The market for 2010-2013 STI saloons

The market for 2010-2013 STI saloons

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Discussion

Captain Caveman

Original Poster:

86 posts

175 months

Saturday 18th June 2016
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After many years of Classic scoob ownership, I'm considering treating myself to a late 2013 STI saloon. I'm going in with my eyes open regarding the 2.5 engine issues, however I don't want to be left with a lemon that I can't shift if for some reason I want/need to sell.

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on the market for these cars? All the cars that I've seen on the Trader seem to hang around for ages which I'm worried suggests that the issues with the 2.5 has put people off buying the car. Is this the case? I was hoping that being relatively rare, this would keep its value and be easy to sell on if looked after?

Would I be committing financial suicide paying £19k for a sub 10k miles 2013 car? I am figuring it would be worth say £15k in 3 years time should I want to sell on? There is only 1 private car for sale out of 30 cars available, suggesting that people have been forced to trade in? This is the car:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Otherwise it's buying a Golf R, which on paper is a better car - just doesn't have much character and I find it a little bland. Thoughts?


Edited by Captain Caveman on Saturday 18th June 12:26

RB5Bird

502 posts

195 months

Saturday 18th June 2016
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I think some people are too scared about the 2.5 issue, some people just don't like the styling, and some people got old/sensible turned into sheep and followed the VAG (dull) crowd.

I've got a 64 plate WRX STi, and I love it. I know about the 2.5 problems and will fix it if it goes pop, I know the risks. Just because it's a "bad" engine doesn't mean they will all do it.

Whatever you do, do not go over to Scabbynet and ask this question. For a Subaru site there aren't many fans of the hatch onwards. (Especially a certain FatThomas, who hasn't even driven one which I think makes his opinion null and void, but insists on trolling every single thread that mentions a 2.5)

If you like it, go for it, you won't be disappointed. Unless it goes bang, then you'll just have to get it forged. Then, if forged, it won't be a problem to sell anyway. Win win.

Let's us know when you get one. Sorry, can't help on the price question, got mine new.

jonesof63

947 posts

137 months

Saturday 18th June 2016
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The red car at Newcastle is apparently near perfect, my son is at Uni up there and has had a look over it. It's been in the showroom for quite some time now so i'm sure there's a deal to be had, it's nearing 2014 model money. Like anything else, they sell if they're priced right, KT Green Subaru took a 62 plate car in px last week and sold it within a couple of days.
I wouldn't loose any sleep over the engine unless you're thinking of increasing the output without doing the internals. Maximum 5k oil changes, genuine filters and Mobil 1 have always been my schedule on all our Subarus, I've never had a problem with one. They're a fabulous car, in some ways I prefer the 2011 car we had to the 2015 car my son now has, it's more raw somehow. Golfs are ten a penny, characterless, go for it !

Captain Caveman

Original Poster:

86 posts

175 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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Thanks for the feedback so far fellas. As I said, I'm not too worried about the engine failures, because I always do frequent oil changes and drive with lots of mechanical sympathy. I'm pretty convinced that the 2.5 issues are down to the poor stock map, which runs lean at higher boost, so I'm going to get that corrected - I might even fit a knock sensor. Melted piston are down to detonation, which only occurs due to poor fuel or poor mapping. I only ever run on V-power or Momentum too.

What I am concerned about is being stuck with the car if I need to sell later down the line. I don't want to have to pull my pants down and have to lower the price until someone is prepared to take a punt on it. Do we think realistically that there is a very small market for these cars now? Has the STI become yesterday's niche car?

If the low mileage 2013 STIs on the market aren't selling, it suggests that they're too highly priced. What should I therefore be paying for a 2013 car with under 10k miles?

Thanks for your advice/opinions guys.

Edited by Captain Caveman on Sunday 19th June 12:15

texaxile

3,290 posts

150 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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I don't think you'd have too much of a problem selling it, considering that when the time comes, it'll have had a comprehensive service history and I might be wrong, but the 2.5's once they get past a certain mileage they're deemed as being "safe" somehow.

My 2.5 WRX had done 57k in standard form when I sold it, FSSH and I know the WRX's were not problematic, but a friends mapped 2011 STi has now done 79k and again, no issues at all, just regular quality servicing and mechanical sympathy like letting it cool down properly and not bouncing off the limiter every 5 minutes.

Personally I love the styling of the saloons, plus the fact they're quite rare. I'd say do a deal and go for it.

Captain Caveman

Original Poster:

86 posts

175 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Quiet in here innit? wink

Thanks for the comments mate. Any other thoughts from anyone re the market and desirability of these motors?

Keep switching between the safe option (Golf R) and the STi... Aaaargghhhh



Jonrav

31 posts

145 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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I currently have a 2011 Saloon and it is a great car. The 2.5 engine I feel, is better for everyday driving then the 2.0 in my old WR1 as the torque is much more accessible. The seats in my opinion are very comfortable and road noise isn't too bad ( tyre dependant). I used mine for a weekly commute from Anglesey to South Yorkshire where I found it to excel mainly due to the flexibility of the engine - fast when you need and its able to settle down into a quiet cruise returning at 70 Mph between 30-35 mpg! (Maybe thats just my driving style, however...) Its always nice to be a bit different too! I'd say go for it.

jonesof63

947 posts

137 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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Maintained properly and if the mileage is always well below average it won't 'eat much' in the coming years. I have never tired of the previous performance Subarus I've owned, we run a small fleet of Subaru SUV's for our business, there's something really engaging about them, I'm currently in negotiation with a chap who is selling a WR1, something which I intend using very occasionally and keeping for a long time along with my Jaguars. I had a WR1 from new and regretting parting with it ten years ago, I had a Gti Golf once but didn't miss that. Run the details for the red Newcastle car through We Steal Any Car and compare it to the asking price. Then go and buy it !

Edited by jonesof63 on Sunday 19th June 22:03


Edited by jonesof63 on Sunday 19th June 22:04