I'm thinking about an STI for my daily driver. If anyone on this forum owns one, I have a few questions.

Are the noise levels inside the car really that high?
If so, is it mainly from the tires?
What is the real world fuel economy?
How about the interior rattles, squeaks, etc.?


No one in my area has an STI and no dealers give test drives, so
I am clueless about some aspects of the car. It's a bit like my experience
ordering my S2000 back in 1997.

Thanks

 

How do dealers expect you to buy without a test drive?! Totally assinine on their part.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Axel6
How do dealers expect you to buy without a test drive?!

 

It's a "Catch-22" for the dealer when it comes to a vehicle like this.

On one hand you can't expect a prospective buyer to purchase a vehicle without test driving it first.

On the other hand you need to eliminate the people who are just out for a joyride or one who financially does not have the ability to acquire such a vehicle. Secondly, majority of individuals who are looking to buy/lease a vehicle like an S2000, EVO, STi want one that is "Brand new", one that doesn't have any miles on it or hasn't been driven on numerous test drives.

So yes this poses a tough predicament for prospective buyers.

 

I had my sti for about 2 months now and to try to answer your questions; personally If you leave the car stock the noise from the car isn't that loud. What you would hear most of the time is the turbo spooling up. Driving the car it stands taller than our s2k's but the tires and suspension feel every bump and crack on the road(which I don't mind) It's definately faster than a stock s2k. The all wheel drive is sweet. Taking turns is rather weird but doable in fast speeds compared to our s2k. The interior doesn't squeek. Real world fuel economy a full tank in around 200 miles but I guess that's because of the break in period. The tires hate rain. Well hope this all helps. Good luck with it and if you do purchase on make sure you get an aftermarket sound system installed soon.

 

Hey you should head to Santa Monica. There is a Subaru and Evo dealership on Santa Monica Blvd. Both have let me test the cars -- and I got to really drive them. There are plenty in stock, too. The dealerships are right across the street from each other. The STI was selling for just under $30 without a radio and there is a special on the Evo right now for $27.

 

Alot of dealers dont give test drives cause they dont want to put miles on the car and tehy dotn want people to just come onto the lot to drive the hell outta one. i know, i used to sell for a Chevy/Subaru dealer. No test drives were given on Vette's or WRX's... UNLESS they did a credit ap and were good enough to get one.
you should defintly ask that question, i would never buy a car wihtout a test drive

 

We had the same problem about a test drive on teh STi. That's why we opted for the EVO. It has grown on us now better then teh STi and it was cheaper

 

Isn't a STI a nasty infection near the eye?

I raced several of them in the Cobra - they became pig STI's.

Actually, I am fond of Subaru engineering and quality, but I could never own that warthog as my only car - it would make a great daily driver.

 

I just bought one last night....so far, so good. I love the sound coming from the gear box.......weeeeeettaaahwehaaaaaaaaaataaahweeehoooo ooooo....sweet racing to my ears...I can't wait until she is broken in.

I need a stereo though...big time!!