Should You Buy a Used Subaru WRX STI?
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- With the recent addition to the channel I have had a ton of questions and comments from people regarding if they should still buy a uses Subaru WRX or Subaru STI after seeing what I have been going through. To get to the point my answer is Yes but there is a whole lot of deductive reasoning and checklists that you should go over before buying one. They can be great cars when you don't get a S**t box or beat up one. Hopefully this video helps you guys out and answers some questions. As a quick checklist remember these:
1. Get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection)
2. Compression test & Leak Down Test
3. STAY AS CLOSE TO STOCK AS POSSIBLE
4. Rust on the frame rails and rear quarters
5. Only buy modified if you know the prior owner or have a build list
6. If it seems too good to be true it probably is
7. Your never buying someones project, only their problems
8. Don't get caught up on the fact that it is not an STI if you can only afford a WRX, they're both great platforms with similar mod paths.
Feel free to drop questions below if you have any!
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Smeedia
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Short Answer: Yes. Long Answer: Absolutely.
😉😉😉
Thank you so much for these videos! I've owned all Hondas before purchasing my wrx and honestly I was really intimidated cause I didn't know a lot about this platform at first but it's videos like this and people like you that really mad me feel a lot more confident on working on my car myself and taught me a lot about these motors again thanks a lot
Glad that the videos are helping my man and trying to show what I can to help out 🙌
Well said... I gave up on finding a good stock one and ended up buying new as a result. Definitely touched on all the right things for a used one in the video. @Car Wizard has a great video too on what to look for when buying a used car, and one of the tips I really like is taking a mirror to look underneath the car in some of those spots without needing a lift or getting on the ground to check for rust and such. Keep up the great work!
Mirror! Brilliant idea, never thought of that before. Going to check out his video! 😁 good stock ones are almost impossible to find now 🙃
Great info as always. Thanks for the tips! Just had the 96,000 mile service done to my 2015 STi yesterday. All is well.
Glad it got taken care of 🔥😁🙌
Keep speaking the truth 🙌🙌🙌 I've been going through the same issues with my first ever 04 WRX.... can't wait to see your car on the road
Hopefully soon we can get it running again 🙌🔥
@@Smeedia hopefully bro!!! Wish you the best from California!
Here’s my checklist based of previous experience with the GDs
1: Check arches for rust
2: Have them take off the intercooler and inspect the coupling and throttle body of oil that means signs of blow by
3: check valve cover gaskets
4: check the coil pack wires they tend to break right at the connector
5: Check the turbo inlet because they can break if it’s stock plastic
6: Check all 4 axle boots for leaks
7: Inspect doors, hood, and roof for sun fade. GD are known to sun fade in those areas.
8: If possible check turbo shaft play
9: Check if stock downpipe is coming with the car(if not don’t buy because they’re hard to get due to how highly marked up they are).
THIS IS JUST MY LIST, but hopefully it’s somewhat helpful to anyone looking forward to getting a GD. I’m sure I’m missing quite a bit, but I can’t remember at the top of my head.
And check coolant levels. If you do hard tracking or any hard driving it’s best to get new radiator. Highly recommend Koyo, but any brand works. Also recommend killer b upper coolant reservoir.
Very good checklist to run though!
Great list for this generation. Lot of valuable info and experience here.
Man I love ur content. Can't find anybody with content this good covering the FA But ur still one of 3 youtube channels I follow and try to catch daily. While I want u to grow and benefit from subscribers I hope it doesn't become too much for u with the growing requests for knowledge and time. I wish u and melanie the best. Feel like we are friends since I see u guys so often (but I'm actually more of a stalker I guess cuz y'all never see me rofl) try not to burn out, my man. Take breaks if u can. We will be here.
Haha always appreciate the support and I will alqays do live streams to help where I can, still do my best to get to ever comment. But I'll akqays do what I cna to help out 🙏🔥
Bought my STI brand new a year ago and I made a binder containing all invoices and work-orders detailing everything I’ve done to it. I don’t plan on selling it, but it’s always nice to have a record like you mentioned.
Those records are a good thing to keep! 🙏🙏
Hell yea man! love the vid and the information. Great as always. Happy holidays! Stay safe, stay healthy.
Happy holidays! 🙏🔥
Love your enthusiasm and knowledge. After 20 years of Subaru ownership one thing I’ve learnt is become knowledgeable enough to do as much work as you can yourself, cause no one will do a better job than yourself. They great cars especially when well maintained.!👍
Very true! Being able to do it yourself will save you heeeps of money and you'll get more knowledge
Hey man we’re in the same boat at the moment ;) have fun and stay positive man you look like you always do but doesn’t hurt to say it! Good luck man
Always appreciate the support 🙌 just having fun and making some videos 😉🔥
Great video. Will stand the test of time too.
🙏🙏🙏
Just discovered your channel. It's pretty interesting seeing your journey. I just bought a 2011 sti with 132k miles with an IAG stage 2 shortblock put in but everything else was oem. The previous owner bought it from someone who just replaced the shortblock and it spun a bearing again (probably a builder mistake). So the previous owner put in an IAG stage 2 block with a few minor mods and left it stock for reliability sake. I like you did not do a compression test but I did do one when I changed the sparkplugs and everything seems sound. I have minor oil leaks and power steering pump whines I'm trying to chase as well. Nice to see that other people are as ocd as I am when it comes to fixing things and chasing them down
Appreciate the support and sounds like some minor issues to get taken care of. I'm wayyyy too OCD when it comes to this stuff but glad I'm not alone 😅🔥
What I was amazed by when I first started looking at Subarus especially WRX/STI was the "save ability " of even an abandoned car. They are so rebuildable and worth their accumulation of parts. When done you will know well what you have and that's worth a lot.
Facccccts
I Soo appreciate your intention to swing through every comment!
I've never seen anything similar before.
Trying to do what I can 😁😁😁
Awesome video, great advice!
Thank you! 🙌🔥
Merry Christmas bro and thanks for everything you do.
Merry Christmas to you as well me man! 🙌
@@Smeedia I'll drink to that.
The best key of advice you gave, “make sure it’s mechanically safe before modifying”
If treat your WRX/STI right, the owner will be rewarded with a enjoyable a reliable car.
Facts 🙌🔥
Worth it, if you know what you’re getting yourself into and are able to do the work yourself, and have the budget set aside for those unforeseen skeletons!
Loving the content!! Keep it coming! 👍🏽👍🏽
Facts! These cars like to throw tantrums every now and then. Always appreciate the support🔥🙌
I think its worth it if you have the cash flow to have it as a project not a daily. Great vids bro love it!
For sure, they can get expensive pretty quick! Alwags appreciate the support 🙌
Great Video
🙌🙌🙌🙌
Aw man about to buy a 2017 wrx been a little nervous but I’m for sure I’ll be all through your channel trying to figure out wth I’m doing lol
Eyyyy any questions I'll try to help where I can 💪
I was lucky I got all the build list also spoke to the builder.and the prior owner. Great video brother
You were one of the lucky ones! 😉🔥
@@Smeedia Very lucky. Prior owner had to move overseas. The car had a full rebuild only 1200 miles before I brought it. So all forged internals and you know the rest haha.
Only thing it hasn't got is a better radiator and upgraded turbo.
Get that turbo swapped out!
@@Smeedia Any suggestions Brother 🔥🎅🔥
How much power do you want 👀
I took a gamble on my one (2003 blobeye, Type UK WRX STI PPP) It was advertised as "stock no modifications" ..except the Prodrive performance pack that was done from brand new by those great guys in Banbury (certificate was included). Two previous owners, not including the dealer who had acquired it after having been "ten years in storage". 50k mileage.
The seller (ebay) had 100% positive feedback and were specialists in Jap cars. With my limited mechanical knowledge but 30 or so years of car ownership experience I inspected it underneath, inside its bodily crevices and in the engine bay and it really was as good as the pictures showed. I test drove it and all seemed fine.
HOWEVER ...a few things showed up after I'd driven it for a few weeks: stripped threads on the wheel studs, stripped threads on one front calipers (requiring a new one) ...aaaaand the clutch slipped in high gears. Luckily I had some financial backing to cover anything unseen that may have popped up later, so those problems have now been sorted. Most recent issue: the fuel pump sounds like it's about to give out ...but that looks like a simple job. Anyway, it looks great inside and out, drives like a dream.
That said, I should have brought a mechanic to look it over properly. Thumbs up.
I'd only pay "needs an engine" price for any turbo subaru out of warranty. Seen too many people pay full price then need a new engine
Facts, seen it happen wayy too many times
Highly recomend learning wear to look on these blocks for head gaskets leaks if u dont know and want to buy one.. Subaru did make head gaskets out of toilet paper there for a hot minute! But once replaced its all good! Love this vid! Merry Christmas tanner!
Loo the toilet paper comment got me 🤣🤣🤣 merry Christmas 🙌🔥
Well its not NOT true lmao.. I say that all the time and people look at me funny every single time. You just gotta experience it lol
Love the info man. Ever thought of a patreon or something to help fund stuff? I'd like to give a bit but I can only buy so much merch 😂
I alqays feel guilty with pateron and I never wanted to set one up 😅 live streams and merch is typically what I've stuck with. I can at least give something back that way
Haha literally commented 4 days ago on your vid that I'd be linking your blob eye vids on r/wrx to help guide people in their decision to buy q used wrx/sti. Gunna take a lil credit here hehe. Jk but seriously everyone thinking about buying one needs to see this. You're doing god's work man and I am really looking forward to when you channel completely blows up. This info is so incredibly helpful and the videos you make are even more appreciated. Cheers!
Tossing some credit your way 😉 just trying to help potential owners out there get an idea of what they might be getting into 🙏🔥
Great advice, I didn’t know much when I bought my legacy 2 years ago so I didn’t really know what to look for and it turned out the car had a vf52 and bigger injectors lol
It's always a surprise when buying these cars used 😅😅
Saw this video coming lol. It’s what you said around the 7:00 mark that reaffirmed me getting an older GD STI model as opposed to a new VA STI chassis. Either or, the drivetrain is identical, so at some point, I’d be replacing the internals with forged units. Rather buy a $15K GD nearly close to being paid off outright with little to no monthly payments while keeping a beater on the side as a daily than a near $30K VA with $4XX-$5XX a month owed to the bank after my Civic for a trade-in and a down payment. This reality is probably another reason why your Blobeye build is more popular: it’s much financially feasible for most of your viewers, myself included.
I still plan on getting one because of this channel. Just keeping my Civic as a daily and buying an IAG motor right off the bat first.
Good move to snag one right off the bat! And I couldn't help but make this one 😅🔥
Yes! Absolutely maybe!
Agreed! Just have to make sure your getting a good one 🙌🔥
Been there done that got the tee shirt! I bought my 05 STI and all the other people got the good out of it and I got the rebuild 🤣. Nevertheless it's worth it to me for the end result. Now I'm the one having fun. And it's exactly the way I wanted it.
Glad that it ended up working out in the end! 🙌🔥
Thank you so much man
Anytime! 🙏🔥
Spitting the truth once again! If you guys are looking for a used wrx/sti, I highly recommend looking around communities such as NASIOC. I think for the most part the community is filled with members who are knowledgeable enthusiasts that take good care of their cars. Always try to get that PPI and compression test too!
NASIOC has a ton of good info and checklists to look for as well!
Have you ever made a video on how you started building cars and how you learned over the years? I feel like that'd be pretty good content.
Im am interested though, is it pretty simple with YT tutorials these days? I feel like they miss out on tools needed etc. Thanks!
I've got a video on basic tools needed but never made a video on one. Definitely can though 😁🔥
When looking at a used car, always check if it has been in an accident. Best way to check is by looking at the paint. If the color is off from one panel to the next, or if there is 'dirt' in the paint, or a run, thats a dead giveaway that the vehicle has had some repair work done. Also check the coverage of paint in non visible areas, like the engine bay. If the left side is spotty and the right side has full paint coverage, thats a sign of collision repair work.
I also check the bolts to see if they've ever been pulled off. I.E if the paint on the head of the bolt is mangled
@@Smeedia yup, that is a good one too
Spitting facts tho. u really knowledgeable tho. And great education. You need to really love them to have them,
Very true, these cars can be very temperamental 🙏
I have a 2007 black wrx limited for sale. Original owner, stage 2 with records from Authorized Subaru service provider and Cobb certified tuner. Will pass along the access port.
Bought my 16 WRX with 29k miles from big local dealer, bone stock. Great car, highly modded now. Very rare to find here in Lexington KY
Unicorns out there! 🔥
7:00 man that helped me I was hung up on getting an STI probably gonna get a WRX since it’s gonna be my first manual
Good platform to learn on!
@@Smeedia would it matter what trim I get on the wrx? Or should I just get base and save money and mod it
Snag a base and mod it, save a little $$$
@@Smeedia preciate it bro earned a sub
Eyyyyy, appreciate the support
I didnt believe you about the button turning black but it does for me lol 😅
I tell you! Lol different colors for everyone!
I'm sorry to hear about your bad luck with you 05 STi I know how bad that sucks we bought our first car from a dealership last year it has been a nightmare and of course everything was working fine until the 90 warranty expired lol. however we did luck out when we bought my 03 WRX the family we bought it from had copies of all of the repair records and upgrades they have ever done while they owned the car. we were strangers when we met that day but ever since that day we have been friends I give them updates on the build of the car and they give my updates on their project Subarus. That is one thing I love about being a Subaru enthusiast is that it is one big family.
For real! The majority of the community is super nice 🙏 mine should hopefully be back on the road this week
@@Smeedia I have been loving your content and watching your vlogs. I'm sorry if its been creepy having me commenting on older videos. your response to comment have been cool thank you.
You totally good! That's why the older videos are there 😁
I think you're the only person deserving of the new subie. After 18 subarus, this is like the ultimte tedt lol. Car must be so happy with its new owner taking care of it 🙂
It better be happy at this point 😅🔥
Japanese Import one owner 2004 Sti limited edition with all the good bits, I knew it was an offer of a lifetime I had to go for it, worth every single hassle
Sounds like you've got yourself a Gem over there 😍🔥
@@Smeedia when I take care of the little rust there is and do the same mods you were doing it will be :D
this video is definitely gonna help a ton of people! Also do you know if the mishimoto tmic with the s hose is any good? looks like with that design it isn't a pain in the ass to install but i know some mishimoto stuff isn't great
Hopefully it does! And I'm not a huge fan of mishimoto fitment always seems to be hit or miss with them 👀
@@Smeedia if i try it out i'll let you know! Can't go with fm anymore cause my alternator died and can't afford it now
Thanks man jus got a 06 wrx
Congrats on the car my dude 🔥😁
RUclips should push this content more, very informative and very entertaining videos every time. T.j. Hunt? Who tf is that 👊🏿
😉😉😉😉
My impreza daily i've had for over a year is leaking oil everywhere! A subi expert shop is pulling the engine and fixing everything, probably will swap a V7 non DCCD JDM sti 6 speed next summer and have a SICK daily :D
Ohhh excited for you! 🔥😁
Got lucky with my 04 wrx i got it at 158k miles 3 years later its at 213k miles still running strong not once gave me a problem all i have is an intake and catback and v3 accessport stage 1 tune
Glad that she's still going without issue 🙌🔥
The key is reliability diligent maintenance, knowing that subarus maintenance schedule is the bare munimum for a factory setup. mods like air oil separators bigger intercoolers. making damn sure that your tuner knows that you don't want to take that thing to the knock threshold and dial it back. If you let somebody try to squeeze every last horsepower out of your setup they just won't last.
Second part is doing enough research to understand what these cars like and putting it into practice. The tuner isn't going to tell you how to drive your car you have to figure that out.
two years ago I gave 13,000 for a bone stock 2008 outback XT with a automatic transmission. It came with paperwork on a new long block. I've got about 16,000 into various mods including a manual swap (5mt). She pulls as hard as a stock STI. looking back the only thing I would have done different is a little more research on the tuner/mechanic.
buying used with out knowing is just that.
one of the best things about this car is when you get pulled over for 27mph over the limit the cop writes you up for 24 over and keeps the reckless driving off your record. I don't think that happens in a boy racer straight pipe STI.
Yoo thanks for this man! Going to college next year and planning to get a 1998-2000 sti, should i pursue this ?but I’m afraid the maintenance/fixing it would be very costly the other car I’m planning to get(if I can’t find a good sti) is an s15. Btw Merry Christmas man!
High key I'd get that S15 😅🔥 but a well taken care of 98-00 is a good choice as long as it's not clapped out
@@Smeedia really wanting to get that sti two door mann!! But if I can’t find any good ones I’ll get the s15! I’ll donate when I finally get my card!🤣🤣
@@Exyeber wait i might be late but did u say sti two door? Like the sti type r. Maaaaaaan get that. They are so rare. Do whatever it takes hahaha if you can afford it then otherwise. It is what it is
Cheaper to build one now compared to 10 years ago
Facts
Was dreaming of owning one 10 years ago as a kid... And now I got one and it wasn’t that cheap haha 😂
I think it's also important to check the guy selling a wrx/sti. If he build his own cars, has a shop etc. He might grab the good parts out of them. No offence to the people who are honest and build their cars, but my sti hatch was suppose to have a built motor. I think it did, but the dude who sold me the car probable swapped it in his car.
Facts! I've seen this happen multiple times to multiple people
Love the video as always. I had done the same thing and when I thought I had the 03 perfect the mechanic screwed me hard and almost killed me and my car. Question what do you think about the fumoto drain plug?
The fumoto ugs are great! Just make sure you keep that valve lock on it 🙏
@@Smeedia ok cool thank you. I am considering it because I am getting, I guess you can say, annoyed with the normal plug.
Maybe this is a rhetorical question, but would you still have bought the blob eye had you known all this information about the motor beforehand? Good luck and keep up the great content 👌👍💪
Honestly, yes I would have. I just would have argued the price down more 😅
I did it right and bought one that was blown up already lol. The guy had completely disassembled the entire engine and sold it to me in pieces. I had never own a wrx or ever worked on one. Got it back up and running in 2 months. Was a great experience and have since gone over everything on the car most recently was the entire suspension was replaced, all bushings, feal coilovers, sti front control arms, sti brembos. Ive touched 90% of bolts and nuts on the thing and now it runs and drives better than new.
That is a good way to buy them as well! You can typically get them for a Great price if you don't mind turning some wrench!
@@Smeedia I mean I definitely have more money and time into it than its worth but at least I know everything on the car is 100% good to go. With the exception of the 5 speed with 140,000 miles on it lol. Found an sti trans and diff for $2500 but just can justify buying it with my trans still somehow holding up.
So I’m looking into get a used WRX from a dealer . I was wondering if you had any recommendations to what year and platform I could be learning towards. An offer a wide range of mods that I can apply over time
Hey smeedia I needed some advice. Currently have a 10 wrx. Kartboy short throw. Nameless muffler delete. Rear brake light installed. Next u was thinking either wheels and tires or the ets extreme catback. I still have my summer tires but I did out some snow tires on my stock wheels a few weeks back for Christmas. Was just looking for some help to decide the next upgrade.
If it were me I would do the exhaust before wheels and tires if you already have some good tires laying around
In my case I bought my red 15 sti and after a little over a year and modifications ended up with an oil leak. Previous owner "repaired" the oil feed line. That was fun
Ooooof I've had a decent amount of repairs like that, that I've had to fix
@@Smeedia yeah super fun times
I want this man to have 1 mil subs
Alqays appreciate the support my man 🙌🔥
bought an 05 sti 79,000 miles from a one owner who only drove it on the weekends. It was garaged the whole time, even so there is a lot of maintenance to be done.
It is alqays a never ending rabbit hole
You probably should buy a used, grandma-driven Forester XT like I did lol. The freaking thing is mint , 100% stock and in perfect mechanical condition.
That is a unicorn of a find 😅🔥
@@Smeedia Best of all: only 30k smooth driven granny miles 😂 I'm in love with this car. Not as fun as a STI obviously, but very reliable.
Without a doubt, still a good snag! 🔥😁
good luck finding that!
i have tried!
Yeaaaah buddy!!!! Mine was a lease,
Have all the paperwork and even has the new car smell hahaha and it’s a 2015, 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Still had thr new car smell?!
I wish I ran into this channel before buying my Wrx
Hopefully the videos still help even though you already snagged it 😭
First !! What’s up Smeediaaa!!! Still looking for the ej22t
Already checked ebay motors? 👀🔥
@@Smeedia I didn’t know that was a thing😂
That's where I bought my EG33 😅
@@Smeedia how much you pay if you don’t mind me asking ?
Hello! Legendary your STi!
🙏🔥🙏🔥
😀😀😀👍👍👍I❤JDM
Can I ask a question, so If I only have 8k, and I'm going to buy a 15k blobeye sti, I will use 5k as down payment, and then pay the rest 10k by installments. For the rest 3k, I will carry out maintenance after buying, replace some old parts, such as spark plugs, oil changes and the like. In your opinion, do you think I should buy it?
I have a 2002 wrx bug eye that has gone through my family and it was bought brand new from my dad and it hasn’t had any problems since my dad had it but head gaskets have to be repaired soon
That's a keeper if it's been in the family that long! 🙌
My 2020 WRX arrives in 3 days! Found one with only 3,250 miles on it 8)
Ohhhhh congrats!!!!
Facts. Ooooouuuuuuuuuuuu 🔥🔥🔥
🙌🙌🙌🙌
Got scared after my LGT blew up, so I sold it and bought a G37. I have a feeling my next car will be a WRX or STI, so this is FANTASTIC information.
On that note, what is your opinion of drop-in K&N air filters on the Infiniti G37? (For slightly better sound, response, and fuel economy potentially).
I could see it being a little more free flowing and giving some more sound. As for gains I would say it would be negligible to argue. But they're also cleanable so worth it IMO 🙌
@@Smeedia Thank you! And Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you 😁
Every time I work on my project subie I ask myself this question
😅😅😅
Tanner, you have been naughty. Why didn't you go through the proper steps yourself when you got your BlodEye? 🤣🤣🤣 Great vid brother!
I couldn't resist I always wanted one 😅😅
@@Smeedia I know the feeling...
Also don't be hung up too much with mileage... my 05 wrx with 150k was PERFECT and never had an issue for almost 2 years. 05 sti with 60k I replaced it with has been nothing but problems and has left me stuck on the side of the road 3 times... finally fixed everything and got it running nice and it threw a rod lol
Facts! Overall health of thr car can easily outweigh it by milage 🙏
What about buying from a dealer 2020/2021 sti 15000 miles what would you recommend?
I will be purchasing a used STI and it does not have an AOS on it yet and the Top mount intercooler looks like it needs to be replaced. Does The Mod Garage do installations? Or are they only a party shop. I was considering taking my car there asap to get an intercooler installed and possible an AOS if I can afford it.
Yessir they do installs as well 😁
Underneath the oil on my 08 outback xt, there’s some white fluid there at the very top and I was wondering what you think that is. I know it’s obviously not supposed to be there but I can’t really find anything online about it and I just wanted a knowledgeable opinion
Where is it? Under the oil cap?
Hey Smeedia,
I would like to buy a modified 2015 STI and would appreciate your thoughts/insight. Seller has shown me the build sheet, given me tuner information, and has maintained it pretty well. I believe he changed his oil every 1.5-2k miles. It was tuned to 380 WHP and has a lot of reliability mods to go with this power (i.e. equal length headers, AOS, turbo inlet, EWG, catless downpipes). I test drove the car and it felt amazing. The only bad thing I noticed was that the idle would surge/hunt between 600-1000 RPM. Seller claims it is because of the tune and has driven approximately 10k miles with no issue. Also the seller is a detective/cop and claims to be selling the car to buy another home. Should I buy this STI? It has everything I would do to it mod wise and has Volks wheels and fender flares too. Let me know what you think Smeedia.
It sounds like a solid build, who tuned the car?
I think it would be cheaper to buy a new WRX. Take your time with mods. I don’t have the skills to work on them like you do. I wish I did
And for some there's nothing wrong with that at all 🙌 definitely takes some time to aquire the skills and tools
Hey I’m in the process of purchasing a sti 2016 75k miles engine is stock I sounds like it has a catback exhaust don’t think it has headers because it’s not super loud can’t really get under the car to see if it has headers because it’s lowered but like you said previous own could’ve possibly stripped it and swapped for stock parts but and btw it is a used car dealer ship what’s your opinion
If its at a dealer they should be able to put it on a life for you to be able to take a look at it, highly suggest doing so 🤞🙏
I have a blobeye wagon at 130k but i know eventually I either want to go to GD sti or grab a whole new Iag block and 6 speed swap. I’d like to ask someone like you with experience, what would be more suggestible price and reliability wise.
Reliability wise I'd stick with the wagon and swap everything ao you know the car is solid. The STI could be hot or miss and you could end up in a situation like me
Well if you ever sell your 05’ I definitely want to buy it 😅
05 not for sale 😅😅
There is a deal for a 2017 Wrx STI with only 23000kms on it but it was damaged in Australia but has been repaired here to meet our countrys mechanical requirements of the transport association , I wouldnt be tracking the car , they are selling it at nearly the price of of the few other 2017s and 18s available and it is the later model with the neon yellow brembo brakes as they release them earlier than USA here.
The 2017 to 21 stis are generally selling within 5 days of being listed , should I take a chance on a damaged title ? Considering its only a few thousand dollars cheaper than non damaged I feel like they might be taking advantage of the current market in Australasia and subarus news 2 weeks ago ,23000kms the engine should be really good. Is there anything I should really look out for or should i just bang it through a pre purchase inspection and pull the trigger ?
As long as everything checks out and has been repaired properly. And the price regekcts it. I'd say send it if you want it. A PPI is not a bad idea to get
Your videos are exactly why I bought a new WRX, and didn't really consider a used WRX or STi. I have been a Heavy Duty Mechanic for fourteen years. I test drove an 2016 STi that was used and the kia dealer hadn't even done a safety inspection. The brake rotors were worn as shit plain as day. Went to Subaru. Bought a 17 WRX new... Had it for three years. Next week it gets its second clutch release bearing, ten thousand km after the first one. Other than that. It's great.
Glad to hear it hasent given you trouble, and I totally get it. I don't think dealers fully understand what to do with the cars when they get them
@@Smeedia your videos are very good. There's really only one problem I've found with your theory. In one of your videos you turned the engine over to build oil pressure. But that's not how it works. The only thing that makes pressure is resistance to flow. So if there is no resistance to flow there's no pressure. Once you shut the engine off the pressure goes to 0 psi. The reason you are turning the engine over without starting is to pump oil through the engine and get oil into lubricate all the newly put together bearings. Once you shut it off the pressure goes to zero but the oil is still fully in all the journals and bearings. So you created flow to lubricate the engine, the internal resistance built the oil pressure. That's all.
Correct, it's only building oil pressure to pump oil into the galleys and lines before starting. The main thing I wanted to build pressure in was the oil feedline for the turbo so that way its not running dry for the 1-2 sec before start up
@@Smeedia haha. Exactly. You did it again. The pump creates flow. It would be better if you said you were building oil pressure to lubricate the turbo. Once it's lubricated after the first operation you don't have to do it again. You would only need to unplug the coils on one start cycle. You don't prime your turbo line every time you start your car. You could say you are priming the turbo line. Instead of pressure.
True, new pil feed line so wanted to get some lub through it but I get your point
Enjoy the build mate!
Have a question, have bought a 04 Blob Eye WRX with 104,000km, I am the 2nd owner, car is running 230kw at the wheels on 18PSI, do I need to be worried about that power on a 5 speed gear box? I don't abuse it, and barely put the car under load - cheers!
Had to convert it iver, but you should be alright, as long as your now 100% WOT all the time you won't have any issues. Sounds like a fun car! 😁😁
Thanks mate! Appreciate it, all the way from New Zealand 🤙
Most of the STI is good and solid and reliable. If you can get one with a healthy engine it’s a fun experience.
Facts! 🙏🔥
Like you sead there are some people that should not drive. I had my kids and my wife in the car scary moment.
Totally agree 🙏🙏
I lucked out when I bought my 17 sti. It had 100k miles on it and mud flaps. Paid $20k for it. The engine turned out to be healthy so I sold it for $3k and use the $3k to put my old built engine on it
Smart move 🔥🙌
Was going to buy a used 2004 STI from a woman, its got 210,000 miles but its totally stock, It needs a new hood scoop and the interior is pretty beat up, She wants it gone tomorrow, im buying it for $2500, is that worth it even without being able to get a proper inspection
Here in Australia it's nearly impossible to buy an older STI without paying epic money. Even very average condition is hugely expensive. Probably been looking for over 5 years now, an STI like Smeedia's would be up for $30k+, really good condition around $40k and all would be 100k + miles, probably supply and demand as so many have not made it this far and suffered a horrible death. Newer models are actually the best value, but awesome resale value if you do happen to own one.
They're that expensive over there?! 😳 must be low quanity 👀
@@Smeedia yep pretty much that and the little pink S T and I badge doubles the value, I settled on a
mint 04 Forester XT with under 60k miles 5 years back for a 1/3rd the price ain’t whole lot of difference and 5k of mods makes and STI anyway.
Those XTs though 😍
Are you disappointed that you happened to stumble into a pretty fresh RA shortblock? I think I would be stoked if that happened to me.
I'm pumped for it, but wS also not expecting the issues that came with it 😅
I bought a very clean 2004 sti lol I knew the motor was blown but there alot more but it was a project car so 🤷 I cant wait till I get my head back from iag
Sounds like it should be saucy when done! Making some power with it once complete?
@@Smeedia yeah im gonna start back up the RUclips video soon im just not that good with the video game lol 😂
I Like That Cool ☺💪👍🙌
😁😁😁
Which motor is "better"? Why?
I am literally going through this right now, found a STI at a car lot but under the hood there are grimspeed logos everywhere.. /sigh
Ooooffff, not entirely a bad thing. Just gotta sort out what's good
You thing there a main difference between Automatic or Manual, when I come down to 2005 WRX? I'm looking for one in this days, but I wanna make sure a has everything working good or a least everything that has to be with the motor, because that's one of the main reasons they I don't buy the 2005 WRX
What main differences? Aside from the trans, TCM and diff the motor is same same
🔥🔥🔥
🙌🔥
Did you mention anything about multiple owners? Basically all 4+ owner turbo subarus are sketchy
Touched on it, the first two owners of mine took great care of the car. But it only takes 1 for it all to go down hill 😅
When buying any used car and not just Subarus, is generally a good idea to either bring an OBD2 reader with you and ask the owner if you can plug it in, or take it to a professional mechanic to do an inspection of it to tell you the overall quality of the car. If the owner doesn't agree to either of those, then run away and don't look back. It probably has more problem than he lets on.
Not sure how some dealers would feel about that, but some private parties I could see doing that.
@@Smeedia Their intent is to sell the car. If they're not going to let you know exactly what you're buying, you have the right to leave. When you try and do that, their minds change. They lower the price, offer "free" add-ons, etc. Only to sell the car and make money. You can press them into letting you check what you need. At the very least you should be able to get them to show you any maintenance they've done but I would take that with a grain of salt. I've seen people buy a 10+ yr old car and they claimed the fluids were changed. When he got the car home, the fluids looked like they had never been changed before.
Facts, and most people who they sell to don't know what to look for, what to stay away from, what questions to ask etc. Which is why I try and get these videos out there to help people avoid the bad apples
I’m looking at getting a 2011 sti from the auction and I’m kind of nervous because I’m buying it just as is. The car looks good and says it runs but has 120,000 miles and I would be buying it with out even a test drive or nothing... what should I do??
Honestly it's a toss up, without being able to get into it a bit it's going to be a toss up