|
I bought a new '05 STI just before the '06's arrived for cheap money (26,700) with 1.9% financing. It was an impusle buy, but considering the price I figure I can't get too hurt.
This said, I've really come to enjoy the car. I've got 15K miles on it without a hiccup. Incredibly impressive in the snow with proper tires and goes like stink year round. I've autocrossed it , and have competed in a few rallies up north after taking the O'neil rally school and have had a blast.
I'm running it as a daily driver without issue, including quite a few long trips. I'm a big guy @ 6'4'' 250 lbs, and find the seats get annoying after 3-4 hours if you don't stop to get out and walk around. The suspension is firm, and the car will follow ruts in the highway if your lazy. Not a deal breaker for me, I'm used to driving the Porsche. The 6 speed is nice, but the gearing is a little off in my opinion. First to third shifting around town is pretty common for me. The STI is a good bit noiser than the regular WRX, but perfectly acceptable to me.
Aftermarket support is outrageous, but I've resisted the urge to change anything and probably won't. Having a car under warranty is nice.
Maintenance is a no brainer, and I've had virtually zero problems. The only trip back to the dealer was for a noisy rear strut (this is common) which was replaced immediatly without any questions asked. I consistently get 25 MPG on the highway at 80-85 MPH.
The only downside is the "image". To most this is a car for a 20 year old. I'm not 20. If I drive past the local highschool, I'm the most popular kid. When I park in the office garage, my colleagues look at me strange. Swapping trunks with a WRX is easy, and every 20 year old WRX owner is willing to do so at the drop of a hat. I'm too lazy, and have learned to love the tacky spoiler. As an aside, it makes a convenient plass to support 2x4's from Home depot. Ask me how I know
Overally, I really like the car.
Vin
|