Most of th 02-05 STI's that I looked at (including the one that I bought) required or were close to requiring brake pad & rotor replacement, &/or clutch replacement. Add the price of these things, plus any other issues, to the extra $5000+ for an 02 STI and it may blow his budget out. Many people on this forum have shown that a gc with 205 & 5speed can be a vehicle that will last 200000km+ if tuned & maintained right, and most importantly driven correctly by knowing the limitations of the vehicle.

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The older you get the more you realise that no one has a clue. Every one is just winging it.
MY05 STI