In my experience, buy the cheapest one you can find and rebuild it yourself so you knows it's done correctly. Built is always better then bought, especially when you're looking at the older models.
I just did exactly that. I'm still under the budget of what an equivalent 2004 STi would have cost me. Also, I added many performance parts too. The trans/clutch and the upgraded Spyder diff computer was where most of the budget was spent. Totally doable
These are the type of videos that you don't really see anywhere else on RUclips but are the ones that are very fun and informative. Keep up the good work!
This is an awesome video! I learned a ton about the STI's history. I purchased a 2018 recently and am loving it. (Although I've always loved the 2004-5 in WRB with gold BBS'.)
Thanks! I wound up with the Pure Red color...my first pick was a base-level WRB, but a dealer offered me a red STI with the Recaro package, short shift kit, and several other options for the same price that most dealers were selling the base models without any of those options for, so I could not say no. Also, my insurance pricing on a model with the Recaro package was literally half the price of the model with the base seats...which I assume is due to the airbags within the seats? I was parked next to a 2005 STI a few days ago and, while I knew my 2018 was a larger vehicle, seeing just how great the size difference was when viewing the two cars side-by-side was surprising!
Yep! I was brought up on Subaru . My brother inlaw had a gen1 legacy rs ra 230 hp in 2000 , in 2005 when I was on my learners as a teen he got a gen 2 legacy gtb limited twin turbo 280hp . My first car was a gc8 wrx I bought in 2005 for 20k . In 2009 I bought a legacy rsk ' 2014 I bought 2005 wrx sti then a prick wrote it off in may 2016 . then in june 2016 I bought a version 6 sti limited very mint one , showroom condition . Colin
Man the bug eye 00-03 is amazing styling. I guess it's just preference because I think the blob eyes and hawk eyes don't look as nice. Just look less alittle less like a rally car.
This is my personal view of the STi, I am in love with the 2004-2005 model of the STi esp in the WR Blue and Gold BBS rims combo. And there were kits on the market to make the STi look like the WRC Replica with the box spoiler etc. the 2006-2007 was commonly know as the hawk eyes. But in Asia, we called them the pig nose WRX/STi because of the nose area where the badge is looks like a pig nose. oink oink XD Prob my least fav version of the bunch was the Hatchback version because I driven it and it feel heavier compared to the 2004 to 2007 models of the STi and the 2008 WRX was a downgrade from the previous gen esp on the suspension and brakes. Gone were the Subaru's own 4 pot front and 2 pot brakes calipers and they just used the large 2 pot front and 1 pot rear which are terrible when used on the track. So you will commonly see them swap the front calipers for the Brembos or buy aftermarket Project Mu/Stoptech brake calipers. ruclips.net/video/16QYzHQSf_s/видео.html There indeed many changes to the EJ engine, more like evolution of the engine. Previous EJ were cable driven throttle body, the later model then switched to the E-throttle. So my guess is that there is some lag between the time you floor the gas pedal and the throttle goes wide open throttle. Also there been changes to the turbocharger revision as well along with AVCS been added to the EJ207 onwards on the intake side and later for both intake and exhaust. The early STi didnt have the ring land failure because they used forged pistons but they switched to hypereutectic pistons in the later WRX/STi. The stock ECU map is Ok for daily driving but terrible for sporty driving. So usually owners will go to shops and get the ECU reflash using ECUTek while retaining the OEM look. The 2018 is def now the newest kid of the STi family and said to be the most powerful STi esp the limited Type RA trim. And i do love that the new STi now has 19 inches rims and 6 pot Brembos in the front. Thankfully it still a manual although some guys would love for Subaru to bring in the dual clutch gearbox to attract younger buyers. And get the gearbox from a reliable brand like BorgWarner unlike thre Getrag TC-SST found in the Evo X are known to go kaboom pretty fast. Also the AWD system on the new STi is somewhat similar to Nissan's Skyline GT-R ATTESSA ETS system as it can do power split between all 4 wheels with different power and all controlled via the DCCD and the drive mode system. While i do agree the interior in the Subaru is always dated when compared to modern cars. Subaru motto is focused on the driving pleasure and the AWD system. In fact i still missed my old 2004 Forester controls as they are mostly analogue and you have a simple easy to use radio and air-conditioning system. The current Crosstrek dash controls feels alien to me and sometimes i still fumble over the controls on the infotainment system and i feel i am not using all the functions it has other than the reverse camera for parking. This is coming from a guy who is hitting 30 in 2 months. If their refresh pattern stays the same, we should expect a refresh in 2020 of the STi and rumors that the 2020 STi may be a 2 door coupe much like the GC chassis era like the 22B STi and the GC8 Version 5 Type R which is made famous in Initial D driven by Bunta Fujiwara who is Takumi's dad. Also the EJ engine will finally retire from the engine line up and the FA/FB will be the new engine powering the STi. There are also rumors that the 2020 STi will also be a hybrid as well so it may have electric motor assists. Active aero might be a plus if they ever think of that direction. So imagine the rear wing spoiler can go into full speed mode and act as an air brake during braking and has the DRS function like the F1 cars. Cheers
Very informative and I enjoyed watching this. Just as a little tip, I would suggest pinning pictures of each model you're introducing as you go through your presentation.
J Wake thank so much for your kind words. I have really learned a lot on my RUclips journey. I am probably going to do another video on this topic because I’ve learned so much on putting the videos together. Stay tuned for more.😊👍🏻
Thanks for the video - nice to hear your thoughts on especially the 2008-onwards cars as I've never driven one. Just about to move from a UK spec bugeye WRX to a bugeye STi wagon - love the look of the pre-99 and blobeye sedans but need the practicality of the wagon. Did consider a hatch, mostly for the more modern interior, but there's something about the older cars that just pulls at the heart-strings :)
Hey man, would you rather wait for the 2020 sti with the engine which is ~18 months away? I love how the unequal length headers sound but some say it is the cause of the ringland issue. The con to the 2020 sti is that it is too new and may have reliability issues. Thoughts?
Sid Chavez the unequal headers are not the cause of the ring land issue. It’s the stock tune that could be an issue. You are in a tough situation because you are probably not going to want the first year of the new STI. From what insiders are saying there are going to be a lot of changes. These changes can have teething issues. Let me know if you have any other questions. PS I’ve owned 3 STIs never had a ringland issue.
Hey joe, i dont think its the stock tune is the reason for ringland issue, it could be if u beat on it stock all day, but i think adding modes on it without tuning in the engine with the different system ur adding on. Its a machine u beat on it without taking care of it, it will fail. U take care of it, it will live forever
KIROLLOS GADALLA you bring up a very good point. In 2008 the tune though was very lean at lower RPMs. Since then that is something Subaru has fixed. I appreciate your feedback! 😊👍🏻
I am 23 years old, currently have a Subaru Crosstrek 2017 Special Edition and I am looking into a buying a WRX STI, what would you suggest in today’s current time? Awesome video!
Hi, Regarding the "push button start" you paid extra money that you are complaining about, I have an answer for you. Subaru is giving a choice for people who don't need it, then instead, they want to buy a car cheaper deal. In Japan, the push button and probably other options are standard and come with from the beginning. However, STI cost over 40 grand starts. If you choose some options like performance set, Navigation, etc., it will cost 56 grand easy. In the U.S, STI starts under 30 grand. It's an excellent deal. Even students can buy. I believe if Subaru doesn't mind spending a lot of money like BMW and Mercedes, they will easily create a better car because let customers to pay for it. So, it is just a matter of how much let customers pay for the car.
Raiti's Rides I enjoy your review of WRX and STI most of the time. STI Japan would love your review too. After 2014, which year of STI is your favorite and why?
Great concept for a video m8, but dude... don't be afraid to know what you are. You don't have to know every single thing that's ever happened to Subaru to be an expert, and you clearly know a lot about and love the cars. Maybe you don't have to say, "I'm an expert so listen to me," but you also don't have to reel it way back to the point of, "I'm not an expert." Channel is good, love the STI stuff personally, but I know a lot of people get sick of it lol.
Both Blob eye and Hawk eye models are such a bad ass hooligan vehicles. Newer ones are nice, but they are grown up cars that lost rough elbows and singular purpose. Hope to get one soon and not get jailed shortly after LOL!
In my experience, buy the cheapest one you can find and rebuild it yourself so you knows it's done correctly. Built is always better then bought, especially when you're looking at the older models.
marco polo very good points! Thanks for the feedback!
I just did exactly that. I'm still under the budget of what an equivalent 2004 STi would have cost me. Also, I added many performance parts too. The trans/clutch and the upgraded Spyder diff computer was where most of the budget was spent. Totally doable
These are the type of videos that you don't really see anywhere else on RUclips but are the ones that are very fun and informative. Keep up the good work!
Jason Ng that’s such an awesome compliment! Thanks you so much! 😊👍🏻
I feel like the outcast saying that I love the 2011-2014 STI sedan best 😅
You are not alone , same for me
Cajan Rössler same
There is a couple of us
Same. I just got a 2011 limited WRX STI with 65k miles. Very clean.
Just join the club already
Well, you don’t have to say it but I personally find you to be an expert when it comes to Subarus. Great info Joe!
2004 and 2005 is the quintessential WRX STI look......when you think of the WRX STI, thats the look at comes to mind
I totally agree and that is why they are my favorite!
1998 22B for sure if you can find and buy...
1999 Sti V5 or V6 are also very rare...
Great minds think a like!
99 wrx sti , but I live down under . For usa the 05 wrx sti is the best wrx sti ever built
Ben Chesterman yes it is in my eyes
I call 2018 STi as final peak refined version of EJ257 series STi since they started making 2004
Jw K I totally agree with that!😊👍🏻
Love my '18. Strikingly beautiful car from Every angle.
04-05 wrx sti with under 80000 miles , ive never had issues with them
Ben Chesterman they are great!
This is an awesome video! I learned a ton about the STI's history. I purchased a 2018 recently and am loving it. (Although I've always loved the 2004-5 in WRB with gold BBS'.)
Zac Paul congrats on your 2018 STI! I’m the same with you! 2004-5 is my FAVORITE! What color did you go with?
Thanks! I wound up with the Pure Red color...my first pick was a base-level WRB, but a dealer offered me a red STI with the Recaro package, short shift kit, and several other options for the same price that most dealers were selling the base models without any of those options for, so I could not say no. Also, my insurance pricing on a model with the Recaro package was literally half the price of the model with the base seats...which I assume is due to the airbags within the seats?
I was parked next to a 2005 STI a few days ago and, while I knew my 2018 was a larger vehicle, seeing just how great the size difference was when viewing the two cars side-by-side was surprising!
22b ... ... ... the true and purest sti ... ... enough said
If only we could get one in the USA. I know they have one in NJ at the Subaru headquarters!
1love the sti seats in my version 6 , 100km around a sharp corner mountains roads perfect
03 - 05 starting to rise in value my country
what country?
Australia
Your correct its become heavier and bigger 19 years , My gc8 sti weighs 1295kg ' 04 -05 1470kg ' 05-07 1495kg ' 07- 13 1505kg ' 13-18 1535kg
Ben Chesterman you really know your stuff!
Yep! I was brought up on Subaru . My brother inlaw had a gen1 legacy rs ra 230 hp in 2000 , in 2005 when I was on my learners as a teen he got a gen 2 legacy gtb limited twin turbo 280hp . My first car was a gc8 wrx I bought in 2005 for 20k . In 2009 I bought a legacy rsk ' 2014 I bought 2005 wrx sti then a prick wrote it off in may 2016 . then in june 2016 I bought a version 6 sti limited very mint one , showroom condition . Colin
Down under 99 - 05 was ej207 blck with 261hp . In late 05 the ej257 came out with 276hp
Ben Chesterman this is very true.
Learned tons today, as usual great vid!
SleepieMercie thank you again for your kind words! 😊👍🏻
Man the bug eye 00-03 is amazing styling. I guess it's just preference because I think the blob eyes and hawk eyes don't look as nice. Just look less alittle less like a rally car.
Matthew Swank beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder! Thanks for sharing your perspective!😊👍🏻
99- 07 were the best sti seats , most bolstering I think
This is my personal view of the STi, I am in love with the 2004-2005 model of the STi esp in the WR Blue and Gold BBS rims combo. And there were kits on the market to make the STi look like the WRC Replica with the box spoiler etc.
the 2006-2007 was commonly know as the hawk eyes. But in Asia, we called them the pig nose WRX/STi because of the nose area where the badge is looks like a pig nose. oink oink XD
Prob my least fav version of the bunch was the Hatchback version because I driven it and it feel heavier compared to the 2004 to 2007 models of the STi and the 2008 WRX was a downgrade from the previous gen esp on the suspension and brakes. Gone were the Subaru's own 4 pot front and 2 pot brakes calipers and they just used the large 2 pot front and 1 pot rear which are terrible when used on the track. So you will commonly see them swap the front calipers for the Brembos or buy aftermarket Project Mu/Stoptech brake calipers.
ruclips.net/video/16QYzHQSf_s/видео.html
There indeed many changes to the EJ engine, more like evolution of the engine.
Previous EJ were cable driven throttle body, the later model then switched to the E-throttle. So my guess is that there is some lag between the time you floor the gas pedal and the throttle goes wide open throttle. Also there been changes to the turbocharger revision as well along with AVCS been added to the EJ207 onwards on the intake side and later for both intake and exhaust. The early STi didnt have the ring land failure because they used forged pistons but they switched to hypereutectic pistons in the later WRX/STi.
The stock ECU map is Ok for daily driving but terrible for sporty driving. So usually owners will go to shops and get the ECU reflash using ECUTek while retaining the OEM look.
The 2018 is def now the newest kid of the STi family and said to be the most powerful STi esp the limited Type RA trim. And i do love that the new STi now has 19 inches rims and 6 pot Brembos in the front. Thankfully it still a manual although some guys would love for Subaru to bring in the dual clutch gearbox to attract younger buyers. And get the gearbox from a reliable brand like BorgWarner unlike thre Getrag TC-SST found in the Evo X are known to go kaboom pretty fast.
Also the AWD system on the new STi is somewhat similar to Nissan's Skyline GT-R ATTESSA ETS system as it can do power split between all 4 wheels with different power and all controlled via the DCCD and the drive mode system.
While i do agree the interior in the Subaru is always dated when compared to modern cars. Subaru motto is focused on the driving pleasure and the AWD system. In fact i still missed my old 2004 Forester controls as they are mostly analogue and you have a simple easy to use radio and air-conditioning system. The current Crosstrek dash controls feels alien to me and sometimes i still fumble over the controls on the infotainment system and i feel i am not using all the functions it has other than the reverse camera for parking. This is coming from a guy who is hitting 30 in 2 months.
If their refresh pattern stays the same, we should expect a refresh in 2020 of the STi and rumors that the 2020 STi may be a 2 door coupe much like the GC chassis era like the 22B STi and the GC8 Version 5 Type R which is made famous in Initial D driven by Bunta Fujiwara who is Takumi's dad.
Also the EJ engine will finally retire from the engine line up and the FA/FB will be the new engine powering the STi. There are also rumors that the 2020 STi will also be a hybrid as well so it may have electric motor assists. Active aero might be a plus if they ever think of that direction. So imagine the rear wing spoiler can go into full speed mode and act as an air brake during braking and has the DRS function like the F1 cars.
Cheers
best year in Usa I think
Great info! Thanks as always!
Raiti's Rides no problem.
Very informative and I enjoyed watching this. Just as a little tip, I would suggest pinning pictures of each model you're introducing as you go through your presentation.
J Wake thank so much for your kind words. I have really learned a lot on my RUclips journey. I am probably going to do another video on this topic because I’ve learned so much on putting the videos together. Stay tuned for more.😊👍🏻
Thanks for that breakdown. I really learned alot and wish to own one at some stage in my life but first I'm aiming at a brz.
Jason C the BRZ is a great car and so underrated. I actually have a vlog coming out giving my input about the car.
Raiti's Rides excellent I did request that so im really looking forward to see this👍
Jason C you be surprised how man others want it as well!
Thanks for the video - nice to hear your thoughts on especially the 2008-onwards cars as I've never driven one. Just about to move from a UK spec bugeye WRX to a bugeye STi wagon - love the look of the pre-99 and blobeye sedans but need the practicality of the wagon. Did consider a hatch, mostly for the more modern interior, but there's something about the older cars that just pulls at the heart-strings :)
You are so very welcome! I totally understand about the hear strings!
Bug eye all day for me
Bug eye is one of my favorites but I am going blob eye!
04 wrx sti with 120000km 13k n Australia ,very affordable down here . You can buy a 2002 wrx sti with 90000km for 10k
Is that Australian dollars or USD?
Aud
I like any of the models that put WRC titles under their belt (GC, GD Bug and GD Blob)
Just watched Joe i think i made my decision thanks great video
Thanks Man! This is one of my early ones!
Hey man, would you rather wait for the 2020 sti with the engine which is ~18 months away? I love how the unequal length headers sound but some say it is the cause of the ringland issue. The con to the 2020 sti is that it is too new and may have reliability issues. Thoughts?
Sid Chavez the unequal headers are not the cause of the ring land issue. It’s the stock tune that could be an issue. You are in a tough situation because you are probably not going to want the first year of the new STI. From what insiders are saying there are going to be a lot of changes. These changes can have teething issues. Let me know if you have any other questions.
PS I’ve owned 3 STIs never had a ringland issue.
Hey joe, i dont think its the stock tune is the reason for ringland issue, it could be if u beat on it stock all day, but i think adding modes on it without tuning in the engine with the different system ur adding on. Its a machine u beat on it without taking care of it, it will fail. U take care of it, it will live forever
KIROLLOS GADALLA you bring up a very good point. In 2008 the tune though was very lean at lower RPMs. Since then that is something Subaru has fixed. I appreciate your feedback! 😊👍🏻
18 with the BBS rims would kick butt
Shawn Moses I really like the wheels on the Type RA, but 48k....I’m going to pass.
I like those rims on the RA as well , I wish there was an option to put them on the regular STi
Hey, you look good in this video! Great video.
Thanks for watching!
I am 23 years old, currently have a Subaru Crosstrek 2017 Special Edition and I am looking into a buying a WRX STI, what would you suggest in today’s current time? Awesome video!
Great info!!! really good video
adnan selimovic thanks again for the great comments and for watching.
I love the 2005... what about you? Seems like that was a pivotal time. Would like your opinion, thanks Joe!
Double G 2005 is my fav, but I also miss my 2006.
Its between the blobeye and the 2015 sti
Thank you for your input and perspective!
Great video! Very informative
Thanks Michael I really appreciate that!
2004-2007 sti was 2.0 turbo
2008 above sti 2.5 turbo
Not here in the USA.
Hi, Regarding the "push button start" you paid extra money that you are complaining about, I have an answer for you. Subaru is giving a choice for people who don't need it, then instead, they want to buy a car cheaper deal. In Japan, the push button and probably other options are standard and come with from the beginning. However, STI cost over 40 grand starts. If you choose some options like performance set, Navigation, etc., it will cost 56 grand easy. In the U.S, STI starts under 30 grand. It's an excellent deal. Even students can buy. I believe if Subaru doesn't mind spending a lot of money like BMW and Mercedes, they will easily create a better car because let customers to pay for it. So, it is just a matter of how much let customers pay for the car.
Thanks for sharing that info.
Raiti's Rides I enjoy your review of WRX and STI most of the time. STI Japan would love your review too. After 2014, which year of STI is your favorite and why?
You are incorrect they made 800 limiteds sti models 400 white 400 gray , that had black leather and black. Inside
In 2010 a wrx sti 5 speed auto came out
Ben Chesterman I say manual only in STI. Always
Hatch back is my fav I though they made the hatch till 2014
Mazda Marco yes sir, 2008-2014
Is that your real classroom, Joe?😂
blob eye, or next gen motor for me
TheGr33nNinja I can’t wait to see how this is going to go.
Great concept for a video m8, but dude... don't be afraid to know what you are. You don't have to know every single thing that's ever happened to Subaru to be an expert, and you clearly know a lot about and love the cars. Maybe you don't have to say, "I'm an expert so listen to me," but you also don't have to reel it way back to the point of, "I'm not an expert." Channel is good, love the STI stuff personally, but I know a lot of people get sick of it lol.
I appreciate the feedback. Stay tuned for more!
The best is a 2.0l cos its 110% less likely to blow up
hawkeye sti or ur high
I was high for selling my 2006 STi :-(
Blobeye for life ❤️
What about the bug eye, wasnt there a 2002 Sti?
Bug eye was not available here in the USA as an STi. Only available as a WRX. The first STi imported to the USA was the 2004 blob eye STi.
Didnt include GC8. Thats a no from me.
We never received that car in the USA
Well it would be wise to put that in the description for everyone else, not just USA. The GC8 is a common WRX in Australia.
I understand, and I appreciate your feedback!
2015-2017 is my favorite. The 2018’s new bumper and the fuse clusters being white are a no thank you for me
You are not only on that. Many people are saying the same thing!
I never do this but "First" you know why Joe haha
You're awesome!!! It will happen......fingers crossed. lol
Putting my bucks together for a hawkeye here!
One of my favorite generations! It is really is worth it!
Both Blob eye and Hawk eye models are such a bad ass hooligan vehicles. Newer ones are nice, but they are grown up cars that lost rough elbows and singular purpose. Hope to get one soon and not get jailed shortly after LOL!
I totally agree with you! Yeah don't do the jail thing! LOL
I've read that a pro tune will get rid of the power drop on 08+....what's your experience with this
Thrice 2018 Sti in 2hours
gen3v8 congrats on the STI!
Hey guys,I hope to get one 04-14 sti in Arizona,what about price should be?
It really depends on what year, miles, condition, etc...
Plz do s3 review!!!
This is what classrooms should be like!
You were able to get a black leather interior in 06-07 sti limited. This video is fake news
if it doesn't have "eye" in the name then it's trash
blue my favorite is the blob eye! Those are just perfect!
@@RaitisRides same, I really like the pigs nose. although the newer ones aren't terrible. they certainly don't make em like they used to.
this is 100% true! I miss those days!
Its a shame that the new ones are shit..
Thanks for sharing your in put and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!
Raiti's Rides thanks bro! Keep up the good work! I enjoy your vids👍❤️
None of them!
Thanks Kyle!