jk100

I test drove one at the weekend, with a view to trading in my STi 02. Coming straight out of the 02 you can instantly tell that it is more focused, instantly feeling the revised chassis and quicker steering rack. It feels more involving, however I rack up more than a few motorway miles (now on 50k) running on 18" P Zeros, but I found the road noise from those semi-slick Bridgestones (and what sounded like a whine from the diff) almost intolerable in comparison to the 02 model. Have I just had a bad experience? In short, I am now considering whether the new model is too extreme/focused to have as any every day car. Is the increased road noise due to chassis changes or simply the tyres? Any comments from owners would be helpful.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

like you I have an MY02Sti and I test drove a MY05STi the other day yes the car is more far more focused than mine The one I drove made a lot noise from the tyres but I wasn't hanging around

I have sorted out a Test drive in a PPP version at the end of the month. I was quite impressed with it in STD form.

Tony

ProdriveSTI

Are yoi thinking about upgrading your car ??? or just comparing??

ex-webby

The MY05 is certainly an awesome bit of kit. I test drove a MY03 and then a MY05 back to back and the MY05 was certainly a better car.

The road noise is from the tyres.

I have actually just purchased a nice MY03 STi PPP at a very resonable price, since the difference in price between that and a comparable MY05 STi PPP would of been £11k..... the benefits of a MY05 STi PPP did not justify that sort of money against a MY03.

Regards,
Shaun.

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

They All Do That Sir (TM)

It's the tyres, the MY05 comes with Bridgestone RE070's, which have their virtues but quietness isn't one of them. They give a firm ride and aren't to impressive in the wet either, but in the dry the turn-in is razor sharp and grip levels are immense. You pays your money etc - and you can always change them for something more conventional. I intend to when they're worn out.

You're right that the improvements don't justify £11k, but that's the depreciation on a new car for you. I compared an '05 JDM car with an '04 UK with PPP and the difference in price was much smaller. Factor in the JDM and MY05 extras and it wasn't a difficult decision.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

I'm hoping to change it before the 3 years April also my Birthday
l might go for a Demo MY05Sti I've seen. I was toying with a Spec C but may stick with UK will come down to Finances at the end of the Day

Got offered £16.5K for MY02STiPPP with PHP PFF7's so not to bad only lost 50% in 3 years

Tony

PhilSti05

Just changed from a '03 Sti to a '05 Sti PPP in crystal grey. Even though i've fitted Kahn 19" RSV's on the '05, all I can say is woooooow What a car!! Everyone whos been in my 05 has commented on how much more of a quality feel the car has. It seems so much better 'put together' than the '03. The handling is in my opinion even better than the '03 delivered. For the moment anyway, I just leave the dccd in the auto position and the car handles the country lanes with pure ease! For anyone whos already ordered an '05, my God your in for a treat and anyone whos thinking of ordering one, go for it, you definately won't regret it. Also, I would never go back to a car without ppp, what an amazing difference its made.

ProdriveSTI

How many miles have you clocked up?
Was this px price from your local dealer etc against a new MY05 STI

WR-one

i've had my 05 JDM for a few months now. I have had Powestation fit AST's, uprated roll bars, anti lift, extended wheelbase - the handling is frankly staggering (makes my old P1 seem like an understeering nervous wreck). In standard guise with standard springs, I found it difficult to live with as a daily car, hence losing them, but even in standard form still was very neutral and balanced. Guess it's natural evolution year to year - god knows what the 06 will handle like!

warrenm2

get a spec c - they're not as pricey as you may think....

www.litimports.co.uk, speak to Iain

jmk

Going through a similar thought process right now. Have an 03 WRX and test drove an 05 Sti (non PPP) last week. Very impressed but I don't think it's worth £13.5k to change, especially as my car has another 16 months warranty remaining.

May look at a 2nd hand STi ppp (03 or newer) or a secondhand 911 which would cost quite a bit more but would probably cost no more to run and wouldn't have such high depreciation.

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Just so as everyone is absolutely clear on this:

The MY05 STI - both UK/Euro and Japanese cars - have the SAME extended wheelbase and suspension geometry as the Spec C. This is a new change for MY05, so whatever you've heard about the handling of the Spec C now applies to all '05 STI models - with the proviso that the Spec C remains a bit lighter.

I have the 'standard' JDM '05 STI and the last thing it feels is overweight. It's nimble, agile, has fantastically sharp turn-in and excellent feedback through the wheel. The ride is very firm which is why I'm having the Type 25 suspension pack fitted this week. I can't wait

GrollySTI

Thanx AndyC, most helpful info

scoobydooooo

will somebody tell me if the difference between an 05 sti and a WR1 is as great as the jump to a 05 sti from an 03 wrx , does that sound complicated ??

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Don't quite see what you're getting at here - there's certainly less of a gap from WR1 > '05 STI than there is from '03 WRX > '05 STI.

Davey P

iTrader: (1)

Will the 05 JDM STI's handle better with the Type 25 setup?

Will it make that much difference?

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

Yes main Dealer PX 23.5k, trying a new Dealer. My previous Dealer now sells Lexus So I like Dealer, supplier and servicing to one of the same

Thanks Andy One question Does the MY05Sti have the same quick Rack as the MY05Spec C ?

I only had a very short "play" in a MY05Sti some time ago but have booked a proper Test in the PPP version.

Tony

scoobydooooo

that was the answer to my question , thanks mate

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

I hope so! I'll let you know when I get my car back later this week

The JDM car certainly does, yes. Not sure about the UK car - I don't think it does but I stand to be corrected. It'll still feel quicker than earlier models because of the improved turn-in and lack of understeer, though.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

thanks , From the short drive I had, it felt like a quicker rack but as you say may just have been more responsive

Let us know being rude about how much was the Onlin (Sp) conversion? as handling and ride quality realy felt good in the two T25's Iain took me out in

Tony

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

The T25 kit consists of AST adjustable shocks & springs, anti-lift kit and ARBs. All-inclusive cost is just shy of £1400.

Davey P

iTrader: (1)

I will be very interested to hear how you get on.
Make sure you tell us all