[Aurelius311]

eBay Motors: Subaru : WRX (item 150227723356 end time Mar-26-08 21:05:39 PDT)

Any thoughts? price seem right? I was looking for a stock one, but this seems like a good deal. Yes, no? I asked if theres a second set of tires, waiting for reply. He said hes got an offer at 22, but I am willing to go a bit more. Any advice or info you guys could offer I would really appreciate. These forums have been a huge help so far in my search for an STi, so I really would value what you guys think. Thanks!

- Aurelius

[///M Power]

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

This thread was created to help people looking to buy an STi that's be "pre-loved." The forum is often full of threads asking what to look out for and tell-tale danger signs as well as "known issues with X model year car." So I'm putting together this thread.

NOTE: There is no pricing advice in this thread, as that changes a lot over time and with individual cars.

Help me out here, peeps. Read this post, and if you have something to add, post it and I'll ammend it into this post.

General STi Information (all USDM model years)

The 04-07 STis all share common platform. When buying a used one, sometimes a well-maintained and unmodded car with higher miles is a better investment than a heavily modded low miles car. In fact, aftermarket parts rarely increase the value of a car compared to a stock car. Here's a checklist you can use for the STi:

Is it modded?
The most common modifications to the STi are powertrain and suspension mods. When I say mods, I don't mean an aftermarket spoiler or tint. I mean a mechanical alteration of the car. So, check to see if the exhaust is stock - from the turbo to the axleback. Make sure the car has its catalytic converters (any more details here, guys?). Does the car have its stock Bypass Valve (BPV) or an aftermarket Blow-Off Valve? By and large, the latter is a poor modification to the car (on the stock turbo).

Another quick check is to look behind the engine on the passenger side, where the turbo and downpipe should be covered by a heatshield. If this is missing it may be a sign that the car was modded and someone tried to put it back to stock. There are a lot of bolts that make it tough to get that back on correctly. It may not be a huge deal, but it tells you a little bit about the person selling the car. Another place to check for correct heatshields is the exhaust manifold. If someone had headers on the car and decided to sell them when they sold the car, they may have been lazy and not put the heatshields back on.

If the car has the balance of a factory warranty, take it to a dealership for an inspection. If the car was modded, they may deny you warranty service in the future. If the car is out of warranty, you may still wish to have the car inspected so you know more about what you're getting yourself into.

How does the car sit? If the wheel gap front and back is even, the car's suspension has been futzed with. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but bear in mind that a suspension mod is likely indicative of other modifications. Stock STis have MORE wheel gap in the front than they do in the back. The stock struts and springs are black, with the exception that the 04 struts are actually pink. Stock swaybars are black for all model years.

Pop the hood. Is there an aftermarket intake, intercooler, or even turbo? Check the fluid levels, especially oil and transmission fluid. They should be clean. If you have ANY doubts whatsoever about the condition of the engine, have a leakdown/compression test performed by a trustworthy mechanic.

Is it complete?
Does it come with everything it should come with? Lots of people slap aftermarket wheels on the car. The stock BBS wheels are fantastic pieces, and are hard to beat. Does it have its spare? Many people remove it. Does it have the front undertray? Many people also remove that. How about a huge wing on the trunk? Are the brake calipers gold (they should say "Brembo" on them)? Owner's manual? The car should come with two keys and two remotes, plus one grey key (valet key). *ASK FOR MAINTENANCE RECORDS!

What's the paint look like?
Subaru chose to paint our road-going rally cars with crayons. Don't be surprised if there are a few nicks and scratches. Stock colors include: World Rally Blue Pearl, Java Black Pearl (04 only), Obsidian Black Pearl (05-07), Aspen White (04-06), Satine White Pearl (07), Platinum Silver Metallic (04-05), Crystal Gray Metallic(05+), Steel Grey Metallic (06 only), and Urban Grey Metallic (07).

How does it run/drive?
The car should idle smoothly, though idle RPM can vary a bit with ambient temperature and oil weight. If you hear a "clicking" noise while running, and this clicking increases with engine RPM, the car may be throwing a bearing. That would be bad. Does the clutch really grab? Do you get a bit of shift shock? Fine, the stock clutch is a little grabby in low gears, and the gears themselves are very close ratio. The car tends to be notchy. The gearbox may feel stiff when it's cold. If the clutch is iffy or the gearbox grinds a lot, you may be looking at a large bill.

How does the inside look?
On the interior, the gauge cluster is amber/red from the factory with most everything else green. Don't let it freak you out. If it's all red, the car has been modded. Again, not necessarily a bad thing.

The seats should be black with blue alcantara fabric inset. The STi logo should be visible. Some people dislike the stock seats and swap them out. Not necessarily a bad thing, but bear in mind the the side airbags in the STi are contained in the seats. USDM cars do not have fold-down rear seats.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
--It is not uncommon for these cars to burn a little oil <1 quart every 3k miles
--The DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) is not a toy, but can turn the car into one. I'll let you read about its use elsewhere. However...
--The drivetrain makes noise in these cars. Don't panic at every sound you hear.
--When turning very sharply (steering wheel turned to lock), you're going to hear some noises and maybe feel a little shudder through the wheel. The car has three differentials, and they will complain about this maneuver. Place the DCCD in "Auto" or "Open" when turning in this way to reduce the complaint from the drivetrain. You're not really hurting the car. It's just a noisy bugger.
--Speaking of noises, be prepared. This is NOT a Lexus. It has very little sound deadening material, and it is going to be loud.
--Read this thread concerning a possible problem emerging with axle nuts. May affect all model years.
--For cars on stock tires, 1) They're loud and they have stiff sidewalls. Good for performance, bad if you had road noises. 2) If it's below about 40 degrees outside, driving on stock tires is not recommended - they're summer performance tires. Snow is right out.
--The types of differentials Subaru uses in the car have changed over the years. If this matters to you, the information is available if you're willing to dig.
--If the brake calipers on the car look discolored - the so-called "Brownbo" effect - then the car was almost certainly on the track at some point, and heat caused the caliper paint to discolor.
--The following things belong on the car, in case you're wondering: hood scoop, TMIC, big wing (except Limited), BBS wheels (except Limited), HID headlights, "STi" stamped on exhaust tip, pink STi stickers, intercooler sprayer
--The following things do NOT come on the car from the factory: Sunroof (except Limited), window tint, leather seats (except Limited), strut bars.
--The following things are optional: fog lamps, steering-column mounted boost gauge, short throw shifter, titanium shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror (w/ or w/o Homelink), STi all weather floor mats, security system w/ shock sensor, and wheel locks. There are various SPT parts available from the dealership as well.

KNOWN ISSUES
--04-07 STis are plagued by "rear strut clunk" eventually. There are lots of threads on the subject.
--During highway driving, many people experience a "bobblehead" effect, being bounced around in the seat over seams in the road. This is commonly attributed to the seat springs, and can be lessened with aftermarket seats, or aftermarket springs (on the suspension, not the seats). Currently, folks including myself are testing a way of curing bobblehead cheaply.

These are just general guidelines, but they apply to all STis (Limiteds are slightly different as noted, and see below). Now let's get more specific.

04 STis
The OG of the USDM STi is it's most raw entrant. The 04s were somewhat lighter and a little more savage than later iterations (or so I'm told ).

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
--Did not come with a stereo from the factory, though one was available as a dealer installed option.
--Did not come with floor mats.
--There is an issue regarding the filters in the manifold oil line, including a TSB.
--Was the only year for Java Black Pearl.
--Was the only year with 5 x 100 PCD (bolt pattern) wheels (17 x 7.5")
--The default torque split is 35/65 front/rear, making the car rear-biased.

KNOWN ISSUES
--Steering rack bushings were kinda bad from the factory, but much better ones are available
--Wheel bearings tend to burn out on tracked cars
--Fourth and fifth gear syncros are known to be problems and have a TSB.
--The cars do NOT have an engine immobilizer theft deterrent, and as such are targets of joyriders and car thieves (buy a security system).

05 STis
The last of the peanut-eye body style, the 05 is the choice of many enthusiasts. It's only slightly heavier than the 04, but the interior was freshened.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
--Comes with stereo from the factory - 6-disc in-dash changer (subwoofer optional)
--Was the first model to come with 17 x 8 wheels in the 5 x 114 PCD.
--Was the first model year to use an engine immobilzer theft deterrent
--Java Black Pearl replaced by Obsidian Black Pearl

KNOWN ISSUES
--???

06 STis
The first of the "flying V grill" STis. There were a few styling updates in 06, but the cars is very similar to the 05s mechanically.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
--The only year that offered Steel Grey Metallic.
--The Subaru logo badge on the trunk is held on by screws, which leave holes in the trunk if it is removed.
--The first year to include the "roof vane" spoiler, which is stock.
--First year of "Altezza" style brake light assemblies.
--Default torque split was changed to 41/59 front/rear, increasing the front bias slightly.
--Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) became standard (though owners sometimes disable them).

KNOWN ISSUES
--Early build 06s came with liquid-filled motor mounts that tended to break under sudden stress (launching the car, for instance). Subaru reverted to solid mounts later in the production run. There is a TSB on the liquid mounts, and Subaru will replace them if they break.

07 STis
The last of the "flying V grill" STis. The last STi of this platform, as the 08 is a complete redesign.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
--iPod jack where the lighter and ashtray used to be.
--First year for Satin White Pearl and Urban Grey Metallic
--New Engine Control Unit (ECU)
--Upgraded turbo wastegate
--Slightly shorter wheelbase
--First model with rear seat pass-through (USDM)
--Longer 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.

*The 07 model year also included the STi Limited, a run of 800 cars. They were available only in the two colors mentioned above. While mechanically the same as their standard STi brethren, Limiteds offered more sound deadening material, leather interior, front lip, sunroof, a small lip spoiler in lieu of the larger stock spoiler, black Brembo calipers, and Enkei wheels.

KNOWN ISSUES
--Some 07s have suffered from a hesitation issue. Subaru released a reflash for the ECU in attempt to correct the problem, but the reflash has not cured all cars with the problem. Many owners report that an aftermarket EM reflash, such as with the Cobb AccessPort, cures the issue entirely.

I encourage you to read this thread, which contains more minute details regarding the changes between model years, among other things. You can also read the Wikipedia entry for the STi. You can also use this thread to decode the VIN of the vehicle. Paint codes can be found on a plate on the front of the driver's side strut tower. Here are a few more links about buying a used Subie.
How to inspect a used WRX before buying? - General Community - NASIOC
Buying a Used Subaru or Any Vehicle Great Tips - Newbies & FAQs - NASIOC

If you have information to add to this post, please post it. I will ammend this post and add your name as a contributor.

This Sticky brought to you by:

boondocksaint
06SpecC
nandanrp
06EvoMR
wdb
Maijin
fourdegrees
sti robot
fullerton
sujak
Boxer

Here is some info that can be useful for you.....I think the car has been kept up pretty well but the only thing that I dont like is the BOV

[jungo75]

^^^+1 on the BOV.

I actually took my time reading and sounds good. You might want to do a carfax check before you buy to be on the safe side, you never know. Where are you located at? Because if you are buying you are covering the shipping so take that into consideration.

[ACHAHockey]

Ask what type of engine management he's running with that SPT turbo-back. If he's not running engine management, I'd be a little iffy. Ask if he's been tuned as well since he's running a BOV, and an intake.

Also, ask him if it really is a turbo back exhaust or not. A friend of mine purchased an SPT cat-back from the dealer and payed nearly the same amount as this guy did from the dealer for his turbo-back.

[Kilya]

I Didnt even know that SPT has a turbo back =]

[Aurelius311]

Yeah, I read that post M, thanks. Unfortunately, my knowledge of cars is moderate at best, so most of those things are either beyond me, or obvious. I didnt realize the BOV was such a hot issue. When i saw it on the list of mods I didnt think much about it, but reading the BOV threads, its clearly something to think about. Probably makes me not want it, rather would go with the original plan of getting a stock STi.

I am in CT, so no shipping costs. Only 30 minute drive to the city.

[Aurelius311]

Thanks ACHAHockey. I will definitely ask about those. What about the exhaust? If he says "no no its definitely a turbo back" how would I be able to tell? Shout out for Buffalo, my home town! Looking to move back soon, if I can ever find a job there.

[///M Power]

I would clarify the SPT Turbo Back Exhaust as I dont know of such a thing. I would ask if he has installed a aftermarket Downpipe and if he has then ask what type of engine management he is using along with it. As far as the BOV is conserned, there is no reason to put a BOV on the car unless you have an upgraded turbo and if he has no engine management then I would be conserned about how lean that BOV is causing the car to run.

[Aurelius311]

This is exactly why I wanted to run it by the forums first. Thanks! I think at this point I have decided not to get it. Too many question marks, and I think I am clearly out of my league with these mods.

Now, find me a stock one to buy instead! Lol.

[ACHAHockey]

Originally Posted by Aurelius311

Thanks ACHAHockey. I will definitely ask about those. What about the exhaust? If he says "no no its definitely a turbo back" how would I be able to tell? Shout out for Buffalo, my home town! Looking to move back soon, if I can ever find a job there.

I'm thinking that SPT doesn't make a downpipe of their own (as someone said before), so it's not exactly an SPT turbo-back. If there's an aftermarket downpipe, then you'd know if it was a true turbo-back. If there was no engine management, you'd need to worry as well, but only if there is an aftermarket downpipe. If it's just a cat-back, there's no need to worry about EM. The intake/BOV shouldn't be on there unless they are necessary, and tuned for as was said before. If you're close by, it might still be a good idea to check it out. You could put the stock BPV back on, and find a stock airbox for relatively cheap.

Where in Buffalo are you from? I moved here about 10 years ago, and live in West Seneca, currently at UB for school.

[Aurelius311]

Originally Posted by ACHAHockey

I'm thinking that SPT doesn't make a downpipe of their own (as someone said before), so it's not exactly an SPT turbo-back. If there's an aftermarket downpipe, then you'd know if it was a true turbo-back. If there was no engine management, you'd need to worry as well, but only if there is an aftermarket downpipe. If it's just a cat-back, there's no need to worry about EM. The intake/BOV shouldn't be on there unless they are necessary, and tuned for as was said before. If you're close by, it might still be a good idea to check it out. You could put the stock BPV back on, and find a stock airbox for relatively cheap.

Where in Buffalo are you from? I moved here about 10 years ago, and live in West Seneca, currently at UB for school.

Ok, sounds good. I will ask some more questions, but like I said, I am thinking of just scrapping this one and continuing my search. I want to buy the right one, not just buy one thats convenient.

From Lancaster. I freaking love Buffalo, but like I said, job market just isnt there. I was thinking I was golden when Citigroup moved there last winter (I work at UBS Investment Bank), but theyve taken so much of a beating lately that theyre laying a lot of people off, and almost all hiring is frozen.