I've been out in both an 05 JDM Sti and an 03 UK Sti - huge differences, but I'm not sure it's worth the £7,000+ price difference (plus the abuse from the wife) - I didn't get the chance to try out the DCCD so I would appreciate your thoughts on it!

 

Only worth it if you can drive and know how to use it.

Save your cash Mark

 

He's got a point Mark

 

Harsh.

 

That's a point I must take some lessons ......

 

I went for the '05 JDM car - after all, how are you going to learn how to use DCCD-A if you don't have it?

Your best bet might be the '05 UK car, which gets DCCD-A as an option plus the interior and suspension changes. The JDM car, meanwhile, is still the only one to have the twin scroll turbo (coupled with other significant engine, inlet and exhaust changes), plus HID lights, quick steering rack, rear wiper and electric folding mirrors.

It's the engine changes that sold me the car - though given what I know now about the improvements that are coming to the UK STI for '05 it would be a much less easy decision to make. I never expected all the interior and suspension mods to make it to the UK car.

 

Do you know the comparative steering ratios for JDM / UK ?

 

just phoned newcarsupermarket and they will be offering 05 sti for under £20k by Christmas (they have sold over 100 STi in August alone at £18.8k!)

Just thought you guys might be interested....!

 

I think it's 13:1 for the JDM - but don't know for the UK ....

Cheers Andy C!

 

i think u could be right - 14:1 UK

i expressed interest having driven STi6 with STi quick rack, however Mike Wood Prodrive said it would make the car too nervous - can you compare and comment - STi Uk / JDM q rack

 

UK is 15:1.

I'd definitely be interested in what's included within that £20k price tag, you know what they say about something that sounds too good to be true. Alarm/tracker? Underseal? Warranty?

Even so, it does make my new motor look expensive - assuming that quote is accurate, of course. I console myself that my car will be no less fun (actually no, correct that: no less spectacular) regardless of whatever else is available out there. Besides, my car is in the country right now and I should be driving it in a week or two.

 

The WR1 has the quick rack - I can't see anyone from Prodrive saying bad things about that car somehow

Certainly no WR1 owners I've spoken to have a bad word to say about it...

 

Hmmm.

 

strange....... twas Mike himself!

 

Andy

WR1 doesn't have a 13.1 rack..........

Mike

 

I have quick rack on 03 JDM STi, nervous would be an understatement, tiresome would be a little more accurate.
Still like the car though.

 

Serves me right for believing stuff I read on the web, then - sorry Mike

 

So best leave off quick rack option if WR1, 04 and 05 Euro STi have same ratio and you say that anything quicker is impractical.

How are you getting on evaluating the 05?

Any more extractable torque or broader band for PPP05?

Is the suspension any more driver friendly in terms of choppy ride and understeer

Last but, as they say, but no means least - Whilst it may not be particularly to I.M's favour, I would have thought that it is to Prodrives favour to sanction pan European PPP support / warranty - I understand that an STi bought on mainland, Cyprus or whatever within EU looses its warranty if approved PPP is fitted in UK - this, if true will broaden the divide between future customer and I.M.'s Dealers as it is more economic to get, say a TSL 333 coversion, and loose Prodrive useful revenue to boot..

Unfortunately there is a huge gulf between UK Dealer prices and UK Warehouses - STi is currently £18.8k through the latter - whilst this remains, an increasingly higher percentage of customers will take the decision to buy through unapproved suppliers.

I am sure a vast percentage of customers would buy throught the Dealer if only prices could be better aligned - via inter European currency trading or whatever it takes to be a level playing field!!

feel free to PM

thanks

David