busby007

This is my first post so be gentle with me! I am an R32 owner who test drove a new STi with the 300bhp upgrade about a month ago and was blown away with it. Since then I have been talking to the GF about swopping but she HATES the whole subaru thing. That was until last night when she drove a stock WRX and began to realise what all the fuss was about.

Have been doing some phone work this morning and have got £16599 on a WRX and £21599 on an STi - both with under 50 miles on the clock. If I can convince her to make the change (stronger residulas, etc!) do you reckon I am better going for the stock WRX and having a "prodrive fund" or just going straight for the STi and scaring myself silly every time I go to Sainsbury's?

PS - I thought I would test drive the STi and come away feeling really smug but I have to say that it really is a magnificent car. However the steering doesn't feel as planted as the R32 and to drive it quickly in the twisties I think you need to be a far better driver than you need to be to drive the Golf quickly.

IN THE STICKS

Test drive of both here ....http://www.iwoc.co.uk/my2003a.html


Dave

Jay_bee

iTrader: (1)

Hi

I would say go for it with the STi (only cos I want one ) and just remember that the Scoob aint a "hothatch" so you need to give yourself some time to get to know the car. They arent just as straight forward to drive hard, you know, got to watch for lift-off oversteer mid corner etc etc

I changed from hothatch in December and Im still getting used to the Scoob, although Im REALLY starting to enjoy it now

I think if you go for the WRX when you could have gone for the STi, you'll always be wondering "...should I have gone for the STi.."

As always... just IMO

Jeff

Oh, when you do get one, I really recommend joining your local club, they'll be a great source for help and info and events

Happy hunting

SiPie

So...........

Just swap her

Jay_bee

iTrader: (1)

MadMark

I have an 03 WRX and now that the G/F has driven a PPP'd STi - I have full approval to buy one later in the year!

Re: the planted feel of the R32 - I had one on order before I bought the WRX and this feeling soon fades when attacking a BUMPY and twisty road when the suspension runs out of travel in the Golf.
- Anyway the Prodrive spring kit on the STi coupled with some 18" wheels will sort that for you and add loads more steering feel ........

BUY THE STi .......

corradoboy

Just one note of caution. The prices you state sound like Motorpoint/Tradesales. Be aware that cars from these retailers are often sourced from outside the EU, and although still from Europe (Cyprus/Malta) they are not covered by the 3yr Pan EU warranty which would be honoured at any UK Subaru dealers. You will be told they will carry out warranty work, but I wouldn't trust any Tom, Dick or Harry to care for a Scoob. It would have to be main dealer or well respected independant specialist at least. They will also offer to sell you a 3yr warranty which isn't recommended either. Also, check all the on the road costs, as there are often hidden extras, and make sure the car is up to UK spec. That means it must have a Cat1 alarm (£3-400), locking wheel nuts (£30), undersealing (£100) and STi's usually require a tracking device such as Tracker or RACTrackstar (£4-700).

The cheap Scooby boom has been dead in the water for about 2 years since the €/£ exchange rate and the UK price reductions made it simply not worth the effort. Unless you can get all the above queeries confirmed (in writing prior to sale) I'd dig a bit deeper and speak to main dealers. With very little haggling you could get a WRX for £18.5k, and an STi for £23.3k. Add PPP for £1600/£2000 (hardly ever discounted), and enjoy the peace of mind of a 3yr warranty with full dealer assistance (FWIW ).

CB.