I think so!

Just looking into the 2L vs 2.5L STi's now.

Set on the STi after hearing the above feedback.

Funny, I swear all my other WRX's I've had over the years have been a case of purchase car for XXXXX amount of dollars, spend BULK trying to get near STi performance and handling.

When all along I should have just got the damn STi to start with and probably saved a heap in the long run.

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

Yea you will definitely be thanking yourself over and over for going the 05 STi ...join the driving with huge happy grin on face club hehe

There is also an unmodded 06 STi with 90thouKMs on carsales for $31k, bit over your budget but sure can try use some bargaining skills...but then its the 2.5l engine which is still great unless you go chasing ridiculous hp, like 350 atw! then need to get forged internals later to push safely past 350...which isn't a problem anyway... 05 Sti seems to be the go... identical KMs and save yourself $5k

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06 STi: 337hp @23psi on E85...
06 STi: 309hp @22psi on 98ron...

Just buy the 05 Sti and win.

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Bitches love cardigans

I've seen that one, I'm actually looking at this one just doing some calculations to see if I can spend this much.

2008 Subaru Impreza G3 WRX STi MY08 All Wheel Drive

If not It'll either be an MY05 or 06 STi, don't mind the idea of having a 2.5L as I only plan on adding TBE and high flow panel filter with tune.

^ Famous last words.

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

I voted the WRX.

If you don't plan on seeing a track or anything, the 6 speed with beefier clutch becomes cumbersome in traffic and the rest isn't needed. How ever for 30k you can pickup a my11 WRX which is ( i think) is the best non STi model they have made to date.

My11 over my09 because good engine, good turbo, plenty of room with kids. Awesome note even with the standard exhaust on it.

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2016 Subaru Outback - Work Wagon
350NM of CVT Goodness
Pit Crew, shit talker.

i was in a similar situation at the start of the year, well i ended up buying a 2009 wrx sedan (stock) and immediately wondered if maybe i should have gotten an 06 STI.
fast forward to now and i've just sold my wrx and bought an 06 STI and couldn't be happier with my decision.

I would have to of spent thousands and thousands of $ on the wrx to get it to the power, handling, and braking level of the STI (ie to be anywhere near as fun to drive) and they both cost the same amount. don't get me the wrong standard wrx was great to drive, but i suspect you'll be like most people on this forum and immediately want to start modding it

You don't have to be a young hoonigan to enjoy a 05 STI

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The older you get the more you realise that no one has a clue. Every one is just winging it.
MY05 STI

Tbe and tune delivers a bucketload of power for your daily and weekend forrest rallying

That's all you'll need for a while...

The 08 wasn't too bad...I'd go 05/06 over any 08-10 anyday... 2011 is when Subaru found their senses again and produced another hardcore monster STi like the earlier (99-2007) years like masterD said in his post

Go the 05 or 06 >> WIN or WIN

Edit: Do not buy the 08 STi -- research piston ring land failures, knocking, oil consumption, etc...

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06 STi: 337hp @23psi on E85...
06 STi: 309hp @22psi on 98ron...

I would imagine the newer wrx will be more comfortable than the older sti.
No doubt easier to find with lower kms & better condition too.

But if you are leaning towards comfort if personally be looking at a liberty GT.

The sti comes with all the fruit and is certainly a more exciting and sought after model than the Betty wrx.
Much more fun to drive than the wrx and gt, and will get the smile on your face quickly!

In either scenario, 2L is also more fuel efficient.

STI.

That is all.

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2016 Levorg GT-S
Old man spec.