05 subaru wrx sti ppp - question
Discussion
hi all,
battling with my head, i currently own a golf r mk6 the next obvious step for me would be a golf r 7, but my heart has always been with the old cars.. currently wanting to go down the route for a stock 05 STI
does the unreliability on these cars only happen once mapped an with mods? is a stock full service history 1 reliable? whats to look out for on these
thanks
battling with my head, i currently own a golf r mk6 the next obvious step for me would be a golf r 7, but my heart has always been with the old cars.. currently wanting to go down the route for a stock 05 STI
does the unreliability on these cars only happen once mapped an with mods? is a stock full service history 1 reliable? whats to look out for on these
thanks
I've got a standard 07 WRX saloon. Brilliant car, not quite as focused as the STI and not so modifiable (if that's what you want) but fantastic all the same. A lot of what applies to the WRX also applies to the STI. The 05 STI will have the strong 2.0L engine which is usually pretty reliable in standard tune (more so than the 2.5L STI engine)
Some things to look out for are:
- Bit of an obvious one but make sure has a full and preferable well documented service history. Scheduled (if not more regular) oil changes are crucial on engine, gearbox and rear diff.
- Look out for rust at the top of the rear suspension turrets (particularly the flat part of the upper turret facing outwards where road dirt collects) . Also look out for rust in the rear arches - the rust starts from the inside so if its slightly rusty outside could be hiding some bigger problems. Front and rear bumper cross members can also rust. Also check sills for rust too (although admittedly it's a bit difficult with the side skirts still attached). If you get a good one best to get it done with a reputable rust prevention coating.
- Head gaskets can be an issue on some cars although less so in standard tune.
- The rear diff bushes can get a bit worn at higher mileage - can be a bit pricey to fix if you don't do it yourself.
- Rear dampers can knock after a while although quite a few options available that will fix (either coil overs or replacement KYB ones which should fit the inverted dampers which an 05STI has).
Full 4 wheel alignment is crucial to make the most of the car and prevent excessive tyre wear - really transforms it.
Make sure tyres are from a good brand and have a similar amount of tread all round as an indication it's been looked after OK as transmission wind up in the 4WD caused by tyres with varying tread depths can cause problems.
Hope this helps.
Some things to look out for are:
- Bit of an obvious one but make sure has a full and preferable well documented service history. Scheduled (if not more regular) oil changes are crucial on engine, gearbox and rear diff.
- Look out for rust at the top of the rear suspension turrets (particularly the flat part of the upper turret facing outwards where road dirt collects) . Also look out for rust in the rear arches - the rust starts from the inside so if its slightly rusty outside could be hiding some bigger problems. Front and rear bumper cross members can also rust. Also check sills for rust too (although admittedly it's a bit difficult with the side skirts still attached). If you get a good one best to get it done with a reputable rust prevention coating.
- Head gaskets can be an issue on some cars although less so in standard tune.
- The rear diff bushes can get a bit worn at higher mileage - can be a bit pricey to fix if you don't do it yourself.
- Rear dampers can knock after a while although quite a few options available that will fix (either coil overs or replacement KYB ones which should fit the inverted dampers which an 05STI has).
Full 4 wheel alignment is crucial to make the most of the car and prevent excessive tyre wear - really transforms it.
Make sure tyres are from a good brand and have a similar amount of tread all round as an indication it's been looked after OK as transmission wind up in the 4WD caused by tyres with varying tread depths can cause problems.
Hope this helps.
Edited by scoobydog on Sunday 7th June 13:20
I would add (2004 WRX) the Prodrive upgrade is well worth it but anything over that , it’s pot luck depending on who did it. Many reliable STis at 400 but don’t touch a WRX over 300 bhp.
Timing belt is required every 5 years or 60 000. An 05 will be due one.
Clutches are very expensive , so check that carefully .A lot have decat exhaust , a bit of a pain come MOT time .
Timing belt is required every 5 years or 60 000. An 05 will be due one.
Clutches are very expensive , so check that carefully .A lot have decat exhaust , a bit of a pain come MOT time .
As said 05 is stronger engine.
I have had an 05 STI (wifes car) for coming upto 6 years. She does about 5k a year in it. Now sitting at 55k.
Completely std PPP car.
In time of her owning I have had.
330i last of the Straight 6
M3 V8
Megane Cup-S
I have tried to sell it out from under her. NO
Offer to give her the Meg as a replacement.NO
Std Service once a year, No other issues. All of the others have had warranty work (especially the 330i)
Also test drove a Mk7 Golf R when moving from the 330i to the M3. Accomplished allrounder no doubt but lacking character.
The Noise & the on/off boost is laugh out loud fun.
I have had an 05 STI (wifes car) for coming upto 6 years. She does about 5k a year in it. Now sitting at 55k.
Completely std PPP car.
In time of her owning I have had.
330i last of the Straight 6
M3 V8
Megane Cup-S
I have tried to sell it out from under her. NO
Offer to give her the Meg as a replacement.NO
Std Service once a year, No other issues. All of the others have had warranty work (especially the 330i)
Also test drove a Mk7 Golf R when moving from the 330i to the M3. Accomplished allrounder no doubt but lacking character.
The Noise & the on/off boost is laugh out loud fun.
scoobydog said:
I've got a standard 07 WRX saloon. Brilliant car, not quite as focused as the STI and not so modifiable (if that's what you want) but fantastic all the same. A lot of what applies to the WRX also applies to the STI. The 05 STI will have the strong 2.0L engine which is usually pretty reliable in standard tune (more so than the 2.5L STI engine)
Some things to look out for are:
- Bit of an obvious one but make sure has a full and preferable well documented service history. Scheduled (if not more regular) oil changes are crucial on engine, gearbox and rear diff.
- Look out for rust at the top of the rear suspension turrets (particularly the flat part of the upper turret facing outwards where road dirt collects) . Also look out for rust in the rear arches - the rust starts from the inside so if its slightly rusty outside could be hiding some bigger problems. Front and rear bumper cross members can also rust. Also check sills for rust too (although admittedly it's a bit difficult with the side skirts still attached). If you get a good one best to get it done with a reputable rust prevention coating.
- Head gaskets can be an issue on some cars although less so in standard tune.
- The rear diff bushes can get a bit worn at higher mileage - can be a bit pricey to fix if you don't do it yourself.
- Rear dampers can knock after a while although quite a few options available that will fix (either coil overs or replacement KYB ones which should fit the inverted dampers which an 05STI has).
Full 4 wheel alignment is crucial to make the most of the car and prevent excessive tyre wear - really transforms it.
Make sure tyres are from a good brand and have a similar amount of tread all round as an indication it's been looked after OK as transmission wind up in the 4WD caused by tyres with varying tread depths can cause problems.
Hope this helps.
Great post and 2nded. To add my bit.....Watch for rear arch rust as even small bubbles can mean major trauma within the inner arches. Shiny on the outside does not mean a solid car! Run on Super Unleaded only to ensure a happy engine and to get the most out of it. Front subframes are another area to check for rot, plus the rear of the cills (hidden behind side skirts) and the front edge of the cills BEHIND the the lower edge of the front wing. (undo a bolt at the base of the wing and undo the arch liner and have a peek. Not the sort of thing you can do when viewing a car but worth investigating. There WILL be lots of debris and dirt in there, and if the drain holes have been blocked you may find rot and doom)Some things to look out for are:
- Bit of an obvious one but make sure has a full and preferable well documented service history. Scheduled (if not more regular) oil changes are crucial on engine, gearbox and rear diff.
- Look out for rust at the top of the rear suspension turrets (particularly the flat part of the upper turret facing outwards where road dirt collects) . Also look out for rust in the rear arches - the rust starts from the inside so if its slightly rusty outside could be hiding some bigger problems. Front and rear bumper cross members can also rust. Also check sills for rust too (although admittedly it's a bit difficult with the side skirts still attached). If you get a good one best to get it done with a reputable rust prevention coating.
- Head gaskets can be an issue on some cars although less so in standard tune.
- The rear diff bushes can get a bit worn at higher mileage - can be a bit pricey to fix if you don't do it yourself.
- Rear dampers can knock after a while although quite a few options available that will fix (either coil overs or replacement KYB ones which should fit the inverted dampers which an 05STI has).
Full 4 wheel alignment is crucial to make the most of the car and prevent excessive tyre wear - really transforms it.
Make sure tyres are from a good brand and have a similar amount of tread all round as an indication it's been looked after OK as transmission wind up in the 4WD caused by tyres with varying tread depths can cause problems.
Hope this helps.
Edited by scoobydog on Sunday 7th June 13:20
These cars are getting old now but are utterly fantastic. An analogue drive = you're in control, no fancy gadgets to enhance the driving experience, it's all there for you to exploit and your limits will be reached before a well sorted Imprezas limits are!!
Oh and avoid the 2.5 engines in the new Impreza.
Edited by Pupbelly on Wednesday 17th June 13:18
Edited by Pupbelly on Wednesday 17th June 13:19
I recently sold my 05 STI with PPP owned it 7.5 years was a great car with no issues in the 7 years of ownership, good cars becoming hard to find now, Also some dealers asking far to much money for them. I had 3 Subaru’s in 20 years but won’t be moving to the 2.5Ltr engine, higher tax & reliability.
I've just bought one of these and its brilliant. Its completley standard other than the H&S exhaust which was fitted by the previous owner to replace the rusty Prodrive Item. Its done 90K miles but has an excellent service history with a recent timing belt and clutch change. At some point in its life, early on I suspect its had a full underbody seal and there doesnt appear to be any rot (fingers crossed). The jack points are showing signs but not sure what can be done here.
Prior to buying this one I went to look at another high miler that also had been serviced with no expense spared a Roger Clark and the car looked superb and I was ready to buy based on the history and external condition but when I put my hand up the rear wing near the suspension turret I found a fist sized hole. With the current owner present I started removing rotten metal and when I had finished I could put my arm inside the arch and move it all the way from the front of the arch to the rear. One for the scrapper me thinks.
Prior to buying this one I went to look at another high miler that also had been serviced with no expense spared a Roger Clark and the car looked superb and I was ready to buy based on the history and external condition but when I put my hand up the rear wing near the suspension turret I found a fist sized hole. With the current owner present I started removing rotten metal and when I had finished I could put my arm inside the arch and move it all the way from the front of the arch to the rear. One for the scrapper me thinks.
- edit* After I spotted the rot on the above car the seller told me he would take it off sale and get it sorted and re-sell it. Well its just been relisted on ebay so in the interest of protecting any buyer the registration is FA05 AFF and the car is located near S
horpe. If you are thinking of buying this car then be aware that its got rust issues.
Edited by moonigan on Monday 13th July 07:32
I've been checking the classifieds very regularly for a clean blobeye. I've never had one before and I'm a bit intimidated by them! I feel like the potential for buying a timebomb is huge. If something pops up locally I'll go and check it out but I'll be poking and prodding it absolutely everywhere.
I'm torn between a WRX and an STi. I've driven a couple of WRX's but I've never been in an STi. (if anyone is near Sheffield I'd welcome a passenger ride!)
For me it'll be strictly a summer weekend car with no need for efficiency or practicality. I know you can get a cleanish WRX for less than 5 grand and it'll be good fun. A nice STi will be twice the price but will probably put a bigger smile on your face.
Also, the GC8 has really come of age. I never gave them a second glance when they were ten a penny. They used to be screaming around all over the place leaving a trail of blue smoke everywhere they go and I wasn't interested. Now though, a nice clean example is a very pleasing sight. Even harder to find a good one though.
So yeah, I know I need a Subaru but I'm all over the place. Not sure exactly which itch to scratch first.
I'm torn between a WRX and an STi. I've driven a couple of WRX's but I've never been in an STi. (if anyone is near Sheffield I'd welcome a passenger ride!)
For me it'll be strictly a summer weekend car with no need for efficiency or practicality. I know you can get a cleanish WRX for less than 5 grand and it'll be good fun. A nice STi will be twice the price but will probably put a bigger smile on your face.
Also, the GC8 has really come of age. I never gave them a second glance when they were ten a penny. They used to be screaming around all over the place leaving a trail of blue smoke everywhere they go and I wasn't interested. Now though, a nice clean example is a very pleasing sight. Even harder to find a good one though.
So yeah, I know I need a Subaru but I'm all over the place. Not sure exactly which itch to scratch first.
Yeah I think you're right. Might as well have the full fat experience.
I think I'd prefer a JDM model. The problem is finding one for a fair price. The dealers are trying to jack the prices sky high but all the same overpriced cars have been for sale for months and months. When I'm safely back at work I'll go hunting properly.
I think I'd prefer a JDM model. The problem is finding one for a fair price. The dealers are trying to jack the prices sky high but all the same overpriced cars have been for sale for months and months. When I'm safely back at work I'll go hunting properly.
Elatino1 said:
It's not currently but I was considering advertising it. Will kick myself if it appreciates wildly in value as much of the Japanese stuff has.
Your car will always be in demand and the only reservation I would have would be availability of parts that were specific to the RA.
Edited by moonigan on Thursday 16th July 09:42
sharkattack said:
I've been checking the classifieds very regularly for a clean blobeye. I've never had one before and I'm a bit intimidated by them! I feel like the potential for buying a timebomb is huge.
Stick to a 2.0L newage and do the usual used-car checks, and you would be unlucky to go badly wrong. These are simple cars, easy to work on, with good parts availability and lots of knowledgeable specialists dotted around. Classics are getting old now and parts harder to find.I had two classics and two newage cars. All among the most reliable cars I’ve owned.
Will agree with all of the above.
Recently purchased a 06 plate sti from japan. What an amazing drive. Really gets under your skin and you really feel like you are driving it. Old skool boost kick and so relaxing on longer drives with effort less overtaking.
So much feed back. Spent a pretty penny getting all the mechanicals checked over, oils, diff, box, belts pads etc all up to brand new but all it will need is oil changes for the next 5 years.
You won’t regret it at all and can’t see you losing any money on it!! Only thing that has needed changing is the front o2 sensor and maf sensor, both 15 years old now but the car is a hoot!
Recently purchased a 06 plate sti from japan. What an amazing drive. Really gets under your skin and you really feel like you are driving it. Old skool boost kick and so relaxing on longer drives with effort less overtaking.
So much feed back. Spent a pretty penny getting all the mechanicals checked over, oils, diff, box, belts pads etc all up to brand new but all it will need is oil changes for the next 5 years.
You won’t regret it at all and can’t see you losing any money on it!! Only thing that has needed changing is the front o2 sensor and maf sensor, both 15 years old now but the car is a hoot!
CNW25 said:
Elatino1 said:
I am potentially interested. Not sure if there is a private mail function....technology not my strong point.Elatino1 said:
There is an email function but yours are turned off. Turn them on in settings and we can talk. I'm actually considering doing a few bits such as a big brake kit and keeping it otherwise although cars seem to be selling well at the moment so maybe I could put it up. So indecisive.....
email function now on. thanksGassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff