I have heard/read about problems with the '07 ecu. is there any merit to this? are there other issues with the car that would prevent someone from buying one?
I heard there was a reflash available for people with throttle issues. Check IWSTI.com for 2007 issues.
Yes, the stock 07 (and i'm pretty sure 08) STi ECU values are pretty fucked up since they had to get the vehicle to meet LEV2 emissions standards. Basically the car drives like shit from the factory and the map has caused engine failures in some cases. this is not a "throttle issue as much as it is timing/fueling values in the tables (although the throttle mapping totally sucks too) Subaru released a reflash last year to fix the "throttle" issues, but it was mediocre at best. with the 07STi (and maybe 08?) you have two choices: 1 keep it completely stock and get the engine replaced under warranty if (rather-when) it blows 2 get engine management through cobb or the like and get it custom tuned to ensure the best gains and highest level of safety (which actually fixes the problem) caveat: if you buy an 07/08 used you have no guarantee that the motor was not "pushed" with the stock ECU tuning and will not know if damage has already occurred. of course search for a more technical answer, but these are basically the cliff-notes.
^^ Can't say it any better than that... Seems like the consensus on IWSTI is that most 07' owners get engine management quickly and are fine.. I agree with Monk about buying an 07' used, I would be leary about it unless it was someone local you could trust... you never know how much damage was caused by the stock map from the original owner, and I've also heard the 'reflash' Subaru offered did not correct the issue.
yeah...the subaru reflash is/was a waste of time. Does nothing to fix any of the problems that the customers complain about.