ST204 vs ST205, Comparison Options

[block]

So I am just a bit curious . To those (mostly Canadians) who have owned both GT/ST and have converted to the real Gt-Four, I'd like to know a few things. Obviously the ST205 is turbo, awd, and quicker. BUT:

-What did you like and didn't like about?
-Maintenance issues? Do you do your own maintenance? Will Toyota dealerships do maintenance on these cars?
-Problematic areas?
-Is it as heavy as what everyone says?

If there's anything else, chime in. I'd like to know before I call up my cousin to drive down here and fly back up north

TIA

[4-eyed-freek]

What i like about the gt4 vs 204.
-power, and lots of it!
-awd, throws you in the seat and makes the car feel alive.
-looks, factory body is out of this planet compared to most modern cars.
-handling, super strut suspension is a blast of fun in the corners.

Maintenance on the car isnt all that difficult. oil changes every 3k (for myself)
basic things such as coolant changes,plugs, ect.. all very easy.
As long as your not replacing parts and just doing basic maintenance you will be in good shape, its when you have to start sourcing parts. that's when it gets $$$$
Also regarding dealerships working on the car, i would say its 50/50. Most parts you would have to source and they could probably replace. I personally work at a dealership so its easier for myself to have someone help get things done. Even some cases they may say no due to the 12# vin not coming up in the system.

Problematic areas include but do not exclude..

SUPER STRUT
-figure 8's
-lower control arms
-crush tubes
-strut ball joints

OTHER AREAS
-rear diff mount
-occasional wheel bearings
-strut tops
-oil pump seal
-valve cover gasket
-induction tube seems to get hard from the heat and cracks
-higher boost cylinder wall cracking (pretty rare)

People in the state... looking to own a gt4

THIS CAR IS EXPENSIVE!!!!!
Do not buy this car if you expect it to be about the same price as a 204
Parts like super strut, some engine, drive train, and body parts are hard to find and only sourced from Europe or japan.
When you do find parts they can be shocking in price, If you want a good idea check out TCB parts online. they are price pretty well but it will still give an idea to the money you could be spending.

Car weight
owning both a st204 and st205, i would say no.. the st205 does not feel any more heavy and here is my reason why i feel people say this.
The 3sgte is awesome but does seem to have some boost threshold, so when you are really going for it you hear the boost build and then bam your going. there is that split second where you expect something to happen and your mind instantly thinks weight, drive train loss, ect. Other reasons i feel this car doesn't weigh as much as it is brought up to be... handling, its very nimble and light on its feet. change of direction is effortless and surprisingly good for such and old car.
Also if you are comparing stock for stock they feel very close, But..... if you have a 3s powered swap with coils i will guarantee you will say the gt4 is a heavy overweight pig.

Would i recommend a swap or the real deal.
- i would have loved to say i built this, its a great feeling of pride. Although at the same time owning a gt4 is an out of body experience, its wonderful on so many levels.
Its a hard decision between the two, the biggest factor is AWD, price, and what do you really want.

Hopefully this helps in your decision. BTW buy the gt4 bahaha

This post has been edited by 4-eyed-freek: Jul 13, 2015 - 8:43 AM