Subaru sti spec c 2004

Subaru sti spec c 2004

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Discussion

jbaddeley

Original Poster:

829 posts

205 months

Wednesday 20th January 2016
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Are there any owners on here than can advise me on the suitability of one of these as a daily. Circa 10k per year. Got my eye on a mint example. How easy are parts to source? Will it be too raucous for everyday. Currently in new golf r as daily. Any advice would be appreciated folks.

themanwithnoname

1,634 posts

213 months

Thursday 21st January 2016
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Hi

I'm not sure about 10k a year, however a mate of mine has one (incidentally up for sale at the moment as well), it's hard and loud, and of course over 10k a year you'd be servicing a couple of times a year, but no reason why you couldn't at all.

Compared to a Golf R it will be hard as nails and very noisy.

Out of interest is the one you're looking at a few miles north of where you are now?


jbaddeley

Original Poster:

829 posts

205 months

Friday 22nd January 2016
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Yes mate. Sale in Manchester. Kevin's motor. Still researching before I decide whether to view. Think it might be a bit raw for everyday. I've got a very firm e36 m3 to play with on track and nice weekends and as much as kevs car looks amazing it might be a step too far as a daily. Mulling it over.

themanwithnoname

1,634 posts

213 months

Friday 22nd January 2016
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It is a proper stunner that one. He's absolutely gutted to be selling it on, but doing the sensible thing and buying a house is taking precedent at the moment. That said he also has an SF Forester ST/B and his missus has an STI hatch as well, so its not all tears! He does however change his mind on a nearly daily basis as to whether its actually being sold or not!

To be fair, in the summer, the owner has used it daily, granted only between Sale and Trafford park, it really does depend on what your needs are. Personally, if I didn't have my Forester STI I'd probably be all over it. Once again that all said he was gutted that his insurer was closed to take his call at the weekend as he was itching to get out in the thing, and it's off the road for winter to keep it out of the salt.

As a third party, but a mate of the seller, I can absolutely assure you that the car wants for nothing, its pristine, and as you'll probably already know it won best in class at JAE last year, and he is constantly just looking to make little improvements over time, and taking the time to make adjustments for perfection. It's not often you get a call to head to the pub to talk camber, caster, ackerman, spring rates and damping!

Anyway, I think what I'm trying to say is that the car is great, but only you can decide if its a bit much for daily use. Personally, I'd happily use one daily, but then I got very bored of German refinement, and really genuinely enjoy the rawness, the analogue-ness and the feel of the kit that comes out of Mitaka, Tokyo.

Lunar Tick

112 posts

141 months

Friday 22nd January 2016
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I recently imported a Hawk Spec C and while not used as an everyday daily, it does have to do the odd long (300-mile) trip. Although it feels raw and mechanical to drive (a great thing IMO) it's got a quiet exhaust on and is absolutely fine comfort and noise wise for cruising. Obviously, the interior is nowhere near a Golf R standard, but that isn't a problem IMO. My Spec C has central locking, electric windows, folding mirrors, air con - everything you really need! I occasionally down in Manchester if you want to experience a Spec C for yourself?

jbaddeley

Original Poster:

829 posts

205 months

Friday 22nd January 2016
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Cheers chaps. I previously owned an RB5 long before they all got smashed up or rotted. Loved it. Of all the cars I've owned it's the car I'd buy again to put in my dream collection. Always loved scoobs even though my last 3 cars were of German origin. Kevs car looks too good to use as a daily, but my route is only 14 miles there and back and, a lot o f my miles are out and about for fun.. We've got a new skoda yeti for family duties so I'm Very tempted to view, but I know I'll end up buying it if that happens. Have you been in it?

themanwithnoname

1,634 posts

213 months

Saturday 23rd January 2016
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You're not wrong, the temptation is strong despite the fact I have no money or space!

I've not yet, but ask me again tomorrow smile I might be popping over with a chap round the corner from me to get some parts for his RA

I've convoyed with him a few times, and he's snuck up outside my house a couple of times in it, its not crazy loud, but its undeniably an Impreza - louder than my Forester, quieter than his Forester!

tonyb1968

1,156 posts

146 months

Saturday 23rd January 2016
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These are great cars, havin owned 2 over 8 years I can vouch that they are not a daily driver, the noise and concentration this car needs will make you feel tired over time and I personally would not use it as a daily driver (I didnt,I used another car and had the Spec C as a 2nd car).

I would suggest driving one over a long distance to understand what I mean, also seeing the fuel guage dropping after the first 5 miles can be off putting wink

Ved

3,825 posts

175 months

Saturday 23rd January 2016
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Shorter gearing and a smaller fuel tank so you'll never do 300 on a run. No sound deadening so far more noisy but I don't see this being any worse than an Elise. It'll depreciate slowly too so there's no harm in trying it for 6 months.

drumsterphil

474 posts

223 months

Sunday 24th January 2016
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I used a 22B as a daily driver for 3 years covering 10k pa. A Spec C will be a limo in comparison.....

tonyb1968

1,156 posts

146 months

Sunday 24th January 2016
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drumsterphil said:
I used a 22B as a daily driver for 3 years covering 10k pa. A Spec C will be a limo in comparison.....
In 13 years of ownership I can tell you that the Spec C is harder to live with than a 22B as a daily driver, the 22B will be luxurious in comparison
as it wasnt meant to be lightweight and stripped out.

drumsterphil

474 posts

223 months

Monday 25th January 2016
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tonyb1968 said:
In 13 years of ownership I can tell you that the Spec C is harder to live with than a 22B as a daily driver, the 22B will be luxurious in comparison
as it wasnt meant to be lightweight and stripped out.
Yikes, my 22B was pretty full on with coilovers, decent control weights so the Spec C must really be hardcore.

FWIW the 2004 Spec C RA is my favourite newage by far, gorgeous car.