I'm looking to buy a 4-door STi Scoob. STi because I like the idea of climate control, 'STi' suspension, brakes etc.. But what are the engine/mechanical/handling differences between versions 2,3,4 & 5? Should I avoid a low-mileage immaculate N-reg version 2 at £13K and pay £16K for a version 4? Did they improve noticeably in the 2 or so years?

 

you will have a lot of info regarding your question in the FAQ at

 

I personally would say a late model 4 would be best.

get the newer style bits and pieces inside and out, and (as fair as i know) none of the overboosting det problems that 5's suffer from. You get the best of both worlds.

 

For sale - Silver STi4 saloon !

I'm moving to New York for a couple of years so it's got to go.

alistair.wallace@gs.com

 

Sam, thanks for the info, but I have read the SIDC faq through and the only mention is that "later Japanese spec cars can out-acccelerate...". I cannot find anything which details the changes (it probably exists in Japanese though). e.g. Did the Version 4 have a lighter clutch, better synchromesh, better fuel consumption, more power/torque & was it better car altogether?

Derek.

 

Derek,

Once you have got the car, are you looking to tune it further ?

The answer will probably influence the recommendation....

Thanks

Gavin

 

Gavin - Most have had a few mods, so I guess I'll be happy for a while until it feels too slow!

Ptholt - Thanks for the advice. I drove an N-reg Version 2 yesterday (Autotrader £10.5K). Rattly engine on blipping throttle (big-ends maybe?), no suspension (owner had dented wing trying to check if there were springs) But, it was cheap...

Alistair, I'll email you

 

I have a 4 and bought it after nearly buying a 3. U get the newer interior which i think is much nicer than the old I dont suffer from det either Go see alistairs, sounds the same as mine
Stu

 

I bought a version 4 as improved interior (easier to fix additional gauges if wanted) and no det problems. Also version 4s seem better value generally - 5s still over priced. Suggest get lower mileage though as I consider a higher mileage one and it felt so loose compared to the lower one. Mine has 8000 km - and engine is imaculate - depends though if you will be visiting the track ?

The Subaru sti website (www.subaru-sti.co.jp), although the text is in Japanese, gives the power outputs for each model.

 

The earlier cars are allegedly stronger engine-wise and therefore have more scope for extreme tuning.

The size of the turbo changes depending on model (downwards) and hence the different driving characteristics.

If you were going down the extreme tuning route, you would be better off with an RA anyhow so personally I would go for the STi4.

Thanks

Gavin

[This message has been edited by GavinP (edited 23 October 2000).]