[mrhowie123]

Hello everyone one. This is my first post but I have been browsing the site for a few weeks now. Im extremely impressed at the information I have found here and its definitely taught me a few things i didnt previously know about STi's, so thanks in advance for that haha ^^. Im posting because im very interested in buying either an '04 or '05 STi within the next couple months. Im from Canada and I will be coming to the US to get a car. Im looking at an '05 TL, or and the above mentioned STI. I am leaning alot more heavily towards the STi, but im wondering if the community here can give me their opinions as far as the most common problems an STi will have and how often they happen, as well as i have some ppl i know saying i might not be smart buying a car with a turbo charger. From the research I have done I myself feel the engine/drivetrain on the STi is strong so im not worried about that to much but i thought i would put it out there and see what you all had to say since your the owners If theres anything else I should know besides this stuff I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. Thanks in advance.

[BillFromTR]

STi will own TL in Canadian winters.

[LSE]

just watch out for moded cars that have been put back to stock. you can never tell what's been done to them. If possible, find out what mods it had and who tuned it and find out if it was a reputable tuner.

buying a used car is always risky. You can get lucky and find a stock one that hasn't been beat up too much or moded beyond recognition.

most importantly, have a mechanic take a look at it and look for trouble spots like rough idles, smoke, leaks etc.

[chargedvette02]

Strut clunk is an issue on 04's and 05's but not a major one. I don't really know of any major issues with the 05's. The 04's had some issues with the axle or hub bearings I believe.

[mrhowie123]

thanks guys. lastly like i said before i dont think there would be problems with the engine (especially the turbo) but if there has been and i have somehow missed it through all my readin that would be great if someone mentioned it.

hopefully when i find the car im looking for it will be near someone who may be able to take a look at it for me ^^. would be nice to meet a fellow subaru fan when i fly down to get it

[mrhowie123]

I have been looking through autotrader.com alot lately while im on the hunt and i had two questions. Firstly since im from canada is that a reputable site in the US to find cars, and are there other ones that are as good? Secondly some of the STi's are missing the badging on the trunk whether its the STi logo or the whole subaru name and wrx missing, is this because someone took them off or because its not really an STI?

[speedstyle]

Originally Posted by mrhowie123

I have been looking through autotrader.com alot lately while im on the hunt and i had two questions. Firstly since im from canada is that a reputable site in the US to find cars, and are there other ones that are as good? Secondly some of the STi's are missing the badging on the trunk whether its the STi logo or the whole subaru name and wrx missing, is this because someone took them off or because its not really an STI?

Auto Trader is a pretty reputable site (I would definately trust it over most others anyday).

To answer the second question, a lot of people take off the rear badges so I wouldn't worry too much about that. There a many ways to tell if it is an STi (Brake calipers, interior, intercooler, front bumper, intake manifold, ect or you could just run the VIN number).

[boondocksaint]

Read the Used STi Buyer's Guide (link in my sig). It was compiled from many many sources to answer the very questions you're asking. Member contributions FTW.

[mrhowie123]

thanks guys that buying thread is very helpful as well