JDM STi (MY03+) - Running Costs
 

Hi,

Just wanted opinions from blob eye JDM STi owners regarding the running costs of owning their cars and what they are like to live with on a day to day basis.

I was originally going to go for a UK or Euro model due to a number of reasons, mainly so I could have peace of mind when getting it serviced and not have to worry about sourcing parts or worrying if xyz item will fit on car.

After much reading up on this forum and deliberating as well as a few let downs (I was like this > . < close to buying a pristine as new 05 STi) I have decided to wait around and try to get my hands on a JDM model.

I know the obvious advantages, the JDM's are a different beast to the UK/Euro models however I wanted to know what they are like to live with so some questions:

Fuel Costs? (are they more thirsty, more economical than UK/Euro models)
Servicing? (do you have any issues trying to service your car through a scooby dealer)
Running Costs? (parts, do you have trouble sourcing parts)
Mods (how easy/hard did you find it to source performance parts for your JDM)

Wondering about last one as I have gathered not everything performance wise on the UK market will mate up with a JDM.

Thanks in advance,

Fz

Fuel Costs? (are they more thirsty, more economical than UK/Euro models) About the same, I get about 18-20 mpg average.
Servicing? (do you have any issues trying to service your car through a scooby dealer)
None. Loads of specialists out there, a lot cheaper than Mr Local Subaru dealer not that you have to use them anyway.
Running Costs? (parts, do you have trouble sourcing parts)
Not had an need for any out of the ordinary parts, but can't imagine a problem.
Mods (how easy/hard did you find it to source performance parts for your JDM)
It's easy. More power from standard and plenty of future potential. If anything, it's cheaper than a UK/Euro model to obtain the same/more bhp/torque

I have had a couple of issues sourcing parts for mine bur nothing too serious, i was a few days whilst a wheel bearing was sourced finally found that all subaru bearings from 99 on are the same so could have gone and go the part of the shelf.

I believe the HID set up is hard to come by spares but these are suposed to last the life time of the car so should be ok.

mpg is approx 18-22 depending on how you drive (track 9mpg!!) I have had 300 mile out of the 55 litre tank on a motorway run.

servicing costs trhe same as a UK STi

All the uk tuners offer packages for the JDM:thumb:

I don't want to come across as being anal or arrogant in anyway here but surely if you are concerned in any way as regards the running costs of a car of this nature then maybe cannot afford the car in the first place?

Maybe you can, as I don't really know the state of your finances but these cars are not to cheap to run by any means but I feel that there is no point in stretching yourself financially.

Either way good luck.

I disagree, when i'm looking for a new car I like to do a bit of research, ask a few questions and compare a few different models. There's not that much info in the usual places on JDM cars so here is a good place to ask the questions. He obviously can afford a Scoob or wouldn't be asking for the ins and outs of JDM v UK in the first place.

In my experience there is no difference. In facet my tuned JDM STI is cheaper to run than my old uk300.

Agree with all said above about the car:thumb:

I've had MY00 Euro import

now MY03 JDM WRX STi

In terms of running costs I can see no difference really.

Except of course some focker has put the price up on petrol since I had my last scoob and so that is more expensive!

I have just managed to get my hands on a 04 JDM STI V-Limited from PCM (plug there) :thumb: . I was wondering about costs too. Apart from the insurance hike the above answers have made me a little more relaxed.

Phil.

dont forget 100RON fuel

They run fine on super unleaded :) 100 ron+ on the original map will make them run better but these ecu's are a giant step forward compared to the classic JDM's which needed 100 ron to run on :)

Tony:)

Its in my nature mate. I am a IT professional by trade so I have to know that little bit extra, details that others would not bother about but to me its important.

Owning a car like this is not about buying something to take you from A to B, its a passion. I am a typical techie, I am obsessive about anything I take on so its the same with cars. All the motors I have owned have been high performance or classic motors and I have always invested far too much time learning information that probably just overloads my brain at some point. :lol1:

And as for finances, I wouldn't be looking at a scooby if I didn't have the cash, simple as that.

Same running costs as a UK car. Ive had 3 UK newage sti's, and now have an 03 jdm sti. Much better car to drive, especially around town.

Good, so it's the profession that makes me like that. :D