Bought a Liberty GT STi today............

[Mondie]

It was love at first sight :icon_bigg

Words really do not do these cars justice, they are one of the nicest cars l have ever layed eyes on and look very BMW M-esque. l was suprised how low the car sits, this combined with the Sti alloys, subtle wing lip and quad pipes had my tongue on the showroom floor!

The test drive was impressive, you could really feel the pull down low although with only 26kms on the clock l was taking it pretty easy. The suspension feels taut without being harsh although l certainly did not get a chance to test its handling at all. The interior changes are subtle but worthwhile, especially liked the Sti cluster.

Car is an Urban Grey manual and sometime next week will be in my driveway.

Thanks for all the advice guys and Darren especially, you led the way.

Cheers Simon

[Nsaglibene]

and the pictures are where???:icon_bigg

[gead]

congratulations!...your so lucky to have been able to take a test drive. i'm sure you can't wait for next week now...

[*Jedimaster*]

Man, I hate it when you get a new car and the camera batteries die.

[Mondie]

Guys,

l dont get the car until sometime next week so you will have to be patient for pics. l can tell you its nice though :lol:

[agctr]

Simon, that is fantastic mate.
I told you that PICS just dont do the STi justice 1 little bit.
Im really happy for you mate... very happy.
By number did you get yr hands on?

Guys Guys Guys and girls of course, Im sure u will be sick of the pics soon enough.
Congrats once again mate.
Ada///M.

[Mondie]

By number did you get yr hands on?

Ada///M.


Thanks Adam, l am just a little excited :lol:

Its build number 055.

And yes there will be plenty of pics.

Cheers

[agctr]

055 Nice Work.....
Im sure u cant wait and have rang 50 ppl lol.
Why so long till delivery if you drove the STi today?
Ada///M.

[Mondie]

055 Nice Work.....
Why so long till delivery if you drove the STi today?
Ada///M.

l am selling my WRX Sti to a mate so told the dealership it would be upto 2 weeks before l took delivery so my mate was under no pressure. Off on a business trip next week so will probably collect on my return, Jan 19th.

Cheers

[agctr]

Ahh and the penny drops.
Thats totally fair, was just a bit freaked re the delay...
Thanks Simon.
Ada///M.

[*Jedimaster*]

Guys,

l dont get the car until sometime next week so you will have to be patient for pics. l can tell you its nice though :lol:
Cool- BTW, your av is really messing with my eyes :lol:

[dmcgowan]

Well done Simon - thought you'd go with this option once you were given the chance...

At least we now know where 2 of the 300 are going to live!

p.s. I agree - ditch the avatar!

[Mondie]

Well done Simon - thought you'd go with this option once you were given the chance...

At least we now know where 2 of the 300 are going to live!

p.s. I agree - ditch the avatar!

Thanks Darren :icon_bigg

Whats up with my avatar, is it just that she's a pretty girl and nobody can take their eyes of her?

[dmcgowan]

Heh heh - i get a headache just looking at her...

Put the GT up - you know you want to...

[dmcgowan]

Another interesting point - my car also had 25 kms on the clock when I picked it up. I guess they must take the cars on a 20 km road loop when they've built them to check it out? Based on the l/100km reading when I got the car (had averaged about 14l/100km) they worked the car much harder than I have so far!

On that point, we got about 460kms out of the first tank of juice (was 50 something litres - I'll check). I'd be very happy if that keeps up as it will be more fuel efficient than the B4 was. Mind you $70 tanks of Ultimate are just a fact of life these days I guess...

[starlabs]

LOL... your avatar is making me blind! But keep it... wakes me up ;)

Congrats on the sweet new ride! Definitely put up pics when you've got her!

[Mondie]

l reckon we will get very good economy Darren. My Sti pulls 30mpg on a trip which is exceptional given the performance, l am expecting the same from the Liberty.

Dealer told me the car had already been pre-delivered by Docklands when they did the wheels, suspension etc so your road test theory is probably right.

Cheers Simon

[dmcgowan]

I feel better knowing that other people have similar kms on the car at delivery. I'm guessing that first 25kms is the hardest workout mine will see for the first few months....

I still don't know how they're going to explain the 300kms on Adam's car to him though :D :D

[jaspert]

Congratulation Simon. It's a wagon, right ?

Would love to see a shot of your car from the rear when you finally get it. Those twin tip mufflers retails A$1500 in Japan . $$$ but looks sharp and bling.

cheers,
jasper
Melb

[agctr]

I still don't know how they're going to explain the 300kms on Adam's car to him though :D :D

Wow feeling so much better now considering I was told it would have another 0 in that figure..... lol...

DONT EVEN JOKE ABOUT THIS..... lol not funny.....
Ada///M.

PS Feelin the love, aint it great to have some special and STiunning.

[dmcgowan]

Heh heh Adam - what would be really funny (in an oh-sh!t kind of way) would be you turning up to find it did have 200 kms on it...

[Aczwild]

Cool- BTW, your av is really messing with my eyes :lol:Oh my god your avitar is making me sick I cant even read any further

[KA81]

Guys,

l dont get the car until sometime next week so you will have to be patient for pics. l can tell you its nice though :lol:


YOU TEASER!!!

:icon_tong


subscribed

[*Jedimaster*]

PS Feelin the love, aint it great to have some special and STiunning.
What does that mean in A///merican?

[racerdave]

Congrats Mondie!

Got those pics yet?

:needpics:

PS -- That avatar is evil on the old eyeballs!! :D

[Mondie]

Congratulation Simon. It's a wagon, right ?


cheers,
jasper
Melb


Its a manual sedan Jasper.

[gead]

does anyone on here have or have on order a wagon? Surely i am not the one?

[agctr]

What does that mean in A///merican?

Hmm your the T///eacher of the site, so U tell me.
Ada///M.

[agctr]

Sadly Gead, looks that way ATM.
Ada///M.

[gead]

woohoo!! :icon_bigg

[agctr]

Hey I meant sadly in a nice way, I just re-read what I wrote.....
Nice to be different......
Ada///M.

[gead]

yeah thats cool...i heard that there was only an incredibly small amount of wagons being built, something like about 30? not sure where i read that tho.

[dmcgowan]

I'd be very happy if the whole 300 were sold soon. Means we get at least 6 months before the 200kW 2.5 GT turns up :(

[gead]

Its nice that a few more people are placing orders...it was getting lonely with just me, you and adam banging on about waiting times....:lol:

on that note...not long now :icon_bigg

[agctr]

Yes I believe that only a small number of Grocery Getters were made and most with EAT. I still think even when the 2.5 comes out that we will still be giving them hell. Curious, how much weight will be added to the 2.5 over the STi... hmm now there is a question.

Gead, dont leave out Simon and Chester.........
And no, not long now.
Ada///M.

[gead]

sorry simon and chester...:icon_eek: theres aki as well!

i picked up the latest motor magazine yesterday, with the review of the standard gt vs mps...it doesn't make for pretty reading!...i can only hope that the changes to the suspension and the uprated ecu etc help address some of the concerns...and the atlantic blue looks cr*p in the pictures...sooooo much better in the flesh

[dmcgowan]

I take it Motor gave the win to the MPS as well? I know our American cousins seem to want to argue the point but drive the GT and MPS back to back and it's bloody close and easy to award the win to the MPS...

Personally, I think the STi version is miles in front, but then I did buy one!!!

[gead]

yeah darren they gave it to the mps..it was close, i think they summed it up something like "the gt is still a fantastic car, but it is no longer the benchmark"..they did say that the interior of the liberty was heaps better than the mps, and the styling was classier.

[dmcgowan]

Two from two for the MPS with the Wheels review as well. Maybe it's not how it works, but if I was SA I would have suggested (insisted?) they take the GT STi for a spin as well. Perhaps a follow up story in a month or three?

[gead]

maybe you could lend them your car...should be nicely run in by then...;)

[dmcgowan]

LOL I think they should take Adam's - it should have at least 500 kms on it by now. And will have seen much more of the rev range than mine :D :D

[agctr]

Walking away totally demotivated now.....
Cant talk now gotta go..... :(
Ada///M.

[dmcgowan]

LOL Adam, you should get the reverse shot of Webber to go in your avatar until it arrives - him walking away...

Seriously though, you gotta ditch the Webbermeister for a GT STi in that avatar some day soon. OK for your ///M forum but should be at least Cody or Possum on this forum...

[agctr]

Yeah I know, have to update I think. The Webber pic now I really like, much better than the old one. I will have to think up a new Avator ASAP though.
Ada///M.

PS Cant believe they still have Possum's ARC WRXSTi @ Docklands. It was parked right beside the STi .... :)

[dmcgowan]

Yeah I think they cycle through the cars there over time - I'm sure I've seen the SA 22B sitting there as well on some visits. The ultimate WRX...

It's a real pity they've abandoned the rally team. On the one hand I can understand it but I really think the whole worked STi thing for road rallies will only impact the doof-doof crowd? I really think SA screwed up with this decision...

[agctr]

I do as well as STi Australia had a massive following. Can understand if we were losing all the time but we were winning, that can only be good for the Win on Sunday , Sell on Monday marketing pitch. And now with a direct feed into the WRC with ppl like Chris Atkinson, I would have seriously thought that ARC would be a considered a great breeding ground for Subaru/STi Australia RT.

Just curious now where Cody is going to end up? Hopefully somewhere in WRC, if not, its a great waste of talent.

[dmcgowan]

I really don't know Adam, I guess the fact that Chris A was able to just scoot right past him and go straight to the WRC - maybe Cody's just a great ARC pilot but not good enough for the full thing? I don't know if he's good enough on a world stage - he clearly was / is on a local stage that's for sure.

I just can't see the link from winning some Mt Buller hill climb in a modified WRX STi to sales. Always thought the rally thing helped the brand all over the map but then I'm just a customer...

[Mondie]

I really think SA screwed up with this decision...
Absolutely, Ford are still paying for dropping the V8 in the early 80's. Whole generations of kids have grown up on V8 Holdens, its these bogans that continue to blindly buy the poor quality cars that Holden/HSV dish out. Blind Freddy can see that Ford's Falcon, while still not built to Japanese levels of quality, is way ahead of Holden. SA are just starting to get more competition in their segment from Mazda and soon ford and HSV so they drop the best form of advertising they have :confused:

[dmcgowan]

Agreed Simon. I'm sure my folks wouldn't have a clue who's won the last 5 Targa Tasmania (probably Jim R in a Porsche for last 10...) but most people go - Subaru = rallying = well built and good handling cars.

The whole AWD ethos goes so well with rallying where it's so easy to link control / handling more than the average person thinks tarmac racing needs. Especially when the best Touring Car here was a Jap AWD and man did that get a good reputation...

Off topic but damn I thought the Touring Cars was so much better when you had GTRs, the little BMWs, Sierras, Jags and Commodores. Back when the little M3s had a chance because they weren't as quick but they were damn light, easy on everything and pitted less. Or the days when Bathurst used to still have the flat bed out whilst they were racing past with Sierras going past AE86 Corollas about 150 km/h quicker. Shit, I'm getting old...

p.s. Dreaming I know, but if this leads to an Urban Grey Lib STi passing a Stone Brothers Falcon down Conrod at about 310 km/h then I guess I might change my mind on the strategy heh heh

[agctr]

Ahh there is always a reason for this type of stuff too, Im sure something is happening in the background that we arn't even aware of.
Ada///M.

[MY06Liberty]

Its nice that a few more people are placing orders...it was getting lonely with just me, you and adam banging on about waiting times....:lol:

on that note...not long now :icon_bigg

Hey fellas!

I'm still around. I've a little busy of late and haven't been visiting, Damn did get a surprise in that MPS thread.

As you may know from the other thread they promised me the car Wed/Thus. Well today is Thursday and .... I'm still waiting. :(

BTW Congrats Mondie! on an excellent choice of car. :D

Aki.

[gead]

Hi Aki!...bad luck on the delivery delays...i am certainly not expecting mine now until mid to late next week...bugga

[dmcgowan]

Late next week - what the hell is the delay? If the car is in Syd today why can't it be back on a truck over the weekend and in your hands on Monday????

Of course, you would never be thinking that as well! Did they at least offer an excuse?

[agctr]

Hmmm sounds like road trials to me.....
They could be busy in the delivery department maybe ????
Ada///M.

[gead]

the girl that i had been dealing with (who was on top of the situation) is on leave!! so i get a call from another young lady, and she didn't even know that it was for melbourne delivery...started talking to me about sydney registration!! I managed to get the record straight, and she is going to 'try' and get the vic plates sorted by tomorrow...so between the sydney dealer, the melbourne dealer, and the finace company, it will be a miracle if its here in my hands on monday...i hope i am proved horribly wrong and overly pessimistic

[dmcgowan]

Thankfully you called them - can't imagine the phone call where they tried to bill you for two lots of rego....

Does it still need to come to a Melb dealer to get delivered - that is truly ridiculous?

[gead]

apparantly...but who knows..it might be something as simple as signing for a courier delivery...i know i am going to bl00dy well check it over carefully after the two way trip!

[gead]

oh, and by the way...we settled on our new house today:D ...so the liberty has taken longer to get than our house!...i bought both on the same day three months ago!

[MY06Liberty]

They gave some lame excuse about the car being detailed in Wetheral Park or something, then went on to say that the car isn't on their TNT expected deliveries list blah blah blah and blah. Will I get my car today? No. Will I get my car before the weekend? Unlikely.

Someone said be patient last week.. it seems the more patient you are the more they take their time.

Aki.

[MY06Liberty]

oh, and by the way...we settled on our new house today:D ...so the liberty has taken longer to get than our house!...i bought both on the same day three months ago!
Congrats on the new house!
One would have the car would have been settled first. Hopefully soon. :)

Aki.

[Bob GT STi]

My son just rang me to say that he had seen 2 LGT STi's on the highway on a truck heading towards my dealer. I rang the dealer but he thinks they are on the way to Toowoomba. Darn!!!

Bob.

PS Liberty GT vs Mazda MPS on mediadrive.com.au - the Liberty won!

[dmcgowan]

LOL no more MPS comparisons - they are bad for Adam's blood pressure :D

[agctr]

Hey Aki and Simon.

Firstly Simon, congrats on the house mate, sounds fantastic.
2ndly, I know the wait is killing U both but just hang in there, Im sure they are doing what they can to ensure they get U the STi's ASAP. Just keep on them though.
Ada///M.

[redrobin]

Hi All,

Saw my car today (#5 of 300), but I don't get it till Tuesday. It's off to the sunroof people tomorrow for a roof transplant......

Hanging out till Tuesday.


Darryl

[agctr]

Fantastic Stuff Darryl.
Thought U had fallen off the planet or something.
Number 5 very tidy......
I dont think I would like to be around when they are install that roof, its making me cringe just thinking of the pain the STi will be going thru. Hope they clean up the mess.....

Let us know when U pick it up.
Great stuff.
Ada///M.

[redrobin]

Fantastic Stuff Darryl.
Thought U had fallen off the planet or something.
Number 5 very tidy......
Ada///M.

Been down the river at our holiday cabins for a few weeks to unwind.

Waterways.. the one place in NSW with no speed limits, radar traps or speed cameras.

When it comes to wakeboard boats, V8's still rule..............

Darryl

[Mondie]

Good stuff, we are getting a nice little collection of owners now :icon_bigg

Dropped in this arvo to see how my baby was going and found they had tinted the windows. The match front to back was OK but the back is still noticeably darker. They did the fronts as dark as legal. The dealer wasn't prepared to tint them any darker due to legalities but it makes you wonder if the factory rear tint is legal in Oz. l am not bothered as its on Subaru's head. l was also thinking the rear tint almost looks as thought its in the glass instead of on it. Not sure if that can be done?


They are begging me to take it home, they have had non stop hassles from people pouring all over it, wanting them to unlock it etc. Subaru are on a winner, hope they do more of these in the future. Dealer reckoned all sedans are now sold too.

On another forum l started a thread a while ago about the GT Sti and had the editor of Motor, who pops up on forums occasionally posting under "mickey t", drop the following comment into the thread -

"ride quality is awful. if this is your style of car, buy the MPS. it's not as nice to look at, but it's very good, especially with the traction control off."

To which l replied;

"Depends on what your comparing it to and what handling improvements result. l think its fine but l am used to a WRX Sti thats been lowered so to me its soft."

Shows there is no pleasing the press and that they look at cars differently to the public sometimes, almost like they missed the point of the GT Sti. Of course its harsh compared to the MPS :rolleyes:

Cheers Simon
http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=139929)

[agctr]

Simon, yup totally getting a nice set of Owners here which is fantastic to say the least. Chester did HEAPS of work on the tint and from all information, we should be OK and yes it is legal re the rear tint, barely but yup legal. Wish I knew U were getting the tint done at the dealership as we are all going with Rob to get us done in a group buy. My apologies for not notifying U.

Mate re yr mate at Motor, to be honest, the comments dont worry me, if he can only pick at the suspension, mate we aint doin too bad. U should point him to the MPS thread. And for mine, nothing wrong with flying under the radar......
Ada///M.

[Mondie]

No worries with the group buy Adam, l had the dealer include it in the deal.

l dont care what the mags say mate, just passing along a comment that l found mildly amusing. Not very often l waste my money buying their dribble

Cheers

[hifiandmtb]

"ride quality is awful. if this is your style of car, buy the MPS. it's not as nice to look at, but it's very good, especially with the traction control off."
Well, Motor magazine never commented on the R-B suspension using the same adjectives. However, I have it on very good authority that the STi Bilsteins are NOT sourced from Subaru Japan, rather they are sourced straight from Bilstein in Germany. I have been told by numerous suspension specialists that Subaru-sourced Bilsteins are valved softer compared with ex-Bilstein factory product.

How do I know this? Well, my set of German Bilsteins was held up behind the Subaru Australia 300-set order :(. I've paired mine with Whiteline Control springs and the ride is far, far from awful. Secondary low-speed ride can be harsh (say, slapping over concrete road joins) but aside from that it's totally liveable. Even my old man said he could live with it...and he loves soft-riding cars.

However, body control is absolute. That's very important to me & the reason I spent the money upgrading. Hope this isn't too OT :)

[gead]

thats great feedback hifi...interesting to hear your thoughts with regards to before and after...i take it that the stock suspension on the 2.5 is similiar (the same?) to the standard gt...glad to there you got yours after the hold up tho... ;)

[agctr]

No drama Simon but next Group buy we have for anything, consider yrself a starter. Actually LOL'ed reading yr 2nd line. Dribble LMAO... could say more but leaving it at that.....

Thats fantastic if they are a little stiffer. I would say compared to my current MY01 it will handle like it is on rails and I think mine does now so Im in for a big SHOCK to the system. Good to hear that yr Dad could live with it as well, that is a good test for any car, the Parent Factor. Bit like I asked my Mum did I have my seats racked back to far, she said no... so they stay so I totally know what U mean.

Thanks for posting.... U keen for a meet F1GP Weekend as well hifiandmtb ?(sorry dont know yr Christian name)
Ada///M.

[Mondie]

Thanks for the feedback HiFi, good info. Nothing could be described as awful after my Sti, its ridiculous and l dont even notice it. Comes down to what you are used to, my mates always comment though :lol:

Adam, how about a group buy for Brembo's from Sti Japan. What would a set suitable for the Liberty cost? Would you get out of it for under 3k?

Cheers

[hifiandmtb]

If I was popping down to Melb for the GP I would love to meet up. Alas, not this year. Why not make a trip up to Sydney and join us on a Liberty drive? Seems us on the MRTRally forums know how to organise a good drive-day :icon_bigg

Oh - and you will NOT be disappointed with the handling & body control. I guarantee it!

[agctr]

Simon re the Brembo's, I think that could certainly be in the ball park figure but because the rears Brembo kit is just not a bolt on like the fronts, the bracket required for the rears is where the cost is. Although, there are a few guys now sourcing these brackets so hopefully that will bring the cost down. Unsure if they would be a part straight from STi Japan but equlivent.

Would have been great to have U down for the F1GP Weekend but then again, imagine a convoy of Liberty STi's heading to Sydney to show the MRT boys just how its done down South.....
Ada///M.

[agctr]

My son just rang me to say that he had seen 2 LGT STi's on the highway on a truck heading towards my dealer. I rang the dealer but he thinks they are on the way to Toowoomba. Darn!!!

Bob.

PS Liberty GT vs Mazda MPS on mediadrive.com.au - the Liberty won!

Damn Bob, totally over look this little bit of information.... nice to see we got a win somewhere along the line. Again lets see how they test the STi.
Ada///M.

[MY06Liberty]

Hi All,

Saw my car today (#5 of 300), but I don't get it till Tuesday. It's off to the sunroof people tomorrow for a roof transplant......

Hanging out till Tuesday.


Darryl

Darryl,

I'm interested in having a sunroof installed too. How much is it costing and would you have any contacts information handy?

Aki.

[Mondie]

l miss the GP every year as my company has a meeting in California at that time. Then again Cali isn't that bad :icon_lol:

As for the Brembo's l dont really feel the need at this point but in 6 months who knows. if they are say 3k for the brakes, add another 500 for the bracket you speak of and then fitting then you are upto 4k or more so l dunno............

[MY06Liberty]

Adam, how about a group buy for Brembo's from Sti Japan. What would a set suitable for the Liberty cost? Would you get out of it for under 3k?

Cheers

$3K? Count me in if we can get them that cheap. I was look at japanpart and it was closer to $7K.

Aki.

[Mondie]

Aki, $3k is a stab in the dark only :(

[dmcgowan]

Good stuff, we are getting a nice little collection of owners now :icon_bigg

Dropped in this arvo to see how my baby was going and found they had tinted the windows. The match front to back was OK but the back is still noticeably darker. They did the fronts as dark as legal. The dealer wasn't prepared to tint them any darker due to legalities but it makes you wonder if the factory rear tint is legal in Oz. l am not bothered as its on Subaru's head. l was also thinking the rear tint almost looks as thought its in the glass instead of on it. Not sure if that can be done?


They are begging me to take it home, they have had non stop hassles from people pouring all over it, wanting them to unlock it etc. Subaru are on a winner, hope they do more of these in the future. Dealer reckoned all sedans are now sold too.

On another forum l started a thread a while ago about the GT Sti and had the editor of Motor, who pops up on forums occasionally posting under "mickey t", drop the following comment into the thread -

"ride quality is awful. if this is your style of car, buy the MPS. it's not as nice to look at, but it's very good, especially with the traction control off."

To which l replied;

"Depends on what your comparing it to and what handling improvements result. l think its fine but l am used to a WRX Sti thats been lowered so to me its soft."

Shows there is no pleasing the press and that they look at cars differently to the public sometimes, almost like they missed the point of the GT Sti. Of course its harsh compared to the MPS :rolleyes:

Cheers Simon

http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=139929)

Simon,

When did the erstwhile Mr Taylor post his reply? Given the cars weren't even done until mid December I'd love to know how he got to drive one...

The GT is a bit harder over cobblestones than I'm guessing the standard model would be but I just can't work out how you could call it awful? Funny how they laud the 3.0R-B suspension but then criticise a very similar set up in this car?

Whilst I do think the MPS shades the std car, couldn't believe anyone who had the extra $7k to spend and liked a bit of go would consider the MPS over the STi version....

p.s. I think Aki is right - closer to at least $2k per end plus brackets and fitting... :(


Darren

[jaspert]

I think 3.0 RB has the B6 sport bilstein strut. Do you know if Tuned by STi Lib strut models is the same as RB or is it Bilstein B8 sprint? I think The B8 sprint is similar to B6 in characteristic but is made to go with more aggressive lowering spings.

Hifi knows a lot more about this.I picked his brain about this on MRT forum.

jasper
p.s- some journalists have the memory of goldfish. Great ride one month but that may turn to lousy impression based on recollection a few weeks later.
"flavour of the month" syndrome is very strong.

[Mondie]

Darren, MT replied on the 11/1 so he must have recently driven one. Harsh my arse!!! What does that make an Evo.......

[hifiandmtb]

I think 3.0 RB has the B6 sport bilstein strut. Do you know if Tuned by STi Lib strut models is the same as RB or is it Bilstein B8 sprint? I think The B8 sprint is similar to B6 in characteristic but is made to go with more aggressive lowering spings. B6 Sport & B8 Sprint have the same (yep - identical) valving...it's just that the B8 Sprint have a shortened shock shaft to allow captive lowered springs (if you were foolish enough to want to lower your Liberty more than 30mm :icon_tong).

But please note - if you purchase a set of Bilsteins directly from Subaru they will be valved softer than purchasing a set of Bilsteins directly from Bilstein Germany. Bilstein provide Subaru-spec stock to Subaru & different stock to the man on the street.

[gead]

Do you have any idea why they do that?

[hifiandmtb]

I only suppose that Subaru found the stock Bilstein dampening too firm. I, on the other hand, think Subaru is wrong.

All those STi Liberty owners, don't fret. Your cars have the stock Bilstein dampening settings.

[dmcgowan]

Hifi - I'm not fretting - I think the STi ride is great. Yeah it's a bit harder than the GT but hell I think the std GT was too wallowy for a sports car.

Simon - just have to let MT have his whinge. I honestly can't see how he calls the ride awful based on 3 weeks in the car but given the scorn that Motor pours on owners who beg to differ in their opinions I'll just leave it alone. I saw the post and it was really low quality - I'd respect the guy more if he was able to say "the ride was crap because it does x, y and z" but just saying it was awful with no explanation strikes me as poor journalism? I know it was a forum post but I'd expect those guys to be able to explain their opinions not just do a dump.

[gead]

do you have a link to the thread?

[Bob GT STi]

#50 is mine.Dealer just rang me and asked me if I wanted to look at an Urban Grey 5EAT.It took me 10 minutes to get there. 29.5km on the clock.No way you could call this ride as harsh!Definitely better in the flesh.I get it Wed.(i'm in Sydney until then) after tint and paint protection.I know what you mean by aggressive now,Darren.

Bob

[Mondie]

do you have a link to the thread?

Yep, here you go;

http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15082

Guys, dont get me wrong, l couldnt give a **** what he says, the inconsistencies in those mags month to month are a joke in them self. Just an arrogant unqualified comment, at least give reasons for an opinion.

Cheers

[dmcgowan]

I can't find the damn thread - found it through google last night but then didn't save it - Simon will know which forum it is though...

[dmcgowan]

Congrats Bob

I'm more confused by the "ride quality is awful" comment than upset - I just don't get why he thinks it is awful? Sure it's firmer than standard but that's a bloody good thing plus what they all cream themselves over in the 3.0R-B????

Pity he gave such a short comment because his posts across forums usually seem to be a bit more thoughtful?

C'est la vie,




Darren

[agctr]

I will try and post again from what I was trying to say last night, before the server decided to have a meltdown. For mine Mr. Taylor is usually pretty much on the money regarding most things. As we are unsure what he is compairing the STi with, we cant really comment. Dont forget, he is on a Ford forum, and I have been to that site just to have a read and the STi has generated a lot of interest from the Ford boys. On saying that, the posts that I read there are very positive towards us which is a great thing for mine. Im sure if Mr. Taylor was able to elebrate on his comments, they would make a bit more sense so I will leave it at that. Also, if he could only comment re the suspension setup, we aint doing too bad.
Ada///M.

[dmcgowan]

Funny you should say that Adam, I was in the middle of typing a more considered response late last night when the server died...

I'm more interested in why he thinks what he does than what he thinks. Can't argue the conclusion but I'd like to know what about the suspension is so bad.

Not that we're likely to find out...

[hifiandmtb]

Just had a look at his other posts:



Is it just me, or does the VE look like a 380 at the back (going off the tailight shape under the tape), and the current model at the front?

http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/images/misc/quotestr70/01.png
http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/forum/images/misc/quotestr70/03.png

{mickeyt}No. It's just you. The guy is all class. Any wonder I don't buy Motor magazine?

[Mondie]

One word mate, Arrogance. What would hacks posting on a forum and actually buying these cars with their own money know :icon_eek:

[gead]

i tell you what...i bought the latest wheels and motor mag for the gt articles...i needed something to look at while i wait for my car...and they are crap mags thats for sure...the photogrpahy is not good and the blokey bogan writing style is appalling...even the paper quality is below par...for me the only thing worth reading is evo...i just wish they would cover the liberty/legacy a little more

[More Grip]

Well done Simon - thought you'd go with this option once you were given the chance...

At least we now know where 2 of the 300 are going to live!

p.s. I agree - ditch the avatar!


A bit of news from northern NSW

It feels like a new member to the family has arrived, No 39 has just arrived in Ballina NSW "at last" have been reading the thread, just thought it may be of interest. Also saw an Urban Grey at the dealership today, and their was a Black 1 heading further north.

Thanx for your informative input over the last 3 months.

Cheers

[hifiandmtb]

...blokey bogan writing style is appalling...
Totally agree. Perhaps I'm too high-brow, but I suspect it's probably the other way 'round :icon_tong

[Bob GT STi]

Simon,

It's amazing the common thinking among this group.My favourite magazine is Evo - I've just been given a subscription for Christmas.Wish there was an equivalent in Australia.

[gead]

wow bob...does that mean you get the ultra clean covered version direct from the uk?...nice

[Mondie]

Simon,

It's amazing the common thinking among this group.My favourite magazine is Evo - I've just been given a subscription for Christmas.Wish there was an equivalent in Australia.

l am not familiar with Evo but have just bought a copy of a new (well to me) OZ mag called "Metal" It looks to be more of a car enthusiasts mag with a mix of new and old car articles and reviews. Must admit l only just bought it but it looks promising.

[agctr]

I think CAR is the same as EVO or what Motor is to Wheels here in Australia.
Cant please all I suppose. Personally you cant please everyone you come across but you can see what he likes I suppose, being a member on a Ford forum.
Ada///M.

[Robdownunder]

460 kms out of a full tank till the first click off?
OMG I must be booting mine then....400 around town if I'm real lucky.
Rob.

[Mondie]

Personally you cant please everyone you come across but you can see what he likes I suppose, being a member on a Ford forum.
Ada///M.


l think he sticks his 2c in on a few of the local enthusiasts sites, not just FF and FAF. The jurnos would be mad not too, no better (and free) research than forums.

[dmcgowan]

460 kms out of a full tank till the first click off?
OMG I must be booting mine then....400 around town if I'm real lucky.
Rob.

Rob,

Probably just shows how careful I am trying to be during the running in phase...



Darren

[Bob GT STi]

Rob,

Any advice about what tint I should get.Was told at dealer that rear tint was too dark to match.Can you get a band tint on the windscreeen?Bit hard to get to you from Brissie otherwise I would.
Thanks,
Bob

[agctr]

Dont get me wrong Simon, I think U are totally right regarding the reseach element but reading the new write up in the Feb Ed of Motor, Im sure he is talking ONLY about the GT and not the GT STi.

Bob, Ive had a few Japanese cars now and most dont run the band across the top, it takes a bit to get used to but its fine without. Im 100% sure Rob will steer U in the right direction re tint.
Ada///M.

[Bob GT STi]

wow bob...does that mean you get the ultra clean covered version direct from the uk?...nice

Sorry Simon, Does that mean "not dirty" or does your version have photos that mine doesn't?

[gead]

The subscibers version of evo in the uk has a different cover than the newstand version...its typically has the same car on the cover, but with a more 'artistic' shot and the graphic design is much more minimal...less splashy text...

[agctr]

Hmm now as a subscriber, that would make U feel wanted.
Personally I like MOTOR over Wheels, used to subscribe to both but found the same sort of content in both just a few weeks apart. I do also like SPEED, great mag for mods and upcoming events etc.
Ada///M.

[Robdownunder]

You've got a PM Bob.

[agctr]

Nice work Rob.
Ada///M.

[Mondie]

Collected the car this arvo and in a word, its gorgeous :icon_bigg UG is a very classy colour and complements the stance and Sti alloys nicely.

l feel like l have bought 80% of an M3 for 40% of the money, what a superbly built and finished off car. Obviously havent got up it yet but the engine feels very strong and the handling is better than l expected. Will explore the limits of both once l have a few more kms under her but so far very very good. I find its very deceptive to drive, you always seem to be going much faster than it feels. The level of noise suppression, smoothness etc hides the speed very well. The WRX Sti always let you know by the engine tone and general din.

What a bargain at $60k!

[dmcgowan]

Congrats Simon - so give us the build number etc... Urban Grey is definitely the pic of the colours I think...

p.s. Can you put the new car up as your avatar - PLEASE!

[Mondie]

Congrats Simon - so give us the build number etc... Urban Grey is definitely the pic of the colours I think...

p.s. Can you put the new car up as your avatar - PLEASE!


Darren,

Car is number 055. The little badge in my car with this number looks to be made of white engraved plastic, is this the same as yours or is there some protective cover that should be peeled off? Looks a little odd.

The Avatar stays, well at least until l get some pics. Besides whe is better looking than any car :lol:

Cheers

[*Jedimaster*]

So, like, still no pix?

[gead]

something like jedimasters avatar would suffice! :)

[Mondie]

So, like, still no pix?

It wont happen overnight but it will happen.:lol:

l think my avatar needs to stay by popular demand : )

[dmcgowan]

Darren,

Car is number 055. The little badge in my car with this number looks to be made of white engraved plastic, is this the same as yours or is there some protective cover that should be peeled off? Looks a little odd.

The Avatar stays, well at least until l get some pics. Besides whe is better looking than any car :lol:

Cheers

Simon,

Yeah I had exactly the same thought - it looks really crap doesn't it. They could have done in Traffolyte so they got the two colour thing happening. I do wonder if there is a cover to peel off - maybe I'll ask Docklands the really dumb question.




Darren

[agctr]

100% I would say its a cover to pull off.
Darren have you tried as of yet. When I saw this I just took it a protective cover over the Stainless/Chrome.
Ada///M.

[dmcgowan]

I haven't tried because there is nothing to pull on. I don't want to trash it so have left it be until someone else proves you can remove it!

[XRC15T]

G'day! New member here!
W00t I'm picking up my one on Friday, Soooooooooooooooooooooo excited.

[DarkWatch]

cool!! XRC15T.. where abouts are you from?

[XRC15T]

Sydney

[agctr]

G'Day XRC15T, welcome to the Site mate, great to have another owner here on the board.

What specs did you go for ?
Ada///M.

[DarkWatch]

Hmm... this place is getting more aussie GT owners coming in..

[agctr]

Growing at a rapid rate.
Ada///M.

[DarkWatch]

Yeah Adam.. from a 3-5 Aussie members to now like 14.. not bad...


Adam, when is the cruise? are you going to plan one?

[agctr]

Yes we are planning one for the weekend of the F1GP in March/April for members that might be also travelling to Melbourne for the Commonwealth Games, the F1GP and the start of the AFL Season. I think we should have one prior to this as soon as all everyone is ready to go so to speak.
Ada///M.

PS Im sure we would have atleast 10 on the cruise, if not more by then.

[DarkWatch]

Cool... I would love to come to the cruise and meet up with you and the rest of the guys...

Cant Wait for that day..

PS: which part of melbourne are you at?

[agctr]

Well I am fairly central to the City so we could meet at say STi and go from there.
Ada///M.

PS I know Darren had a few good suggestions which were posted up in the Melbourne Members Section.

[dmcgowan]

Guys,

I think we could do a few things but should also look at doing a photo shoot once we've got a few of the GT STi's around...

[agctr]

Sounds like a really good idea. Any suggestions on sites?
Ada///M.

[DarkWatch]

Can i Come as a Fake STI tuned liberty with just the emblem ? :P

Btw, there is a Good place in Docklands, under the bridge near STi Docklands.

There is a huge car park for around 30 cars too (Just under the west Gate Bridge)

We can meet up on Sunday Arvo at STi Docklands where there isnt much traffic and we cruise up there..

Wat you guys recoken ?

[dmcgowan]

I think Joel from the WRX Club was offering to take some pics and in Docklands seems to be his fave spot. Once we have a few more cars confirmed and sighted then I'll work out a date. Probably late afternoon for the best light I think?

Couldn't do it without you there in your STi anyway Adam - wouldn't be right...

[agctr]

Great suggestions there James, love that u have the thinking cap on.

Darren, you are a great man for saying that mate, greatly appreciated.
Wont be long now though.
Ada///M.

[Bob GT STi]

Hi guys,
Love my new car.Apart from the steering lacking "feel" I find it difficult to fault(especially at the price).The motor feels strong and I love the noise it makes with the quad pipes.
Rob(Tinter), the dealer and I didn't communicate well and he tinted the front windows so I wasn't able to use your contact but thank you again.
Congratulations Darren - any pictures of the day? I'd love to see more than one GT/STi in one place. Have Jay and Mel posted any photos of the black one yet?
I'm taking the GT/STi to Noosa next week so I'll see if it turns any heads.(difficult to do there)
Bob

[Robdownunder]

No worries Bob.

[XRC15T]

I didn't get much extra,
Just the sports grill and tints to the front. (strange they don't tint the front windows)

What mats did you guys get?, were they limited ed sti floor mats?

Shopping for a blitz dcii turbo timer and possibly a GFB hybrid BOV (undecided whether to stay mature or a bit of boy racer, any experience with these?)

2 days and counting..... :icon_tong

[agctr]

Sounds like you got a great deal esp with the extra gear. DONT go there re the Window tint, sore subject but these is the way the Japanese do their tinting. Rob might have some contacts in Sydney U can use to get your done if the dealership is not doing them for you.

There is no special limited edition mats either, just the stocker GT ones.
Dont have any exp with BOV but GFB would be best BFYB. I personally dont consider these boy racer at all and think they sound great.
Ada///M.

[agctr]

Bob, gotta love Noosa on a warm day, plenty to see and do up there and Im sure you will get a few head turns. I know what you mean though, plenty of BLING up there so its hard to get anyone to notice anyone unless your holding up signage.....Enjoy yr weekend up there, Im sure its going to be madness. No1 Holiday Destination.....
Ada///M.

[dmcgowan]

Bob,

I agree with you on the steering - it's really too easy and could do with a bit more feedback and require more effort to turn. It's like they just need to turn the power assistance down a notch or two...

Cheers,



Darren

[agctr]

Is it a lot lighter than say your B4 or my MY01 Darren? or similar?
Ada///M.

[dmcgowan]

The GT STi is noticeably lighter than the B4. Too light to be honest - too easy to steer off centre and not enough self centring force. Not a major gripe but clearly noticeable. I'm guessing it isn't tunable though...

[agctr]

It should be tunable but I would say it would be an expensive exercise and you wouldnt ever get it right I think.
Ada///M.