Is the Subaru STI worth spending $25k plus?

Question

Im looking at buying an STI, i know all the specs and everything. I was just wondering from some one with a ltitle more expeirience about them if it is really worht it.

Answer 1

Several things cross my mind in answering this. I realize I'll be re-hashing stats you doubtless already know, but I revisit them here in order to help you better understand my calculus:

Both the STI and the MR are "PREMIUM unleaded only" vehicles -- which can be a problem (don't laugh: it's happened to me in more than one county seat -- so it isn't just a "remote, rural" problem).

If you're in that market, the EVO/MR and the WRX/STI are worth comparing. EPA figures are the same, but the Subie has a slightly less-stressed engine at peak output and it has a greater range between fillups.

The Subie also has a 3.3-ft smaller turning circle and an extra cubic ft of luggage space. On the other hand, the Subaru is 66 pounds heavier than the Mitsubishi.

HOWEVER, if you're in the market for a $25k+ car, the Ford Mustang GT is a MUCH better buy (and has an engine less-stressed than either of the Japanese rides). See my reasoning below:

(Option 1)

Base MSRP for the EVO/MR is $36,299 -- and all the Mitsu options are insanely priced (ditto for Subaru), plus $625 destination = $36,924.

It gets 286hp (289 lbs-ft Torque) from a 2.0 L4 (peaks at 6,500 & 3,500 rpm, respectively), has an M6 tranny and a curb weight of 3,285 pounds.

(Option 2)

Base MSRP for the WRX/STI is $33,495 -- (see above for comment RE option prices), plus $625 destination = $34,120.

It gets 293hp (290 lbs-ft Torque) from a 2.5 O4 (peaks at 6,000 & 4,400 rpm, respectively), has an M6 tranny and a curb weight of 3,351 pounds.

The Subaru is 66 pounds heavier than the Mitsubishi (if strength isn't sacrificed, lighter is better for competition), and has a narrower power band (which ordinarily is better for competition with a manual transmission).

The Mitsubishi's lower rpm for peak torque means it's going to be easier to drive on the street than the Subaru; however, it's pre-tax delivered MSRP is $2,804 higher than the Subaru -- which means the Subaru is gonna be a LOT easier on your pocket.

(Option 3)

At 3,488 pounds, the curb weight of the Ford Mustang GT Deluxe Coupe is 137 pounds heavier than the WRX/STI and 203 pounds heavier than the EVO/MR. Under competition conditions (especially on a road circuit), the extra weight will hurt.

On the other hand, the GT builds 300 hp (and 320 lbs-ft Torque) at 5,750 and at 4,500 rpm, respectively.

The GT gets (EPA figures) 1 less mpg in city driving and 1 more mpg in highway driving than the STI or MR -- giving it a 272 mile city range (vs. 286 for the STI and 252 for the MR) and a 400-mile highway range (vs. 382 for the STI and 336 for the MR).

I'm not saying the GT has the same "off-the-shelf" performance as either the STI or the MR: those cars are Subaru's and Mitsubishi's versions of Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 or Ford's Shelby GT500.

However, the GT is probably going to be a LOT more comfortable for the average person in everyday use than either the STI or the MR -- and the GT's cost of ownership is going to be a fraction of the costs ponied-up by either the STI or the MR owner.

Add to that the GT Deluxe Coupe's MSRP and destination charge of $26,370 and $745, respectively, and the $27,115 GT starts out a whopping $7,005 less than the STI and an incredible $9,804 less than the MR!

Remember, the price difference is multiplied by the tax rate (if you pay 5% sales tax for new car purchases, multiply the above savings by 1.05).

If you go to the Subaru, Mitsubishi and Ford web sites and "build & price" your car, remember to multiply the "final price" by your tax rate to get the real difference in purchase cost.

In most jurisdictions, the price of a tag (license plate) is going to be cheaper for the GT, and the price of insurance is ordinarily going to be significantly less for the GT.

After 10 years, for cars in equal condition, the GT will almost certainly have held its value better.

If you don't have the spare change to pay cash and have to finance the ride -- and (God forbid) something bad happens along the way (plant closing, unforeseen medical needs, divorce, etc.) that forces you to have to sell the car -- GOOD LUCK finding a buyer for the STI or the MR willing to pay enough to bail you out.

The realistically-realizable "distress sale" percentage of residual value in the GT is going to be MUCH higher than for either the STI or the MR -- but even if you only got the same percentage from the GT as for either of the others, your loss is smaller with the GT.

If performance is your bag, you can use the price difference to build a GT that will run circles around the STI or the MR.

Alternatively, you can pocket that money or put it towards your kids' education or towards your retirement or towards paying off your mortgage early!

Also, the GT burns REGULAR unleaded gasoline, multiplying the operational cost-savings by each mile you drive -- although if you supercharge the GT's engine to produce over 100 horsepower per liter, you'll want to use premium unleaded.

The possibilities with the GT are practically endless -- AND even if you use the savings on non-car stuff, you still get a great-looking, rugged and reliable, fun car that's plenty quick and fast to get you into "blue-light" trouble if that's what you're looking for.

[Neither the GT nor the MR nor the STI will outrun Motorola.]

Answer 2

Im an 05 sti owner, and i would say a million times YES YES YES! its a 4 door car that comfortably seats 5 with a great interior and huge trunk thats as fast as a 996 911 on the track. What is more to want? Mine is a daily driver+mild track use (not drag racing, real track use). I cant think of another relatively new car other than the EVO that drives as well, is as fast, handles as well, and seats as many people for the money, esp considering youll even get a warrenty with it.

i do highly HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest not buying a modified one. if its been modified, chances are the things just been beaten to death for the 25k miles its been driven.

Answer 3

Well first off your not going to get a new one for 25K. Your lokoing more around 32K for a new one off the floor. But Yeah love the car. I think its worth it. Handles good in the snow, its pretty fast and damn they look nice! The insurance and all makes this car a little out of most peoples league. Have you looked into the EVO? The MR beats the STI and I think that its straight up a better car.