Thanks for your post, Colin - it's very interesting to hear other folks' experiences of WRX ownership. Sounds like you are in a similar position to John - significant investment in the car, which you're obviously benefiting from, but I can understand why you'd be reluctant to trade.Like you, I had only the most common knowledge about the Impreza when I bought mine... did my homework, etc, but really wasn't aware of quite how different an animal the STI is (in particular the stronger engine, stronger gearbox, DCCD, wider track, steering gear ratio). I quite naively thought an STI was just a WRX with a different ECU map, six gears, lower suspension, bigger brakes, gold alloys and a feck-off great spiler! (turns out that's the GB270 - minus the gold wheels and sixth gear). You lives and learns
If I'm being frank, I wouldn't go as far as to say that these things are strongly annoying me - more of a niggling at the moment, but one that might develop into dissatisfaction. I 'spose like all motors, the longer you own one the more you become aware of its limitations/weaknesses. Just so appears that most of these niggles are addressed by the STI model... However, in the big scheme of things, I still reckon that the standard WRX is hugely capable B-road bomber - maybe I'm just being greedy Och aye - and it's sounding more and more like the STI is the very boy for me... just need to work out if it's the right decision for me wallet!