Back then, I had about 3 options only. There was two Version 9 WRX and one Version 8 WRX.
Now why isn't there any STI in my option list? Well, that's cuz of cost.
A WRX worth roughly 20K to 24K during that period, and an STI would have cost an addition 10K to 12K. Now, there is no way, I can afford an addition 10K to 12K. So no STI for me :'(
From the adverts, the Version 9 was Automatic and the Version 8 was ... unknown. I didn't checked out the Version 8 then as my heart was set for Version 9 only.
I was actually hunting/hoping for Manual Transmission but alas my option was limited. I hand had been itching to shift for years but being a poor bastard, I couldn't be shifting any sports car till now.
There was only two Version 9 on the market then and the rest was hidden or no one was selling so the only option I had was the Automatic.
So why not wait till I find a Manual? Right? Weren't I serious about Manual??
Well, that's cuz of the approval I got to get a sports car.
It was difficult enough to get the approval, and another approval may not come by anymore if I missed this chance. So better take it while it's hot, or loose it and never know if I'll be able to get it again.
So to sum it up, my goals were:
- Buy ASAP (Rare approval chance)
- Subaru WRX (Cost Relevant)
- Manual Transmission (My Left hand prefers)
- Version 9 (Body Preference)
And here's how I review my Options back then ... starting with Option 1.
Option 1:
Subaru WRX Version 9 AT Black with 18" Lenso Rims
I didn't notice during that time that it was missing a Nose Grill Cover.
Front Nose Grill
So where's the nose?
Well, I've learnt later on that V9's nose usually crack, so it's normal to ... lose it? Oh well. Not a deal breaker. In fact, I totally forgot about it until later. It didn't bug me one bit.
Fog Lights
Notice the Fog Lights on the pictures on top?
It's behind some unique ass grill cover. I like it!
I'm not the only one with this grill fog light thou.
I was able to notice "1" other car the same as mine. Black too ...
Body Kit
Did you see the body kit? Did you notice? It's not the default kit.
It took a while, but I've soon learnt that the Kit should be a JDM branded Charge Speed kit.
The front fog lamp grill is so unique, not many people have it.
It also comes with a nice STI Lips in front, and side skirt.
Enough said, I like this Kit, period.
Side Skirt & Rims/Wheels
Rims
Did you see that Rim above? 18" Rims nice. I don't have to replace it myself! That's what I thought then. The Rim keeps drawing my attention to it somehow. It was one of the factor that made me choose this Option 1. I somehow feel in love with the 18" Rims.
After over a year or so, I later found out that the brand of this Rim is Lenso.
I'm pretty cool with that brand. In fact, I only found out about it as I was replacing the Rim to another Lenso Rim. What a coincidence. Lol.
I had to replace it cuz I found a light dent on one of the wheels on the inner edge.
Rear Kit
That's the Charge Speed rear. If you can't recognize it much, that's cuz it's missing the lower piece of the diffuser. So now, it's a one piece with diffuser built in.
I find it attractive.
Tail Light
Hey Wait! The Tail Light is Version 8's light ...
No matter, I kinda like the Version 8's light more than the normal Version 9's ... somehow ...
TRUST Exhaust
The Muffler is 4" Wide with 3" Piping and is branded TRUST GREDDY from checking the code. It's so JDM that I can't find which model does it belong to other than the brand.
The Mid Pipe is a full Stainless Steel 3" Piping with nothing else special about it.
The Down Pipe from the Turbo is a nearly dead Catted Stock 2.5" Downpipe. I didn't know the Cat was dying either, until later on after I've used the Car for many months.
Well of course I didn't know that much info back then, I only new it had a big ass exhaust at the back!
I'm definately sold for that. Hahaha ...
STI Bucket Seats
Apparently, it's a common thing for people to replace their seat with an STI bucket seat?
It's either that, or the Bride branded seats. They are both pretty light weight already with the bride surely to be lighter than the original STI bucket seat.
Other than that, I'm not sure what's so attractive about them other than weight. But hey, it came with the car and I love it. Hahaha.
But I gotta admit, it's not very comfortable to sit in for longer journeys, granted, it is a sports car and not really meant for comfort... So can't complain much there.
So, in the beginning, it made no difference to me for the seat.
It just seemed natural back then to have it.
Rear STI Wing
Yes, wing is nice.
But did you notice the wing is missing a brake light?
I didn't put this into consideration.
Anyway ....
Stay tune for my Option 2 review ... coming to you soon ;)
