Subaru owners...

[flight doc89]

I know this is the wrong website, but I at least know you guys. Former or current subaru owners or those with first-hand knowledge (NOT "Well my buddy knew this guy..."), specifically WRX or Sti: Do you have any regrets about the car(s)? Any specific problems to watch out for? I've heard that the 2008 year was sucky, but what about the prior years? Am I better off getting an 06-07 or an 09-10?
What specifically makes the Sti better? Is it just a tuned engine and then bells and whistles for looks, or does the engine/suspension have different components (ie, is it worth the money?)? How much power will the transmissions take (is a streetable 400-500 hp reasonable? I'm thinking general dd use with occasional autocross and goofing off).

In general, what were your likes and dislikes with the cars? I test drove an '08 WRX and loved it, but then I think to myself that I haven't driven a decent car in a few years, so my judgement may be a little off.

 

[Cz.]

I don't know that much about subaru's but my friend has an '04 model WRX. One major difference between the WRX and STI is the transmission, apparently the WRX gear box is very weak and won't do much past 300whp. You can swap the STI trans in, however it takes a lot of parts. So much so that you're better off spending the money and getting an STI model off the bat. The STI model's gear box is apparently much stronger, being able to withstand the 500-600whp range.
I don't really know anything about the newer models, so what I posted above may not apply to them.
I'd recommend going to NASIOC or whatever it's called and reading up.

 

[mkiiSupraMan18]

The major difference between the WRX and STi transmisson...?
The extra gear.


But seriously, to answer your questions:
Do you have any regrets about the car(s)? Not really. I got mine after finishing school making my "zomg moniez" and went to the dealership and said "I want that one... box it up nice for me", but that's it. I think I could have found a better deal, but I still love the car.

Any specific problems to watch out for? Mods without getting a proper tune via accessport or opensource tune (they don't take kindly to downpipes/intakes without one). Strut clunk.

I've heard that the 2008 year was sucky, but what about the prior years? I have an 05... lol


Am I better off getting an 06-07 or an 09-10? Can't help you here.

What specifically makes the Sti better? Better suspension bits, stronger components, bigger brakes, more power, less-actually... no turbo lag, and the addition of a huge hoodscoop and wing.

How much power will the transmissions take (is a streetable 400-500 hp reasonable? You don't need 400-500 hp. I'm right above the 300whp mark and it's a rocket. But I generally see CV/clutch failures before transmissions. Quite a few 5k launches where I just kind side step the clutch...

I'm thinking general dd use with occasional autocross and goofing off). My STi is perfect for said duties. I carry my wife and two sons with me in it without any problems regularly.

In general, what were your likes and dislikes with the cars?
All from my own experience with an 05 STi, take it for what it's worth.
DISLIKES: If you travel regularly and/or have kids the storage space in the trunk is limited (our large stroller practically fills it), stock suspension will typically give you a nice 'bobblehead effect', Oh yeah... insurance is retarded expensive compared to a Supra. The rear wing will scare you the first time you drive at night-it bounces up and down and cuts the lights from behind you in and out, kinda like the fuzz. lol People trying to race you when you have your kids with you. MPG's could be slightly higher, but are good enough for me (I'm mid-low-20's) If your wife/GF/SO is into the whole 'luxury' scene their bitching about not having heated seats, a trunk popper, etc. on a ~$20k car gets annoying.

LIKES: besides performance; 4 cupholders, having comfortable seating for 4-5 people, easy as ish to work on (once you master re-installing the intercooler), Driving in the snow/inclimate weather, driving off road, ease of finding performance/replacement parts, and the boxer rumble. I have never had a problem with the car aside from a dead battery from me leaving the trunk open for a week while I had the shocks revalved...

NASIOC is kind of... how do I put it... It's like SupraForums. It's either your cup of tea or it isnt.

If you want my opinion on the owners I've met, PM me. I don't want anyone getting butt hurt about my thoughts. (nothing negative against Supra owners, so that's clear)

 

[MINA]

^he pretty much summed it up damn good job but the transmission parts not just an extra gear lol

i had 06 wrx made 398awhp and 400awtq
had a 05 STi made 410awhp and 415 awtq on E85

i liked both cars they were a money hungry, spent alot of money to make them fast lol

 

[mkiiSupraMan18]

^he pretty much summed it up damn good job but the transmission parts not just an extra gear lol

[sarcasm]
It's the most noticeable.
[/sarcasm]
I just thought it was odd that it wasn't mentioned by either of them. I was just cruising OT and noticed the title and thought I could give my $0.0002.

I'm not getting into gearing/components... He can google all if that if it's important to him and his needs.

Ah, and the DCCD (driver controlled center differential) is TITS when you want to play in the snow.

Also, a wagon or hatch could come in handy at times, but used parts can be slightly harder to come by.

 

[boostinprine]

yes transmission sucks in WRX, they are very weak. And STI trans swap requires rear diff, axles, and hubs, and brakes if im not mistaken. which is like 5-6K$. Or if your making that much power you can get a gear set but they too are like 3K$.

I do not own a subaru but i have had many friends with them, they are good cars, but in my opinion not a drag car if thats what your looking for. Rally cross or quick daily driver would be great.

 

[7Matt-GE]

6 speed STI trannies are good for like 1000whp best thing about subarus is that they are like legos you can swap almost anything to anything. i know a guy who has a 6 speed SVX (which only came in auto) but nah seriously if you are lookin for a good DD with streetable performance a good STI (if you can afford it) is worth it. but expect ricers to be on your ass constantly they love that huge wing and think you're fast!

Best engine ever made by subaru was the 2.2 in my opinion however it takes abuse way better than most of their other engines.