The STI PPP has been criticised for being a little unsmooth in terms of power delivery. The power comes in with a bang. This is why many (including myself) consider an alternatve to the PPP such as the TSL 333 pack (330bhp vs 305 bhp for the PPP.) This package pulls well from low down and this continues to in excess of 7000 RPM.

Why not post up how much you want to spend and someone will come back to you with a suitable suggestion. An STI ppp is a very different car to a 52 plate WRX that you looked at. The 52 plate could also be a bug or blobeye.

Edited to say: they are fantastic cars!!!!!!!!!

 

I don't find so Einstein RA.

 

Good idea Stephen.

Ok my situation is this. If sold privately, my LCR is worth about 12.5k. So far, two dealers have given me a trade in value of £11k but the one I went to see today suggested nearer £12K which I thought was promising, although he will be getting back to me with a definate figure..

I have about £1k in savings which (if I really see something that is too good to refuse) I am willing to use. So, for argument's sake, lets say my budget is around £13k at maximum.

Now the problem is I need a car to get to and from work each day. That means selling it privately and then finding a replacement quickly could be tricky....in an ideal world I'd sell mine privately and have a new car lined up but the chances of that are slim

I would love a Blobeye STi (non PPP) which can later then be TSL'd IF I feel the need....the problem is there are not many around for that price with the odd exception of SamUK's (on here). To be honest I'm sure the standard STi power would be enough, although (like you say Stephen) the idea of a wider boost range does appeal...but then I think hmmm, would rather not go tinkering around with something with the possibility of faults occuring and warranty etc.

I think realistically then (with my budget) I'd be looking at a Bugeye STi, under 40k mileage and full history etc. I did see a good bargain today though on a Blobeye STi, I will post a link in a minute - tell me what you think.

Thanks again so much everyone, greatly appreciated
Russ

 

Ok this is the link:

(its the one at the top, silver STi Blobeye)

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...ch_full=SEARCH

 

CLICKY

BTW, always use someone elses postcode in you AT searches

 

The advertised car looks nice and sounds promising from the advert.

I can appreciate where you are coming from regarding having a car all the time for work. I am the same however managed by using my wifes car for a month or so whilst I found the right car.

My advice would be as follows:

1. Take your time trying to get the best one for you. These types of cars are generally enthusiast owned but some could be company cars etc so do your investigations properly. Make sure and not buy an old cow!!!

2. The STI's are very tough and reliable. The engines are much stronger than the WRX's and therefore are less likely to let you down. Accordingly, you will not be liklely to get problems on a sensibly modified one. TSL for example as far as I am aware, have not had any engine failures.

3. Not wanting to pry into your finances, however STI's, particularly modified ones (in fact any Subaru) are expensivce to run. The age you are looking at will mean little or no warranty. With respect, you may be better off going for a cheaper one (WRX PPP or something else - JDM etc) and keeping money aside for mods/ repairs/ running costs. I remember when SamUK was looking for one - I posted something on one of his posts and that was not long ago - and now he is selling......... I am not trying to put you off, however they are expensive!!! Notwithstanding, your initial purchase, to be a good one in the long term, may be better if you do push the boat out that bit further.

4. Try if possible to sell & buy privately. I reckon I saved c.£2k this way which I ultimately put into my new car. You must be able to get round this somehow.

Whatever you do, test drive a few and do not rush into anything - it is a buyers market so make sure you are happy with everything e.g the advert one is silver - not everyones cup of tea.

Good luck - they really are fantastic cars to drive - bulletproof and bags of reliable and forgiving driving!!!

 

That's sound advice Stephen....I didn't want to hear about the running costs lol...but if they are pretty high then maybe I should think again about the STi

 

They are expensive to run, as Stephen said. If you're worried about fuel costs, then an STi might not be your thing. Although the WRX are not that much better.

I calculate 20-25 miles for a fiver.
(trying not to think about the cost of my spirited drive to work this morning of 50 miles!! Ditched the vRS, took the STi)

Go out and drive them all. You might find shortfalls in the STi, then with the running costs on top, opt for the WRX. Or try the STi and never be able to live with a WRX.

I think you've had some good advice, go test-drive them now.

If you're lOOking around the '03, which it sounds like you are. I wouldn't be too worried about the PPP. If it has it, bonus (£600 remap with get you the TSL drive). It will be out of warranty now/soon, so you could go whichever route you want.

TSL circa £1600, PPP circa £1800, own route to match/surpass TSL £1100.