[JJ]

Definetly not a good indicator of the entire population of the site (13 votes so far), but in the Poll about competing in your STi 35% answered they will not race thier STi. :-? I'm confused.

Please don't take this the wrong way, I just want to hear:

Why would you buy a car such as this and not use it like it was meant (and built/designed) to be used?

May just be me, but I think the STi was meant to be driven, and not just point a to point b. Besides, you can't really use it near it's full potential on public roads, legally.

Heck, even Subaru said in the press release that this car is, and I quote "meant to compete".

Jus' wonderin'

 

[alfredob1]

I voted occasionally.

 

[yxan2]

I will definietely get going on SOLO II when i get the car

 

[maryey]

i plan on running mine

 

[MKIVSupra]

I said occasionally. This will be my daily driver and it needs to last. I can tell you repeated racing, if done almost every weekend will definitely take it's toll on a car. I am not going to spend around $35k out the door for a car and then drive it into the ground right away. I know the STi should be able to take it but you will not get the longetivity out of a car that is raced a lot. You will go through a lot of pads and rotors, possibly after every track event. I am wondering what a brake job on those Brembos goes for. Not to mention tires will be replaced often. It's better to have a car to drive everyday and one to race if that is what you want to do. I would not recommend it with your daily driver that needs to be reliable like mine needs to be. One thing, I am talking about road racing, not parking lots, even though that kind can take it's toll too, but there is more standing around doing that then when you are on a road course for 20 minute sessions or more at a time. You also don't have to take this car on a track to enjoy driving it. Maybe taking it too it's limits if you think that is the only way but I will enjoy driving it eveyday even if it's not on a track.

BTW, if we use the STi like it was built/designed for, wouldn't that mean rallying?

This might be BS, but I heard a rumor that the STi will have something in the computer that will monitor how the car was driven. When you take it in for service they will be able to tell what you have been doing. Anyone else heard this?

 

[VV]

I may take it to the track once or twice with my brother's Mercedes club, but I have no intention of racing it. Of course I will drive it over Berthoud pass to go to Winter Park, Loveland Pass for A-Basin, and I'll take US 6 through the canon every time.

With those kinds of roads, who needs tracks?

 

[MYSTi]

Just because the car is made for racing, it doesn't mean that it SHOULD. Most vehicles are intended for a particular use and never are used to their full potential - just look at the alarmingly large proportion of SUV's on the market which never even see gravel roads (especially Hummers which are contained to the smooth, black stuff).

I am sure a good number of us with a deposit on the STi are buying this car as our only car and intend to use it as a daily driver. And I am sure a fair amount of us are also making some sacrifices to afford the car in the first place. We can't afford to cause excessive wear to a fairly expensive brand new car by racing it heavily in SOLO II, or even wrecking it in SOLO I or by rallying it - keep in mind that our insurance wouldn't cover a roll-over on the track (unless you purchase special insurance).

Although I do intend to run SOLO II with my STi, as I did with my WRX, this will be an occasional "for fun" race with no intentions of runnnig the entire season in every race - its too hard on the brakes, suspension, clutch, etc.. And I like to retain the warranty both standard and extended for when something goes wrong on the road, not voiding it because the dealer found out I was racing it every weekend.

I plan on keeping this car for awhile, so why would I mod it to death or destroy it on the track (either tarmack or gravel). Sure we all know what the car is capable of, but that doesn't mean that it HAS be pushed to that full capacity. It is just nice to know that under "safe" conditions on a deserted country road the car is capable of showing us a good time, better than what most other cars can give us. Also ripping up other more expensive so-called "sports cars" at stoplights is a plus too (again with a little bit of self control).

But then your intentions dictate what should be done with this car. If you want to push the envelope and explore the cars full potential, then please take it to the track and not endanger the lives of everyone around you on the road. Keep in mind we are mostly 25 to 30 year olds (according to the demographics) driving "ultra-high performance" cars (according to SOA) - the public, and the insurance companies, are expecting us to be idiots on the road, lets prove them wrong.

Wow, that last paragraph kinda got away from me there - I think I was channeling my grandfather. Man, when did I grow up? OK if you start to sound like this, then forget what I said. Get the STi, get it on the track, and drive the hell out of it, don't become an old crank like I am becoming...

Wait...what was the sound....

Crap, it happening again! Spread the word, the car is fast - race it... Aaa asdjdd sasj afi af (garbled speech). Slow down you little speed demon bastards...AARRGG




THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE! :wink:

 

[chawklit]

i don't have time to do any formal racing. so for me, my racing will be the time between point a and point b. but, it doesn't mean i wouldn't like to take it on the occasional auto-x now and then.

 

[91TB78]

I am interested in doing some autoX with it and just casual stuff. I would like to eventually either turn it into a dedicated racecar (many years from now) or buy a dedicated racecar..perhaps miata (spec miata racing) or one of those Factory5 cars.

This will be my daily driver for now, until I get back to the states and I will get a little cheap used Honda for the commute.

 

[chawklit]

ya, i've been interested in a miata for racing (in the future), b/c they can be gotten for cheap and are good track cars. What kinda mods can you do to them to make them faster etc?

 

[91TB78]

Well, I don't know about spec miata rules, but there is anything from just engine work to going supercharged/turbo on a miata. I believe the spec miata is basically a race-prepped car w/o major power mods.

You're right though, you can get them pretty cheap and they are little rockets. I wonder if I would even be able to fit in one though.

 

[miked801]

Subaru's official date for price?

spec miata racing is basically taking an old m1 miata and adding a suspension package available from mazda. i think the only other mods allowed are wheels & tires.
i had a miata that was pretty pimped, it ran low 13's on street tires in utah (~4200ft elevation). it put down 238hp & 236lbs/ft at the wheels.
i sold it because i couldn't track it... i'm 6'4" and with super-low racing seats and the tallest rollbar available i still couldn't make the 2" clearance requirement with my helmet on.

 

[Goose]

I don't plan to race my Sti.... I'm probalbly not the only one that doesn't have that much time on my hands.... for every 10 min circuit you have 2 hours in the garage.... correct me if i'm wrong. I may show that young punk in his decked out civic that a body kit doesn't = fast, but thats about the extent of the racing I plan on doing :wink:

 

[darwood]

I'm with JJ on this. If you don't race the STi, even occasionally, why buy it? It's illegal to use the STi to it's potential otherwise. Save yourself the money and buy something cheaper with an nicer interior.

It's the same with SUV's. Why are people buying these? Just buy a mini-van: more room, easier access, plenty of horsepower. Don't get me started on Hummers, especially the H2.

I own a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and it definitely gets used. The dents from rocks can attest to that.

Now I need something I can race in.

Also since I have the truck the STi will never leave the pavement. I can guarantee that tarmac racing will be less damaging to the car, than the occasional gravel road.

To each their own...

 

[Hummer]

I'm with JJ on this. If you don't race the STi, even occasionally, why buy it? It's illegal to use the STi to it's potential otherwise. Save yourself the money and buy something cheaper with an nicer interior.

It is illegal to use almost any vehicle to it's potential unless you are driving an electic car. What is cheaper with a nicer interior that is awd? An EVO? I am buying it for the bang for the buck.......assuming it comes in under 32k MSRP.

 

[Zx2->STi]

Well, I see I am not with the masses... I am planning on rallying mine. Just at the amateur level, through SCCA or other local clubs. I am a rally nut and that is why I am buying this car. I understand everybody's reservations on racing it. But, come on, are you really buying this car so you can piss off people with mid life crisis's driving thier mustangs or even 'vettes?


Of course, with my current job I might be working weekends to make the STi work. Then I wont be able to race it. That will be poopy!!!

 

[darwood]

It is illegal to use almost any vehicle to it's potential unless you are driving an electic car.

You just have just proven my point. This is why you don't need a 300hp monster. If you can't take a Civic to it's potential then why spend 14k more for another car. Also I've driven an electric Chrysler Voyager and I must say, it's got quite the pickup. Electric cars aren't slow, they just have a short range.

What is cheaper with a nicer interior that is awd? An EVO? I am buying it for the bang for the buck.......assuming it comes in under 32k MSRP.

Well the WRX is 8k cheaper and has the same interior as the STi minus the special gauges and the steering wheel. An Impreza 2.5 rs has a nice interior as well. The Honda CRV comes to mind with awd, the Jeep Liberty as well is very nice inside. Also the Toyota Highlander is nice with awd. All these are cheaper.

 

[Nothonotus]

Yes... I think that everyone should have to fill out an application form in order to get a car. After it is submitted it will be reviewed by an official government commitee and they will determine the type of car you "need".
I'm a field biologist and get into some pretty nasty situations while carrying 3 other people and enough equipment to fill the rest of my Tahoe and the roof (i.e. fording streams, crossing swamps and flood plains throughout the South East), I could not complete my job with out this truck. As for the rest of you... you'll all be driving an insight... actually you'll be riding the public transportation to your desk job in the city or suburb. After all you don't have to race for your job (allowing for the rare exception here).

read-- If you've got the money get what you want. Since when was the USA practical? Even if it should be. I'm getting tired of the "It should only be used for it's intended purpose and you are a poser if you don't" tone of some of these posts.

 

[Hummer]

It is illegal to use almost any vehicle to it's potential unless you are driving an electic car.

You just have just proven my point. This is why you don't need a 300hp monster. If you can't take a Civic to it's potential then why spend 14k more for another car. Also I've driven an electric Chrysler Voyager and I must say, it's got quite the pickup. Electric cars aren't slow, they just have a short range..

I typed about 20 smart ass responses to this suggestion but I erased all of them. I am more capable than you of determining my needs. Also, 300hp is hardly a "monster".

 

[Marine06]

I'm not going to race in SOLO but i will in a controlled envrionment i.e. track. I don't have enough money put away (IMO) to seriously race in SOLO. Nonetheless, the enjoyment will still be there