. The S209 @341HP was moving in the right direction. I know they will remain a popular brand, but I'm going to have some fun before I retire. Its going to be very hard to switch. I am so familiar with Subaru turbo motors. It pains me to think about starting over. Last edited by shadowsports; 05-24-2024 at 12:29 AM.

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05-23-2024, 04:33 PM	#2
Jack Add Lightness Moderator Member#: 13699 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Hopkinton, MA Vehicle: 2021 Building It Better	Well, I sold my 08 LGT that I bought new and still regret doing that. Then again, I regret selling my E30 M3 back when it was just a used car and got $15k for a 7 year old one with 51k miles on it. For a replacement, I'm all over the map. I'll be glad to let you know my list of potentials. Today, I've got a 19 Crosstrek manual lowered 1.2" on RS-R springs. Now my list: WRX premium manual Infinity G50 Red Sport 400 Lexus iS 350 Lexus iS 500 Lexus LS 500 Cadillac CT4-V Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing manual (maybe) used Porsche 911 GT-3 (a PDK one locally is a good deal) I would prefer a manual (maybe) New GT-R And here's the monkey wrench: A Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon auto (I offroad but am also looking at the 2024 Rubicon 5000 pound towing capacity The Z does look good. I think it's a bit overpriced, but not by much.

05-25-2024, 12:36 AM	#5
21ej Scooby Newbie Member#: 536609 Join Date: Jan 2024	What do you prioritize in the car? Handling or straight line acceleration? Manual or auto? If you want to go way into left field, you could probably buy a performance Tesla model for around the 60k price point and blow the doors off of most other cars in a straight line. Handling is where that heavy tank will suffer. You could even tow and you wouldn’t have to worry about fuel consumption.

05-29-2024, 09:48 AM	#6
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	I'm a mix of fast off the line and handling. Not trying to race anybody. LGT was auto, STI manual, going back to auto for my wife. I just like smooth powerful acceleration. I'm not a good EV candidate. My parents have it all. Solar, heatpump. power wall and love it. X and model 3. Every time I've borrowed a car from them it re-enforces why EV doesn't work for my wife and I. The endless charging and the delays / disruption it causes in life is such a pain. Even if you're doing little puff charges (point A to B). My house is also older so I will need to bring another 100 amp service to the property, well, actually x2 since 2 garages. Then there is upgraded electrical service 2 boxes, charger installs and that's before I've even visited a dealership and purchased a vehicle. EV is great for some people, but doesn't fit our lifestyles, driving ranges / habits, etc. I'm going to purchase at least one more gas vehicle. The Z is still looking like it will be the one, striking a better balance between power, performance and handling. I'll do the EV thing when I retire.

05-31-2024, 10:16 PM	#8
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 02 Bugeye JDM STi OBP BLACK	Z is a cool vehicle, I can see why it’s won you over. Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

06-01-2024, 01:39 AM	#9
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	The Mini @312hp is another no go. The G70 however looks nice. The a$$ end looks a little like a BMW (which I really don't care for). I drove VW's for 12 yrs so I understand the German engineering thing. There's a Genesis dealer near me so I'll have to go sit in one. I'm a trunk person so its appealing. 3.3L also has AWD. I'm in NorCal so winter puts down a some rain here. Although I drive a little less now than I did 3 yrs ago (thanks to covid), the traffic can be crushing here, so I'm going back to A/T. I still enjoy the paddle shifters in my LGT. Will also be useable by my wife who probably couldn't handle power, parking and a 6 speed. If she can press the pedal and go, that works. She says one of us needs a 4 door, but that might be her. Really helpful info guys, appreciate it. You as well D-Rodman.

06-03-2024, 10:24 AM	#12
REX_WGN Scooby Guru Member#: 107618 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 06 GG WRX / 09 FXT @florencedestinedfxt	that's ridiculous. Good luck on your next vehicle search.

06-13-2024, 11:06 AM	#13
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	I visited a Genesis Dealer and sat in a G70 AWD Sports Prestige last weekend. Beautiful car. The interior refinements and attention to detail were very nice. Plenty of creature comforts, electronic suspension and Brembo brakes. Also noticed a silicone intake hose which is factory I'm not a huge fan of the diamond tuck leather, but in black it's not bad. It doesn't have red bolsters like my STI, but the red stitching was a subtle plus. The size of the trunk wasn't bad either. The 19in wheels have too many nooks and crannies for my taste and will be awful to keep clean, but that's true of many cars these days. Going to visit a Nissan dealer this weekend for comparison and sit in a Z performance. I need to see if I can do a hatch and not have the full-on trunk experience.

06-16-2024, 07:50 AM	#14
lidrew Scooby Newbie Member#: 142417 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: LONG ISLAND Vehicle: 2011 STi Dgm	I've always been a Z and Nissan fan. Had an 03 350z for 4 years That I bought preowned when they came out which I ultimately traded for my first new STi in 2007 and then had an 11 STi for 10 years and now my 2020 STi I've had for a few years so like 17 years STi owner. All have been modified with my current STi the most modded with an FP green on flexfuel and RCE coils etc. I've wanted a GTR since they came out as well but MSRP has doubled practically and even used is ridiculous $100k for an 8 year old car. I think if the GTR had a manual transmission, I would have found a way. I recently got the itch for something new and planned to sell the STi to get something that performs without all the mods.I looked at Mustangs, GT350, Supra, Z, etc. and started looking at BMW S58 cars, G80 M3,M4 M2 and ended up ordering an M2 manual.My first German car ever. It's great! It has a controversial styling, just like the Subbies I've had. Beautiful interior, good tech, great smooth power delivery, sounds good and can make like 600 whp with a tune. You could probably get a preowned for around $60k. Worth a test drive. My plan was to sell the STi and I have it listed for sale on here however I still love the STi. The manual shifter, hydraulic steering and AWD are really amazing and cars like this will never be built again. With 450 whp, the car moves pretty good too, sounds obnoxious and is just like a grown ups go kart that you want to keep around forever.

06-17-2024, 02:10 PM	#15
855T Scooby Newbie Member#: 246628 Join Date: May 2010 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: '10 WRX '23 GRC WRB/SSR	Have you considered the Civic Type R or GR Corolla?

06-18-2024, 10:02 AM	#16
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	Greetings, I have, 315 and 300HP respectively, but I'm at 305HP now. I appreciate you mentioning them. At minimum I'm looking for 350+ stock. Nissan is also releasing a Heritage edition which will be limited production and I'm afraid overpriced. It looks cool though. My brother and a friend both have a 350z and 300z. The Nissan motor is a proven power plant with a very good track record. They are squeezing another 35HP out of a 3.0L where you only get 365HP from the 3.3T in the G70. I'm researching the longevity of the Kia 3.3 now. I still haven't seen a Z in person yet. It seems to be extremely rare. I've seen a few 350Z Nismos, but those owners seem to be sitting where they are at, not want to step up to the new model. At $70k+ I understand why.

04-26-2025, 03:49 PM	#17
shadowsports Scooby Newbie Member#: 446364 Join Date: May 2016 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Nor Cal Vehicle: '17 STI LMT '08 LGT DGM / QSM	Update. The 2026 Lexus IS500 will be the winner. Lexus has said the 500 will still have a naturally aspirated V8 as one of the power train options. Roughly 480HP without one single mod. Red Sport discontinued Z performance has a nice engine, but I want a backseat Genesis G70 was a runner up at 365HP Mustang was my final back up, but only available as 2 door. I would have purchased the Red Sport had it not been discontinued. The Z was a little uncomfortable getting into and out of. Interior is also pretty dated. No heated seats in the Nismo... for $70K is a joke. The G70 was an option until I saw the IS500. Lexus makes some beautiful cars. Their SUVs are nice and fully loaded. The 500 is said to be getting an interior refresh for 2026. Turn key, no mods needed and plenty of power. Subarus will always have a special place in my heart. I'll remember the good times, but won't miss the stock power levels.