Purchasing 2007 sti??

Yankeeballer13 · 02-29-2008, 08:21 AM

I'm new to the sti forum and had a few questions.

I am looking at getting a brand new 2007 sti. I have heard that alot of sti's are having problems with their transmissions and clutches etc. Is this the case for anybody that has a subaru?

Overall how does everybody like their car. I was always an Evo guy (never had one though) but the subarus have been catching my eye alot lately.

Any other problems or positives about your cars would be great. Im just trying to get some more insight on people who actually have the car

Thanks alot

josefmd · 02-29-2008, 09:40 AM

[quote=Yankeeballer13;1740919]I'm new to the sti forum and had a few questions.

I am looking at getting a brand new 2007 sti. I have heard that alot of sti's are having problems with their transmissions and clutches etc. Is this the case for anybody that has a subaru?

No, not really! That is more of a EVO problem than with a STI. Do a search over at evolutionm.net and you will find a lot of useful info. I had a 05 EVO MR before my 07 STI, and let me tell the tranny is a lot smoother. Stock vs stock the STI's tranny is much stronger!

Overall how does everybody like their car. I was always an Evo guy (never had one though) but the subarus have been catching my eye alot lately.

I love my 07 STI great sound, low end torque, build quality, safer in a wreck, and is a lot more daily driver friendly than my old EVO. The EVO is a little more raw, sharper steering, and has better seats than the STI. Man I really do miss the Recaros Again do a search because both have there postives and negatives.

Any other problems or positives about your cars would be great. Im just trying to get some more insight on people who actually have the car

With the 07 there is on going issue of the stock ECU mapping being crap.
If you do get a 07 be sure to get a Cobb AP and flash to stage 1, or get tuned by a good tuner
I have owned my car for four months and have been stage 1 since 800 miles or so, and no problems.
It runs like a champ!

Good luck

***Gondy*** · 02-29-2008, 11:39 AM

Haven't heard anything about bad transmissions or clutches.. the 07's (and 08's apparently) are definitely notorious for having a bad tune and this causing blown engines in some cases. I also got the AP right away after I bought my o7 and flashed to stage 1 at about 1500 miles. Got protuned after going stage 2. Everything is great now

STI Sibb · 02-29-2008, 04:11 PM

What they said.

The 07 initial stock release map was total crap and was very prone to detonation.

Subaru of America (SOA) released a reflash. I got mine done under warranty. This solved several issues and made the powerband smoother. However, it is still crap compared to what is out there in the aftermarket. Some people reported that the reflash reverted back to the old map. My assertion is that their dealer screwed them and just reset the ECU without actually reflashing. Mine has never reverted. The difference between the initial and reflash are night and day.

The safest bet is starting with a Cobb Stage 1 map. Cobb runs a rich map to help reduce detonation. This will most likely void your warranty on your engine btw. Catch 22.

Avoid any modifications to the air intake on an 07 without a protune. The air intake is very sensitive. Even the SPT package that Subaru sales is considered a hazard to your engines health.

All that aside, there is still 1 ongoing 07 problem if you tune the rest out. There is a bucking issue at low load (as you barely press the throttle) in the lower gears. If you are trying to coast without throttle, you will hate your car temporarily. Some opensource maps (Gabedude's maps) off of Enginuity.org (now its called something else) has apparently eliminated the problem. Gabedudes map does not have as smooth a powerband, though, from what I've read. His map is also less conservative than the Cobb map from what I've read.

If you go Stage 2, it is advisable to upgrade your fuel pumps and injectors as they will operate at 90%. 80% is the recommended maximum load for the fuel pump / injectors. Most folks go with a Walbro? pump.

dwl-sti · 02-29-2008, 04:43 PM

I have an 07 let me tell you best thing thats happend to me =) i loveeeee it...GET IT MANNNN TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY

STIVendetta · 02-29-2008, 05:33 PM

Yes I am~ VERY~ happy with my 07 also. Stage-1

***Draco-REX*** · 02-29-2008, 06:59 PM

Love my 07. The STI tranny is bombproof, and the clutch will last for quite a while if you don't ride it; but that can be said for most any clutch. Now the WRXs have a weaker tranny, so maybe that s what you heard. But the STI has a completely different transmission that will stand up to more than twice the stock power. Usually people break the rear half-shafts before they break the tranny.

SilverSurfer · 02-29-2008, 08:02 PM

Every year STi transmission is very stout including the MY07. Clutch is pretty stout too for an OEM clutch.

There are many threads on the MY07 OEM ECU map woes. This can be corrected very, very easily with an AP or Open Source reflash of the ECU map.

Like the others, I'm lovin my MY07 STi. You won't regret the purchase should you decide to buy the STi.

Red Rocket · 03-01-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STI Sibb

...If you go Stage 2, it is advisable to upgrade your fuel pumps and injectors as they will operate at 90%. 80% is the recommended maximum load for the fuel pump / injectors. Most folks go with a Walbro? pump.

Of all the information I have read up on the MY07 USDM, I would say even change the fuel pump for stock or Stage 1 as well. A Walbro 255lph costs ~ $100 and is cheap to help maintain the engine safety of the car. Again, this coming from the vast amount of information I have been sifting through since I have owned my 07 --> Sept. of 06. I am not making a recommendation based upon my own personal testing, but basing this because of the vast amount of logs that have been posted from all around the country on LOTS of threads.

Agreeing with other posters on this thread, I would also recommend getting off of the stock tune asap. I have used gabedudes free maps and I preferred that map to the Cobb stage 1 1.03 map. Supposedly, Cobb is working on a new set of MY07 STI maps for the AP. They are taking their own sweet time doing it though.

**boxtwo** · 03-01-2008, 02:11 PM

+1000

All the previous posters covered everything I'd have said! I love my 07.

stealthsti06 · 03-01-2008, 03:03 PM

07 are sweet, 06 are sweet, sti are SICK.....buy one!

reddoak · 03-01-2008, 03:30 PM

It's a lot of car to drive. It handles well, brakes ferociously, and goes like a raped ape. The tranny and clutch are fine.

The tires that came on it only lasted 15,000 miles for me. I don't track it. I replaced them with BF Goodrich G-Force Sports for a considerable savings.

I like the seats, they aren't as sport oriented as the Evo Recaros were, but neither am I. I like having good A/C and cruise control. I like going fast, but I like going fast comfortably!

Mine came with the SPT intake, exhaust and short shifter. My IDC% were over 100% on the stock tune, and I experienced the bucking and poor running some '07s had. I have replaced the SPT intake with an APS 65mm cold air intake, the stock downpipe with a Perrin catted pipe, and the the stock mapping (rubbish, IMHO) with an XPT stage 2 tune, tweaked by Gabedude. The IDC% stays below 100%, the car runs fine, and bucking is definatly a thing of the past. It just goes, and keeps going.

I would recommend an '07 STI, just plan on reflashing the stock map. Open-source has worked well for me, other's prefer Cobb or other commercial after market fixes. Like others have said, a fuel pump is an inexpensive insurance policy if your injectors do max out.

***Gondy*** · 03-02-2008, 12:10 AM

^^ I think you would need bigger fuel injectors to lower your IDC.. a larger fuel pump wont do anything if your injectors are maxing out.. the fuel pump would help if your not getting enough fuel.

Yankeeballer13 · 03-02-2008, 11:13 AM

so sorry guys but there are a slight change of plans..i found a really nice used 04, im pretty sure im about to get it in a few days if everything works out..I cant wait! plus i dont really want to spend almost 38,000 on the new 07 i found at the dealership..can you believe they are asking that?!

SilverSurfer · 03-02-2008, 03:00 PM

Wow. $38K for a MY07 is robbery. Crazy stealership there. I think MSRP with all options is around $35K.

The new MY08s go for around $38-$39K MSRP fully decked out.

02-29-2008, 08:21 AM	#1
Yankeeballer13 Senior STI Driver Car: JBP 04 STI Fav Mod: Stock Location: Las Vegas Posts: 319 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Purchasing 2007 sti?? I'm new to the sti forum and had a few questions. I am looking at getting a brand new 2007 sti. I have heard that alot of sti's are having problems with their transmissions and clutches etc. Is this the case for anybody that has a subaru? Overall how does everybody like their car. I was always an Evo guy (never had one though) but the subarus have been catching my eye alot lately. Any other problems or positives about your cars would be great. Im just trying to get some more insight on people who actually have the car Thanks alot This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

02-29-2008, 09:40 AM	#2
josefmd Junior STI Driver Car: SWP 07 WRX STi Fav Mod: Cobb AP Stage 1 V1.04 93 oct Location: Cinci, OH Posts: 123 Join Date: Jun 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? [quote=Yankeeballer13;1740919]I'm new to the sti forum and had a few questions. I am looking at getting a brand new 2007 sti. I have heard that alot of sti's are having problems with their transmissions and clutches etc. Is this the case for anybody that has a subaru? No, not really! That is more of a EVO problem than with a STI. Do a search over at evolutionm.net and you will find a lot of useful info. I had a 05 EVO MR before my 07 STI, and let me tell the tranny is a lot smoother. Stock vs stock the STI's tranny is much stronger! Overall how does everybody like their car. I was always an Evo guy (never had one though) but the subarus have been catching my eye alot lately. I love my 07 STI great sound, low end torque, build quality, safer in a wreck, and is a lot more daily driver friendly than my old EVO. The EVO is a little more raw, sharper steering, and has better seats than the STI. Man I really do miss the Recaros Again do a search because both have there postives and negatives. Any other problems or positives about your cars would be great. Im just trying to get some more insight on people who actually have the car With the 07 there is on going issue of the stock ECU mapping being crap. If you do get a 07 be sure to get a Cobb AP and flash to stage 1, or get tuned by a good tuner I have owned my car for four months and have been stage 1 since 800 miles or so, and no problems. It runs like a champ! Good luck Last edited by josefmd : 02-29-2008 at 09:49 AM.

02-29-2008, 11:39 AM	#3
*Gondy* Fears smelly diff fluid Car: 07 WRB STI Fav Mod: Invidia G200 Location: Lemont, Illinois Posts: 677 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? Haven't heard anything about bad transmissions or clutches.. the 07's (and 08's apparently) are definitely notorious for having a bad tune and this causing blown engines in some cases. I also got the AP right away after I bought my o7 and flashed to stage 1 at about 1500 miles. Got protuned after going stage 2. Everything is great now

02-29-2008, 04:11 PM	#4
STI Sibb Senior STI Driver Car: Blue 07 WRX STI Fav Mod: Soap Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 380 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? What they said. The 07 initial stock release map was total crap and was very prone to detonation. Subaru of America (SOA) released a reflash. I got mine done under warranty. This solved several issues and made the powerband smoother. However, it is still crap compared to what is out there in the aftermarket. Some people reported that the reflash reverted back to the old map. My assertion is that their dealer screwed them and just reset the ECU without actually reflashing. Mine has never reverted. The difference between the initial and reflash are night and day. The safest bet is starting with a Cobb Stage 1 map. Cobb runs a rich map to help reduce detonation. This will most likely void your warranty on your engine btw. Catch 22. Avoid any modifications to the air intake on an 07 without a protune. The air intake is very sensitive. Even the SPT package that Subaru sales is considered a hazard to your engines health. All that aside, there is still 1 ongoing 07 problem if you tune the rest out. There is a bucking issue at low load (as you barely press the throttle) in the lower gears. If you are trying to coast without throttle, you will hate your car temporarily. Some opensource maps (Gabedude's maps) off of Enginuity.org (now its called something else) has apparently eliminated the problem. Gabedudes map does not have as smooth a powerband, though, from what I've read. His map is also less conservative than the Cobb map from what I've read. If you go Stage 2, it is advisable to upgrade your fuel pumps and injectors as they will operate at 90%. 80% is the recommended maximum load for the fuel pump / injectors. Most folks go with a Walbro? pump. Last edited by STI Sibb : 02-29-2008 at 04:15 PM.

02-29-2008, 04:43 PM	#5
dwl-sti Amateur STI Driver Car: 07 STI Blue Gold rim Location: new hampshire Posts: 46 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? I have an 07 let me tell you best thing thats happend to me =) i loveeeee it...GET IT MANNNN TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY

02-29-2008, 05:33 PM	#6
STIVendetta Spec C Club Car: << 07-STi >> Fav Mod: A Good Wax Job Location: NC- Kingdom of AWD Posts: 1,297 Join Date: May 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? Yes I am~ VERY~ happy with my 07 also. Stage-1

02-29-2008, 06:59 PM	#7
*Draco-REX* Black Dragon STI Car: 07 OBP STi 03WRB WRX Fav Mod: My whole suspension Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,650 Join Date: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? Love my 07. The STI tranny is bombproof, and the clutch will last for quite a while if you don't ride it; but that can be said for most any clutch. Now the WRXs have a weaker tranny, so maybe that s what you heard. But the STI has a completely different transmission that will stand up to more than twice the stock power. Usually people break the rear half-shafts before they break the tranny.

02-29-2008, 08:02 PM	#8
SilverSurfer Professional STI Racer Car: 2004 Audi S4 Avant Fav Mod: wheels & suspension Location: Normal, IL Posts: 744 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (5)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? Every year STi transmission is very stout including the MY07. Clutch is pretty stout too for an OEM clutch. There are many threads on the MY07 OEM ECU map woes. This can be corrected very, very easily with an AP or Open Source reflash of the ECU map. Like the others, I'm lovin my MY07 STi. You won't regret the purchase should you decide to buy the STi.

03-01-2008, 02:11 PM	#10
boxtwo Gold Member Car: 07 OBP STi Fav Mod: Venison front Bumper mod Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 1,399 Join Date: Jun 2007 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? +1000 All the previous posters covered everything I'd have said! I love my 07.

03-01-2008, 03:03 PM	#11
stealthsti06 Senior STI Driver Car: 06 Subaru STI Fav Mod: purple wheels Location: New Jersey Posts: 364 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? 07 are sweet, 06 are sweet, sti are SICK.....buy one!

03-01-2008, 03:30 PM	#12
reddoak Amateur STI Driver Car: WRB 07' STI Fav Mod: Untightening the nut behind the wheel. Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 12 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? It's a lot of car to drive. It handles well, brakes ferociously, and goes like a raped ape. The tranny and clutch are fine. The tires that came on it only lasted 15,000 miles for me. I don't track it. I replaced them with BF Goodrich G-Force Sports for a considerable savings. I like the seats, they aren't as sport oriented as the Evo Recaros were, but neither am I. I like having good A/C and cruise control. I like going fast, but I like going fast comfortably! Mine came with the SPT intake, exhaust and short shifter. My IDC% were over 100% on the stock tune, and I experienced the bucking and poor running some '07s had. I have replaced the SPT intake with an APS 65mm cold air intake, the stock downpipe with a Perrin catted pipe, and the the stock mapping (rubbish, IMHO) with an XPT stage 2 tune, tweaked by Gabedude. The IDC% stays below 100%, the car runs fine, and bucking is definatly a thing of the past. It just goes, and keeps going. I would recommend an '07 STI, just plan on reflashing the stock map. Open-source has worked well for me, other's prefer Cobb or other commercial after market fixes. Like others have said, a fuel pump is an inexpensive insurance policy if your injectors do max out.

03-02-2008, 12:10 AM	#13
*Gondy* Fears smelly diff fluid Car: 07 WRB STI Fav Mod: Invidia G200 Location: Lemont, Illinois Posts: 677 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? ^^ I think you would need bigger fuel injectors to lower your IDC.. a larger fuel pump wont do anything if your injectors are maxing out.. the fuel pump would help if your not getting enough fuel.

03-02-2008, 11:13 AM	#14
Yankeeballer13 Senior STI Driver Car: JBP 04 STI Fav Mod: Stock Location: Las Vegas Posts: 319 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? so sorry guys but there are a slight change of plans..i found a really nice used 04, im pretty sure im about to get it in a few days if everything works out..I cant wait! plus i dont really want to spend almost 38,000 on the new 07 i found at the dealership..can you believe they are asking that?!

03-02-2008, 03:00 PM	#15
SilverSurfer Professional STI Racer Car: 2004 Audi S4 Avant Fav Mod: wheels & suspension Location: Normal, IL Posts: 744 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (5)	Re: Purchasing 2007 sti?? Wow. $38K for a MY07 is robbery. Crazy stealership there. I think MSRP with all options is around $35K. The new MY08s go for around $38-$39K MSRP fully decked out. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.