mystery machine

That's a reasonable concern. The manufacturer's figures are 27mpg (WRX) vs 25mpg (STI), so I 'spose I'd have to accept slightly higher fuel consumption. Hopefully liveable, though. That's where I'm coming from too. By the time I add up all the things I'd like to change, I'm way beyond the cost of just trading the car for an STI (still going to cost big bucks to do the trade, mind). Yes, the Hawkeye rear dampers are also inverted (new for that rev WRX, I believe). When you say the STI items are 'not up to scratch', do you mean in terms of build quality or in terms of performance (or both)?Interesting about the DCCD in auto mode, cheers. Tam.

The STI certainly has slightly lower springs. Not entirely sure on the dampers, although I do seem to remember reading that they were different... Not entirely sure what's what wrt all the other suspension components...I don't think a remap would really do it for me, TBH - I find the WRX in standard form to be quick enough on a twisty road (sky's the limit on wider straighter roads, of course - but I value my clean licence ). Besides, even the STI isn't that much quicker once the extra 100kg kerb weight is taken into account - so I guess I'm not in it for the power (well, not yet!). Cheers.

Cheers for the comments, John. It's not so much lack of pulling power out of corners that causes me to downshift, just that - as with most turbo'd motors - the turbo/engine have to be 'in the zone' to get a good sharp throttle response on the way through and out (oh-so important for smooth & fast cornering IMO). Would a remap really help with that? I dunno, maybe it would (perhaps moreso the sportscat?). I'll be honest, even with the engine running standard I don't have huge confidence in the gearbox. Too many 'chocolate box' internet forum horror stories, perhaps? I can understand that perfectly, John - you've made that motor your own and it'll no doubt continue to give you mucho pleasure keeping it.

Edit - the deed has been done: http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtop...t&p=1283556 Hi folks. I'm seriously considering trading my trusty Hawkeye WRX for a low-mileage (<15K) 56/07 Hawkeye STI. I do a highish mileage (20K pa - mostly easy-going on the motorway) so I don't like to hang onto a car as it get older and the miles have clocked-up. I know this doesn't sit well with everyone - and I'm far from 'flash with the cash' myself - just that I've had too many past heartaches with old high-milers Now, I had originally planned on keeping the WRX for three years, but it occurred to me recently that in two years' time I might be struggling to find a replacement for it... as I can't get into the new hatches, hawkeye saloons with <15K on the clock will be like hens teeth, and the Evo X will still be out of my price range So perhaps now is the time to make a move while I can still potentially find a car that ticks all the boxes? Here are the pros and cons of the proposed trade as I see them: Pros Stronger STI drive-train - inspires greater confidence in car's resilience to hard driving and (potential) future mods. Six gears - I feel that on some bends the WRX 'box could use a gear in between third and fourth. The tighter STI ratios should help out here. Tighter suspension. Bigger brakes. DCCD - like the idea of manually biasing power to the rear (wee dod of power oversteer out of your apex, sir?). Higher-geared steering - has to be good on the twisties, right? Cons Considerable financial investment. For me this would mean four years of finance, compared with the three I took on the WRX (I'm 9 months into that now) and also 20% higher monthly payments. But hey, if I love it I won't want to sell it, right? More expensive servicing (need to make some enquires here). Harder to live with on the daily drive... or is it? I mean, that's what the reviews always say about the STI vs WRX. But what does this mean? Are they simply referring to the harder ride or am I missing something? More of a tea leaf magnet...? More of a vandal magnet...? More of a 'fandang driver' magnet...? (other drivers being the fandangs, that is ). I'd be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who's made the switch from WRX to STI, but other folks' opinions are more than welcome Cheers for any input. Tam. P.S. Can anyone comment on how those STI semi-slicks handle in the rain/slush?

Looking sha-weet as always, Baz!

Your pics are the cow's clangers! Like those long-lens shots Cheers also for cropping/scaling to desktop sizes

Absolutely.

Sounds grand, Chris! You know you're onto something when your petrol starts disappearing like receipts from an MP's expenses record...

Yep, guy at my work ribs me frequently about it..... but then he drives a Daewoo, so I have plenty of material for retaliation I guess some folks like to paint pictures in broad strokes - their loss is oor gain

Aye - and scratches, and stone chips... Used to have a black motor myself - you really have to be into valeting if you want to keep it looking nice Still, nothing looks quite like a black motor after a good waxing... (cue the 'Baywatch' banter).

Nice to meet you too I was just commenting this very evening on how well black suits those of the Blob-eyed persuasion

Sorry, just read that. Yep - good idea. Looking forward to hearing the wailing sax solos at the next meet!

Well, I guess that rules out using the oven to gas yourself... Might be a good time to start learning to play a musical instrument?Hope you're back on your feet soon, Norry - that sounds like a real drag.

Very tasty Blob you have there

Aye - think he might have found a use for the cakes too (And fair play to him!)

I guess the knacked shocks might not be helping... Regarding tyre pressures - I would normally associate 'skittishness' with over-inflated tyres, which is odd because with those figures yours certainly aren't over-inflated. Does it tramline at all, or seem to get sucked into ruts in the road? I was getting a lot of that during the winter before I pumped mine up a bit - now running 35psi front and 33psi rear. Still seeing some premature edge wear on the front, mind (geo setup is 'standard straight ahead').

Seems to be the way these days - largest vehicle has right of way...

Enjoyed looking at the pics - sounds like y'all had a fine weekend! This is my favourite: It's like an infestation A rare thing in the west of Scotland for the midges to be outnumbered by Scoobies! 40?!!!

Ka-ching! Thanks for posting, horse

Aye, a tad "readers' wives"...

Tidy classic you have there, de-badging suits it Tidy boot too - you could eat yer dinner out of that

Hello and welcome Only just read up on the Murtaya - looks very interesting!

Reminds me of a Vauxhall Calibra I once owned - guy I bought it from had big puffy pillows on the rear shelf

Oh noooo! He said 'Evo'! Bolllocks, now I've said it too Much were your pads, Ed?