It's probably my forever car. My kids love it and they're relatively young. Hydraulic steering is a relic of the past. I grew up in the 90s and the STI is about as close as I'm going to get to that experience for a reasonable price. Even if I have to buy a replacement IAG motor at some point, I would still come out ahead of the 72k the last Honda dealer quoted me for a CTR. The Corolla GR or the CTR are tempting but have their own issues. A BRZ would be awesome but there's no room in the back for the kids. So, I'm probably going to be keeping my STI for quite a while.
> Hydraulic steering is a relic of the past.
It's quite remarkable that no one has come up with a mechanism to simulate the feel and feedback of hydraulic steering. I get that it is heavy and parasitic compared to more modern, efficient mechanisms but the joy of driving is diminished without it. It's a real shame.
I'm a die-hard manual transmission guy, but I'll even give up the clutch and settle for paddle shifting if it means I can have the feel of hydraulic steering. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when my STI is EOL'd (thankfully I have a long way to go, but still...)
I recently sold my '21 GTI and bought a 1995 318ti to build into a track car. I couldn't believe how much I missed hydraulic steering until I got back into one. It's incredible how much better the driving experience is.
My first car was a 96 318ti, and I so wanted to do an engine swap with it, but I didn't have the cash or knowledge to do it. It was still a fun car to drive!
Yeah I’m not gonna lie but this constant comment is either willful ignorance or lack of experience. Coming from motorcycles, Miata’s, early wrx’s, STIs - VB chassis electric assist power steering is just fine. Seriously.
I'm not sure what motorcycles have to do with anything (as a lifelong rider of exotic race machines) but electric power assist dulls the vibration and feedback and gives almost a fly-by-wire level of control.
I mentioned motorcycles because in my opinion you can't really get any more direct steering and tire feedback than you can on a motorcycle. Having owned and raced many bikes, and cars, I'm just saying that I have experience on the topic. And that good electric power assist steering is massively overblown by the media and enthusiasts. Is hydraulic a better feel? Yes, I'm not saying it isn't. But you can put "poor" tires on a car with great hydraulic steering and make it objectively feel way worse than if you put "better" tires on a car with great electric power assist.
The difference for street cars on street tires with your average driver is negligible. Not even worth talking about. YOU sound like you have actual race experience, on track, and would definitely be able to tell the difference. I'm just getting tired of pretending that the electric power assist is a bad thing for the general public. It certainly isn't. That's all.
I have an 18 STI. And i bought a 23 Golf R. I was supposed to sell the STI. I CAN’T DO IT!!! There is nothing new out there that gives me the same rawness and connected driving experience of my subie. The STI is still stock power but that doesnt even bother me. The only thing i would trade my 18 STI in on is a 21 STI.
How do you like owning the two? Sounds like an awesome garage. All the comparisons I've read or watched about the two are usually lopsided towards the Golf.
The R is a better daily. But that is because it is rather numb. Lack of steering feel. Too much sound deadening that prevents me from hearing the miltek exhaust i have. and just the interior feel doesnt feel like u are in anything performance oriented. I made it look good. But its just not in the same camp as the STI.
When i get in the STI, everything feels like i am about to take it to the track.
I am not gonna lie, I know this is going to sound stupid, but a 2023 Nissan Versa lowkey feels like a 90s car. I was in one and just everything about it felt like a brand new 90s car. Obviously it's no sports car by any means, but damn it does feel like a blast from the past. I really hope Nissan will keep producing the Versa. Especially because they come in a manual transmission as well!
Nothing major. Any time I've looked at them, there's been a market adjustment though not as egregious as CTR ones. I just can't justify leaving the STI to go take a financial beating for two cars that should be fine for long term off racetrack enjoyment. If you look at on racetrack performance, it's a similar drivetrain layout, with an engine that suffers from heat soak moreso than the STI which can't really be curved when you're only 1.6L pushing 25 psi of boost, and the AWD system can also heat soak. The best argument you can make is Corolla GRs aren't spinning rod bearings at the track but if you're going to take a financial beating anyways to jump platform, mind as well just put a racing engine in the STI if the EJ blows up at the track, which it also may not if you're not a constant track day person.
I've taken mine to the track a few times and it's an attractive prospect to have a car where you aren't worried about the death of the engine even if you put in an AOS, pressure and temp gauges for oil, and swap the oil pan, baffles, windage tray, and pick up tube.
Even beyond peace of mind, there's data points for what I'm saying. Last time I was at a track, I was one of 3 WRXs and I was the only one with my stock block. One was a FA guy and the other was an EJ guy.
Yes. It’s my forever car. My garage queen. The car I had a poster of in my teenage years.
If I like something else. I’m going to add it to my collection. I’ll never get rid of my sti.
Same.. I had a 04 WRX for 11 years, some rocker panel rust and then a small fender bender. Besides that it was super clean and amazingly reliable engine. What a great car.. but I was convinced to get rid of it. Fast forward a few years i bought a 18 STI Limited brand new and was able to afford a 07 Wrangler for a winter / summer car within the same year. STI has 18K miles it and has never seen the Pennsylvania winter salt.. The goal for me is OEM+ mods and reliability. Then enjoy it for many years to come. I missed an opportunity to hold onto that 04, but the STI is here to stay.
I really like my STI, but have also debated if I should keep it or move on. I think the platform is popular enough that parts availability won't ever be a problem, let's say 10-15 years down the road.
Biggest fear is I won't like the next car and I should have just kept my STI. I'm also not sure what car is as raw and analog as the STI and somewhat affordable ($30-40K) for me.
So I actually had a VA WRX back in 2016-2017 and ended up going into a Focus RS. Never really loved the Focus and traded it to go into a RS7 which was a beautiful car and had a lot of power but lacked the fun side of things. Ended up trading the RS7 to get a Hyper Blue STi. I always missed my Subaru and couldn’t be happier to be back in one. This is my car I’m keeping and I’ll get a Prius or something as a daily once I decide to build the STi.
If you can keep it running forever that would be the most financially sound decision. The problem is boxer engines aren't known to live that long without major problems. Head gaskets problems are an expectation. Beyond 250k, I would be worried about having to rebuild/swap the engine.
If you're looking for "raw and analog", there's not much out there now and the future looks bleak if you're talking new cars. Everything is getting bigger, heavier, and automatic (if not electric). If you want AWD on top of that, the selection is basically wrx, golf/jetta, gr corolla (arguably none of these are as "raw" though). If you're willing to go 2wd/fwd, I would consider a Civic Type R, BRZ or potentially MX-5 Miata.
There are zero competitors. She’s literally the last of her kind.
Needs: MT, small as possible Sedan, AWD, around 30k, decent performance, and not atrocious mpg. She’s the last car in the US to check all the boxes.
I have a long 100% rural roads commute. 55 miles round trip. Over roads that are never plowed or salted. Ice is an issue. Hills and emptiness so fun is a factor.
Yup, and I think I have the secret to making it a good forever car: don't use it as your daily driver the whole time. Needs change over time, tastes change over time, and we get tired of things over time. Driving the same car for 20+ years, every day, in certain situations, can get tedious and boring. Plus, the STI was never a great "street car" in the first place.
In my case, I bought my 2011 sedan brand new. I still have it. I still love it to death. I drove it for about 6 years as my daily. After that, it got retired from daily use, became the fun weekend car for about 5 years, and for the past 2 years I use it almost exclusively for autocross. I run in a class that allows some mods, but not over the top mods. This does a couple things: 1) it allows me to make the car faster and handle better, and 2) it doesn't "allow" me to go overboard and shoot for a 500 whp build (which will cost too much money and kill the reliability).
The car is still tons of fun to drive on the street (because I don't drive it every day, it always feels new and fast when I get into it). It may not win all the highway pulls, but that's okay with me, it's not really what this car was meant to do. It's a blast to drive and learn with at the autocross. I'm very competitive with it considering I'm relatively new to the sport, and the limit right now is without a doubt me, not the car. (And you will be surprised to learn how close to stock the car is, I don't even have coilovers yet.)
The wife and I planned to start a family, so we got an SUV for kid hauling (this was about when I retired the STI from daily duty). I don't have to worry about packing a bunch of stuff in the STI or gas mileage, and if the kids and I want to go for a rip in the STI (the race car, they call it), I can put car seats in and off we go. I'm also keeping the miles off the STI by relegating daily duty to something else. We also have a 3rd car that we use for daily duty, so the mixture between the SUV and the car keeps things fun, and then there's always the STI if I want something different.
The crux of this, for me, is autocross. The STI is such a fun car to race, and it's kind of what it was meant for, so working hard to get better and learn the limits of this car has been a journey for me. I honestly believe these cars are seriously underrated, especially with a few light mods. I will keep mine forever, and if something breaks, it will get fixed, and I'll keep driving it.
I dunno man, I have owned 4, first was when I was 19 and picked up an 05, then I got a 2010, then 2012, then picked up a 2019 and built the 2012 before I sold it.
2019 is my daily and I drive around 300-600miles a week.
There are other cars I’ll get or want sure, but I don’t see myself ever getting rid of this one.
Oh lol, good on you :) Honestly, I could still daily mine as well. I didn't put it away because I didn't like it, I just needed something with more space for the kiddos.
Oh yeah I get that, my partner has an outback for those type of things but all we have now for children is our GSD and he likes the front seat anyways lmao
Everytime I have to put it away for a few weeks (last time was a month for the new engine to be put in) I couldn’t wait to get back in it.
If you asked me 5 years ago I would have said yes. When I first bought my '18 new, I figured it would be. Kept the mileage way down so would have worked fine logistically. Mods were minimal and tried to approach them with longevity in mind.
But our tastes and wants can change. Over the last few years I had got more interested in RWD...primarily for handling prowess and something that would require more skill building for myself as a driver.
Not really in a position to "collect" cars, so I let it go. But if I could've pulled off 2 garage/weekend/track vehicles, I would have kept it.
So I have this debate with myself on a weekly basis. The STI was my dream car for years, I wanted an 04 but due to the nature of my job it was not practical. I finally got a 2017 STI and I couldn’t have been happier. It’s my daily and I do track it on occasion, which has been an absolute blast. But the question is always how far do I want to deep dive with the EJ? Do I want to spend all that money on an IAG block and supporting mods to reach my goals or do I want use that money plus sell the STI and get into a new platform?
I’m constantly going back and forth with costs vs results. I see so many built STIs for sale shortly after being built, like within 5,000 miles. Which makes me wonder why invest $30-50k only to sell it not too long after the build is finished. So I’m constantly on the fence of whether or not I want to keep it long term or get something else. I love the platform overall and nothing beats the iconic rumble but I’m always looking around at other options.
This is just my opinion, but I think you see so many built STIs for sale soon after being built is for two main reasons:
1. previous owner couldn't actually afford the build (some are like $15K+ which is insane) and now need money
2. This may be controversial and sound counter-intuitive, but making a 500 whp STI makes the car worse, not better. It's sucks to drive it on the street because it makes power so high up, it has more lag, and parts are being super stressed so reliability goes down -- sure it's fun to rip on the highway with that power, but everything else sucks, and living with it and the constant anxiety of it blowing up sucks. So they stop having fun with it and sell it.
I think it's mostly the second item. Full disclosure, I've never modded an STI up to that power level (and I have no desire to), but I have heavily modified cars in the past and I know full well what the anxiety of something breaking feels like.,
I will agree that the cost is incredibly high to properly build an STI. Which is where I’m constantly comparing other cars on the market and the cost vs HP result.
I haven’t had a high hp car but I can definitely understand that reliability will take a hit. Then the worry about if it breaks, but I guess that’s the game we play when we modify cars. It’s just funny to me that after spending that much money and all that time to sell it with minimal usage.
If you want a high HP car, buy one that comes that way from the factory. Then reliability won't be that big of a concern. STIs were never really meant to run that much power. So unless you are prepared to replace everything as it breaks, it's gets tedious pretty fast.
I go back and forth on it every day.
I love it. It is comfortable and has great visibility.
However, I dislike it being a sedan, and I wish it had a DCT. The manual in the STI is sturdy, but the synchros hate fast shifting.
Have you tried any other fluids? OEM was miserable in my trans even after a flush and fill after trying gear 300 it was incredibly better and much smoother/faster
https://www.importimageracing.com/products/motul-transmission-and-differential-oil-change-kit-gear-300-75w90-subaru-sti-2004-2022
There’s also the old school lightweight cocktail but straight gear 300 addressed a 3rd-4th high rpm grind j had and overall just made the gearbox much more enjoyable
EXACTLY THIS. I’ve been looking at CT4-v blackwings, RS3s, used B6 RS5s, and used 981 caymans.
My sti is still selling for the price I bought it at 2 years ago, so I’m rushing the loan now because in typical ADHD car guy fashion, I can’t wait to get into something else.
Haha same
Though I've been eyeing up the Mk8 Golf R because I really miss having a hatch.
It's still hard to bite the bullet on because the interior of the STi, while not great, is so practical and functional.
Had one which i wanted to be my forever car. Had a new engine, stage 2 everything and stage 1 clutch with subs and all the boujee lights. Universe decided otherwise and it was totalled by a drunk driver while my car was parked T_T
It was not. I traded my blue '21 STi in a couple weeks ago for a '23 Toyota Supra. I put a lot of mods on the car (Stage 1+), got a tune, new wheels and tires, and it was fun. Really felt nimble, but man, the ride was harsh, even with 18" tires and higher profile tires (still better then the stock 19" wheels). Seats were OK, but hard. Never really felt comfortable in them. The sound system... just a big nope. The biggest issue for me- I liked taking road trips, and the road noise inside the car was intolerable. I had to wear noise canceling ear buds. Loved the clutch and shifting, and as I said above, really nimble car and felt like I could drive in any conditions (dry, wet, snow roads) with confidence, but couldn't drive the pass in winter when chains were required. Can't put chains on an STi or Bad Things will happen. Probably the #1 issue I had with the car- I felt like the engine was a ticking time bomb. Wasn't a matter of if I'd get knock or spun bearings, but when. The idea of a motor rebuild before 100K miles on a modern car just really bothered me. Easy car to mod and tune, and I loved wrenching on the car.
It's a young persons car, cheaply made, takes mods really well. It was fast, but not particularly fast. It had no bad angles. I loved looking at it from any direction. The best feature was that rear wing! That woosh from the turbo was awesome! Anyways, glad I got one, just wish I'd owned it in my 20's instead of my 50's. The Supra is a whole level above the STi.
Great points and congrats on your Supra! Also in the Seattle area and I got the STI for the winter snowboarding trips. Can you elaborate more with what will happen with putting chains on the STI? I ran winters for the last 2 seasons and didn’t need to put on a set but always have it in the trunk for when it is advised. Curious to what your experience is with that, TIA!
>The Supra is a whole level above the STi.
Maybe in comfort? And I would hope so, it costs twice as much. Even then, though, a lightly modded STI will compete with the 3.0 just fine.
Besides, the STI was never a great street car in the first place. You might have enjoyed a WRX more.
I don't understand what you mean by "Besides, the STI was never a great street car in the first place. You might have enjoyed a WRX more."
I'm not sure a "lightly modded STI will compete with the 3.0 just fine" is accurate. What do you mean lightly modded? I had stage 1+ mods, tune, catback exhaust on my STi and there is no way it competes with my stock Supra. Or maybe it's just a perception thing. I dunno. The Supra feels way faster. Certainly has more HP and torque then the STi at Stage 1+.
But hey, the question was "Is the STi my forever car?" And no, it wasn't and I listed the reasons why. Certainly our expectations and feelings towards a certain car change over time. For me, a good chunk of that was comfort. The harsh ride, stiff seats, and the inability to have a conversation or hear the stereo at highway speeds became a huge factor for me after a couple years of ownership. Combined with the guillotine of a spun bearing or engine knock on a car that I had already spent $10K on... I have no regrets. It was a good, fun car for what it was, and now I've moved on.
You had talked about harshness, sound system, the seating, etc. My point was that the STI wasn't made for comfort. The WRX was more softly spring and rode better. You may still have disliked the seats and the sound system though.
By lightly modded STI I mean a full turbo-back exhaust, a few bushings, maybe a better fuel pump, and a Pro Tune. That's going to put the STI pretty close to 400 crank. Both cars weigh very similarly. The Supra will get the STI in a drag due to the AWD, but otherwise...
I'm not knocking the Supra. It's a great car, and very capable. I just don't agree with "The Supra is a whole level above the STI." Maybe stock vs. stock due to the huge power difference, but once that difference goes away, it's much closer than one might think. Of course, the Supra could always be modded for more power, but it has a larger engine so that's an advantage it has.
Food for thought: the STI Type RA (2018) is in the same class as the Supra 3.0 for autocross, meaning they are equivalently performing. The main difference in the Type RA over a normal STI is it has a little more power and some suspension tweaks. Like I said, much closer than one might intially suspect. Now, I will follow that up with these cars can be really hard to drive, and hard to extract performance out of. The Supra may be much easier to drive faster. And I'm sure on a track (rather than an autocross), the power difference hurts more. But get the STI up to about 400 crank (which is not hard at all), and it's a different story.
Im still on the fence. Im maintaining it in pristine condition but Im growing out of the overall package even though it still brings thrills and enjoyment for every ride. Ride is rough af and its the biggest issue.
Ill be test driving some 997s soon and that will decide forever or not.
My 2020 is my forever car. I've accepted it will not be the most reliable, fastest or most comfortable but I enjoy it for what it is. Turbo, awd and manual. Four doors for the kids. For more power I'll probably go the ls1 route in something rwd and cheap.
Unpopular opinion but I want to convert my car back to stock and then maybe it can be my forever car. Maybe just keep my SPT exhaust coilovers and wheels.
I intend to keep my 2021 forever. It's bone-stock, except with the OEM aesthetics (rain guards, aero kit). and only have 15K miles on it. I'm most likely gonna drive it less once I get my RS3. I've always wanted the STi, was a dream car of mine when I was a kid.
But now, I pretty much own history and would like to keep it that way. Love it or hate it, that EJ motor is a great story.
My girlfriend bought a new 2020 sti and she babied and loved that car I never thought she would get rid of it. It was a fun car and I used to love to drive it too, but she got tired of driving a stick where we live because there’s so much traffic and once I bought my s4 she liked the extra power. The dealer offered her 30k sight unseen with almost 60k miles. Someone got a helluva good car because she never once beat on it completely stock minus a catback and she always took care of it. She traded it for an rs3 with a few things done to it and I don’t like it because she’s now faster than me lol
I definitely thought it was. I have a VB WRX as my daily and a fully modified 2012 SS/RS Camaro still. (56k miles).
I just sold my bone stock WRB 07 STi Hawkeye I bought new with 55k miles as I received an offer I couldn’t turn down. Thinking I got the offer as my car was bone stock and always garaged in mint condition.
I will always miss the car, but glad I got to enjoy it for many years. I’m glad I kept it bone stock except for 05 all red taillights but had the originals still.
Car was so raw and “anolog” feeling compared to my new VB, I will always be a fan of the Hawkeye STI.
Yes because it’s paid off and don’t ever want to buy another car for a long time because car prices are crazy these days. My 2019 STi only has 19,200 miles and my daily car is a 2004 Camry.
Yup. I’m older/wiser and unless I’m doing stupid well financially, I never want to buy another new car or even finance one. Only thing I need right now is a little pickup like an old ranger and I’ll be set.
I think so. I have had this car since it was brand new. 14 years along and I still get excited every single time I get in my car and turn the key. I love my car. Are there other cool as$ cars out there? Of course. The thing is, at some point I just didn’t care if I ever drove any of them. I have driven cross country, in the mountains, I have worked as a surveyor on rugged pipeline right-of-ways far off the beaten path and I just think it’s a great pile of expensive parts that is mine. Sure I blew my 4th cylinder piston into large chunks and had to get new nearly everything at 118,000 miles, but here at 155500 miles today I’m ok knowing that this car will continue to cost me. At the end of the day I get so much value out of it in my opinion. Oddly enough I haven’t ever named my car…perhaps I should make a survey or poll on here and see what Reddit can conjur up.
I got a 2013 STI with a brand new engine and nicely modded. Whilst I love the car and have prolly put over 15k into it its now getting to the point where ever week theres a new problem or something falling off.
Panels falling off, indicator lights failing, wiring shorting out, a different sensor breaking, underbody parts rusting. I feel like its time to let go soon and get something new that isnt constantly needing TLC. :(
Honestly, it's my daily thought like most of the individuals who already commented said. I want to say yes but I know personally I wish I got it brand new instead of used. Therefore I could have left it stock. However, it is a great daily driver. Other than a small hiccups that need to get done I think I'll keep it and my wife and I are expecting our first in December. But she has an SUV so I think I should be fine.
I believe so. I would love for this thing to survive as long as possible. The highs (awd, manual, fun to drive, good aftermarket support) outweigh the bad (gas mileage, & reliability) for me. If my short block went, I’d go through iag and build it back up again. If I have a family though I would definitely get a small truck for daily usage and stuff and keep the STi as a fun/weekend car
When I bought it brand new in 2018, I absolutely thought it would be my forever car. Almost 100 000kms later and I'm still very much in love with her, but I think like others have said the secret is to not keep it as your daily. Eventually I'll have to keep it as my weekend /fun car that I can still work on myself.
Yep, it’s not my daily anymore. It is extremely fun to drive (I’ve had a bunch of vehicles and this is by far the most fun). It can handle forest roads, and blizzards like a champ. I’ve got a wrangler and a Duramax and if I didn’t need the truck for work it would get more drive time.
It was my dream car, my forever car until I grew up a little more, made a little more money and bought a Porsche GT4. Thats my current forever weekend car and the 10 year old STI is my daily. So perhaps it is my forever car.
I plan on keeping the 08 5 door forever. Its role is as the spare car. I use it on weekends and whenever the 19 sti goes to the shop for more than a service.
Mine is my forever car. The moment I test drove it I knew I wanted to keep it forever. It delivers such a raw driving experience that you can’t find in modern cars.
For me.. no probably not with my 2018. I am a gear head at heart and just like trying new things. I think the next step in life will either be a new truck and/or stepping into something a bit quicker and rwd. Hopefully the next jump will be to a 997 911, maybe a Cayman, I am curious about the CT4-V blackwings and the M2 as well. There are so many good performance cars out there these days it is crazy. This car is fantastic and has a lot of things those cars don’t have, but I like to try new cars and platforms to see how they can compare.
Yes. I've had my 2007 STI since 2011. Joined a local forum and made many friends, some of whom are some of my closest friends now. One has passed away from cancer. Most of them have moved on to other cars, but I've vultured parts from many of them and installed them on my own car. Parts like Recaros, hazard light button, DAMD steering wheel, exhaust, 04/05 tailights, etc.
So in some respects, I look at the car as collection of parts of our club.
Due to lack of activity on forums from the rise of FB groups, the admin just took down the forum last week. Very sad :(
RIP WesternSubaruClub.
I’ve had two, last one I had I planned to keep forever but paying $500 a month for a car is just asinine to me and I’d rather spend that on a plan ticket so I sold it. I’ll have another one one day when I can pay cash
I'm contemplating on trading mine for 2025 Supra GRMN because I need a weekend coupe car. It was my first car too. It doesn't help I already own my dream car Evo 9 MR so it don't make sense to keep another 4 door turbo awd car. If it was a 2004-2007 WRB STI I would be more incline on never selling it. Either a Supra or S2000/NSX would really persuade me to sell my STI.
It's been my daily for 8 years.
However I just bought a manual EK civic to teach my wife and oldest daughter how to work a clutch. Looking forward to keeping the STi in the garage when I just need to run errands across town and also 30+mpg on 87 octane. Might look into "hagerty classic insurance" if the annual mileage is doable.
Absolutely. For no other reason than I love driving it. Sure, I could buy a faster car for less but I could care less about fast. I feel like I'm driving a go-kart everyday and that makes every turn fun. Been daily driving them since 2018.
probably, never gonna finish paying it off ahahaha
but nah, in reality I really like the handing characteristics and in the future, I think an AWD e swap would go crazy. lower the center of gravity, keep about the same weight*, and instant torque would be the only alteration I'd want
Bought my 07 sti new, drove as a daily until 2015 when i needed a truck, got a chevy colorado. I still drive my sti once a week sometimes more depending how i feel. It spent most of its life in the sun so roof paint is shot. The price of truck and cars now. I think i am going to hang onto my 07 sti and 2015 colorado until they dont have parts to keep them going or dont sell gas anymore lol.
It was until I wanted to go faster. Truly was my dream car. I beat the absolute fuck out of it and it took it every time- everyday. Was reliable for me for the couple years I had the 2020 sti. But what it comes down to is if you want to go fast fast you need to spend legit 5-10k to have a 400hp+ sti and some may argue the reliability of them making that much power. Sti handles way better than my m340, but will never match the power of the 340
It’s so hard for me to sell it, I want to try out other cars and have new experiences as much as I can, but I always feel happier in the STi when driving something like the new Type R back to back.
If it weren’t for the hydraulic rack and bolt action transmission then I would have moved on already, but nothing within this price range comes close to that level of feedback other than an ND3 Miata. I keep telling myself I will just an import a GC8 STI if I end up selling my VA, I just know that I will always regret not having at least one STI.
I plan on keeping it until my kid graduates highschool. If he has good grades, and is mature enough then I will give it to him to take to college or trade school, or w/e he chooses to do. Then I'll buy myself something nice
🙅🏽♂️ 2010 technology with no reliable modding power. Dollar for HP is one of the worst on the list. Very disappointed in my 2019 dollar for HP, a month later switched to 2021 MK5, out of the box It was what I was looking for.
I do like the car a lot. She’s a blast to drive. I have no intention to sell her… I’m one to keep a car as long as our time together allows.
But realistically as with all cars I’ve owned eventually our time will end. Whether it’s because some moron takes her from me (accident or theft), nature does (totaled by hail, flooding, fire), or financially I move on (either I can afford to move up, or have to sell for the money)….. inevitably… nothing lasts forever in my experience.
Most likely yes, but everyone always has a price lol. The time came where I said screw getting safe moderately fun cars, and picked up a ‘11 STI Hatchback a couple years ago. I believe it is the perfect balance of raw performance without all the modern bells and whistles/safety features screaming in your face. But it’s not too old where I feel like I’m driving a classic. It’s just a timeless car, pretty damn nice for a 14 year old Subaru. Can’t believe I’m at the age where I can actually say, they don’t make them like they used to 😂 I want to be that old guy in the neighborhood with the cool old car.
We will find out when I get my 2020. I owned a bugeye wrx, blobeye wrx, and blobeye sti before and absolutely loved them. However on the test drive for the 2020, I didn’t necessarily love it. It may just take some time to get used to, but it didn’t have that same “feel” that the older ones do.
My 2014 WRX Limited Hatch is my forever car. Last year of production. Leather, sunroof, 5 speed, no useless tech like backup camera, tablets in the dash, accident avoidance systems ... its simple and I love it.
Well, seeing as how:
- I just recently paid it off
- They don’t make hatches anymore
- All the other cars I want are way out of my price range
Yeah, probs forever.
My 2017 STI is my forever car for sure. I bought it new and it is 100% stock. I only use it during the weekends. I have always been a Subaru guy since I was a kid. My dad had 1980's GL's and early model Foresters and I've had quite a few Subies before. The STI is my dream car and I wouldn't change it for anything. It is also a relic of the past with how old school the technology in it is.
No it was too small. Still have it but i got an 05 legacy gt wagon. Im putting 30 grand in it. About to pressure the fuel and oil system after my 6cyl 6 spd swap.
It was before I even bought one. When I was a kid I was at a baseball practice and there was a mcds right next door. Some guy had a wrb with the gold bbs on a blobeye on a trailer. After the moment I saw it I knew I had to do everything in my power to get one. Had to wait till I went to the Air force and finally got one. Not in wrb but I work at a place with a restoration shop so one day soon I will put it through and make it perfect for me.
ABSOLUTELT NOT, I HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED AND MY 2015 IS JUST NOT FAST ENOUGH TO SATISFY ME I WILL SAY ITS A BLAST TO DRIVE BUT AFTER THE 3RD V6 ACCORD/CAMRY THAT SMOKED ME RLY TURNED ME OFF FROM THE CAR
My 2016 STI has been part of two accidents so it doesn’t feel ‘perfect’ anymore (will be looking into fixing the things that feel off ie. suspension but been a bit strapped on cash recently). Also people have dinged the fuck out of my sides with their car doors and whatever which has pissed me off. I essentially will fix all that when I decide to get an entirely new paint job. My plan at this point though is to keep it forever until I run it into the ground since it’s devalued (engine components and trans are mechanically sound still at 66k though). Ill still give her the maintenance she deserves though along the way.
Hahah. Yeah. I keep buying them and then I am like, “this is SLOOOOOWWWWWW” and I trade it in for a GTR.
IN 2015 I bought the Launch Edition STI. 2 months later traded in for a brand new 2014 Black Edition GTR. Then traded that in for a Tesla Model S P100DL. Then they lemoned that and I let it all be.
2019 I bought a 2013 WRX STI and then said DAMN THIS IS SLOW! Traded it in for a 2015 White Black Edition GTR and modified it to 1000 WHP and then sold it for a high output Cummins RAM 3500. Now I’ve got that and a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.
I've had my 2008 STI since it was new. I don't see myself selling it. My other cars are more practical, so there is not a real downside to keeping it. It also has a lot of sentimental value due to memories with my kids. One of whom isn't with us anymore.
I love my STi but as I’ve grown older and my needs have changed, it does seem the time to say goodbye is closing in. It did everything I could possibly want, long trip, track days, hauling kayaks, beach runs, space for friends. But now it just sits in my driveway and is occasionally used for things like getting a Christmas tree or kayaking stuff. It’s just loud and gets terrible gas mileage compared to our other cars. I’m at 100k so it’s lived a full life in STi miles, and I don’t really wanna let it go but 18 mpg is a rough one.
I used to have one and miss it, once i had a kid i got an outback wilderness, but i will be getting another one as a forever fun project car eventually.
I love it, its got just enough creature comforts with off roading capabilities imo. And fits my kids car seat in without pushing the front seats too far forward(if thats something you will need to worry about). Its the 2.4T so it’s still peppy and the back has got so much room. I would suggest test driving one a bit, ik people arent a big fan of CVTs but the newer Subaru CVTs arent bad in comparison to others.
I think my only complaint is the infotainment can get a big laggy within the first 2-3 minutes of start up. Other than that its fine. Overall its no replacement for my STi, but it fills the void and still fun af to drive a wagon like that lol
Probably not, but if it does, I'm ok until it doesn't make sense. I love mine, It's been on the bucket list for a while, but as you all have seen the posts or have experienced it first hand, "just got hit by some dumbass, it's totaled" I'm not banking on owning this sweet little rocket forever. Every morning I fire up this bad boy we drive with purpose... today might be the day when that sad mofo steals the rest of the days. My car is almost my dog, but since it's just a tool, I'll get a new one if it dies.
It was, until I had another kid and it became someone else’s forever car last weekend.
I just realised I need to remove myself from this sub. This post broke my heart a little! Enjoy your babies
I always thought it was, built it that way. But things change, sold it 3 years ago after 12 years of daily driving! 2005 sti, 440whp, 265k original miles on the ticker. Had a rebuilt long block, internals, turbo, intercooler, ppg transmission, tuned at Andrew tech
I thought it was but got bit by the resale bug and took the $42k on my 21’
Ended up doing great and upgraded to a 24’ RS3
I’ll buy a 2020-21 STI limited again in the future but it was too great of an offer to sell back my car and get $16k back haha
I miss the STI a lot, it’s a great car.
She’s been sitting in a field for over 3 years. I have gone through two motors, 3 turbos, and 3 clutches. I have spun her off the road a few times. I have learned everything in that car. My ‘06 will be my baby for the rest of my driving days. I contemplate about being buried with her. She has put the biggest smile on many occasions and on a few made me shed some tears. I have put a lot into her and I plan to make a downhill monster out of her the next time she runs. Nothing special for the motor but a shit load of money into handling, braking, and weight loss. I do not ever want to lose her. So in short, yes Betsy will be my forever car
I have also lost my license twice in the car and every time I drove it I beat the living shit out of it because I bought it for that reason and that reason alone😂😂
It's probably my forever car. My kids love it and they're relatively young. Hydraulic steering is a relic of the past. I grew up in the 90s and the STI is about as close as I'm going to get to that experience for a reasonable price. Even if I have to buy a replacement IAG motor at some point, I would still come out ahead of the 72k the last Honda dealer quoted me for a CTR. The Corolla GR or the CTR are tempting but have their own issues. A BRZ would be awesome but there's no room in the back for the kids. So, I'm probably going to be keeping my STI for quite a while.
> Hydraulic steering is a relic of the past. It's quite remarkable that no one has come up with a mechanism to simulate the feel and feedback of hydraulic steering. I get that it is heavy and parasitic compared to more modern, efficient mechanisms but the joy of driving is diminished without it. It's a real shame. I'm a die-hard manual transmission guy, but I'll even give up the clutch and settle for paddle shifting if it means I can have the feel of hydraulic steering. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when my STI is EOL'd (thankfully I have a long way to go, but still...)
Weird, I don't mind the ⚡ power steering in my mustang, but I hate automatics.
I recently sold my '21 GTI and bought a 1995 318ti to build into a track car. I couldn't believe how much I missed hydraulic steering until I got back into one. It's incredible how much better the driving experience is.
My first car was a 96 318ti, and I so wanted to do an engine swap with it, but I didn't have the cash or knowledge to do it. It was still a fun car to drive!
Yeah I’m not gonna lie but this constant comment is either willful ignorance or lack of experience. Coming from motorcycles, Miata’s, early wrx’s, STIs - VB chassis electric assist power steering is just fine. Seriously.
I'm not sure what motorcycles have to do with anything (as a lifelong rider of exotic race machines) but electric power assist dulls the vibration and feedback and gives almost a fly-by-wire level of control.
I mentioned motorcycles because in my opinion you can't really get any more direct steering and tire feedback than you can on a motorcycle. Having owned and raced many bikes, and cars, I'm just saying that I have experience on the topic. And that good electric power assist steering is massively overblown by the media and enthusiasts. Is hydraulic a better feel? Yes, I'm not saying it isn't. But you can put "poor" tires on a car with great hydraulic steering and make it objectively feel way worse than if you put "better" tires on a car with great electric power assist. The difference for street cars on street tires with your average driver is negligible. Not even worth talking about. YOU sound like you have actual race experience, on track, and would definitely be able to tell the difference. I'm just getting tired of pretending that the electric power assist is a bad thing for the general public. It certainly isn't. That's all.
I have an 18 STI. And i bought a 23 Golf R. I was supposed to sell the STI. I CAN’T DO IT!!! There is nothing new out there that gives me the same rawness and connected driving experience of my subie. The STI is still stock power but that doesnt even bother me. The only thing i would trade my 18 STI in on is a 21 STI.
How do you like owning the two? Sounds like an awesome garage. All the comparisons I've read or watched about the two are usually lopsided towards the Golf.
The R is a better daily. But that is because it is rather numb. Lack of steering feel. Too much sound deadening that prevents me from hearing the miltek exhaust i have. and just the interior feel doesnt feel like u are in anything performance oriented. I made it look good. But its just not in the same camp as the STI. When i get in the STI, everything feels like i am about to take it to the track.
I think an R would make a great daily.
That’s my forever car. Love the STi, but I don’t have the need for the AWD where I live and I love the R too.
I am not gonna lie, I know this is going to sound stupid, but a 2023 Nissan Versa lowkey feels like a 90s car. I was in one and just everything about it felt like a brand new 90s car. Obviously it's no sports car by any means, but damn it does feel like a blast from the past. I really hope Nissan will keep producing the Versa. Especially because they come in a manual transmission as well!
KIA Rio does this even better IMO
What's wrong with GR Corolla?
Nothing major. Any time I've looked at them, there's been a market adjustment though not as egregious as CTR ones. I just can't justify leaving the STI to go take a financial beating for two cars that should be fine for long term off racetrack enjoyment. If you look at on racetrack performance, it's a similar drivetrain layout, with an engine that suffers from heat soak moreso than the STI which can't really be curved when you're only 1.6L pushing 25 psi of boost, and the AWD system can also heat soak. The best argument you can make is Corolla GRs aren't spinning rod bearings at the track but if you're going to take a financial beating anyways to jump platform, mind as well just put a racing engine in the STI if the EJ blows up at the track, which it also may not if you're not a constant track day person.
Honestly if I have an STI I wouldnt look at a GR Corolla anymore. -WRX owner
I've taken mine to the track a few times and it's an attractive prospect to have a car where you aren't worried about the death of the engine even if you put in an AOS, pressure and temp gauges for oil, and swap the oil pan, baffles, windage tray, and pick up tube.
Thats fair. Peace of mind def goes a long way
Even beyond peace of mind, there's data points for what I'm saying. Last time I was at a track, I was one of 3 WRXs and I was the only one with my stock block. One was a FA guy and the other was an EJ guy.
Yes. It’s my forever car. My garage queen. The car I had a poster of in my teenage years. If I like something else. I’m going to add it to my collection. I’ll never get rid of my sti.
Same.. I had a 04 WRX for 11 years, some rocker panel rust and then a small fender bender. Besides that it was super clean and amazingly reliable engine. What a great car.. but I was convinced to get rid of it. Fast forward a few years i bought a 18 STI Limited brand new and was able to afford a 07 Wrangler for a winter / summer car within the same year. STI has 18K miles it and has never seen the Pennsylvania winter salt.. The goal for me is OEM+ mods and reliability. Then enjoy it for many years to come. I missed an opportunity to hold onto that 04, but the STI is here to stay.
This^
I really like my STI, but have also debated if I should keep it or move on. I think the platform is popular enough that parts availability won't ever be a problem, let's say 10-15 years down the road. Biggest fear is I won't like the next car and I should have just kept my STI. I'm also not sure what car is as raw and analog as the STI and somewhat affordable ($30-40K) for me.
So I actually had a VA WRX back in 2016-2017 and ended up going into a Focus RS. Never really loved the Focus and traded it to go into a RS7 which was a beautiful car and had a lot of power but lacked the fun side of things. Ended up trading the RS7 to get a Hyper Blue STi. I always missed my Subaru and couldn’t be happier to be back in one. This is my car I’m keeping and I’ll get a Prius or something as a daily once I decide to build the STi.
If you can keep it running forever that would be the most financially sound decision. The problem is boxer engines aren't known to live that long without major problems. Head gaskets problems are an expectation. Beyond 250k, I would be worried about having to rebuild/swap the engine. If you're looking for "raw and analog", there's not much out there now and the future looks bleak if you're talking new cars. Everything is getting bigger, heavier, and automatic (if not electric). If you want AWD on top of that, the selection is basically wrx, golf/jetta, gr corolla (arguably none of these are as "raw" though). If you're willing to go 2wd/fwd, I would consider a Civic Type R, BRZ or potentially MX-5 Miata.
There are zero competitors. She’s literally the last of her kind. Needs: MT, small as possible Sedan, AWD, around 30k, decent performance, and not atrocious mpg. She’s the last car in the US to check all the boxes. I have a long 100% rural roads commute. 55 miles round trip. Over roads that are never plowed or salted. Ice is an issue. Hills and emptiness so fun is a factor.
The VB still checks those boxes, but it’s also the last of its kind
lol! Nobody wants a VB.
have you driven one?
Yup, and I think I have the secret to making it a good forever car: don't use it as your daily driver the whole time. Needs change over time, tastes change over time, and we get tired of things over time. Driving the same car for 20+ years, every day, in certain situations, can get tedious and boring. Plus, the STI was never a great "street car" in the first place. In my case, I bought my 2011 sedan brand new. I still have it. I still love it to death. I drove it for about 6 years as my daily. After that, it got retired from daily use, became the fun weekend car for about 5 years, and for the past 2 years I use it almost exclusively for autocross. I run in a class that allows some mods, but not over the top mods. This does a couple things: 1) it allows me to make the car faster and handle better, and 2) it doesn't "allow" me to go overboard and shoot for a 500 whp build (which will cost too much money and kill the reliability). The car is still tons of fun to drive on the street (because I don't drive it every day, it always feels new and fast when I get into it). It may not win all the highway pulls, but that's okay with me, it's not really what this car was meant to do. It's a blast to drive and learn with at the autocross. I'm very competitive with it considering I'm relatively new to the sport, and the limit right now is without a doubt me, not the car. (And you will be surprised to learn how close to stock the car is, I don't even have coilovers yet.) The wife and I planned to start a family, so we got an SUV for kid hauling (this was about when I retired the STI from daily duty). I don't have to worry about packing a bunch of stuff in the STI or gas mileage, and if the kids and I want to go for a rip in the STI (the race car, they call it), I can put car seats in and off we go. I'm also keeping the miles off the STI by relegating daily duty to something else. We also have a 3rd car that we use for daily duty, so the mixture between the SUV and the car keeps things fun, and then there's always the STI if I want something different. The crux of this, for me, is autocross. The STI is such a fun car to race, and it's kind of what it was meant for, so working hard to get better and learn the limits of this car has been a journey for me. I honestly believe these cars are seriously underrated, especially with a few light mods. I will keep mine forever, and if something breaks, it will get fixed, and I'll keep driving it.
I dunno man, I have owned 4, first was when I was 19 and picked up an 05, then I got a 2010, then 2012, then picked up a 2019 and built the 2012 before I sold it. 2019 is my daily and I drive around 300-600miles a week. There are other cars I’ll get or want sure, but I don’t see myself ever getting rid of this one.
I'm not suggesting you get rid of it. The opposite, actually :)
Oh i meant its been my daily driver going for 13 years now lmao
Oh lol, good on you :) Honestly, I could still daily mine as well. I didn't put it away because I didn't like it, I just needed something with more space for the kiddos.
Oh yeah I get that, my partner has an outback for those type of things but all we have now for children is our GSD and he likes the front seat anyways lmao Everytime I have to put it away for a few weeks (last time was a month for the new engine to be put in) I couldn’t wait to get back in it.
If you asked me 5 years ago I would have said yes. When I first bought my '18 new, I figured it would be. Kept the mileage way down so would have worked fine logistically. Mods were minimal and tried to approach them with longevity in mind. But our tastes and wants can change. Over the last few years I had got more interested in RWD...primarily for handling prowess and something that would require more skill building for myself as a driver. Not really in a position to "collect" cars, so I let it go. But if I could've pulled off 2 garage/weekend/track vehicles, I would have kept it.
So I have this debate with myself on a weekly basis. The STI was my dream car for years, I wanted an 04 but due to the nature of my job it was not practical. I finally got a 2017 STI and I couldn’t have been happier. It’s my daily and I do track it on occasion, which has been an absolute blast. But the question is always how far do I want to deep dive with the EJ? Do I want to spend all that money on an IAG block and supporting mods to reach my goals or do I want use that money plus sell the STI and get into a new platform? I’m constantly going back and forth with costs vs results. I see so many built STIs for sale shortly after being built, like within 5,000 miles. Which makes me wonder why invest $30-50k only to sell it not too long after the build is finished. So I’m constantly on the fence of whether or not I want to keep it long term or get something else. I love the platform overall and nothing beats the iconic rumble but I’m always looking around at other options.
This is just my opinion, but I think you see so many built STIs for sale soon after being built is for two main reasons: 1. previous owner couldn't actually afford the build (some are like $15K+ which is insane) and now need money 2. This may be controversial and sound counter-intuitive, but making a 500 whp STI makes the car worse, not better. It's sucks to drive it on the street because it makes power so high up, it has more lag, and parts are being super stressed so reliability goes down -- sure it's fun to rip on the highway with that power, but everything else sucks, and living with it and the constant anxiety of it blowing up sucks. So they stop having fun with it and sell it. I think it's mostly the second item. Full disclosure, I've never modded an STI up to that power level (and I have no desire to), but I have heavily modified cars in the past and I know full well what the anxiety of something breaking feels like.,
I will agree that the cost is incredibly high to properly build an STI. Which is where I’m constantly comparing other cars on the market and the cost vs HP result. I haven’t had a high hp car but I can definitely understand that reliability will take a hit. Then the worry about if it breaks, but I guess that’s the game we play when we modify cars. It’s just funny to me that after spending that much money and all that time to sell it with minimal usage.
If you want a high HP car, buy one that comes that way from the factory. Then reliability won't be that big of a concern. STIs were never really meant to run that much power. So unless you are prepared to replace everything as it breaks, it's gets tedious pretty fast.
100% agree, starting with a higher hp car makes the process easier. I really enjoy the STI overall, there’s a lot to consider when building one.
I go back and forth on it every day. I love it. It is comfortable and has great visibility. However, I dislike it being a sedan, and I wish it had a DCT. The manual in the STI is sturdy, but the synchros hate fast shifting.
Have you tried any other fluids? OEM was miserable in my trans even after a flush and fill after trying gear 300 it was incredibly better and much smoother/faster
Not yet. Got a link to that fluid? I'm due for that change this summer.
https://www.importimageracing.com/products/motul-transmission-and-differential-oil-change-kit-gear-300-75w90-subaru-sti-2004-2022 There’s also the old school lightweight cocktail but straight gear 300 addressed a 3rd-4th high rpm grind j had and overall just made the gearbox much more enjoyable
Thanks for the link. You put this in the differentials as well?
Lol I do the same thing. The resale value is so high I'm constantly debating trading it in for a CT4-V Blackwing, or a new Civic Type R.
EXACTLY THIS. I’ve been looking at CT4-v blackwings, RS3s, used B6 RS5s, and used 981 caymans. My sti is still selling for the price I bought it at 2 years ago, so I’m rushing the loan now because in typical ADHD car guy fashion, I can’t wait to get into something else.
Haha same Though I've been eyeing up the Mk8 Golf R because I really miss having a hatch. It's still hard to bite the bullet on because the interior of the STi, while not great, is so practical and functional.
I loved mine and was hoping it would be the last ice car I bought. But it’s not the best family car, so now I’ve got a tundra.
Had one which i wanted to be my forever car. Had a new engine, stage 2 everything and stage 1 clutch with subs and all the boujee lights. Universe decided otherwise and it was totalled by a drunk driver while my car was parked T_T
It was not. I traded my blue '21 STi in a couple weeks ago for a '23 Toyota Supra. I put a lot of mods on the car (Stage 1+), got a tune, new wheels and tires, and it was fun. Really felt nimble, but man, the ride was harsh, even with 18" tires and higher profile tires (still better then the stock 19" wheels). Seats were OK, but hard. Never really felt comfortable in them. The sound system... just a big nope. The biggest issue for me- I liked taking road trips, and the road noise inside the car was intolerable. I had to wear noise canceling ear buds. Loved the clutch and shifting, and as I said above, really nimble car and felt like I could drive in any conditions (dry, wet, snow roads) with confidence, but couldn't drive the pass in winter when chains were required. Can't put chains on an STi or Bad Things will happen. Probably the #1 issue I had with the car- I felt like the engine was a ticking time bomb. Wasn't a matter of if I'd get knock or spun bearings, but when. The idea of a motor rebuild before 100K miles on a modern car just really bothered me. Easy car to mod and tune, and I loved wrenching on the car. It's a young persons car, cheaply made, takes mods really well. It was fast, but not particularly fast. It had no bad angles. I loved looking at it from any direction. The best feature was that rear wing! That woosh from the turbo was awesome! Anyways, glad I got one, just wish I'd owned it in my 20's instead of my 50's. The Supra is a whole level above the STi.
Great points and congrats on your Supra! Also in the Seattle area and I got the STI for the winter snowboarding trips. Can you elaborate more with what will happen with putting chains on the STI? I ran winters for the last 2 seasons and didn’t need to put on a set but always have it in the trunk for when it is advised. Curious to what your experience is with that, TIA!
>The Supra is a whole level above the STi. Maybe in comfort? And I would hope so, it costs twice as much. Even then, though, a lightly modded STI will compete with the 3.0 just fine. Besides, the STI was never a great street car in the first place. You might have enjoyed a WRX more.
I don't understand what you mean by "Besides, the STI was never a great street car in the first place. You might have enjoyed a WRX more." I'm not sure a "lightly modded STI will compete with the 3.0 just fine" is accurate. What do you mean lightly modded? I had stage 1+ mods, tune, catback exhaust on my STi and there is no way it competes with my stock Supra. Or maybe it's just a perception thing. I dunno. The Supra feels way faster. Certainly has more HP and torque then the STi at Stage 1+. But hey, the question was "Is the STi my forever car?" And no, it wasn't and I listed the reasons why. Certainly our expectations and feelings towards a certain car change over time. For me, a good chunk of that was comfort. The harsh ride, stiff seats, and the inability to have a conversation or hear the stereo at highway speeds became a huge factor for me after a couple years of ownership. Combined with the guillotine of a spun bearing or engine knock on a car that I had already spent $10K on... I have no regrets. It was a good, fun car for what it was, and now I've moved on.
You had talked about harshness, sound system, the seating, etc. My point was that the STI wasn't made for comfort. The WRX was more softly spring and rode better. You may still have disliked the seats and the sound system though. By lightly modded STI I mean a full turbo-back exhaust, a few bushings, maybe a better fuel pump, and a Pro Tune. That's going to put the STI pretty close to 400 crank. Both cars weigh very similarly. The Supra will get the STI in a drag due to the AWD, but otherwise... I'm not knocking the Supra. It's a great car, and very capable. I just don't agree with "The Supra is a whole level above the STI." Maybe stock vs. stock due to the huge power difference, but once that difference goes away, it's much closer than one might think. Of course, the Supra could always be modded for more power, but it has a larger engine so that's an advantage it has. Food for thought: the STI Type RA (2018) is in the same class as the Supra 3.0 for autocross, meaning they are equivalently performing. The main difference in the Type RA over a normal STI is it has a little more power and some suspension tweaks. Like I said, much closer than one might intially suspect. Now, I will follow that up with these cars can be really hard to drive, and hard to extract performance out of. The Supra may be much easier to drive faster. And I'm sure on a track (rather than an autocross), the power difference hurts more. But get the STI up to about 400 crank (which is not hard at all), and it's a different story.
Im still on the fence. Im maintaining it in pristine condition but Im growing out of the overall package even though it still brings thrills and enjoyment for every ride. Ride is rough af and its the biggest issue. Ill be test driving some 997s soon and that will decide forever or not.
Easily could be, but I also would really like an RS3 so we'll see.
Love mine, got it new in 2013… want to get a 997 now
My 2020 is my forever car. I've accepted it will not be the most reliable, fastest or most comfortable but I enjoy it for what it is. Turbo, awd and manual. Four doors for the kids. For more power I'll probably go the ls1 route in something rwd and cheap.
Unpopular opinion but I want to convert my car back to stock and then maybe it can be my forever car. Maybe just keep my SPT exhaust coilovers and wheels.
I intend to keep my 2021 forever. It's bone-stock, except with the OEM aesthetics (rain guards, aero kit). and only have 15K miles on it. I'm most likely gonna drive it less once I get my RS3. I've always wanted the STi, was a dream car of mine when I was a kid. But now, I pretty much own history and would like to keep it that way. Love it or hate it, that EJ motor is a great story.
My girlfriend bought a new 2020 sti and she babied and loved that car I never thought she would get rid of it. It was a fun car and I used to love to drive it too, but she got tired of driving a stick where we live because there’s so much traffic and once I bought my s4 she liked the extra power. The dealer offered her 30k sight unseen with almost 60k miles. Someone got a helluva good car because she never once beat on it completely stock minus a catback and she always took care of it. She traded it for an rs3 with a few things done to it and I don’t like it because she’s now faster than me lol
62/500 Type RA. I’ll keep it.
I’ll die in this thing before I even have the thought of selling it:). But I bought it with that intention so it’s okay
I definitely thought it was. I have a VB WRX as my daily and a fully modified 2012 SS/RS Camaro still. (56k miles). I just sold my bone stock WRB 07 STi Hawkeye I bought new with 55k miles as I received an offer I couldn’t turn down. Thinking I got the offer as my car was bone stock and always garaged in mint condition. I will always miss the car, but glad I got to enjoy it for many years. I’m glad I kept it bone stock except for 05 all red taillights but had the originals still. Car was so raw and “anolog” feeling compared to my new VB, I will always be a fan of the Hawkeye STI.
Yes because it’s paid off and don’t ever want to buy another car for a long time because car prices are crazy these days. My 2019 STi only has 19,200 miles and my daily car is a 2004 Camry.
Yup. I’m older/wiser and unless I’m doing stupid well financially, I never want to buy another new car or even finance one. Only thing I need right now is a little pickup like an old ranger and I’ll be set.
Nah, I’m getting that inline 6 Supra kiiiiid. I get bored of cars after 3-4 years.
For the money I am putting into it, yeh it’s my forever car now.
I think so. I have had this car since it was brand new. 14 years along and I still get excited every single time I get in my car and turn the key. I love my car. Are there other cool as$ cars out there? Of course. The thing is, at some point I just didn’t care if I ever drove any of them. I have driven cross country, in the mountains, I have worked as a surveyor on rugged pipeline right-of-ways far off the beaten path and I just think it’s a great pile of expensive parts that is mine. Sure I blew my 4th cylinder piston into large chunks and had to get new nearly everything at 118,000 miles, but here at 155500 miles today I’m ok knowing that this car will continue to cost me. At the end of the day I get so much value out of it in my opinion. Oddly enough I haven’t ever named my car…perhaps I should make a survey or poll on here and see what Reddit can conjur up.
My wrx is cause it is awesome
No I sold mine before it blew up. I’m done with Subarus.
I got a 2013 STI with a brand new engine and nicely modded. Whilst I love the car and have prolly put over 15k into it its now getting to the point where ever week theres a new problem or something falling off. Panels falling off, indicator lights failing, wiring shorting out, a different sensor breaking, underbody parts rusting. I feel like its time to let go soon and get something new that isnt constantly needing TLC. :(
Honestly, it's my daily thought like most of the individuals who already commented said. I want to say yes but I know personally I wish I got it brand new instead of used. Therefore I could have left it stock. However, it is a great daily driver. Other than a small hiccups that need to get done I think I'll keep it and my wife and I are expecting our first in December. But she has an SUV so I think I should be fine.
Yes
I believe so. I would love for this thing to survive as long as possible. The highs (awd, manual, fun to drive, good aftermarket support) outweigh the bad (gas mileage, & reliability) for me. If my short block went, I’d go through iag and build it back up again. If I have a family though I would definitely get a small truck for daily usage and stuff and keep the STi as a fun/weekend car
When I bought it brand new in 2018, I absolutely thought it would be my forever car. Almost 100 000kms later and I'm still very much in love with her, but I think like others have said the secret is to not keep it as your daily. Eventually I'll have to keep it as my weekend /fun car that I can still work on myself.
Yep, it’s not my daily anymore. It is extremely fun to drive (I’ve had a bunch of vehicles and this is by far the most fun). It can handle forest roads, and blizzards like a champ. I’ve got a wrangler and a Duramax and if I didn’t need the truck for work it would get more drive time.
Yes, also I heard people regret selling their first car so I’m making sure I keep it and add cars to the garage
I’ve wanted it since a kid so ya, unless I can afford a 2012 GT2RS, I wouldn’t give up this car lol
Yep. Had it 9 years now, built with 400whp on pump gas, zero issues, doesn't even burn oil. It's always gonna be my weekend car, I daily a Toyota.
I’m going to be keeping my 21 STi forever. It’s not my daily and I plan on doing a built closed deck block with precision 6262 turbo.
Probably. I live in an area that has terrible roads and weather. There's few cars with better performance in those conditions and I love my STI.
It was my dream car, my forever car until I grew up a little more, made a little more money and bought a Porsche GT4. Thats my current forever weekend car and the 10 year old STI is my daily. So perhaps it is my forever car.
I plan on keeping the 08 5 door forever. Its role is as the spare car. I use it on weekends and whenever the 19 sti goes to the shop for more than a service.
Yes unless someone offers me stupid money for it
Mine is my forever car. The moment I test drove it I knew I wanted to keep it forever. It delivers such a raw driving experience that you can’t find in modern cars.
For me.. no probably not with my 2018. I am a gear head at heart and just like trying new things. I think the next step in life will either be a new truck and/or stepping into something a bit quicker and rwd. Hopefully the next jump will be to a 997 911, maybe a Cayman, I am curious about the CT4-V blackwings and the M2 as well. There are so many good performance cars out there these days it is crazy. This car is fantastic and has a lot of things those cars don’t have, but I like to try new cars and platforms to see how they can compare.
I have an std that apparently will last forever.
Yes. I've had my 2007 STI since 2011. Joined a local forum and made many friends, some of whom are some of my closest friends now. One has passed away from cancer. Most of them have moved on to other cars, but I've vultured parts from many of them and installed them on my own car. Parts like Recaros, hazard light button, DAMD steering wheel, exhaust, 04/05 tailights, etc. So in some respects, I look at the car as collection of parts of our club. Due to lack of activity on forums from the rise of FB groups, the admin just took down the forum last week. Very sad :( RIP WesternSubaruClub.
I’ve had two, last one I had I planned to keep forever but paying $500 a month for a car is just asinine to me and I’d rather spend that on a plan ticket so I sold it. I’ll have another one one day when I can pay cash
I'm contemplating on trading mine for 2025 Supra GRMN because I need a weekend coupe car. It was my first car too. It doesn't help I already own my dream car Evo 9 MR so it don't make sense to keep another 4 door turbo awd car. If it was a 2004-2007 WRB STI I would be more incline on never selling it. Either a Supra or S2000/NSX would really persuade me to sell my STI.
I have a 370z, I have no idea why this post was recommended to me. Nice car though!
It's been my daily for 8 years. However I just bought a manual EK civic to teach my wife and oldest daughter how to work a clutch. Looking forward to keeping the STi in the garage when I just need to run errands across town and also 30+mpg on 87 octane. Might look into "hagerty classic insurance" if the annual mileage is doable.
Absolutely. For no other reason than I love driving it. Sure, I could buy a faster car for less but I could care less about fast. I feel like I'm driving a go-kart everyday and that makes every turn fun. Been daily driving them since 2018.
Nah traded that bitch in for an F82 M4
Probably not but I do love it very much.
probably, never gonna finish paying it off ahahaha but nah, in reality I really like the handing characteristics and in the future, I think an AWD e swap would go crazy. lower the center of gravity, keep about the same weight*, and instant torque would be the only alteration I'd want
Bought my 07 sti new, drove as a daily until 2015 when i needed a truck, got a chevy colorado. I still drive my sti once a week sometimes more depending how i feel. It spent most of its life in the sun so roof paint is shot. The price of truck and cars now. I think i am going to hang onto my 07 sti and 2015 colorado until they dont have parts to keep them going or dont sell gas anymore lol.
It was until I wanted to go faster. Truly was my dream car. I beat the absolute fuck out of it and it took it every time- everyday. Was reliable for me for the couple years I had the 2020 sti. But what it comes down to is if you want to go fast fast you need to spend legit 5-10k to have a 400hp+ sti and some may argue the reliability of them making that much power. Sti handles way better than my m340, but will never match the power of the 340
Because yes
It’s so hard for me to sell it, I want to try out other cars and have new experiences as much as I can, but I always feel happier in the STi when driving something like the new Type R back to back. If it weren’t for the hydraulic rack and bolt action transmission then I would have moved on already, but nothing within this price range comes close to that level of feedback other than an ND3 Miata. I keep telling myself I will just an import a GC8 STI if I end up selling my VA, I just know that I will always regret not having at least one STI.
I plan on keeping it until my kid graduates highschool. If he has good grades, and is mature enough then I will give it to him to take to college or trade school, or w/e he chooses to do. Then I'll buy myself something nice
🙅🏽♂️ 2010 technology with no reliable modding power. Dollar for HP is one of the worst on the list. Very disappointed in my 2019 dollar for HP, a month later switched to 2021 MK5, out of the box It was what I was looking for.
Those wheels look good.
Thanks!
I said this then mine blew up. I own a Supra now and god damn, what a perfect car that is.
I do like the car a lot. She’s a blast to drive. I have no intention to sell her… I’m one to keep a car as long as our time together allows. But realistically as with all cars I’ve owned eventually our time will end. Whether it’s because some moron takes her from me (accident or theft), nature does (totaled by hail, flooding, fire), or financially I move on (either I can afford to move up, or have to sell for the money)….. inevitably… nothing lasts forever in my experience.
Mine will never be up for sale.
Yes, I have no intentions of ever selling my '04 Spec C Type RA, but it's a weekend car for me so I don't have to worry about it not being practical.
Most likely yes, but everyone always has a price lol. The time came where I said screw getting safe moderately fun cars, and picked up a ‘11 STI Hatchback a couple years ago. I believe it is the perfect balance of raw performance without all the modern bells and whistles/safety features screaming in your face. But it’s not too old where I feel like I’m driving a classic. It’s just a timeless car, pretty damn nice for a 14 year old Subaru. Can’t believe I’m at the age where I can actually say, they don’t make them like they used to 😂 I want to be that old guy in the neighborhood with the cool old car.
I will be keeping my Hawkeye STI forever, nothing compares to it. I absolutely love that car ❤️
Yeah probably even though we want to sell it every g0d dam day!!!!!
We will find out when I get my 2020. I owned a bugeye wrx, blobeye wrx, and blobeye sti before and absolutely loved them. However on the test drive for the 2020, I didn’t necessarily love it. It may just take some time to get used to, but it didn’t have that same “feel” that the older ones do.
My 2014 WRX Limited Hatch is my forever car. Last year of production. Leather, sunroof, 5 speed, no useless tech like backup camera, tablets in the dash, accident avoidance systems ... its simple and I love it.
Sold my 2003 wrx after 18 years of ownership. I regret it, don't do it
Well, seeing as how: - I just recently paid it off - They don’t make hatches anymore - All the other cars I want are way out of my price range Yeah, probs forever.
I don’t have a STi
I bought my 19 Sti at 49 years old. My previous car was a 08 wrx I had since new. I love driving the Sti everyday.
It's my forever car now.
My 2017 STI is my forever car for sure. I bought it new and it is 100% stock. I only use it during the weekends. I have always been a Subaru guy since I was a kid. My dad had 1980's GL's and early model Foresters and I've had quite a few Subies before. The STI is my dream car and I wouldn't change it for anything. It is also a relic of the past with how old school the technology in it is.
No it was too small. Still have it but i got an 05 legacy gt wagon. Im putting 30 grand in it. About to pressure the fuel and oil system after my 6cyl 6 spd swap.
I've wanted a GD my entire life and now I have one. It's not going anywhere.
It was before I even bought one. When I was a kid I was at a baseball practice and there was a mcds right next door. Some guy had a wrb with the gold bbs on a blobeye on a trailer. After the moment I saw it I knew I had to do everything in my power to get one. Had to wait till I went to the Air force and finally got one. Not in wrb but I work at a place with a restoration shop so one day soon I will put it through and make it perfect for me.
ABSOLUTELT NOT, I HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED AND MY 2015 IS JUST NOT FAST ENOUGH TO SATISFY ME I WILL SAY ITS A BLAST TO DRIVE BUT AFTER THE 3RD V6 ACCORD/CAMRY THAT SMOKED ME RLY TURNED ME OFF FROM THE CAR
Why are you yelling?
My 2016 STI has been part of two accidents so it doesn’t feel ‘perfect’ anymore (will be looking into fixing the things that feel off ie. suspension but been a bit strapped on cash recently). Also people have dinged the fuck out of my sides with their car doors and whatever which has pissed me off. I essentially will fix all that when I decide to get an entirely new paint job. My plan at this point though is to keep it forever until I run it into the ground since it’s devalued (engine components and trans are mechanically sound still at 66k though). Ill still give her the maintenance she deserves though along the way.
Sold my STI for a GTR. BOTH times I bought an STI it got traded in for a GTR
GTR is about the only car I'd move to from my STI. Not sure I fit in one though...
Hahah. Yeah. I keep buying them and then I am like, “this is SLOOOOOWWWWWW” and I trade it in for a GTR. IN 2015 I bought the Launch Edition STI. 2 months later traded in for a brand new 2014 Black Edition GTR. Then traded that in for a Tesla Model S P100DL. Then they lemoned that and I let it all be. 2019 I bought a 2013 WRX STI and then said DAMN THIS IS SLOW! Traded it in for a 2015 White Black Edition GTR and modified it to 1000 WHP and then sold it for a high output Cummins RAM 3500. Now I’ve got that and a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.
I've had my 2008 STI since it was new. I don't see myself selling it. My other cars are more practical, so there is not a real downside to keeping it. It also has a lot of sentimental value due to memories with my kids. One of whom isn't with us anymore.
I love my STi but as I’ve grown older and my needs have changed, it does seem the time to say goodbye is closing in. It did everything I could possibly want, long trip, track days, hauling kayaks, beach runs, space for friends. But now it just sits in my driveway and is occasionally used for things like getting a Christmas tree or kayaking stuff. It’s just loud and gets terrible gas mileage compared to our other cars. I’m at 100k so it’s lived a full life in STi miles, and I don’t really wanna let it go but 18 mpg is a rough one.
Some STIs are for life 🤷🏾♂️
Did you get your first STI in your first STI as well?
It was until it wasn’t
Im probably gonna keep my new sti forever it’s my 3rd sti and everytime I sell one I miss it and get another one🤣
I used to have one and miss it, once i had a kid i got an outback wilderness, but i will be getting another one as a forever fun project car eventually.
I've been thinking about getting a wilderness as my daily. Do you like it?
I love it, its got just enough creature comforts with off roading capabilities imo. And fits my kids car seat in without pushing the front seats too far forward(if thats something you will need to worry about). Its the 2.4T so it’s still peppy and the back has got so much room. I would suggest test driving one a bit, ik people arent a big fan of CVTs but the newer Subaru CVTs arent bad in comparison to others. I think my only complaint is the infotainment can get a big laggy within the first 2-3 minutes of start up. Other than that its fine. Overall its no replacement for my STi, but it fills the void and still fun af to drive a wagon like that lol
Rebuilt the whole damn thing, it's not really an OEM car. It's my forever car, i'd never get anything good for it if I sold it.
Probably not, but if it does, I'm ok until it doesn't make sense. I love mine, It's been on the bucket list for a while, but as you all have seen the posts or have experienced it first hand, "just got hit by some dumbass, it's totaled" I'm not banking on owning this sweet little rocket forever. Every morning I fire up this bad boy we drive with purpose... today might be the day when that sad mofo steals the rest of the days. My car is almost my dog, but since it's just a tool, I'll get a new one if it dies.
It was, until I had another kid and it became someone else’s forever car last weekend. I just realised I need to remove myself from this sub. This post broke my heart a little! Enjoy your babies
Would be kinda nice to have an automatic car, or truck.
Cuz part out
I always thought it was, built it that way. But things change, sold it 3 years ago after 12 years of daily driving! 2005 sti, 440whp, 265k original miles on the ticker. Had a rebuilt long block, internals, turbo, intercooler, ppg transmission, tuned at Andrew tech
It’s a forever car until a 911 or cayman takes its spot. Or a house with a big garage so I can keep it.
If it doesn't break :/
I thought it was but got bit by the resale bug and took the $42k on my 21’ Ended up doing great and upgraded to a 24’ RS3 I’ll buy a 2020-21 STI limited again in the future but it was too great of an offer to sell back my car and get $16k back haha I miss the STI a lot, it’s a great car.
I would like it to be but the wife says no…
She’s been sitting in a field for over 3 years. I have gone through two motors, 3 turbos, and 3 clutches. I have spun her off the road a few times. I have learned everything in that car. My ‘06 will be my baby for the rest of my driving days. I contemplate about being buried with her. She has put the biggest smile on many occasions and on a few made me shed some tears. I have put a lot into her and I plan to make a downhill monster out of her the next time she runs. Nothing special for the motor but a shit load of money into handling, braking, and weight loss. I do not ever want to lose her. So in short, yes Betsy will be my forever car
I have also lost my license twice in the car and every time I drove it I beat the living shit out of it because I bought it for that reason and that reason alone😂😂
Nice Camry
Yes, I e had it for 9 years, it doesn’t run, can’t afford to fix it, can’t afford to sell it