ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Re: Theft. People have short memories; It was not long ago scoobs were being nicked left right and centre. A day wouldn't go by on this forum without a new thread about someone's car being nicked, or bits taken off it, attempted thefts or the stolen parts popping up on eBay.

Indeed at one point you could not park a scoob on the NEC or BHX car parks as you could almost guarantee it would be taken or messed about with by someone trying to nick it.

The crime level hasn't changed, just scoobs aren't targeted as much anymore.

EddScott

The 2018 STI which should be available soon in the UK but orders are open for the US - has the brakes from the RA-R, Recaro seats (not CS) and a fully electronic diff. Plus, some cosmetic differences.

It's more of a mid cycle facelift than a "new" STI. The new STI won't be here before 2020.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

It's currently in a different league to anything the insurers have ever seen with the Jap stuff. Think more along the lines of Cosworths in the 90's for a comparison.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Not really an issue with the older stuff.

Golf R, S3, Range Rover and X5's are the biggest problems, although a few keyless Ford cars 'disappear' aswell.

They are so easy to clone, and a large amount end up getting shipped out the country.

n1cks

I love watching Everyday Driver. They are really good at putting into words what they like and don't like about the cars, and I particularly like the format of two people's (often contrasting) opinion.

My takeaway from that vid though is why spend all that money on new metal when a 9 year old Evo X gives more thrills. It puts into stark contrast how little Subaru has moved the game on in terms of power and driving dynamics. I would actually like to see a retrospective episode bringing together STIs past and present in a big showdown, much like ED did with the MX5. That would be revealing.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

kind of of my point really; the crime hasn't changed. Just as much is stolen as has been in the late 80's 90's and 00's. What has changed is the methods used to take them. Be it coding new keys or just stealing the existing ones.

I could code a new VAG key without the originals ten years ago. I'm seeing new Transits and Sprinters disappear (as in taken without the keys) as much as Range Rovers and BMWs.

In the end of the day, if it's desirable, it'll be targeted. I've already learnt that the hard way, but here comes a point you have to realise that if you want something more than a hum-drum Focus diesel, you have to acknowledge the consequences.

I fit live trackers with built in immobilisation; What I find bonkers is the immobilisation will not trigger until after the theft event and only disables the start circuit. As the tracker company is paranoid that cutting the engine would cause an accident that they'd be liable for. Sometimes the industry doesn't help itself

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Just struck those three off my list. I had an Astra GTE 16V nicked once, can't be bothered with that sort of cr@p again.

Looks like a humdrum car for me then...

dpb

The streets are awash with 1.2 l superminins round here

You'll need a tracker for anything more exciting than beetle sooner later

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

We will be back to old tech gear box locks and steering wheel covers.

y3L0

I sold my FSTI last year and replaced it with a Cupra 290 estate. Quite a nice car, more comfortable than the Foz with adjustable dampers, steering etc.
If Subaru still did a wagon or FSTI I would certainly consider it next, the EA888 in the Cupra/S3/R is such a soulless engine.
It might be because I don't drive the Cupra daily, the Mrs does, but I have nowhere near the same condifence I had in the scoob when pushing on.

EddScott

Something like that would be great. One caveat is that it couldn't be special editions - RA, Spec C etc - unless they were in a seperate class.

I think you would get a different response depending which side of the Atlantic you were on. We'd probably put classic right up there whereas they really like the Hatch and the 2014- STI.

I was sat behind a Focus RS on the way to work this morning. Had some huge exhaust on it and when he saw me he was over-revving and making it pop and bang etc etc. I'm not averse to pops and bangs but my OEM exhaust burble sounded better on idle.

RS a nice car and I will admit I wasn't sure if I'd done the right thing not buying one but putting the two side by side, I'm happy I took the STI.

n1cks

That made me laugh. I've only had my Scoob a few weeks and I've already seen this type of behaviour. To think I bought a WRX to be discreet (and cheap). Already more revved engines and sideways looks than I care to remember.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

My WR Legacy confuses the f**k out of people as they don't understand how the JDM versions perform in standard GT trim. I am constantly asked where can people get one from because "it's not like an Impreza, it way more subtle".

And that is why I have it.

Falsey

I bought a '2017' in October. I had all of the choices, RS, Golf R, Audi RS*, BMW M* - just preferred the STI.

Wanted one since I was a kid and thought **** it, only get one go round and I may as well do something that makes the child in me smile, forget sense and logic.

Its my only car so I use it for everything and it does everything just fine with the added bonus of a unique experience on the twisties that I felt the Germans (and Ford) couldnt provide me with. Occasionally you look at the bank balance and think what else you could do but I dont plan on dying or stopping driving soon so Im sure Ill scratch the other itches in time. (I will have an E90 M3 Saloon before they are too old.)

So, heart ruling head definitely, but Im glad I did it. Every time Im out and see a little kid - or big kid - look and point mouth wide open it reminds me I made the right choice.

Slate me for not spending a third of the cost and getting something older and 'better' in the WRX family tree if you like. Sure this car is 'behind the times' but this forum used to be a fan of what this car still does!

Rusti

iTrader: (4)

not going to slate you chap, you clearly bought it with fun in mind and it's clearly giving you that. personally I think the new car is great and as Auto Trader have said it's for hardcore fans and driving enthusiasts, think that sums it up.

rob84

iTrader: (5)

I got back what I paid for the STI & also secured a good wedge of discount,
So basically paid for the car & got the rest of the build for free.

8 speed sports auto.
Adaptive M sport suspension
Harmon Karden sound system.
Driver comfort pack.
Professional media package.
Concierge system.
Remote services.
Service package
RFT system.
Metallic paint.
Sun protection Glass
Heated seating
Adaptive LED lighting

NGBZ

My 2c worth.

Bought my 2016 WRX STi Premium in July of last year. After several years of owning 4WD vehicles (ST205, B4 RSK, GT Legacy), I liked the grip they offer and for me, the STi was a natural progression.
I did look at other cars in the same class - ie, Focus RS, Golf R and A45 - but the Subaru seemed to offer the best value for money.

I've never really been a Ford fan and while the RS looked good on paper, the interior, for me, really let it down.
The Golf R is pretty good with typical VW buidl quality, but it was far too refined and dare I say it, a little boring.
The A45 is a cracking car, but couldn't justify the extra coin at the time.

Nearly a year later, I am still enjoying the car, but it does have its flaws.
At 221kW (305bhp), the power levels are certainly lagging behind other marques. This means that the STi isn't eaxctly quick in a straight line. That's what happens when you stick with the same motor for 10 years

Paint. It does look nice in its CWP coat, but the paint quality isn't great and I'm finding that it does succumb to stone chips far too easily. In fact, the car is currently at the paintshop having some touch ups before I get some paint protection film applied. An unecessary extra cost IMHO.

It's not the quietest cabin out there. Pootling around town or on motorways, it's not too bad. But longer journeys on back roads means things do get rather noisy after a while. This could be partially down to the stock tyres fiotted, but it does need better sound proofing.

Sound system. The Harman Kardon system fitted to the Premium model is touted as being very good. I'd class it as average. Could do much better - I'd hate to think what the stock system is like.

Would I get another?
The car certainly has character and there is no doubt that in the twisty stuff, it is virtually untouchable when driven properly. As for another - probably not in its current format. Needs more refinement and certainly more power. If I do look at a replacement in a few years, I'll wait to see what the replacement model is like - rumoured to be out in 2020.

ScoobyDoo69

iTrader: (17)

Power is easily sorted, exhaust and remap saw me drop my 1/4 mile time from 13.3sec @ 103mph to 12.4sec @ 110mph.

Original dyno run was 279bhp 100% standard, and ended just over 350bhp with the exhaust and map.

Falsey

Who was that with?

Bit cautious of playing with mine as I from what Im lead to believe these engines are ticking time bombs, dont want to **** about too much when its still in warranty.

NGBZ

Yes, a power hike is easy to do if done correctly and you are prepared to spend some dosh. However, you've boght a brand new car with a 3 year warranty - you can't play with the engine as it'll invalidate it. Essentially, you are paying a lot extra for a new car as it is covered for a min of 3 years. Why pay a premium and then invalidate the warranty you've paid for? Better to buy a car out of warranty for less money and spend that on the engine etc.
As with insurance, companies will do anything they can to get out of paying out and any mods to a new car puts you at risk of not being covered.

scoobyboy1

iTrader: (16)

The only problem I find with the new STi is that if I owned one and even before I think of owning one in my head im already spending money on a remap/exhaust/lowering springs etc which is what the car really needs in my opinion.

Where as if I was to buy a Golf R/S3/FRS i could happily drive one in standard form with out the need of messing with it, where as the STi I just have the urge to mess and spend ££££££

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

My thoughts exactly.

Upgrades to my 98 Impreza run to 2 pages of a4, things like folding mirrors, rear wash-wipe etc, which were missing off the UK model, and for which I cannot forgive subaru/International Motors, plus loads of performance upgrades. braking, lighting etc etc.

NOT the finished article, just like the latest incarnation isn't.

ScoobyDoo69

iTrader: (17)

This may be where my view is different then.

I would modify each and every one of those cars, problem being most of them would sound awful with an exhaust unless on boost, so all mods would be much more subtle.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

But you are talking performance mods.

I'm talking toys...sat-nav for a kick off.

ScoobyDoo69

iTrader: (17)

Fair enough, I can't say I've ever been bothered by stuff like that. DAB has me covered audio wise, and my phone on a mount (which would be regardless of toys fitted) provides everything else.

All sat navs I've ever used have all felt inferior to Google Maps/Waze on my phone...

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Heated seats?
Voice activated audio?
Folding heated mirrors?

etc etc

Falsey

Heated seats would be ok, but the alcantara doesnt get cold like leather so isnt it a bit redundant? Voice audio if you are into it, had it on my last car and never used it. Heated mirrors would be nice, they already fold (just not automatically with ignition).

EddScott

This was one reason for buying new. I have considered modding and have bought a few bits already but currently in two minds whether to touch it. I think I'll wait until the new model comes out then decide what to do.

Can't say I wasn't disappointed with Mirrorlink being the complete waste of time it is - I've tried numerous phones, Androids from Kitkat to Marshmellow and a number if Iphones and none of them have worked.

I looked at getting a Pioneer AVIC but, AFAIK, they cannot be updated. Pioneer and others offer HU's with mirrorlink but these also have issues. Decided to just use my phone if needs be and Ipod for music which is actually pretty good to use.

While I was considering what to buy I did have an extended test with a F10 330D with the full media system and it is very good indeed. However, it occured to me I was looking for a car not a home entertainment system with wheels. For me, it just wasn't what I wanted.


This guy is a bit geeky but his one particular comment is why I bought a new STI. "Does the car reward you for choosing it when you fire it up" or words to that effect. For me, the STI does. And that's all that matters.

Those unsure about the STI should really watch some of the US opinions. They are really keen on them and it's really popular - like the UK with GC8s. I read that the STI won awards for it's interior in Canada (OK, might be one step too far but I'm pretty sure it was serious)

Ah, OK. Came in the top 10 out of 31
https://www.canadianinsider.com/2017...interiors-list

Falsey

The only problems I have with the interior are 1. rattles and 2. dust sticks to everything.

NGBZ

Yes on my car. Though I don't think the Premium version is available in they UK?

As well as leather seats (8 way powered driver seat), you also get heated front wipers (or at least the screen where the wipers sit), forward facing camera in passenger wing mirror (Points at wheel to help prevent curbing etc), sunroof as well as upgraded stereo.

NZ specs - https://www.winger.co.nz/assets/uplo...ochure-3MB.pdf