3times

Took out the 03 for a test drive today. Coming out of a 98, what a massive improvement.

Better finish, better quality interior, engine seemed smoother (but this could be that it was quieter).

Seats do not hug as much as my current but I feel that (with my aging bones) would be more comfortable on longer runs.
Side skirts not colour coded which is a pain but dealer reckons about £100 to get it done.

Overall really impressed, just need to decide which colour. I think the wheels would look good against Silver.

Now, where is that credit card..................................

wheelwright

Does it feel any quicker than your 98 ?

Gastro

How much do the '03 models come in at (turbo of course!)

Gastro

wheelwright

Sti OTR 24,995.00

WRX OTR 19,995.00

rb5 286

iTrader: (2)

tony is that the one from wilson's u t/d?

its limited to 4000rpm @ the mo aint it?

3times

Didn't really rag it that much so cannot really say if it as quick, but definitely felt smoother.

Mark,

Test drive was at Days (Chelmsford), They said that they had carried out 1000 service so 4000rpm limit not applicable.

Car had only done 350 miles.

I drove the wagon as their saloon demonstrator is an STI (sorry don't like scoop). I even started to think how practical the wagon is...........................................oh no I'm cracking up, I am not that old..................surely!

beano

3times,

I test drove that Black wagon on Sat morning, the Sti and the PPP'd Sti 02!
.
I have an unmoded 00 UK wagon.....which I have to say feels more eager and reponsive, although as you say only 350 miles on clock so still tight.

WRX looks better than last years, but I'm toying between the WRX and Sti...heart says Sti...common sense WRX!

Did you go out in the Sti??

3times

Beano,

Only drove WRX as, at the moment, the head is ruling.

How did the STI compare?..

Now, did not realise that the STI 02 was PPP'd, could this bring about a change and the heart takes over, intersting..............

My biggest concern about the STI is that it is not meant to as easy to live with as an every day car, especially as most of my driving is urban. I suppose I need to drive one. Damm!

Tiny

Tony
At least it beats the space wagon ( whoops me in trouble with your Mrs again!!Glad that you liked it m8 keep it out the bloody gravel though
All the best Darren...

3times

Darren,
That 'spacewagon' is what keeps the average fuel consumption of our cars at a reasonable level.

As far as the 'gravel' is concerned, once I get the new one there will be no track days for at least............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..............................1001 miles!!!!!

ImpIII

I drove the STI at Days of Chelmsford mainly as a comparison to the 02 STI/PPP which I drove just after new year (made me buy an 03 STI). Suspension seemed stiffer but I put that down to it being new, interior seemed better and seats were fine. Did manage to give it a go and can't wait for the PPP to turn up.

FLAT ERIC

iTrader: (1)

I drove the STi & the wagon at Days on Monday.Previous cars owned,classic,P1 & now UK300.Test drive mini write-up here:-

CLICK HERE

Have just gone into haggle mode.Should I,or shouldn't I?

The Graphite Black with Gun-metallic wheels does look cool.

Hope to add some pictures Thursday as it was tipping it down on the test day.

Mark

3times

I must agree that the black looks really good with the wheels.
Not yet decided on the WR blue.
I think the Silver will set the wheels off well.

Had a Guiness or 2, West Ham Lost (again), time for bed.

Bye

Josh L

Gastro,

You still making the run into MK evry day?

Josh

James_Harvey

Eric,

You said the power on the STI came on at 2000 RPM. Had it been PPP'ed?

I didn't think anything had been done to the STi engine over the 02 (talking type UK of course )

James.

DrEvil

James - my understanding is that the power delivery is completely different on the '03 STi and '03 WRXs.. I was speaking to Roger @ B&C last night about this, he said its feels like a different car to the '01/'02s.. Also that the '03 STi was slightly softer suspension wise or rather it feels slightly softer.

I'm going out for a run in each this weekend, all being well...

Rgds, Alex

FLAT ERIC

iTrader: (1)

James no PPP on this demo but boost is up,cooling is improved to a more efficient(EVO VII type)turbo & revised exhaust(relocated cat for improved flow & sharper throttle response).All of which help the power roll in lower down the rev range.

So a fair bit of reworking on the lump.

Suspension only feels softer IMHO as up front it has been moved forward by 15mm,stronger components & crossbracing used & some negative camber engineered in.Rear is beefed up,roll-bars & mountings.This all leads to less geometry change under cornering & gives less squirming under load & hence better control.

Something about multi-layer valves in the shocks as well to give optimum damping at different speeds.Would make the ride feel softer without loss of handling feel.

Mark

[Edited by FLAT ERIC - 1/23/2003 11:40:34 AM]

ZIPPY

I drove one yesterday (WRX) the car does feel sharper than my MY01 lower down the rev range but it ran out off puff quickly, but a downpipe change will cure this.
Overall i wasnt convinced by it as the seats are useless compared to the buckets in the MY01,the sterring wheel looks pants with no chrome surround in the middle and the trade in price they offered against my car was an insult to my intelligence.
So no i wont be trading my car in for one, i'm glad i've driven it as its convinced me to keep my modded MY01.

Zippy