So, I'll give the back story.. in 2009 I purchased a 2004 WRX in Anchorage, Alaska.. I was not thoroughly impressed with the car when I bought it, but after a few bolt ons and a very tight knit Subie Group in Anchorage, I began to extremely enjoy the car. I spun a connecting rod bearing, due to using Royal Purple.. Will NEVER make that mistake again. Continental Subaru in Anchorage quoted me $6000 for a factory, replacement long block.. Unimpressed I called a machine shop, went with larger forged pistons, forged rods, valves, valve springs, retainers, cams, port matched the entire block, port and polished the head unsprung 6 puck clutch, light weight flywheel, turbo was pnp'd, clipped turbine wheel, GT spec unequal length headers, catless up / down / mid pipe, Blitz Nur Spec R race pipe, mid and axle back, supporting injector upgrade, walbro 155lph fuel pump, Tein S Tech springs and a number of other goodies I can not remember specifically off the top of my head.
After the final build was done, and the final tune was on the car, I was literally floored at the increase in torque, power, pull, sound and many other aspects of the car.. again, keep in mind all this work was done ON THE 2.0l Block... I then was put on orders to Okinawa, Japan for 3 yesrs, so I sold the WRX to a fellow member on the forums and went to Okinawa. I had a couple fun cars there, BUT I kept telling myself and the wife that when I get back to the States, I'll get another 2004 Impreza.. this time it HAD to be an STi. The STi gives a larger engine, better power, suspension, brakes, rims, and many other upgrades that would make the next build all the better and give me more of what I was looking for.
This is why I have the 2004 STi. I picked her up for $11,800 with 111k miles. She is all stock, aside from the TBE and AP. Since buying the car 3 weeks ago, I've completed the 90 and 100k mile maintenance (plugs, wires, all belts, water pump, etc.) and then went and replaced the steering box, because it was leaking. Aside from that, she's a blast to drive, corners like she's on rails and I could not be any happier to get such a solid car for the price I got her at.
Just wanted to give everyone a little bit of background as to why I settled on this car.. As far as the 2004's being the best, I love the styling on the 2004-2005 however, the hawkeye look on the 2006 is still pretty sexy. In the future, I might try to get a 2006 STi as well.
