[noobie]

Well, im finally looking to bite the bullet and purchase a 07 STI after lurking around on this site for 3 years. I have a question regaring the ride. One of my friends had an 04 STI and according to him the ride was unbearable, he said it was so rough and he felt the smallest bumps. He got so tried of the stiff suspension he ended up trading the car in, besides the ride he loved every aspect of the car.He bought the car used and it appeared to be completely stock. I know there was a suspension change after 2004. So whats everyones opinion? Is this person exagerating? how is the ride in the 07's? I know the nature of this car and its heritage and i am aware that its not a luxury sport coupe just want some helpful input. Thanks

[BobDigi5060]

Everybody is different. The ride should be nicer the newer the STi is. It really depends on the individual. Yeah its stiff, but most of us wouldn't lose sleep over it.

[Slvrstreak]

change out the springs or do coilovers...it actually softens the ride up compared to oe suspension.

[ConradSTI]

Take my advice with a grain of salt, but I went from driving a tacoma to my sti (tacoma is now my DD). So you could say I may be more used to a none luxurious ride. IMO, the ride is not overly harsh at all. It is exactly what one would expect from a performace car. Yes it could be better (read up on bobble head). At certain slow rush hour esque freeway speeds the expansion joint cracks can get a bit much and massize pot holes can be rather abrupt, but overall it's not nearly as bad as most people make it out to be.

[amg destroyer]

It is not too harsh for me. (Then again, I also have an evo ). But honestly, it really depends on the person - for me it is normal, but for others it may not be right at all. My advice is to test drive one at your local dealership and see what you think for yourself - that is the only way you will know for sure. Also, if it is too harsh, there are other spring/coilover set-ups that can change the ride quality as stated above.

[WRC~06~STi]

If you are like me and about 99% of everyone else...once you feel the power of the car, you will not even care about the ride. Although it is an important aspect, the car itself is Phenomenal. Like others have said, you can upgrade springs...coilover package(expensive). Definitely go test drive b/c the car is not for everyone but if you can afford one...YAY!!!

[boondocksaint]

I came from an Explorer (2-door) so ride is an improvement for me.

You need to ride around in one/test drive one. Take it over some rough areas. You should also decide now what you're willing to change if needs be. Are you willing to install coilovers and deal with their quirks? Or maybe swap springs and bumpstops? Even aftermarket seats can be considered. If you run into worst case scenario and you hate the ride, you need to decide if you're willing to fix it or you'll just get rid of the car.

Nine times out of ten, I'd guess you'll be fine with how it rides. Have you read up on the hesitation issue with the 07s? Have you decided how you'll address it if your car suffers from it?

You should consider all of these things, because fixing them once you have the car and find them unlivable will cost you more money. My $.02.

[noobie]

Thanks for the info guys...Well as far as springs i'd like to do springs down the road preferably something mild. I'm really not looking for a performance spring more so just one that lowers the car giving it a better appearance and hopefully comfort. My choices so far sti pinks or h-tech. As far as the hesitation issue i'm well aware theres a whole sticky on it. It seems there no real resolution yet even cobss map 1.03 doesnt seem to always correct the problem. I dont know what i should do. I think its a matter of time before subaru comes out with a patch hopefully. Well, the dealer offered me a 07 sti for 31,500 which includes delivery. Decisions?

[gimme_cat]

Hate to burst your bubble, but if you're going to make the car sedate, might as well get a WRX plus power mods. That would be a more practical solution.

[inSTIgate]

Actually, I'm dissapointed at how soft the 06 STi suspension is. It's depressing to watch an SUV handle the turns on route 22 through easton PA into phillipsburg NJ the same way I do. They are dangerous curves, speed limit is about 30 mph (on a highway.)

If anything, most people here are probably wishing they had a stiffer suspension, who ever buys this car and wants a cushy ride, is purchasing the wrong vehicle.

[Nachos Libres]

Just get some Tein coilovers. They're pretty soft.

[noobie]

I know im not getting a cushy ride I was just curious about the intensity of it.

[Rexinre]

Its stiff, not stiff enough to complain about it though.

[boondocksaint]

Originally Posted by noobie

Thanks for the info guys...Well as far as springs i'd like to do springs down the road preferably something mild. I'm really not looking for a performance spring more so just one that lowers the car giving it a better appearance and hopefully comfort.

Almost universally (not 100% but very close), lowering springs and comfort are mutually exclusive. You can't really have both. Prodrive springs are said to be pretty comfortable compared to stock, but they do not lower the car much at all. Search for them - there are lots of cars with them installed so you can see the drop.

Originally Posted by noobie

My choices so far sti pinks or h-tech. As far as the hesitation issue i'm well aware theres a whole sticky on it. It seems there no real resolution yet even cobss map 1.03 doesnt seem to always correct the problem. I dont know what i should do. I think its a matter of time before subaru comes out with a patch hopefully. Well, the dealer offered me a 07 sti for 31,500 which includes delivery. Decisions?

I know a Limited owner who says the Cobb map turned the car into a monster (in a good way). Don't hold your breath on Subaru. Cobb is a more immediate, in my opinion, more permanent fix.

The price you mention is about invoice. With delivery, it's a tad below invoice. If there are options on the car and the price is firm, you're getting those options for next to nothing. Remember that tax, etc., will inflate your out-the-door number.

[noobie]

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

Almost universally (not 100% but very close), lowering springs and comfort are mutually exclusive. You can't really have both. Prodrive springs are said to be pretty comfortable compared to stock, but they do not lower the car much at all. Search for them - there are lots of cars with them installed so you can see the drop.



I know a Limited owner who says the Cobb map turned the car into a monster (in a good way). Don't hold your breath on Subaru. Cobb is a more immediate, in my opinion, more permanent fix.

The price you mention is about invoice. With delivery, it's a tad below invoice. If there are options on the car and the price is firm, you're getting those options for next to nothing. Remember that tax, etc., will inflate your out-the-door number.

Yeah that price seems very good its actually below invoice almost too good to be true. KBB.com says invoice along w/ destination is $32243 the dealer told me 31500 w/ destination. We'll see tommorow im suppose to go there and we'll see what the dealer has hidden up his sleaves