Likes
- Still immense levels of performance.
- All-wheel-drive makes for superb traction and dynamics.
- Spec R Recaro style seats and extra features feel special.
- Huge aftermarket support and fanbase.
Every generation of Subaru WRX deserves individual limelight, as does each era’s most-potent STI variations. There’s certainly enough rich diversity in Fuji’s most iconic rally-bred heritage to warrant considerable dissection, particularly if you’re tyre-kicking particulars on the used market.
The generation-three WRX STI appeals on a number of fronts. It followed on from the gen-one originator (from 1998 in Oz) through to the more advanced and tougher-engineered gen two as a sort of nicer, more-livable era that still maintained a manic bent.
But it’s notable for a few reasons. Lobbing in 2008, it was the first STI offered as a hatchback and, eventually, both hatch and sedan guises. And both offered pump-guard widebody and bewinged excess that stole many petrolhead hearts. Its ‘EJ257’ 2.5-litre turbo boxer engine sailed north of Japan’s so-called gentlemen’s agreement 206kW power cap. Oh, and you could have an automatic transmission, from 2010 (MY11), if you really wanted one (and, really, you don’t).
The WRX STI adopted the 2.5 engine (up from 2.0) in the late-2005 ‘hawkeye’ facelift of the gen-two sedan, in an already healthy 206kW/392Nm tune. When gen three arrived, outputs spiked to 221kW and 407Nm. Unless you opted for the eventual five-speed slushbox offering, that dropped torque to 350Nm.
The rally-bred hardware and electronic trick bag, becoming increasingly smarter in evolution, was fulsome. The STI featured a six-speed manual backed by a driver-controllable centre differential called DCCD – to adjust fore/aft torque to taste – and a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Control. Its new SI-Drive system brought newfound dynamic brainpower, and from its bespoke suspension and quick-ratio steering to big Brembo brakes, it was specified in the right places for serious quick business. Be it on road or on gravel.
At a tenner under $60k when it arrived, the gen three was also pricier than its forebear. But there was more. You could also sump up and extra five grand for the harder-core STI Spec R, bringing a smattering of extra niceties such as BBS alloy wheels, leather/Alcantara-trimmed Recaros, and electric sunroof and touchscreen sat-nav.
Its 5.2-second claimed 0-100km/h best, two-tenths up on its forebear, is a handy measure by today’s standards. Let alone the benchmarks around 14 years ago. At the time it was six-tenths quicker than the regular WRX (5.8sec). The automatic STI, for its part, was a more flaccid 6.0sec proposition.
But for all the pace on offer and all the dynamic trickery under the wide-bodied skin, the gen-three’s softer edges, more pleasant daily-palatable manner did lack some of the rawer engagement and character of the older gen-two machinery. Still, there plenty of the right stuff on offer despite the STI’s newfound maturity.
The sedan version, initially as Spec R only, would return in MY11 and STI’s dual-body style, two-transmission line-up was broader than ever. On a strict diet of 98RON fuel, it’s not cheap to run these days. But the same goes for any properly quick option you might consider as an alternative.
Gen three was put to pasture in 2014, and with it the Impreza nameplate detached from the go-fast WRX stables. For its gen four, its maker decided to simply call the successor the Subaru WRX.
Fast-forward to 2022, and Subaru is set to retire the STI variation altogether.
Well the problem with this generation STI actually has very little to do with the car and more to do with whoever owned it before you.
When these were new and asking north of $60,000, those buying them generally looked after them, but the problem is, as these have become more affordable, they’re more likely to be mistreated, modified incorrectly and in some cases, blatantly abused.
Trust us, we’ve seen some horrible examples and abused STIs or an STI with a questionable history is to be avoided at all costs unless you’re buying one as a project car.
But, if you can find a great example with a full service history that has clearly been looked after, then it’s yes but please, be careful.
The STI really should be regarded as a truly superb performance car and with a few minor intelligent mods, both the hatch and sedan can be genuinely incredible, hence why so many are used in club racing and rally events around the world.
Plus, it is just comfortable enough to be used on a daily basis and if maintained correctly, driven with respect and not tuned to the point of insanity, should be completely reliable and provide genuine longevity.
But, we can’t say this enough, before you buy one, you need to find out as much about the cars history as possible, it needs to have a full and thorough service history and make sure you have it inspected by a qualified and licensed mechanic for
Well the problem with this generation STI actually has very little to do with the car and more to do with whoever owned it before you.
When these were new and asking north of $60,000, those buying them generally looked after them, but the problem is, as these have become more affordable, they’re more likely to be mistreated, modified incorrectly and in some cases, blatantly abused.
Trust us, we’ve seen some horrible examples and abused STIs or an STI with a questionable history is to be avoided at all costs unless you’re buying one as a project car.
But, if you can find a great example with a full service history that has clearly been looked after, then it’s yes but please, be careful.
The STI really should be regarded as a truly superb performance car and with a few minor intelligent mods, both the hatch and sedan can be genuinely incredible, hence why so many are used in club racing and rally events around the world.
Plus, it is just comfortable enough to be used on a daily basis and if maintained correctly, driven with respect and not tuned to the point of insanity, should be completely reliable and provide genuine longevity.
But, we can’t say this enough, before you buy one, you need to find out as much about the cars history as possible, it needs to have a full and thorough service history and make sure you have it inspected by a qualified and licensed mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection before you hand over your cash.
Yes the STI can be awesome but they can also be a complete nightmare, do your homework and only buy one that you know, to the best of your knowledge has been loved and cared for.
Well the problem with this generation STI actually has very little to do with the car and more to do with whoever owned it before you.
When these were new and asking north of $60,000, those buying them generally looked after them, but the problem is, as these have become more affordable, they’re more likely to be mistreated, modified incorrectly and in some cases, blatantly abused.
Trust us, we’ve seen some horrible examples and abused STIs or an STI with a questionable history is to be avoided at all costs unless you’re buying one as a project car.
But, if you can find a great example with a full service history that has clearly been looked after, then it’s yes but please, be careful.
The STI really should be regarded as a truly superb performance car and with a few minor intelligent mods, both the hatch and sedan can be genuinely incredible, hence why so many are used in club racing and rally events around the world.
Plus, it is just comfortable enough to be used on a daily basis and if maintained correctly, driven with respect and not tuned to the point of insanity, should be completely reliable and provide genuine longevity.
But, we can’t say this enough, before you buy one, you need to find out as much about the cars history as possible, it needs to have a full and thorough service history and make sure you have it inspected by a qualified and licensed mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection before you hand over your cash.
Yes the STI can be awesome but they can also be a complete nightmare, do your homework and only buy one that you know, to the best of your knowledge has been loved and cared for.
Body Styles
Engine Specs
Transmission
Fuel Consumption
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Kerb Weight
Towing
Ancap Ratings
Body Styles
Engine Specs
Transmission
Fuel Consumption
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Kerb Weight
Towing
Ancap Ratings
Body Styles
Engine Specs
Transmission
Fuel Consumption
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Kerb Weight
Towing
Ancap Ratings
Warranty
Servicing
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Apr 08, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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