YACT: 2004 WRX STi

[Corporate Thug]

Ok guys, so i'm looking for a sporty but (fairly) practical car in the 20-25k range.

I was heavily considering a used GTO, but I'm not sold on the reliability or the practicality.

So, the next car on the list is a 2004 STi WRX. I found one for $19500 (private seller, so this is the final price!), with 22k miles on it (in that gorgeous blue color). Good deal? Worth buying? any other cars to consider?

I looked into an Evo but it was waaaaaay to small for my preference. Without even considering the passengers, i felt uncomfortable in the drivers seat will the seat pulled all the way back.

 

[McGyver]

get a stang

 

[spaceman]

very good buy.
we have the nilla.
that sti must be balls out.
gofer it.

 

[oCxTiTaN]

get it...i've wanted one for a long time now...

 

[Hyperlite]

Originally posted by: oCxTiTaN
get it...i've wanted one for a long time now...

 

[Corporate Thug]

YES!!! finally a car getting ATOT APPROVAL! I think its time to schedule a test drive.

What do you all think about the price?

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: McGyver
get a stang

I very much so prefer the 4 doors as I usually carry 2-3 passengers (a huge turnoff w/ the GTO).

 

[sindows]

Get the GTO, it has a bulletproof engine/drivetrain. The rest of the car should be okay...I mean its not like its festooned with all the latest gadgets/electronic gizmos (which IMO are just things which can go wrong).

As far as practicality is concerned, the rear seats in a WRX are practically useless and I'm not all that tall (~6'). If the Evo is too small, chances are the WRX will be too. They're basically the same same size... I've no idea how the trunks measure up but I don't think it'd be that big of a difference... if I were you I'd get the GTO

Or get a Trailblazer SS for ~$26k...theres something about a 400hp SUV that brings a smile to my face. Its a completely pointless vehicle but I can't help and smile at the notion of owning one. And the best part is, its practical. You can seat 5 people comfortably, tow 6100 pounds and do powerslides in the same vehicle.

 

[Vic]

That's a very good price provided it's in good condition with clean title. Look closely for mods, maintenance records, accident damage, etc. The 04 STi's didn't come with a good factory security system (later years have a key immobilizer), so be warned that the theft rate and subsequently the insurance rate on them is very high.

 

[OS]

heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

clutches are not terribly expense, are they?

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: sindows
Get the GTO, it has a bulletproof engine/drivetrain. The rest of the car should be okay...I mean its not like its festooned with all the latest gadgets/electronic gizmos (which IMO are just things which can go wrong).

As far as practicality is concerned, the rear seats in a WRX are practically useless and I'm not all that tall (~6'). If the Evo is too small, chances are the WRX will be too. They're basically the same same size... I've no idea how the trunks measure up but I don't think it'd be that big of a difference... if I were you I'd get the GTO

Or get a Trailblazer SS for ~$26k...theres something about a 400hp SUV that brings a smile to my face. Its a completely pointless vehicle but I can't help and smile at the notion of owning one. And the best part is, its practical. You can seat 5 people comfortably, tow 6100 pounds and do powerslides in the same vehicle.

I have not ruled out the GTO, but i'm leaning towards the STi. As far as the back seat, i agree its not terribly comfortable but at the very least, i felt a lot more comfortable in the drivers seat of the STi compared to the EVO. (saving 5k is also a nice incentive )

 

[dmw16]

good price, but I'd go for the GTO, but Im a torque junkie. The drivetrain is bullet proof and there are a ton of mods out there for the LS1/LS2.

The STi was probably kid owned and modded foolishly with too much boost and all that crap, but thats just me. I know some people are anti-GM, but honestly, the GTO is built by Holden is AUstrailia and the build quality seems really good to me.

I would drive both and decide.

Another thing to consider is insurance. Both will be high, but the GTO may be a little lower since Id bet more STi's are wrecked every year.

EDIT: Oh, and 2 more things.

1) there are owners clubs out there for both cars. With the GTO, check out LS1tech.com (or do a search for GTO owners forum, think there is one like LS1GTO.com). They are both good forums. I dont know about the sites for STis, but there are alot out there. For me, a good owners club with local meets makes the car that much more fun to own.

2) as for the "is this a good price" question, check out Edmunds.com, that is the best way to get a price estimate.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

clutches are not terribly expense, are they?

since you are asking this question, I think it is safe to say you don't know how to replace it yourself, so yes, it is expensive since you have to take it to a shop.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

clutches are not terribly expense, are they?

since you are asking this question, I think it is safe to say you don't know how to replace it yourself, so yes, it is expensive since you have to take it to a shop.

I do not know how to change but i have a lot of friends who are mechanics. I was just wondering about the cost of the clutch itself, labor will not be an issue.

 

[JungleMan1]

I like the GTO and other 2-door V8 coupes more. The funky-looking STi is not my bag, personally

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: dmw16
good price, but I'd go for the GTO, but Im a torque junkie. The drivetrain is bullet proof and there are a ton of mods out there for the LS1/LS2.

The STi was probably kid owned and modded foolishly with too much boost and all that crap, but thats just me. I know some people are anti-GM, but honestly, the GTO is built by Holden is AUstrailia and the build quality seems really good to me.

I would drive both and decide.

Another thing to consider is insurance. Both will be high, but the GTO may be a little lower since Id bet more STi's are wrecked every year.

EDIT: Oh, and 2 more things.

1) there are owners clubs out there for both cars. With the GTO, check out LS1tech.com (or do a search for GTO owners forum, think there is one like LS1GTO.com). They are both good forums. I dont know about the sites for STis, but there are alot out there. For me, a good owners club with local meets makes the car that much more fun to own.

2) as for the "is this a good price" question, check out Edmunds.com, that is the best way to get a price estimate.

lots of good info here! thanx!

:thumbsup:

 

[MustangSVT]

isnt insurance high for Sti?

 

[Reckoner]

Run a carfax, and ask the owner of the car if you can take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. If both clear out, go for it. I had an 04 WRX myself and I enjoyed it, but ended up going for an 05 Legacy GT because I missed a few of the creature comforts

 

[helpme]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

I thought the clutch plates are always considered a wear and tear item, and thus is not covered under warranty (unless it fails due to defect).

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

clutches are not terribly expense, are they?

They run a little over a thousand for replacement with labor, depending on the shop/dealer.

It's pretty much not an issue though unless there has been significant and constant operator error. I've only heard of a couple that have gone out that early and those were all operator error. The factory clutch in my stage 4 modded 03 WRX is still strong at 40k miles. IMO a clutch isn't even a wearable item. OS doesn't even know what he's talking about except that he apparently still hates Subarus.

And if I may say so, except for the fact that they run comparable 1/4-mile times, the STi and the GTO aren't even similar cars. They have totally different driver experiences. Cross-shopping them is like saying you're just looking for a street racer ride to look cool in.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: helpme

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

I thought the clutch plates are always considered a wear and tear item, and thus is not covered under warranty (unless it fails due to defect).

Subaru warranties ALL wearable items (brakes, clutch, and even wipers) to 3/36.

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS
heh, are you ok with fact that if the car was hard driven it might need a new clutch in the near future?

Subaru warranties clutches for 3/36.

that is nice, but depending on when the car was bought, 3 years is almost up.

clutches are not terribly expense, are they?

They run a little over a thousand for replacement with labor, depending on the shop/dealer.

It's pretty much not an issue though unless there has been significant and constant operator error. I've only heard of a couple that have gone out that early and those were all operator error. The factory clutch in my stage 4 modded 03 WRX is still strong at 40k miles. IMO a clutch isn't even a wearable item. OS doesn't even know what he's talking about except that he apparently still hates Subarus.

And if I may say so, except for the fact that they run comparable 1/4-mile times, the STi and the GTO aren't even similar cars. They have totally different driver experiences. Cross-shopping them is like saying you're just looking for a street racer ride to look cool in.

heh, what would you expect... but with all these snow (chicago), wrx (or any subaru) looks very good -_-;