had my 08 STi testdrive today

S'poreSTI · 12-17-2007, 12:01 PM

Just back from the drive, and it was a lot of fun. Didnt really push the car too hard, and since i havn't driven stick for >18months i was more concerned about not f'ing up. no pics or video, sorry

, but no stalls or grinds either

It was a nice drive, def. more refined than my old 05 (JDM). Bear in mind i'd never driven the EJ257 before, but there was ample torque, and a much smoother power delivery than i expected, no mad surge like i used to know & love. the clutch felt pretty light to me, easy to be smooth with, and it was a joy to be re-aquainted with the 6 speed. Driving position was comfortable (i'm 6'2"), and the pedal spacing made it easy to brake and blip the throttle on downshifts.
Engine noise was quiet, but there's a nice bit of rumble from the exhaust. Ride was good, a tad softer than i expected, just a hint of body roll, i don't know if thats due to USDM spec or just the new chassis. Seats were a bit meh, as i knew, fine for pottering about town but i'm going to need more support for anything involving twisties.
All in all though, very positive, i can't wait to get one as my daily driver. the tough choice now is WRB/Gold, or DGM/Silver???

steiner · 12-17-2007, 03:43 PM

If you're 6'2' and the seats are too big who the hec are they designed for? Two biggest things I'm worried going from an Evo VIII to an '08 STI are the seats and quick steering rack. That is such a huge part of the overall driver feedback that I'm not ready to just give it up.

S'poreSTI · 12-17-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steiner

If you're 6'2' and the seats are too big who the hec are they designed for? Two biggest things I'm worried going from an Evo VIII to an '08 STI are the seats and quick steering rack. That is such a huge part of the overall driver feedback that I'm not ready to just give it up.

6'2", but i'm skinny as a rail, i believe the seats are designed for those who are built more for comfort than for speed.

JDM recaro's fit me perfectly, but i can't have 'em.

jph · 12-17-2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steiner

Two biggest things I'm worried going from an Evo VIII to an '08 STI are the seats and quick steering rack. That is such a huge part of the overall driver feedback that I'm not ready to just give it up.

in that case you have two options;

aftermarket quick rack, and a nice set of your favorite seats.

or keep the evo

three options actually, or get an evo X

J.

blaznwrx · 12-17-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jph

in that case you have two options;

aftermarket quick rack, and a nice set of your favorite seats.

or keep the evo

three options actually, or get an evo X

J.

i think the 08 sti is a better bang for the buck compared to the evo x...

evo ix on the other hand....

eh... the 08 is looking better overall now but the main selling point for me is the new fold down rear seats, rear wiper & other creature comforts.
people say then why dont i get an audi or something.. but... for the price range... the STi fits all my criteria for comfort & performance!!

jph · 12-17-2007, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaznwrx

people say then why dont i get an audi or something.. but... for the price range... the STi fits all my criteria for comfort & performance!!

i was looking at an A3 3.2 DSG, but i said meh.. when i saw that it tipped the scales at +3600lbs. too bad we don't get the S3 here.

J.

skark_burmer · 12-19-2007, 07:52 PM

I drove the 08 a few times and had the same complaint about the seats. However, realize i am 5'11" and 160 lbs so i wasnt suprised.

I was suprised by the suspension, dissapointed is more accurate.
Scenario: Freeway offramp, slight camber with a quick dip where the pavement turns to asphalt. at 60 mph the car would drop into the dip and compress the suspension and all was normal. At 80 mph the pavement drops away and the car begins to fall just when the pavement is coming back up. Keep in mind the actual pavement drop is about 3" over a 6' distance. (all numbers are approximate)
When the car compressed on the backside (upcoming face) of the dip it resulted in 3 or 4 hops before the car settled back down. It almost felt like a cheap lowering job on a civic, the kind where you see the car bouncing down the roadway. Now, i know it wasnt as bad as my reference but it did feel under dampend for the firm spring rate. I like the spring rate though for my daily driver.
I drove about 20 miles on varying terrain and liked the ride elsewhere so its not like i am really ragging on it or anything, just offering another point of view.
I am buying one this weekend, and likely will be keeping the stock springs but changing to Bilsteins. Of course, i might change my mind after i put more miles on it after i own one.

S'poreSTI · 12-20-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skark_burmer

...I am buying one this weekend, ...

Cool!

Off the lot, or ordering one?
Can you share a little more on the kind of deal you're getting, and where? PM if you like.

Kilya · 12-20-2007, 09:02 AM

Keep me updated also fellas. Id like to know what numbers i should look for if I decide to trade up.

Templar · 12-20-2007, 09:35 AM

I have heard from some that the up-shift from 2nd to 3rd to be odd bit temperamental. Maybe the break-in process is still at work?

skark_burmer · 12-20-2007, 10:19 AM

ordering it, it should be at the dealer today, so maybe i should answer off the lot. I did not pre order one with a deposit or anything, just went in and told them what i wanted and i was ready to buy it when they could put one under my butt.

I got a dealer in LA to sell me one for $1000 over invoice. Invoice on the base I2H spec with BBS is 35.5K, (ive been told) so $36.5 plus tax, title licence. I dont want the BBS though, so i am hoping they will have a set of 5 spoke to drop on and knock $2000 off that price. We will see.

Local to SJ i found as low as MSRP, otherwise there is a $1000 to $3000 markup. The dealer in LA sold me a car before so that might be why they offered that deal. Im trying to deal with a place closer to home, i told them i was flying down to LA to get my car tomorrow and they might match the deal. Im waiting to hear back.

When i get the car i'll mention names and final price i paid.

boost3d05 · 12-22-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

I have heard from some that the up-shift from 2nd to 3rd to be odd bit temperamental. Maybe the break-in process is still at work?

what do you mean??

jph · 12-22-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boost3d05

what do you mean??

yeah

i found that the '08 shifter is a lot smoother than my '04
all it needs is a short shifter and some kartboy loving

J.

skark_burmer · 12-23-2007, 09:00 AM

I havent noticed any complaint in the shifting department. Not in the one i test drove that had 40 miles, and i now have 280 on mine since i picked it up yesterday. I took delivery with 8 miles on the clock.

The shifter is top notch as-is, i hate short shift kits with a passion so i am happy with the setup.

The one complaint i do have is the lighting.
HID low beams first. Im trying to be nice here but the low beam setup as absolutely horrible. I like HID, but they do not adjust up far enough to be useful. On the other hand i can turn the knob all the way down and the lights will shine about 8' in front of the car, and at 9' its completely dark. What situation would that be useful? If i wanted to haul a ton of bricks in the trunk... id use my truck.
With the adjustment all the way up i find myself over driving them at around 50 to 60 mph. On a dark twisty canyon road they offer good lighting below 30 mph, but are too short for speeds above that.
To sum it up, the lights work well, but they are pointed wayyyy to far down to be of use. I'll have a look at raising them substancially and then should be happy.

Its a good thing the brights make up for it. There is not a lot of desire to change the highs, they work pretty well.

The Fog lights are a joke. They should be called "daytime running lights" to be more accurate. Actually that is being overly nice, the DRL's on my Duramax are bright enough to drive slowly with, the fogs on the STI are a waste. I was in my driveway pointed at my closed garage door and had my neighbor in the car. As i was turning them on and off we could not see any light being emitted. None at all. I had him get out and see if they were even working and they are indeed turning off and on, but they are about as bright as a plastic flashlight from the 1950's. As we were driving on a completely dark canyon road i came to a stop and we did the same test. I was turing them on and off about 20 to 30 times and we could se no light in any direction. (note, they only come on with the low beams activated) I'll be looking to completely replace the lights soon with something that works. Hella makes a nice HID fog... but its $$$.

STIVendetta · 12-23-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S'poreSTI

Just back from the drive, and it was a lot of fun. Didnt really push the car too hard, and since i havn't driven stick for >18months i was more concerned about not f'ing up. no pics or video, sorry

, but no stalls or grinds either

It was a nice drive, def. more refined than my old 05 (JDM). Bear in mind i'd never driven the EJ257 before, but there was ample torque, and a much smoother power delivery than i expected, no mad surge like i used to know & love. the clutch felt pretty light to me, easy to be smooth with, and it was a joy to be re-aquainted with the 6 speed. Driving position was comfortable (i'm 6'2"), and the pedal spacing made it easy to brake and blip the throttle on downshifts.
Engine noise was quiet, but there's a nice bit of rumble from the exhaust. Ride was good, a tad softer than i expected, just a hint of body roll, i don't know if thats due to USDM spec or just the new chassis. Seats were a bit meh, as i knew, fine for pottering about town but i'm going to need more support for anything involving twisties.
All in all though, very positive, i can't wait to get one as my daily driver. the tough choice now is WRB/Gold, or DGM/Silver???

"and a much smoother power delivery than i expected, no mad surge like i used to know & love."

I Love the Mad surge like I'm use to- and love....but anything is possible.

12-17-2007, 12:01 PM	#1
S'poreSTI Senior STI Driver Car: 08 STi WRB/Gold Fav Mod: Hatchback! Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 307 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	had my 08 STi testdrive today Just back from the drive, and it was a lot of fun. Didnt really push the car too hard, and since i havn't driven stick for >18months i was more concerned about not f'ing up. no pics or video, sorry, but no stalls or grinds either It was a nice drive, def. more refined than my old 05 (JDM). Bear in mind i'd never driven the EJ257 before, but there was ample torque, and a much smoother power delivery than i expected, no mad surge like i used to know & love. the clutch felt pretty light to me, easy to be smooth with, and it was a joy to be re-aquainted with the 6 speed. Driving position was comfortable (i'm 6'2"), and the pedal spacing made it easy to brake and blip the throttle on downshifts. Engine noise was quiet, but there's a nice bit of rumble from the exhaust. Ride was good, a tad softer than i expected, just a hint of body roll, i don't know if thats due to USDM spec or just the new chassis. Seats were a bit meh, as i knew, fine for pottering about town but i'm going to need more support for anything involving twisties. All in all though, very positive, i can't wait to get one as my daily driver. the tough choice now is WRB/Gold, or DGM/Silver??? This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

12-17-2007, 03:43 PM	#2
steiner Senior STI Driver Car: '05 Evo VIII.5 RS Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 385 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today If you're 6'2' and the seats are too big who the hec are they designed for? Two biggest things I'm worried going from an Evo VIII to an '08 STI are the seats and quick steering rack. That is such a huge part of the overall driver feedback that I'm not ready to just give it up.

12-19-2007, 07:52 PM	#7
skark_burmer Amateur STI Driver Car: Silver 08 STI Fav Mod: bald, smoking tires Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 47 Join Date: Dec 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today I drove the 08 a few times and had the same complaint about the seats. However, realize i am 5'11" and 160 lbs so i wasnt suprised. I was suprised by the suspension, dissapointed is more accurate. Scenario: Freeway offramp, slight camber with a quick dip where the pavement turns to asphalt. at 60 mph the car would drop into the dip and compress the suspension and all was normal. At 80 mph the pavement drops away and the car begins to fall just when the pavement is coming back up. Keep in mind the actual pavement drop is about 3" over a 6' distance. (all numbers are approximate) When the car compressed on the backside (upcoming face) of the dip it resulted in 3 or 4 hops before the car settled back down. It almost felt like a cheap lowering job on a civic, the kind where you see the car bouncing down the roadway. Now, i know it wasnt as bad as my reference but it did feel under dampend for the firm spring rate. I like the spring rate though for my daily driver. I drove about 20 miles on varying terrain and liked the ride elsewhere so its not like i am really ragging on it or anything, just offering another point of view. I am buying one this weekend, and likely will be keeping the stock springs but changing to Bilsteins. Of course, i might change my mind after i put more miles on it after i own one.

12-20-2007, 09:02 AM	#9
Kilya Junior STI Driver Posts: 150 Join Date: Aug 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today Keep me updated also fellas. Id like to know what numbers i should look for if I decide to trade up.

12-20-2007, 09:35 AM	#10
Templar Junior STI Driver Car: WRC blue 07 STi Fav Mod: My M4 Location: N.Cal Posts: 103 Join Date: Mar 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today I have heard from some that the up-shift from 2nd to 3rd to be odd bit temperamental. Maybe the break-in process is still at work?

12-20-2007, 10:19 AM	#11
skark_burmer Amateur STI Driver Car: Silver 08 STI Fav Mod: bald, smoking tires Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 47 Join Date: Dec 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today ordering it, it should be at the dealer today, so maybe i should answer off the lot. I did not pre order one with a deposit or anything, just went in and told them what i wanted and i was ready to buy it when they could put one under my butt. I got a dealer in LA to sell me one for $1000 over invoice. Invoice on the base I2H spec with BBS is 35.5K, (ive been told) so $36.5 plus tax, title licence. I dont want the BBS though, so i am hoping they will have a set of 5 spoke to drop on and knock $2000 off that price. We will see. Local to SJ i found as low as MSRP, otherwise there is a $1000 to $3000 markup. The dealer in LA sold me a car before so that might be why they offered that deal. Im trying to deal with a place closer to home, i told them i was flying down to LA to get my car tomorrow and they might match the deal. Im waiting to hear back. When i get the car i'll mention names and final price i paid.

12-23-2007, 09:00 AM	#14
skark_burmer Amateur STI Driver Car: Silver 08 STI Fav Mod: bald, smoking tires Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 47 Join Date: Dec 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: had my 08 STi testdrive today I havent noticed any complaint in the shifting department. Not in the one i test drove that had 40 miles, and i now have 280 on mine since i picked it up yesterday. I took delivery with 8 miles on the clock. The shifter is top notch as-is, i hate short shift kits with a passion so i am happy with the setup. The one complaint i do have is the lighting. HID low beams first. Im trying to be nice here but the low beam setup as absolutely horrible. I like HID, but they do not adjust up far enough to be useful. On the other hand i can turn the knob all the way down and the lights will shine about 8' in front of the car, and at 9' its completely dark. What situation would that be useful? If i wanted to haul a ton of bricks in the trunk... id use my truck. With the adjustment all the way up i find myself over driving them at around 50 to 60 mph. On a dark twisty canyon road they offer good lighting below 30 mph, but are too short for speeds above that. To sum it up, the lights work well, but they are pointed wayyyy to far down to be of use. I'll have a look at raising them substancially and then should be happy. Its a good thing the brights make up for it. There is not a lot of desire to change the highs, they work pretty well. The Fog lights are a joke. They should be called "daytime running lights" to be more accurate. Actually that is being overly nice, the DRL's on my Duramax are bright enough to drive slowly with, the fogs on the STI are a waste. I was in my driveway pointed at my closed garage door and had my neighbor in the car. As i was turning them on and off we could not see any light being emitted. None at all. I had him get out and see if they were even working and they are indeed turning off and on, but they are about as bright as a plastic flashlight from the 1950's. As we were driving on a completely dark canyon road i came to a stop and we did the same test. I was turing them on and off about 20 to 30 times and we could se no light in any direction. (note, they only come on with the low beams activated) I'll be looking to completely replace the lights soon with something that works. Hella makes a nice HID fog... but its $$$.