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GC8

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

スバル インプレッサ WRX STI

Years
1992–2000
Engine
EJ20 2.0L turbo flat-four
Power
206kW (Version V–VI)
Price in Japan
¥1.2m–¥5m; 22B and Type R coupes are far above that

The rally homologation car that made Subaru famous. Version numbers matter: later cars get bigger brakes, a stronger gearbox and the driver-controlled centre differential.

What costs money

  • Ringland failure and head-gasket weeping on tired EJ20s.
  • Rust around the rear arches, sills and strut tops.
  • Version badging that does not match the chassis code.
  • Ex-rally shells — look for seam welding and cage mounting points.

What a good one looks like

  • Cold compression test or a recent rebuild with receipts.
  • Standard turbo and intercooler, original gold wheels.
  • Grade 4 with an interior grade of B or better.

Importing one

Comfortably 25+ years old, so it is age-exempt for Australia and easy for New Zealand.