CTC Review: 2008 Subaru WRX STi

[JR]

let me tell you that hey have about 4K mark up on these STi's.  I was told by one dealer friend and later confirmed by another.  You can get about 2K off with alittle fuss but not much more then that.  I did buy one and I was able to get 2500 off the list.  It is a nice car and it is a nice car to drive on a daily basis.

[Mitlov]

Mostly sitting sideways it looks similar in the way the rear bulges out... that's probably about all though.

It doesn't look remotely like ANY of those cars.

[2hondas]

let me tell you that hey have about 4K mark up on these STi's.  I was told by one dealer friend and later confirmed by another.  You can get about 2K off with alittle fuss but not much more then that.  I did buy one and I was able to get 2500 off the list.  It is a nice car and it is a nice car to drive on a daily basis.

Pictures?

[Snowman]

I feel that the Sti have lost it's edge it use to have.  So many other cars have around 300hp including your mom and dad's Honda Accord and Toyota Camry's with 280hp.

 

That has to be the stupidest thing I heard in 2008

 

[johngenx]

I feel that the Sti have lost it's edge it use to have.  So many other cars have around 300hp including your mom and dad's Honda Accord and Toyota Camry's with 280hp.

 

That has to be the stupidest thing I heard in 2008

 

 

Just because a car has 300hp, doesn't mean it competes with the STi.

[quadzilla]

I feel that the Sti have lost it's edge it use to have.  So many other cars have around 300hp including your mom and dad's Honda Accord and Toyota Camry's with 280hp.

 

That has to be the stupidest thing I heard in 2008

 

 

Just because a car has 300hp, doesn't mean it competes with the STi.

WHAT?  You mean my wagon that has more HP than an Elise isn't better?  What is wrong with this world?

[Demosthenes X]

I feel that the Sti have lost it's edge it use to have.  So many other cars have around 300hp including your mom and dad's Honda Accord and Toyota Camry's with 280hp.  The Mazda Speed 3 is $10k cheaper and the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is more then $25k cheaper.  Throw in The Dodge Magnum wagon with a hemi and MDS and there are many other cars to choose from.  Not to mention the new Evo which is bound to steal sales away from the STi.  You can even get an SRT8 Challanger cheaper then this Subaru.

 

An Accord and an STI are miles apart.  The Accord is a great car, and makes lots of power, it might even be fun to drive, but that does not make it a competitor for the STI...

Though I agree in principle: cars like the 335xi and R32 that deliver similar performance numbers but more luxury are strong competitors for the STI.  One only needs to decide whether cutting-edge performance or a pleasant dash of luxury to go with performance is more preferable...

[Turbo Bob]

Judging by what you've experienced James, would you buy one? (Obviously if you were shopping in that segment)

And if not, what in that segment would get your vote instead?

 

[wing]

Well if I was in the market for this type of car it would be a hard choice between it and the EVO.

If I had a dedicated track car than the STi wins hands down for daily performance and versatility.  The EVO seems to be more fun on the track though.  If you aren't going to the track, yeah just get the STi.

[Zombie]

The word on the street is both the WRX and STI are receiving a hefty bump in HP for there the 09 MY.

The WRX is going to be 265 and the STI will be about 320-330.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/2009-subaru-impreza-wrx-gets-upgraded-to-265-hp/

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/717411/2009_subaru_wrx_sti_spy_video_by_edmunds_inside_line/

[initial_D]

That is welcoming news.

[Zombie]

Well if I was in the market for this type of car it would be a hard choice between it and the EVO.

If I had a dedicated track car than the STi wins hands down for daily performance and versatility.  The EVO seems to be more fun on the track though.  If you aren't going to the track, yeah just get the STi.

Would you get the Manual or the duel clutch auto if you get the EVO? I hear the duel clutch is faster but changing the gears is half the fun.

[wing]

Dual clutch no question.

[Vmango]

FYI for anyone interested in the STi. I'm currently car shopping and will most likely import.

I just got quoted 35K all in from Van Bortel Subaru in Buffalo. That's an 08 STi with the BBS package - quoted over 2k cheaper than MSRP. Considering MSRP here is 44K it looks like one can be on the road in Canada for less than MSRP here.

Now, I just need to come up with the ca$h 

[airbalancer]

Have they opened a place in Buffalo now because i know they are in Rochester
http://www.vanbortelsubaru.com/

[Oz]

The word on the street is both the WRX and STI are receiving a hefty bump in HP for there the 09 MY.

The WRX is going to be 265 and the STI will be about 320-330.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/2009-subaru-impreza-wrx-gets-upgraded-to-265-hp/

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/717411/2009_subaru_wrx_sti_spy_video_by_edmunds_inside_line/

I love the way the older subies looked. Something of a bulldog effect, cant help but appreciate the looks. I used to drool at the bug eyed STIs with their gold rims.

But now those numbers lose meaning to me since the current platform looks like pants. Visual appeal is a big part of a car buying decision imo.

Sorry Subaru...

[TopGun]

Visual appeal is a big part of a car buying decision imo.

Sorry Subaru...

I'm with you Oz.

While my criteria for visual appeal range between the proportions just being "right"...to styling for the sake of functionality...I find this car to be simply ungainly.

[Turbo Bob]

I'm still amazed it beat the Evo round the Top Gear track! 

[wing]

I could see it, on high speed fast stuff I think the STi would be faster and of course it does have more power and it is a power track.

[Threader]

When comparing US and Cdn 2008 Sti bottom line purchase prices don't forget to factor in that the Canadian spec model comes standard with winter package. Heated Windshield wipers, Front Seats and exterior mirrors which are not available on any US spec model (not sure if these part can be custom ordered and installed by dealer in US though).

I for one enjoyed and appreciated the winter package on my 08 Sti since I bought mine in January in one of Montreal snowiest winters on record. Not having those options in my opinion would not be worth saving $3000-4000 grand and the hassle.

My only complaint would be the weak paint. I have chips on the hood lip and rear fenders. Now I Regret not having the dealer seal those areas with 3M before getting the keys. Definitely getting mudflaps installed next November.