Last time we reported on the STI, at around 5000 miles, it was suffering from a right-turn signal that was "blinking at a feverish pace." During its first maintenance visit-a $152.80 oil change, full inspection, and tire rotation-the technician at Thousand Oaks Subaru diagnosed the problem as a burned-out turn signal and fixed it under warranty.
With the STI's indicators signaling properly, editorial assistant Carlos Lago took it for a spin. "I like how our STI is more subdued than our Evo. It looks calmer and doesn't have an enormous spoiler slicing through the rear visibility." Evidence that the STI has matured, Lago notes, "While driving home last night, a blue 2005 STI filled with young men wearing sideways baseball hats pulled alongside and completely ignored me. No revving. No 'sick car, dawg!' No nothing. It was great."
| 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI |
| Months/miles in service | 5/8101 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 19.3 mpg/1.01 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $152.80 (oil change/inspection/rotate tires) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |