Hi All,

thinking of getting a scooby.
Looking at 2003 year, WRX or an STI
Couple of questions.
What number of gears have they and any pro's and cons for them and things to watch out for?

 

Go for an sti if funds permit.

My 03 sti ppp has 6 speed, the wrx's have 5...unless im mistaken.

 

Hi,

Is there anyone that knows if 6 speed is on STI only and year extra?
I really want a 6 speed due to motorway driving.

 

Only the STI has the six speed box. I'm not sure what you mean by "year extra"...

 

Sorry ment exetara as in is the 6 speed only in the STI and is it a perticular year that it was in from.

 

All newage STI's had a 6 speed box (bugeyes and blobeyes), so from 2002 onwards for UK cars. In 2001 only WRX's were available in the Uk, though there were some JDM STI's produced that year.

 

Neither the WRX or STi are at their best on motorways but of the 2 the WRX is a better bet for that despite it having one gear ratio less.

 

Hi,

So a 2003 STI should be 6 speed? Was it standard or optional?
And I know might be obvious but whats bugeyes and blobeyes, headlights?

 

as already said all 2002 onwards STis have got a 6Speed box.

there are a few other differences between the STi and WRX also such as stronger engine internals to cope with ht e bigger turbo,
larger intercooler
stiffer chassis
shorten steering rack

the main thing to look out for when buying an STi of that age is the rear shocks as they were prone to wearing out quickly. some were in fact recalled i believe.
If they have been replaced then all should be fine. if they haven't check for any knocking noises coming from the rear when taking it for a test drive.

Alsothe cam belt needs changing at 5years/50K miles so if the car is getting close to that mark and not had it done use it as a bargining chip.

 

A 2003 STI will have the 6 speed as standard. Bugeyes/blobeyes does indeed refer to headlights. Bugeyes were 2001-02, blobeyes 2003-2005, hawkeyes 2006-07.

 

6 speed box is standard on all STi's from 2002 to the present day

bugeye is the 2002 to early 2003 version with the round headlights
Blobeye us the early 2003 to late 2004 early 2005 version (click "view my scooby" thats the blobeye)

HTH

 

Is there a good place to see the differance in headlights?
In your opion guys, which would be a the best to go for, a STI 2003 or WRX 2003 forgeting cost of buying, more about value for money and reliabilty?

 

for looks and headlights etc, just have a search in the "for sale forum"

I had a bug which aint too bad, but IMPO I like the blob eyes better

 

Both good value for money and excellent reliability.
If performance and looks is important to you (which I expect it is) then the STI wins hands down.

 

my vote is for the STi but then i am biased.

The WRX is a little less performance focused than the STi so as a result the suspension is softer etc and its slightly cheaper to run (fuel, insurance etc)

at the end of the day they are both realiable cars so i suggest taking them both out for a test drive and see what suits you best