This is for the people that have a X. I bought a STI back in October and now I'm starting to wonder about the car. It has been in the shop 4 times already and I have a new check engine light no now. At this point I'm ready to get ride of the car. I don't do much but just drive the car to work and out were ever I go. I do plan on doing a few Auto X's. Question is, are there any major problems that you have had with your X. I have been reading and see the Idel problem and the surge problem. Did any one test drive the STI before they bought there X. What was your thoughts on both cars. I know I'm on the evo forums asking what you think. Stupid of me but I'm looking for good info. I have searched but I would like to hear what people have to say.

 

I sat in the new STi and couldn't get over the looks, so I never test drove it.

Here's my issues with my X (bought in May, > 9000 miles on the odo):
- seats are pulling out around the little plastic inserts (just staples pulling out)
- rattles and squeaks. The glove box rattles (I've had it replaced and it still does it) and other interior bits rattle. Going to stiff coilovers didn't help
- runs very rich. There are HP being lost and fuel economy as well. A tune fixes this (and tends to invalidate your warranty)
- clutch is very soft (and not really warranty-able).
- gears "grind" a bit at low RPMs and when cold. At high RPMs they are like butter.
- tires went bye bye @ 6000 miles (but to be fair I do track/autocross the car, so typical usage would lend much longer tire life)

Now here's the things I love about it:
- the look
- the uniqueness -- I have seen 2 or 3 X's on the road. Even at meets there might be 1 or 2 only.
- it's pretty quick when you give it 60 more HP (intake and turbo back exhaust only)
- driving it is REALLY fun
- corners @ 70mph
- corners @ 30mph



All in all, for a first model year, these things are pretty minor and don't detract me from the car.