2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

This Subaru Impreza WRX STi is a great example of the performance saloon, in the iconic combination of blue with gold wheels. Under the bonnet, the turbocharged EJ20 2.0-litre boxer motor is a replacement, mated to six-speed manual transmission with all-wheel drive. The odometer reads 96,272 km, but the car has covered only storage mileage on the new engine.

Built late in 2002 and first registered in 2003, this car has had just two owners. The current owner purchased it six years ago with a seized engine after the sump plug had been left loose and the engine ran dry of oil. In 2016, the seized engine was replaced with a brand new factory Subaru STi crate engine, installing a new turbo and all new ancillaries including the water pump and timing belt. The car has not been driven on the road during the current owner’s custodianship and has been dry stored.

This vehicle stands out for its originality, and with the exception of the exhaust system is faithful to the factory specification. This includes the original ‘STi’ pink suspension struts and springs, and Brembo brakes. There is also an aftermarket bypass valve on the standard intercooler; however an original is available.

The WRX presents extremely well, with the factory-applied Mica Blue paintwork in excellent condition. There is a small shallow dent on the passenger side front guard, a faint mark under the Subaru Tecnica International sticker, minimal stone chipping on the door mirrors and small marks on the wheels. Apart from the bonnet and front bumper bar, the paintwork is believed to be entirely original, and the resprayed panels were done by authorised Subaru repairer Jack Hillermans in Artarmon, NSW. All other body panels are original and have their DataDOT stickers intact.

The interior is all original and very tidy, presenting only minimal wear for its age. There’s the odd mark in high-traffic areas such as the driver’s seat bolster and lower door panels, but the cabin trim has evidently been well-cared for. The rear seat, roof lining and other upholstery and trim are all in good condition. All controls, gauges and electronics work as they should, including the original six CD stacker and the air-conditioning.

In 2016, Pacific Motors in Pymble, NSW, installed the new motor, performing a full service and replacing the timing belt at the same time. The car has not been driven during the current ownership and has been kept in dry storage. Initial running-in of the new engine was completed by Pacific Motors, however a standard follow-on running-in process would be recommended. The service history during the previous ownership is not known.

The WRX features a three-inch Mandrel bent exhaust which closely replicates the original.

It is currently unregistered, but is ready to drive once this is carried out. The factory handbooks and service history were not passed on from the original owner, but the tool kit will be included with the car.

A post-facelift example of the second-generation model, this 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi represents an intriguing opportunity to jump into a renowned performance car with a fresh factory motor, and which has evidently been looked after in other respects. It would make a fine addition to a collection of modern classics, and is sure to impress its next owner once they take it out on the open road.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.