richardr33

Hi guys, I'am new on the Subaru seen, I went to look at a blue 09 plate sti 5 door hatchback yesterday, I loved the look of it and it went ok for a standard car, it was practical for the kids aswell, but there was a discrepancy with the service history, so I rang the Leeds Subaru dealer that had serviced it and asked them for a service history check, I gave them the vin number and the told me when it had been serviced, it checked out all fine, he said it was his car a year or so ago and that it had 2 engines, so this put me off straight away, I asked him are they known for this, he said its quite common, the pistons had cracked on both engines, so warranty covered this. So this is where I 'am, I've had alot of performance cars M5's to GTR's, this is a bit off putting, when I searched Pistonheads/Autotrader/Ebay there where quite a few that have had engines replaced, are there any different types of sti on a older shape anymore more reliable? I've got a budget of 15k

The Pink Ninja

iTrader: (23)

If you like the hatch try and get the JDM(japanese domestic market) version, Has a 2.0l engine which is probablly the best of the bunch, Speak to Litchfields they might be able to give you some advice, Not too many around in the UK

Osimabu

iTrader: (2)

There's lots about the 2.5 litre engine here:

https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...-failures.html

And Litchfield's website is here:

http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/

All the Japanese Domestic Market STis have, I believe, 2.0 litre engines which are generally acknowledged to be the ones to go for for reliability.

richardr33

Thanks for the reply, I'll try them, I like both of the shapes before the hatch, are there any other versions you recommend in those shapes?

Osimabu

iTrader: (2)

Ask Litchfield about their 'Type 20'. Stonking!

richardr33

I'll give them a shout tomorrow, is that in the hatch shape or hawkeye?

Dan-

if you require the hatch, as said speak to litchfield but if a saloon is okay for you, you cant go wrong with a late blob sti 2004-05 best of the uk bunch from what everyone seems to say, and can be had for £7k-£9k

salsa-king

Hatch is the way forward...

STi 330s on the left... modified 'normal' Sti on the right




Not all have issues, you hear of the problem cars before you hear of the no problem cars.

Dan-

they do look f**king gorgeous in white (drools)

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

Another hatch sti 330s owner here, cracking car ticks all the boxes plus has the creature comforts. As said a I've you never hear the good stories and yes they are prone to breaking but it's not on all of them, plus if you are looking at one from a dealer then you will have a warranty. Just be prepared that if it does go out of warranty then it's a good excuse to forge it. The 2.5 from the hawkeye on has had engine issues so if you don't want to risk it then hold out for a 54-06 blob sti or a jdm hawk or hatch as they both have the 2.0

salsa-king

the colour to have.. and not that many about. When I was looking for mine there were 5 in the country.. all sold. StriKe wanted mine.. he's in Scotland.. and if i couldn't have had mine.. I'd of gone to Falkirk Scotland.. to get the one he ended up with. lol

Streetracersti

2.5 engines are not the best unless U R ready to put forged stuff in it - pistons and big ends are night mare - see link in above tread about it

As recommended - JDM 2.0 impreza's are much stronger

Good luck

Kwik

iTrader: (10)

What are the wheels on the one on the right?, looks amazing!

salsa-king

Think they're Rota.s

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

Although your are not wrong that the 2.5 is weak please think about how many 2.5's have been sold in wrx form not just sti since 2006 I'm sure the failures are much smaller percentage then the wonderful world of the Internet would have you believe. The 2.5 makes for a great road car.

salsa-king

The 2.5litre engines are nice to have. Smooth to drive. My 330s feels very quick and the 6speed gear box is lovely to have too.

Cost of the road tax annoys me though Compared to a Focus Rs.

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

salsa that is true but I am willing to [pay the extra and have the extra grip and lack of torque steer

richardr33

Thanks for the replys guys.

What are the WR1 engines like?

The Pink Ninja

iTrader: (23)

Same as the 2003-2004 Sti engine with a different map on it.

richardr33

So not like the JDM 2.0 engine then?

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

Nope its the same as in any UK sti. Also wouldn't personally go for the wr1 bit higher price being a limited edition and you should be able to get a UK sti 54 plate onwards for the same cash. Revised interior, wide track running gear among some other tweaks and should have a higher resale value

Osimabu

iTrader: (2)

I was going to go for a WR1 (there is a separate WR1 Owners' Club website if you want to know more about them) but then a Mk1 Type 20 came along and the WR1 seemed just a bit... common!

(Runs off to hide...!)

salsa-king

the WR1 colours a bit girlie IMO

RB320 is better being black