With springtime in the air, buying a used high-performance car is on the minds of driving enthusiasts everywhere. Thanks to a long history of racing, a tremendously passionate online owner community and a close connection to modern automotive culture, the last-generation Subaru WRX STI is one of the hottest used performance car buys in the marketplace today.
The STI is a machine that’s gone through numerous complicated revisions throughout its life. For the sake of context, this story aims solely to identify the basics of the last-generation STI model, and lend some insight to shoppers trying to find a well-maintained and reliable model.
The 2004 to 2007 STI came just one way: as a sedan with a 2.5 litre boxer turbo four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual and all wheel drive with a Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). Horsepower was rated, somewhat vaguely, between 293 and 300 out of the factory-- depending on the year. The 2006 and 2007 models got a number of tweaks, including a controversial new front end with a three-port grille.
Performance superiority, styling and a long history of racing success are all cited as reasons for STI purchase by existing owners. Of course, the performance comes alongside a few compromises-- including a rough ride, increased fuel consumption and maintenance costs. If you’re after something a bit less hardcore, a standard Subaru Impreza WRX may be more advisable.
The STI wasn’t a car shopped by folks planning on gentle Sunday-style driving. Despite what some amateur enthusiasts in online discussion boards have convinced themselves, it’s not invincible either-- and it’s made of parts and components that will eventually wear out and break. Subaru built the STI to handle performance driving-- though abuse will drastically reduce the life of all engaged components, especially if maintenance is neglected.
Your in-person time with a used STI candidate, and test-drive thereof, is ideal to help determine the sort of life the machine has had before you met it. If you’re an enthusiast considering a used STI, chances are you know somebody that owns one themselves. If you trust this individuals opinion and mechanical inclination, having them along for a test-drive is ideal. They may be able to point out any strange noises, questionable modifications or other unwelcomed signs that could be cause for concern.
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| 2004 Subaru WRX STI (Photo: Subaru) |
The STI is a machine that’s gone through numerous complicated revisions throughout its life. For the sake of context, this story aims solely to identify the basics of the last-generation STI model, and lend some insight to shoppers trying to find a well-maintained and reliable model.
The 2004 to 2007 STI came just one way: as a sedan with a 2.5 litre boxer turbo four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual and all wheel drive with a Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). Horsepower was rated, somewhat vaguely, between 293 and 300 out of the factory-- depending on the year. The 2006 and 2007 models got a number of tweaks, including a controversial new front end with a three-port grille.
Performance superiority, styling and a long history of racing success are all cited as reasons for STI purchase by existing owners. Of course, the performance comes alongside a few compromises-- including a rough ride, increased fuel consumption and maintenance costs. If you’re after something a bit less hardcore, a standard Subaru Impreza WRX may be more advisable.
The STI wasn’t a car shopped by folks planning on gentle Sunday-style driving. Despite what some amateur enthusiasts in online discussion boards have convinced themselves, it’s not invincible either-- and it’s made of parts and components that will eventually wear out and break. Subaru built the STI to handle performance driving-- though abuse will drastically reduce the life of all engaged components, especially if maintenance is neglected.
Your in-person time with a used STI candidate, and test-drive thereof, is ideal to help determine the sort of life the machine has had before you met it. If you’re an enthusiast considering a used STI, chances are you know somebody that owns one themselves. If you trust this individuals opinion and mechanical inclination, having them along for a test-drive is ideal. They may be able to point out any strange noises, questionable modifications or other unwelcomed signs that could be cause for concern.
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| 2005 Subaru WRX STI (Photo: Subaru) |