Back in 2005, after a lifetime of gently-used, sensible vehicles, I was looking to get my first new car — and my first fun car. There were a handful of options I was considering, but after I test drove a Subaru STI, I knew I had to have it. I found a blue one with gold rims at a dealership in the central valley and brought her home. It’s hard to believe that was twenty years ago, back when I was still in my 20s.
The car is largely stock, other than some upgrades to the suspension and brakes — strut braces, Perrin sway bar and endlinks, a master cylinder brace — and a few tasteful interior touches like Redline Goods stitched leather shift and e-brake boots.
It’s an uphill battle keeping the STI in good shape. I replaced the entire interior ten years ago, including the steering wheel, carpets, and seats. Much of the exterior has been repainted or replaced, and she’s on her third set of headlight assemblies. (I much prefer the Japanese versions — identical to the US ones, but without the amber elements.) Sourcing parts is a strange process now: some bits are cheap and plentiful, others are rare or on backorder, and a few are pure unobtanium.
Performance-wise, she’s held up remarkably well over the decades — still fast, responsive, and stops on a dime. I don’t drive her as much as I used to, but she brings a big smile to my face when I do.