2004 WRX STi

[thewalrus]

A friend of mine is selling his 2004 WRX STi, and is giving me first kick at the can, at $15000. World Rally Blue. Gold wheels. No accidents. No modifications. Something like 60 000 km, and he's the owner from new. From what I can tell, that's a pretty decently sweet deal. Also a car I've had a soft spot for since it was first released.

Anyone here have any experience with the first STi in North America? I hear it's pretty raw and basic. Interior build quality is pretty low. But the thing is just as fast as a new one. Which is awesome. I've been tossing the idea of a second, reliable, all-year car for a while now. And this could fit the bill. Plus, if it's anything like Miller's, pretty awesome to drive.

I've also kicked around the idea of another, older, GTI (1.8Ts or post FSI 2.0s). Other stick-shift VWs. Lesser Subarus. E90 / E91 / E92 BMWs. Various Audis. Even my perennial love of Jeep Wranglers (which is very much the dark horse option) has resurfaced.

I don't know - still have to rent a second parking stall from someone - so it's all theoretical at this point. But whenever I contemplate spending 10 - 12 on a preowned BMW or GTI or Audi, I can't help but think the awesomeness : Dollar ratio is way higher with the STi.

[Talon]

Ummm, yes. Even if you only keep it for a year you could probably sell it and not lose much, if anything. I assume he's giving you the friends and family rate. I am no up to par on used STis.

And with 40k miles, that's really low.

Was it the 2004 that didn't come with a radio or A/C?

[thewalrus]

Ummm, yes. Even if you only keep it for a year you could probably sell it and not lose much, if anything. I assume he's giving you the friends and family rate. I am no up to par on used STis.

And with 40k miles, that's really low.

Was it the 2004 that didn't come with a radio or A/C?

Yeah, that's right. No radio, no AC. Which I like. Give's it a pretty cool edge against our TDI. And plus, trying to find unmolested STis is nearly impossible from what I can tell. Almost all of the early models, especially are modified all sorts of different ways.

Think I might go for it, if we can get a second parking stall.

[Talon]

I may be a little bias, but I still think it's worth doing. I never use the A/C in the summer in my Evo. In fact, it doesn't even work anymore due to lack of use. Then again, I don't live in Alabama or something were it's almost be a necessity... but neither do you.

The no radio thing would suck... but if it's not a dd and you just take it out now and again, or to work, then it'd probably not be such a big deal.

I always thought the 04/05 were the cleanest looking N American STi models out.

[Talon]

One of my friends (well, more of an acquaintance on track days) TTs his 2005. Basically anything that can be done to a car has been done to this car. It's hella fast.

[thewalrus]

I may be a little bias, but I still think it's worth doing. I never use the A/C in the summer in my Evo. In fact, it doesn't even work anymore due to lack of use. Then again, I don't live in Alabama or something were it's almost be a necessity... but neither do you.

The no radio thing would suck... but if it's not a dd and you just take it out now and again, or to work, then it'd probably not be such a big deal.

I always thought the 04/05 were the cleanest looking N American STi models out.

Oh yeah - I'm definitely OK with no air and no radio. The wally wagon didn't have air and I drove that for years. And frankly it's radio wasn't much better than non-existent, either. Especially for the last few years. Plus losing those features makes me feel much more hard core than I actually am.

I agree on the looks too - I always liked the frog-eye WRX. This generation, and the hawk-eye generation looked really good too. I guess the front of the '04 was penned by the same guy that designed the McLaren F1. Which is pretty cool.

[tut]

what's this thing you call "a one owner, low mileage, stock STi"?


just bear in mind that no radio and aircon would limit your resale option a tiny bit...


love these cars in a weird way... just don't like the flat brim monster hat and mirror sunnies wearing, UFC singlet wearing image that goes with them...

[ryguy79]

Buy it before you have kids or you're stupid.

[ryguy79]

also, that would be a $20k+ car in Colorado.

[Talon]

what's this thing you call "a one owner, low mileage, stock STi"?


just bear in mind that no radio and aircon would limit your resale option a tiny bit...


love these cars in a weird way... just don't like the flat brim monster hat and mirror sunnies wearing, UFC singlet wearing image that goes with them...

I guess if you live your life based on what you think others think, then maybe not. But I've always thought the 04/05 STis were among the cleanest looking.

[Talon]

Buy it before you have kids or you're stupid.

lulz

Or not (on the kids part, anyway).

[Talon]

If it wasn't for the AWD (Ohio living) and four doors (and having a kid), I'd probably put my Evo up and look for a Mustang 350GTR... assuming I lived in a climate I could drive it every day of the year... which I don't.

[Honor]

Do it, if you got the BALLS

[thewalrus]

Do it, if you got the BALLS

Well I've got my call in to the property manager. Going to follow up today. The condo we live in is a pretty elderly demographic, and there's a ton of empty spots downstairs. So hopefully someone's looking to rent their's out. If not, I'm still going to pick up something for a second car, but because it'd be parked outside, I"m not sure I'd go the STi route. I'm guessing it's just a bit of a theft target.

[Swerve]

You can't really lose.

[Turbojett]

I may be a little bias

Subarus don't have a bias.