Here's Why I Bought the Subaru WRX STI of my Dreams

We see it time and time again in the car world, people lust after cars they wanted when they were younger. For the boomer generation it was 60's and 70's muscle cars and now for many millennials, Japanese imports from the 90's and 2000's are very desirable. Come along this episode where I travel 3 states away to buy my high school dream car, a 2005 Subaru WRX STI.
#subaru #wrx #sti

[@EatSleepDrive]

INB4 the Evo crowd flames me... 🔥

[@seansmile]

No flaming here lol. I get that you’re trying to enjoy all the cars you love. Although I prefer the evo maybe cause I own one lol I still love stis and look forward to the content you’re gonna make

[@N8morob]

I had an 03 bugeye for 15 years. Loved that car. Now I have a 15 EVO X. Which I also love. Both cars are great. Very fun to drive.

[@valentinorossi7771]

Kurt, the "problem" with both WRX and Evo is they are geared too low for continuous interstate driving. Modern hot hatches and performance sedans these days have tall gearing, made possible by 7, 8 or even 9 speed that allow cruising at low rpm. I once drove from Tulsa to Boston in my cherokee and at 70 mph the engine spun at 2200 - 2300 rpm. Imagine doin that in an Evo X or your recently purchased WRX which necessitates the engine to spin at over 3000 rpm over thousands of miles. Tiring, droning and not to mention poor gas mileage.

[@valentinorossi7771]

You have been in "sleep" mode and only god knows when you will ever return to "drive" mode.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

yes be proud a great score with that one !

[@DreamWorkDrive]

Congrats! I've had my 04 Sti for 7 years and couldn't be happier. As I approached 100k miles I had to spend a bit on bigger maintenance bills such as timing belt, rocker cover gaskets, rear wheel bearing, etc. Service history with consistent oil change is not good enough. Oregon is a beautiful place and have been to the region you've shown as well. Love it there!

[@nickt5978]

i grew up with subarus, my dad owned 27 subarus from forester xt’s to every generation of sti and some really rare stuff like gf8 sti wagons and legacy spec b’s. my mom even drove a prodrive wagon for a long time. i bought a 04 wrx wagon that i sti swapped 7 years later, i was the second owner. and all the special cars are because i’m from south africa where we may have allegedly imported cars under different names.. but it’s a brand i’ll always go back to even after owning many vw’s and now a e36 m3 and 135i my eye is always open for a nice stock sti

[@wackit6756]

What a beautiful road trip, I’ve done it a couple of times but many years ago. You eat the same delicious foods I would. But that may get me in trouble in a few years. LOL. The independent eateries are my favorite. There is nothing more satisfying than finding the car of your dreams

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you! Independent eateries are my favorite too. I always try and avoid chains the best I can on roadtrips like this.

[@williamharrison1080]

Happy for you bro, I had a 2005 RS Impreza and I loved it... still miss it.

[@blueridge8992]

Welcome to the club! I got mine in February and it feels like such a special thing. It’s a really unique vibe that I’ve never felt from any of my past vehicles. I started my search in December and my goal was a ‘12-‘14 STI hatch but after many test drives of various years I came to the conclusion that a ‘15+ was a better choice for my goal of an OEM+ car (rather than another never ending project that I ruin with too much power). In February of this year I finally found a one-owner, bone stock, dealership-maintained 2018 in world rally blue with just 22k miles! I bought it from a retired doctor who kept the STI at his summer lake house since the day he bought it new. He was very fair with the negotiations so I ended up only paying about $5k more than the high-mileage ‘12-‘14s at the dealerships, and $10-15k less than all the other VA STIs on the lots. I already have a growing pile of S208/S209 bits waiting for warm weather to install, along with a fresh set of PS4s tires. I did the full maintenance gamut, catch cans, and a 3 stage paint correction myself, and then had PPF on the B-pillar forward and 30% ceramic tint on all 10 windows installed last week. The PPF certainly wasn’t cheap but the peace of mind knowing it’s protected for the long term is priceless. Now I can actually start driving the car farther than the entrance to my neighborhood without anxiety lol.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Wow great find. Enjoy your STI!

[@Gx22]

Great vid. Thanks for not using any fancy edits and a bunch of tracks. This was much more enjoyable and personable.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fredastaire6156]

How exciting is that!! I, too, bought my high school dream car. A 2004 STi, one owner, garage kept, 84k miles, bone stock, and I paid a whopping 26k for it… And don’t regret a single thing. I love this car!! Congrats on the purchase, she’s beautiful!! (Black and gold, love it!)

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i brought a subaru - turbo and wow i am in love just adore my STI swapped SF5 GT Forester !

[@i_Kalash]

I own a 2015 STi limited and I LOVE it to death I run Amsoil Signature Series 5W30 and it does really great without burning any oil

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice! If you take care of them, they last.

[@williamperez7578]

My dream car is the same sti year you purchased but in WR Blue with the gold BBS rims. You have a very nice car, good find.

[@jordanross3290]

I bought a 05 PSM Sti about a year ago. I love it. Fantastic cars and will likely only appreciate

[@EatSleepDrive]

Good choice!

[@c_k_lim]

my high school dream cars are EVO 9 and an S2000, very fortunate to have both right now

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice choices!

[@ChrisWalksFast]

LOVE these type of videos. I really think these traveling-to-buy car videos is what sets you apart from the rest of the cartubers. Would love to hear why you keep returning to this car and you really delving into that!

[@ChrisWalksFast]

The posting of the original ad was much appreciated. Would love to hear you talk about the communication + negotiation process too when trying to have a guy hold a car for you when you were trying to fly out

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks Chris! I'd love to make more, but as it turns out, buying cars is expensive! It's a bad business model but I enjoy doing it when I can. Thank for sticking around!

[@blues3531]

yeah these are 100% his best format. I always tune in for these.

[@ChaseMedia]

Congrats on the new car! Fellow 2005 sti OBP here! Enjoy her man, Can't wait to see what you have in line for her :)

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@Funnyfrancis01]

nice buy! i was actually looking at that specific STI and thought of taking the trip myself from Southern California, but i didnt have money at the time. you’re living the dream 🤙

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@kevinfloyd1864]

Really liked the video. Two funniest comments: car "driven by an ole lady" and "somehow this always turns into a brewery tour". Didn't really have a dream car, but my first car was a 1972 Red with Black stripes Hurst Olds. Yeah, not the White and Gold. Purchased it in 1974. At the time, didn't know what I had. Oldsmobile badged the car as a Cutlass Supreme. Other than the Hurst name embedded into the sides of the "his/her" gear shift (had never seen that before), no noticeable signs of the car being a Hurst Olds. Everything else, Hurst wise, was mechanical. Little by little I discovered what I had. Loved that car. Wish I had it now.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Appreciate the kind words Kevin and glad you enjoyed the video! I didn't know the Hurst Olds was a thing, had to google it. Man, that's a cool ride! I feel like that body style has come around to being cool again. I can see how you'd wish to have it now.

[@mtsixspeed]

I think we're around the same age because this was a dream car of mine at the same point in my life. I never ended up buying one and I've since decided that Subaru problems are not worth it. Enjoy this fine example during your time with it!

[@EatSleepDrive]

They do have their fair share. Hopefully this one treats me alright.

[@Crazy8ts]

Um they are definiely worth it NOW, they arent making them anymore and are skyrocketing in value, GD STI's in good condition with clean histories will appreciate at least 25%... PER YEAR ...over the next several years, so that means the steady value increase of the car will outpace the cost of ownership, wich more than pays for any annual maintenance. Get one now before the good ones are all 30-40 grand in a year.

[@diegohooker]

Your car buying videos are my favorite videos. You inspired me to get my e92 m3

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you Diego! Hope you're enjoying your M3. I think about that car a lot. Wish I could have mind back.

[@Jajaanong]

Awesome car. You did what I always wanted to do drive my along the west coast. I'm the first owner of 2006 sti obsidian black with gold wheels.

[@Big_M_T]

Alright, alright, alright! This is why I started watching this channel years ago! I love this stuff Kurt! Keep it up! 👍

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you for being an OG!

[@Infovince3434]

Congrats!!! That's a very good purchase.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks!

[@MrNathannaruto]

I'm 1st was a bug eye 2002.. I absolutely loved it.. Congrats finding the 05. The blue flakes in the paint brings back memories.. I'm still chasing that perfect S14 angry eye in red..

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you! My first Subie was a 02 bugeye as well!

[@nytnapoli8327]

Congrats! Enjoy!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!!

[@Torquestable]

Congrats bro ! You are going to love the ownership of this car. These cars are unicorns in todays times. Everything is so numb, and isolated. This will provide that true analog, raw experience.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Can't wait!

[@Ow_My_Balls]

Congratulations welcome to the family

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!!

[@vysyrah3711]

BEAUTIFUL car, man. I love the older gen wrx’s / sti’s. Enjoy her!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@YaMi-cn9mr]

was looking into buying THIS EXACT car, happy I didn't so you were able to pick up this beauty!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Whoa, thanks!

[@vampiregypsy8403]

Done this trip many times with my 2006 and my road dog 🐕 she passed so it will never be the same.!!! Enjoy your whip!!!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Sorry for your loss Chris. Glad you have your memories with her from that roadtrip though!

[@mukhtar__]

lovely car, dude! really happy for u 🤍

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you so much 😀

[@trc009]

R34 GTR! Between being deep into Gran Turismo 2, my Sports Compact Car subscription, and the internet starting to become more popular (Best Motoring FTW!!!), I wanted all those 90s JDM cars. The R34 was tearing everyone up and I wanted one! It's unfortunate that so many of those cars are so expensive now, it makes it hard to justify the cost when something new can be had for less.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Maybe when we literally can't buy gas anymore and ICE cars are worth pennies you can get your R34 finally and just look at it in the garage...

[@loszeyeung]

I started with a 03 Bugeye RS (Sold), to a 07 Legacy GT Spec B (daily), and currently a swapped 2000 RSTI (just finished project). The blobeye STI has always been a special one to me since it's the first STI in state with official gold wheels, larger spoiler, blue seats, and Defi style gauge. When I got my Spec B, I did the similar thing which flew to CO, drove 1100 miles back to CA. The difference is your trip appears to have some very nice cool weathers while mine was brutally burning hot during 120F summer thru vegas. I was surprised I made it back without a hiccup. I have done a lot of maintenance on the Spec B at around 90k miles. Will be very interested to see all the items that will be needed for this STI. The funny part is I also have a 2010 ISF which proves that we love similar cars? :)

[@EatSleepDrive]

Haha, I like your style..

[@SnocashMC]

Thats so crazy, I actually bought some parts from this guy right after he picked it up from san Francisco! Its a perfect example of a gem. Great find!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Small world!

[@davidp441]

One of the best videos I've seen. You're obviously a Subby nutjob. With passion to spare for these iconic cars. I've seen the grear late Colin McRae win the WRC in cars like this. Good look with keeping these special cars for the future. Respect. Special cars

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks David!

[@lampat.8830]

Happy for u !!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@kennydouge3781]

Congratulations buddy! Your video reminded me when I got my 2012 sti sedan 2 years ago! I had the same amount of miles as your car but I already put an additional 60k miles 😂

[@EatSleepDrive]

That is awesome! Thank you!

[@kimgreenway824]

Nice road trip,I have a 2004 sti wr1 here in the UK 🇬🇧 had it 13 years great car worth alot more now great investment 👍

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice! They're only going up!

[@rkkwan71]

Miss my 04 STi in white with gold wheels. Unlike my 02 WRX, I'd also kept the STi mostly stock, except for camber plates in the front for track use.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Great combo! Yeah, the older I get the more I just like things kept stock...

[@RicondaRacing]

I'm 37 and the older I get the more power I want...lol. I'm making about 500whp in my 15 STI Launch Edition

[@drummerrs2505]

Any update on this car since you bought it? I have a 2005 2.5 RS that is OBP as well I bought it new in fall 04’ I was 21 and could afford all that comes with a wrx or STi. It has 63,000 on it now and it’s not stock it’s cam’d and tuned N/A beast now that’s can keep up with WRX’s. It does track days and auto cross and has been impressively reliable. Have driven the PCHW 101 through Oregon as well in a 98 forester. And I love Deshutes beer too, black butte porter! So I utterly love this video.

[@geenev5543]

Yeah WRX vs EVO was the real thing for us in this part of the world 🌎 🇦🇺. The other cars that were also popular then, and still are today, are the nissan skyline/GTR and mazda RX’s (2-7). There were other cars but none of them captured the hearts and minds of impressionable young teens to 30yr old males than the rivalry between the blue wrx vs red evo. Looks like you landed on a diamond! Just a little cut and polish, detailing and minor repairs and you could possibly off-load for a great profit, or keep it whichever you choose regardless a great find! Like most of your vids, your content of purchases, travels, food and the landscape shots are all great content! Thanks for sharing!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks for the kind words Gee! Thanks for sharing.

[@thechunkyhen]

Watch out for the plastic end tanks on the stock radiator. Mine cracked around 105k miles. Mine cracked while I was driving in the mountains and miraculously I had cell service and was able to tow it back home. Upgraded to a koyorad which has been great.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Good tip!

[@aarondoering2386]

Few months ago I bought a 2020 sti and love it............

[@EatSleepDrive]

Good call given they've essentially discontinued them.

[@danielkaz6280]

Great vids

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@milli_on4451]

I so understand you my friend. I also had 06 sti then 06 wrx and now 05 sti. I just love these so much that I had to buy it again. Not really into what came after 07. Btw I also have a review of mine on my channel 😊👍

[@vinbags]

I need to take this ride 1 day...looks amazing! Maybe I'll bring my 10 STi hatch out west.

[@EatSleepDrive]

It's a must do on the car bucket list. The California portion especially from SF to LA is incredible.

[@lornadoone]

I got my 05 STI about 4 years ago, it sat in a garage for many years prior to me buying. Got it with 50k miles and now I'm at 75k. It came with a couple bolt ons but nothing crazy. She has low miles but things still break due to her age. She's garage kept with me and only goes to Subaru for upkeep. My 06 Impreza died with 199,997 on the odometer and I went looking for an STI and got super lucky, paid a little less than yours.

[@emilmonsen51]

i bought a 02 bugeye sti in the same color 1 year ago and i feel u man, i had to drive 8 hours from where i bought it to get back home. and that was like the most surreal experience of my life like not only drving the car of my dreams but now i actually owned it, Best 8 hours of my life.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Loves the bugeyes! My first subaru ever was a bugeye. They hold a special place in my heart.

[@mengdynasty6034]

Beautiful car with beautiful views! My dream is the Evo 8/9 but I got my 2nd dream car instead (STI). One day soon I’m gonna get one.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Both icons!

[@gunnihawkeye4195]

Nice! Congrats. I have an 06 in the same color. ✌️🙂

[@EatSleepDrive]

Good choice!

[@taelee347]

I have 06 STI but you chose the best year (2005) - congrats. I like WRB better personally but Black + Gold is also a good combination. Enjoy!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks Tae. I love me some Hawkeye too!

[@THEBEARDEDTOOLGUY]

INHERITED my dad's 05 BLOB EYE Blue/ Gold Factory BBS wheels and Tires Car is Rust Free dad Drive it less then 16k will Sell it when it's Worth $$$$$$ some day

[@michaelhattingh285]

Its one of the best cars you'll ever own. I sold myne years ago and always looking to buy one again and find bug eye again. Not selling it again. The sound is amazing

[@EatSleepDrive]

The sound is my favorite part too.

[@ThatwhiteSTI]

Definitely need to get a cylinder 4 cooling mod

[@brokentradgedy]

so clean

[@EatSleepDrive]

TY!

[@moonman_8935]

Keep it up how does it feel going from a ISF to STI? I went from 2006 EVO to 2019 STI to 2021 STI now a 2022 IS500. That black Gold combo on the STI from 2004-2007 is my most favorite configuration! Enjoy & congrats.

[@EatSleepDrive]

STI feels more raw but the ISF was such a better daily. Enjoy that IS500, it's a peach.

[@believe_yahweh]

beautiful i miss mine but i have a '13 hatch to make up for that void

[@EatSleepDrive]

Those years of the hatch are coveted as well.

[@mustang3.0]

Well CONGRATULATIONS ! I also found my 2013 WRX on Craigslist 4 years ago. 1 owner car bone stock. With only 23,000 miles on the clock at the time.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice, enjoy your Subie!

[@jonathanmejia1803]

Where did you look up to see if it came originally with gold wheels?

[@claybalding2774]

Was able to get one of my dream cars from my lift about a week or two ago. 2012 Audi S4 Quattro 🙏🏼

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice! B8 S4's are really fantastic cars. Fun fact, the first ever review video I did was a B8 S4 :)

[@sleebanger]

those wheels are a rare factory option. fellow 340whp STI owner here.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Love the golds!

[@ytdweller23]

nice vlog

[@kidstarr100]

My high school dream car is the R33 skyline, of course it’s a bit unobtainable at the moment but my second choice is a hawk eye/hatch sti, I hope I can find one in good condition one day

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

They can be imported now, so no, they've not unobtainable

[@EatSleepDrive]

I hope you find the right one for you one day!

[@ChrisWalksFast]

My high school dream car was the purple Eclipse GSX and a 04 WRB Sti with gold wheels!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Oh many I almost bought a GSX recently. Talk about another car that's hard to find not abused. DSM's still scare me to own though..

[@verner540]

Nice car! He will probably sell it after 1 year

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Please please sell it to me when this happens

[@EatSleepDrive]

Well, you know me..

[@desperado73397]

My favorite subaru ❤❤

[@nightmahregaming]

I was born and raised in Washington. My first time ever in downtown Portland was a few months ago. Place is a absolute disaster. Same with Seattle. Super sad honestly. They were both beautiful city’s. Congratulations on the car tho man. She’s beautiful.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@DandCentertainment]

Best year IMO.

[@EatSleepDrive]

I agree.

[@Daniel_B79]

my highschool dream car was and still is a 90-96 300zx. preferably a fairlady.

[@EatSleepDrive]

I wanted one of those really bad back in the day as well. Prices for a clean one are also going up. Have seen a few nice ones on BaT.

[@Xehemoth]

Don't forget to retorque the heads. Might want to revitalize those fender wells too.

[@EatSleepDrive]

She needs some TLC for sure.

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

This was Subaru's peak far as enthusiast imo

[@EatSleepDrive]

Totally agree.

[@y2mouse]

Congrats... I felt the same way when i bought my 07 sti limited years ago... if i ever part ways with it, i will let u know,... I am not that young any more...lol

[@EatSleepDrive]

I feel you on that.

[@grattidude]

What a dope adventure to pick up your dream car. Congrats!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks Brooks!

[@jeremybryant1114]

Honestly, I cant believe you found an unmolested 05 sti. It took me forever to find a bone stock sti back in 2010, I still have it I'm the second owner had 78k when I bought it now it's well over 200k, definitely the best car I've ever owned...its no longer stock so keep that one as is and in a garage

[@BeReady726]

My dream car was and still is the very car that I had at one time. 07 STI

[@EatSleepDrive]

Last year of the GD. Special place in STI history.

[@nickkalister6291]

i grabbed a 2004 with 85k miles this week from BaT- $25k. Has an intake, exhaust, and tune, stock otherwise. WRC blue with silver BBS's

[@adobomoto]

I’ve been a subaru guy since I was 18. My first subaru was in 2006 (the hawkeye)…i owned another sti after that -2009 hatch. I’ve since moved to the focus RS. No regrets.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice upgrade!

[@stefankoles]

Congrats

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@ninjaturdle69]

My dream car was a evo, then discovered the 22b and well in the states we didn’t get those but I did managed to snag a 2.5 rs which will suffice for now

[@AndrewB23]

I have a 98 2.5rs Acadia green that I put a 6ovrcrst abs widebody on, it was getting ready to be swapped with a v7 207 but the prices skyrocketed so it might be awhile very fun car either way.

[@ninjaturdle69]

@@AndrewB23 dude that’s awesome do you have an ig to see the progress ?

[@EatSleepDrive]

Those body styles are amazing!

[@kize32]

Only GC8 does it for me. It has that addictive rumble. These newer sound like blow dryer

[@EatSleepDrive]

GC8 is such an iconic Subaru. I'm with you there.

[@bossadave]

Well wear!

[@areexsevenproject]

I've been converting my $1000 2002 WRX into a 2004 STI minus just the brembos. I envy your 2004 STI...it's a work of art because it's so clean. Learn to opensource tune that beast!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you! Enjoy your WRX!

[@STipugpower]

Nice 😊

[@ChrisPlaysDG]

My dream car was always the 2007 WRX model. I really didn't care about WRX vs STI, because it's the same engine. I now have a 2007 WRX that is better and faster than an STI and I love it.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Enjoy it!

[@Dewbys]

I found a unicorn and had to buy it. A 2012 STI hatch with 37k original miles, bone stock, barn kept, perfect condition besides the seller dropping his motorcycle onto it when I was going to buy it. Dropped the price 5k. Now I drive a work van during the week and the STI during the weekend. It now has 50k miles but the car is mint. 37k for a 2012 sti hatch is incredible. All parts look mostly new even in the underside. 25k for the car though! But I had to have it.

[@EatSleepDrive]

That's a good deal, enjoy!

[@gothops154]

This video needs an update. Show me that paint corrected Onyx Black Metallic dawg

[@Self_Made_]

what's the website you used to decode vin to find out about the wheels?

[@EatSleepDrive]

www.scoobynet.com/vindecoder.php

[@wilsontam2399]

my high school dream car was a 1987 Buick grand national!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Prices of those are going through the roof!

[@wilsontam2399]

Instead I bought a 2021 subaru wrx STI white limited wing delete.

[@shafikkarim9052]

Ouhhh on what u did, thats the dream !!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@LastHumansGarage]

2005 is my fav year, but i had a WRX. 2005 got the improved interior. and better exhaust i think.

[@EatSleepDrive]

You're right, the interior on the 05's was a huge step up compared to the 04 and older.

[@joshuajacome8803]

Ahh... us Millennials are getting older 🤣. Nostalgia is catching up with us and some of us are at a stage where we can get THAT car we loved so much from Gran Turismo. Here in Mexico I can't get a GD STI, but I'll surely work my ass for a VA (2019-2021).

[@EatSleepDrive]

Haha, don't remind me about the getting old part...

[@tl4581]

install a 2015 sti steering rack to fix the steering issue.

[@kevinevringham7640]

Curious on your thoughts of this STI vs your prior Evo's. Also your BaT comment is funny: "Didn't want to spend 35-40k on an STI." :) Those of us searching for Evo's will gladly take that price for a low mileage Evo!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Evo prices are wild. So many less in circulation now so definitely crazy desirable. I talk about my thoughts on Evo vs STI in car portion for a bit. Ultimately it boils down to character for me. The Evo in many ways is better, it's certainly what I would choose if I was going to the race track. But, for fun spirited street driving, it has to be the STI for me. The engine is more interesting. The gearbox is better and more enjoyable to shift. And it feels just a little bit better made. Top Gear pretty much hit the nail on the head when they did their iconic comparison between this generation STI and Evo. To summarize: they're both amazing, but when Richard and Jeremy were both asked which one they'd drive home, it was always the STI and they couldn't really tell you why..

[@moonman_8935]

Back in 2007 I bought a brand new 2006 EVO IX GSR for $30k before taxes at my local mitsu dealer. This was 15 years ago..Now used EVO IX prices are insane. I am glad I bought one & enjoyed it for several years.

[@Tomas.X]

Want a Unicorn? Try my black 2006 Outback XT 5EAT with 102k. They are more equal than a person may think. As much as WRX's and STi's are used and abused, nobody buys Outbacks and treats them like fine champagne. And while this STI here is a western US lady-car, our Outback is a Wisconsin family car. It's never been abused, but it's been used. Numerous camping trips, a few long road trips, a lot of commuting 12 months per year. A boy went from a toddler to teen in this car along with friends. This STI here would be crying at the thought of what this Outback has seen. But having an OCD nutjob like me was it's magic charm, I suppose. A single door ding is luck. A LOT of luck. Our 2017 Crosstrek probably has 5-6. The front was covered for 13 years with a clear vinyl nose mask. It yellowed and I removed it 4 years ago and revealed acres of fresh virgin paint. Everytime the interior got mucked, I spent hours cleaning and shampooing it. In winters, we buy cards loaded with car washes and run them through regularly to not allow salt to sit and corrode. The engine bay not only IS...but always has been...cleaned and immaculate. It's had WeatherTech liners everywhere, so there's acres of near new looking carpet. It blew it's turbo 10 years ago, and was replaced by an BNR unit with a stock VF40 housing and a 16G CHRA. It pushes just a bit more pressure, but I still paid for a dyno tune strictly to maintain driveability. The result was better driveability and a bonus +15 hp.tq. Over half the modifications are all OEM Subaru from Japan or Australia, including the grille and tailgate and taillights. Iht has HID headlights. I painstakingly replaced the old crap Navi with an Android infotainment system with TPMS, reverse camera, etc. I "refreshed" the sound system, replacing speakers with high quality but entry level units, no amp, and a small underseat sub equivalent to a Subaru unit. I could do this because I ripped out all the OEM navigation which made room under the seat. I installed transplanted the STI seats from my 2011, and did a full leather red-stitched trim upgrade. OEM STI pedal covers. Gloss black lower trim (no more bare plastic). It has soft-ish coilovers to drop it down to about stock STI height. An OEM JDM Legacy rear sway bar. Thick skid plates on the engine, transmission/diff and rear diff protect from ice and rocks. And the paint - I have a cabinet full of polishers, pads, polishes, sealants...it's basically perfect. And it's sold, hours ago. Along with my alloys and Nokian snow tires, for a total of $11,100. Yes, I'd say this is more of a unicorn. I could probably within a day locate some STI's like this. Yes, appeal is huge, which drives the price up, etc. But that isn't what makes a car a "unicorn". It's the low probability of finding one. And I'd challenge anyone to find a 3rd gen 2.5 XT anywhere like this one. Take a week, month, summer. They're just..nowhere.. This buyer loves it, and he will never see another cross his path. You already crossed paths in a few days with an identical STI. Just a big friendly post...no offense...I just believe the unicorn contest goes to the XT.

[@DttmGIG]

Java black blobeye sti is my dream car too bro🥲

[@EatSleepDrive]

Glad I'm not the only one.

[@DttmGIG]

Is the OBP a factory color aswell?

[@whatsupryan]

That’s some trust in the seller to not flake!

[@EatSleepDrive]

I built a rapport with him and used my best judgement. But you're right, could have been a plane ticket down the drain.

[@zcmdzpp127]

Hawkeye STI the real STI unicorn…very few are made..lol

[@EatSleepDrive]

And very few left after being crashed, ruined and/or rusted to the earth.

[@Crazy8ts]

upgrade the clutch, get 3" turbo baCk exhaust and tune and it will be a totally different car

[@Crazy8ts]

These dont need to be in pebble beach concourse condition lol...GD's even low mileage 1 or 2 owner examples will have flaws..and dont need to be 100% stock. Exhaust upgrades and tune are great performance enhancers on these cars...actually better than 100% stock. Mods wont hurt value at this point as the GD's have attained collector level status snd are appreciating in value 20-30% per year now. Dont pass up a stage 2 STI.

[@FordMan5299]

Damn I’m so glad I bought mine when I did. Had like 3 mods and paid 17k for it. With 79000 miles

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice, the market has gone wild on these.

[@patstonmarcus]

I've always wanted an 05 WRX... I'm driving an RS right now. Bought it with a rod knock and replaced the whole block. I love my RS but damn if I don't own a turbo charged version before I die my life was meaningless.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Haha, one step at a time!

[@DanielGarcia-zq5rl]

05 best year

[@EatSleepDrive]

I agree.