2017 onwards WRX sti
Discussion
Will hopefully be in the market for a new car soon after lockdown thinking generally hot hatch but keep getting drawn back to the WRX STI.
I am hoping the pistonheads knowledge base would be able to help me with a few questions...?
Are they really only £150 to tax like autotrader suggests?
Depreciation seems none existen, 2017 cars don't seem to be much cheaper than 2019 cars. Is that right or is short supply just masking true values?
Do they get nicked a lot? Hot hatch theft seems to be really on the up. Just wondering if Subaru are suffering too.
What's the ride like compared to other hot hatches? Reviews are really mixed...
Sorry for all the questions, so hard to get bafeel for a car when you can't even see one let alone drive one!!
Thanks
DRG
I am hoping the pistonheads knowledge base would be able to help me with a few questions...?
Are they really only £150 to tax like autotrader suggests?
Depreciation seems none existen, 2017 cars don't seem to be much cheaper than 2019 cars. Is that right or is short supply just masking true values?
Do they get nicked a lot? Hot hatch theft seems to be really on the up. Just wondering if Subaru are suffering too.
What's the ride like compared to other hot hatches? Reviews are really mixed...
Sorry for all the questions, so hard to get bafeel for a car when you can't even see one let alone drive one!!
Thanks
DRG
the wrx sti will be around 580£ i think , if it’s a jdm import on 0 emissions then could be as low as 270£ , subaru’s i find are a bit soft suspension wise for what i want , coilovers maybe a good route bc are a good but not too expensive set up , depends if it’s been moded or not , theft yes it happens , i have cat 1 alarms trackers and a fuel cut in all my cars , biggest weakness could be the engine , if it’s been forged that’s a good start
BlueStreak said:
Yep, if registered after April 17 then its £145ish RFL. Suspension is fairly firm, from driving a few hot hatches last year I would say less firm than a Megane but more firm than an i30N, if that helps.
That is very useful! Thanks. Find myself with a lot of want. Magazine reviews weren't great but look at anyone actually driving one on YouTube and they seem to love them...My wife has one and they're fantastic cars, but they aren't for everyone.
As previously mentioned, the suspension is firm and it certainly feels more setup for track use rather than blasting down B road. But I don't find it an issue as a driver, although passengers do sometime complain.
It does quite lousy MPG (mid 20's) and has quite a small tank, so be mindful of that too.
The EJ25 engine does have a poor reputation for reliability some of which is justified, if you're planning on modifying for power you really need to budget for a forged rebuild (about 6k typically). The stock 300bhp really is the limit on these engines. All that being said what the engine lacks in reliability it more the makes up in character, it's a hugely fun driving experience and makes a fantastic noise. Be mindful though that this engine has an old school power delivery, with a big slab of boost hitting at around 4,000 rpm. If you're happy with the delivery and enjoy working the excellent gearbox, it's a very rewarding drive. Just don't expect to be able bury the throttle in any gear get instant boost like you would in a Golf R or modern twin-scroll.
The AWD system is a work of pure wizardry, it can deliver complete traction in almost all conditions. But it is extremely sensitive to tyre wear, as soon as you have even the slightest amount of uneven wear the AWD system will throw a wobbly - although this hasn't happened to me yet, it's common to need to replace all four tyres at the same time.
Can't comment on security or thefts. They're extremely rare cars and not exactly inconspicuous either, so I would say less likely to be taken than their German equivalents but that hasn't stopped me worrying.
As previously mentioned, the suspension is firm and it certainly feels more setup for track use rather than blasting down B road. But I don't find it an issue as a driver, although passengers do sometime complain.
It does quite lousy MPG (mid 20's) and has quite a small tank, so be mindful of that too.
The EJ25 engine does have a poor reputation for reliability some of which is justified, if you're planning on modifying for power you really need to budget for a forged rebuild (about 6k typically). The stock 300bhp really is the limit on these engines. All that being said what the engine lacks in reliability it more the makes up in character, it's a hugely fun driving experience and makes a fantastic noise. Be mindful though that this engine has an old school power delivery, with a big slab of boost hitting at around 4,000 rpm. If you're happy with the delivery and enjoy working the excellent gearbox, it's a very rewarding drive. Just don't expect to be able bury the throttle in any gear get instant boost like you would in a Golf R or modern twin-scroll.
The AWD system is a work of pure wizardry, it can deliver complete traction in almost all conditions. But it is extremely sensitive to tyre wear, as soon as you have even the slightest amount of uneven wear the AWD system will throw a wobbly - although this hasn't happened to me yet, it's common to need to replace all four tyres at the same time.
Can't comment on security or thefts. They're extremely rare cars and not exactly inconspicuous either, so I would say less likely to be taken than their German equivalents but that hasn't stopped me worrying.
Edited by philwhite on Friday 5th February 12:10
philwhite said:
My wife has one and they're fantastic cars, but they aren't for everyone.
As previously mentioned, the suspension is firm and it certainly feels more setup for track use rather than blasting down B road. But I don't find it an issue as a driver, although passengers do sometime complain.
It does quite lousy MPG (mid 20's) and has quite a small tank, so be mindful of that too.
The EJ25 engine does have a poor reputation for reliability some of which is justified, if you're planning on modifying for power you really need to budget for a forged rebuild (about 6k typically). The stock 300bhp really is the limit on these engines. All that being said what the engine lacks in reliability it more the makes up in character, it's a hugely fun driving experience and makes a fantastic noise. Be mindful though that this engine has an old school power delivery, with a big slab of boost hitting at around 4,000 rpm. If you're happy with the delivery and enjoy working the excellent gearbox, it's a very rewarding drive. Just don't expect to be able bury the throttle in any gear get instant boost like you would in a Golf R or modern twin-scroll.
The AWD system is a work of pure wizardry, it can deliver complete traction in almost all conditions. But it is extremely sensitive to tyre wear, as soon as you have even the slightest amount of uneven wear the AWD system will throw a wobbly - although this hasn't happened to me yet, it's common to need to replace all four tyres at the same time.
Can't comment on security or thefts. They're extremely rare cars and not exactly inconspicuous either, so I would say less likely to be taken than their German equivalents but that hasn't stopped me worrying.
Thanks Phil. Very helpful. Unlikely to mod for power, 300bhp really is enough for British roads and I am no track god either.As previously mentioned, the suspension is firm and it certainly feels more setup for track use rather than blasting down B road. But I don't find it an issue as a driver, although passengers do sometime complain.
It does quite lousy MPG (mid 20's) and has quite a small tank, so be mindful of that too.
The EJ25 engine does have a poor reputation for reliability some of which is justified, if you're planning on modifying for power you really need to budget for a forged rebuild (about 6k typically). The stock 300bhp really is the limit on these engines. All that being said what the engine lacks in reliability it more the makes up in character, it's a hugely fun driving experience and makes a fantastic noise. Be mindful though that this engine has an old school power delivery, with a big slab of boost hitting at around 4,000 rpm. If you're happy with the delivery and enjoy working the excellent gearbox, it's a very rewarding drive. Just don't expect to be able bury the throttle in any gear get instant boost like you would in a Golf R or modern twin-scroll.
The AWD system is a work of pure wizardry, it can deliver complete traction in almost all conditions. But it is extremely sensitive to tyre wear, as soon as you have even the slightest amount of uneven wear the AWD system will throw a wobbly - although this hasn't happened to me yet, it's common to need to replace all four tyres at the same time.
Can't comment on security or thefts. They're extremely rare cars and not exactly inconspicuous either, so I would say less likely to be taken than their German equivalents but that hasn't stopped me worrying.
Edited by philwhite on Friday 5th February 12:10
My Evora S is probably no more economical than that. I just don't calculate the mpg then I can't worry about it.
Edited by drgoatboy on Wednesday 10th February 12:48
I've had my WRX STI for a year now and I do recommend it.
I've owned 5 or 6 Subarus and this later WRX STI is by far the most competent all-rounder out of these. It is great for longer journeys, its not too noisy, the interior is spacious and comfortable, the gearing is great, and the ride is excellent at high speeds. The power delivery is fantastic.
It's also great fun to hustle along B-roads, and when you drive it hard it's incredibly rewarding; the all wheel drive system is immense, particularly in low-grip conditions and you can really feel the rally pedigree when driving the car in the rain. It genuinely puts a smile on your face when you drive it properly.
It has also been incredibly reliable as expected; myself and the 1 previous owner have maintained a full dealer service history and all that the car has needed in addition to this are 2 sets of tyres over the 55,000 miles its covered.. that's it!
As mentioned above there are some drawbacks to using it as an everyday car. The car is not well suited to short journeys. The ride which is excellent at high speed, becomes very harsh and borderline uncomfortable at low speeds and during city driving. Constant speed bumps are a nightmare, and stop-start driving in traffic does become tiresome after anything more than an hour. The MPG is also poorer than other cars which offer very similar performance, like a Golf R.
However, I find those drawbacks are easily drowned out by the sheer enjoyment of owning the car. I look forward to driving it (unless its a short journey in traffic!!) and I find myself finding reasons to take the car out for a proper drive. It gives you that childish grin as you accelerate hard onto a slip-road, and you feel complete confidence in the car when you want to drive it properly. They seem incredibly resilient against depreciation; mine still appears to be worth what I paid for it 1 year ago. And importantly, I find I always look back at it when I park up - always the trade mark of a great car.
If this is a car you've always wanted to own, do it.
I've owned 5 or 6 Subarus and this later WRX STI is by far the most competent all-rounder out of these. It is great for longer journeys, its not too noisy, the interior is spacious and comfortable, the gearing is great, and the ride is excellent at high speeds. The power delivery is fantastic.
It's also great fun to hustle along B-roads, and when you drive it hard it's incredibly rewarding; the all wheel drive system is immense, particularly in low-grip conditions and you can really feel the rally pedigree when driving the car in the rain. It genuinely puts a smile on your face when you drive it properly.
It has also been incredibly reliable as expected; myself and the 1 previous owner have maintained a full dealer service history and all that the car has needed in addition to this are 2 sets of tyres over the 55,000 miles its covered.. that's it!
As mentioned above there are some drawbacks to using it as an everyday car. The car is not well suited to short journeys. The ride which is excellent at high speed, becomes very harsh and borderline uncomfortable at low speeds and during city driving. Constant speed bumps are a nightmare, and stop-start driving in traffic does become tiresome after anything more than an hour. The MPG is also poorer than other cars which offer very similar performance, like a Golf R.
However, I find those drawbacks are easily drowned out by the sheer enjoyment of owning the car. I look forward to driving it (unless its a short journey in traffic!!) and I find myself finding reasons to take the car out for a proper drive. It gives you that childish grin as you accelerate hard onto a slip-road, and you feel complete confidence in the car when you want to drive it properly. They seem incredibly resilient against depreciation; mine still appears to be worth what I paid for it 1 year ago. And importantly, I find I always look back at it when I park up - always the trade mark of a great car.
If this is a car you've always wanted to own, do it.
SparrowHawk said:
do it.
Thanks Sparrowhawk. I ended up going in a different direction altogether. I test drove a 2018 car, liked the look, the space inside, engine note.
I didn't like the terrible ride, the exceedingly light accelerator, high clutch bite point, very short 1st and 2nd gears, the feeling of sitting very high in the car.
Any combination of those I could have lived with but all together it was a bit much. The ride in particular was a deal breaker, my kids would have thrown up for sure!
Maybe I was spoiled with my Evora...
The other nagging doubt was the current prices, they have shot up, crazy numbers, can't see how a 3 year old scooby has only dropped 19%. I had a nagging feeling the bubble would burst and there would be a sudden drop in values.
Maybe I am wrong, only time will tell. (This is true of all Subaru right now, even the much hated WRX hatch is are up at £12-14k for a well used version, they couldn't sell them new 10 years ago and you could pickup pre reg for not a lot more)
It's a shame. I really fancied one, but it just wasn't for me.
drgoatboy said:
Thanks Sparrowhawk. I ended up going in a different direction altogether.
I test drove a 2018 car, liked the look, the space inside, engine note.
I didn't like the terrible ride, the exceedingly light accelerator, high clutch bite point, very short 1st and 2nd gears, the feeling of sitting very high in the car.
Any combination of those I could have lived with but all together it was a bit much. The ride in particular was a deal breaker, my kids would have thrown up for sure!
Maybe I was spoiled with my Evora...
The other nagging doubt was the current prices, they have shot up, crazy numbers, can't see how a 3 year old scooby has only dropped 19%. I had a nagging feeling the bubble would burst and there would be a sudden drop in values.
Maybe I am wrong, only time will tell. (This is true of all Subaru right now, even the much hated WRX hatch is are up at £12-14k for a well used version, they couldn't sell them new 10 years ago and you could pickup pre reg for not a lot more)
It's a shame. I really fancied one, but it just wasn't for me.
Interesting, I was very tempted by a new black STI, the thing that stalled any progress was the dealer saying I couldn't have a test drive without committing to buy and a deposit which just seemed barmy. Coincidentally my car was going to my local independent Subaru specialist for its MOT and I mentioned about buying a new STI, he said don't that I would seriously regret the purchase saying the ride was awful, they lack any feel, there's no character in the car and that the engines are pants - and that's from a guy who has been a Subaru mechanic for 30+ years. So I stuck with my Blobeye wagon and I'm glad I did, it still has the ability to scare me when I grab it by the scruff of the neck, but makes me smile every time I drive it, plus I can't help look back at it every time I park it which as was said in a previous post is the sign of a good car!!I test drove a 2018 car, liked the look, the space inside, engine note.
I didn't like the terrible ride, the exceedingly light accelerator, high clutch bite point, very short 1st and 2nd gears, the feeling of sitting very high in the car.
Any combination of those I could have lived with but all together it was a bit much. The ride in particular was a deal breaker, my kids would have thrown up for sure!
Maybe I was spoiled with my Evora...
The other nagging doubt was the current prices, they have shot up, crazy numbers, can't see how a 3 year old scooby has only dropped 19%. I had a nagging feeling the bubble would burst and there would be a sudden drop in values.
Maybe I am wrong, only time will tell. (This is true of all Subaru right now, even the much hated WRX hatch is are up at £12-14k for a well used version, they couldn't sell them new 10 years ago and you could pickup pre reg for not a lot more)
It's a shame. I really fancied one, but it just wasn't for me.
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